There is a Nepalese saying which does not translate well into English but it says something along the lines of ” a green forest is the wealth of a nation” . Unfortunately, the present situation with Nepalese forests is a sad story. Forests are being encroached upon increasingly rapidly in line with population growth. To cope with the problem of deforestation - the concept of the community forest (CF) was born. HECAC (The Himalayan Environmental and Cultural Awareness Centre) believes it is one of the best strategies to save, develop and expand our remaining forests. The key reason for the expected success of this project will be: direct and active involvement of local people who live in or around the forests.

Thousands of community-based forests have recently been established throughout Nepal and these are playing an excellent role in the struggle against environmental damage.

                                                       Central JBCF (Jala Binayak Community Forest)

A HECAC task force (a group of committed, united and motivated people set up to address environmental issues) made some field visits to various community forests. The aim of the visits was to research the environmental problems and to discuss these issues with forest managers, concerned group and local people.

Forest categories

Three categories of forest were found:

•  Government-run forests
•  Community forests preserved by local people
•  Private forests – owned by private individuals

Findings – Community Forest Research

•  Most community forest groups do not have strong working committees. Some of the committee     members are not familiar with their committee's policies.
•  Very few community forests receive donations from INGOs and NGOs.
•  No cash crop programs have been set up in these forests.
•  Most of the community forest working committees are in poor financial states.
•  Only very few community forests have clear policies and plans to overcome the challenges they face.

HECAC's Chosen Forest

HECAC has chosen the Jala Binayak Community Forest (JBCF) program to support. JBCF is located in the Chovar area, a historical place from where the Bagmati River flows out of the Kathmandu Valley . It is an area of beautiful scenery with the Chovar Gorge and the wonderful Manjushree caves also situated in the area. We believe it can be developed as a tourist destination because of its historical interest, location (near the Kathmandu valley) and, its beauty.
                                     

Reason for volunteering and financial support

HECAC are seeking volunteers who are interested in joining their community forest volunteer task force. We are also seeking merciful and kind-hearted people to offer financial and material support to maintain our campaign of creating thriving community-based forest projects. If the project at JBCF is a success, it will benefit the local people who live in and around that area.

Anticipated benefits

HECAC expects that if volunteers and donations for the Jala Binayak Community Forest are forthcoming, the committee's plans to develop and preserve the forest will be possible. As a result, it is hoped that more tourists will feel encouraged to visit the Chovar area. Tourists/guests who visit the Jala Binayak Community Forest will be introduced to the concept of HECAC's vision for environmental conservation. Thus, in the long-term, it is hoped the local community will benefit from its visitors.

About Jala Binayak Community Forest

The forest which was established in 2006, occupies an area of 33,160 metres. It is 5 kilometers from the Kathmandu valley in Kritipur Municipality, Ward No 13/14. HECAC's researchers found that the forest's working committee are strongly motivated. They are fully dedicated to promoting this forest with strong programs and strategies to achieve their short-term and longer term policies.                               

Short-term polices

•  To keep the forest area clean and tidy
•  To build toilets for visitors
•  To set up drinking water facilities for visitors
•  To develop a rock garden (a rock garden is a collection of rocks artistically displayed for the enjoyment     of all visitors)


                                                                       Rock Garden

Longer term polices

•  To plant and maintain new saplings, in an effort to better develop a beautiful community forest.
•  To promote the area as an eco-friendly touristic destination

Current support for JBCF

Currently, Jala Binayak Community Forest receives donations from various NGOs and INGOs as well as from the Nepal Government and the Nepali Tourism Board. However, according to the President of the forestry project, Mr Indra Maharjan, the current budget provided to JBCF by various parties is not sufficient to enable all their projects.

Why we should help JBCF

As mentioned above, the current budget provided to JBCF by various parties is not sufficient to cope with their projects and plans. For example, they are hoping to plant about 700 new and various kinds of saplings, as soon as possible, on the denuded northern side of the forest.

Causes of deforestation of the Northern side of JBCF

Local people have allowed their domestic animals to graze all open areas and have collected vegetation and grass carelessly to use as fodder for their animals. Trees were cut down to be used as firewood and with which to build houses. (This has now been totally prohibited by the JBCF management committee.)

JBCF's Major Projects

•  The JBCF management committee are planning a garden-type forest with flowering trees rather than the regular non-flowering types. Hence it requires new saplings of various kinds.

•  They have been developing rock gardens - collections of rocks artistically displayed for the enjoyment of     visitors) . They wish to set up various types and designs of rock – some extra special and unique.

Breakdown of project requirements and costs:

HECAC invites individuals and institutional donors to donate towards the above project. Donations large and small will be gratefully accepted. Donors are invited to donate towards any or all of the above listed items.

Your kind co-operation and help will greately help HECAC's efforts to lead the way in its campaign for identification of, and rapid response to environmental issues in Nepal , on behalf of the present and future generations of Nepalese people and all of mankind.