An Assessment of Selective Logging Policies and Practices in Nepal

An Assessment of Selective Logging Policies and Practices in Nepal

The efficient use of forest goods and services is crucial for sustainable forest management (SFM). The selective logging (SL) is one of the dominant forest harvesting practices and contributes nearly 15% of global timber need. However, there are contrasting views and opinions about its environmental and economic impacts. This chapter assesses the policies and practices of SL in Nepal and evaluates its impact on timber production and carbon emissions along the production value chains. The thorough review and analysis of forest policies and practices was performed with special emphasis on selective logging whereas the environmental, economic, and livelihood impact of SL were analyzed from the primary data collected from the case study site, the Nawalparasi District of Nepal. The results of the study indicate that the policies and practices of SL are basically guided by technical and legal aspects of forest conservation in Nepal and are predominantly limited to subsistence livelihood. Frequent and inconsistent changes to policy, lengthy administrative procedures, and heavy engagement of state forest agencies in forest product harvesting and sales are contributing to sub-optimal production and hindering sustainable forest-based livelihood. However, the higher rate of recovery from harvested trees and minimal carbon emissions in logging processes as commonly found in Nepal may offer lessons even to the highly mechanized and countries of Asia and the Pacific for REDD+ initiatives.

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