Baglung forests get cash from UK for cutting carbon

BAGLUNG, Nov 29: Two community forests in Baglung have received financial support from a UK-based organization, Plan Vivo, for their significant contribution to carbon reduction.



Stating that the forests in Resh and Damak VDCs have contributed to environmental balance by helping to compensate for carbon emissions, the carbon trading organization provided Rs 600,000 as the first phase of an ´environmental compensation service.´ [break]



Talking to Repulica, President of Resh Community Forest Sharada Thapa said it was a matter of pleasure for all members of the forest users group to be acknowledged and supported by a foreign organization. “We did not know at all that we would be getting aid from a foreign country for preserving our own forests,” she quipped. “This has certainly encouraged us!”



Plan Vivo noted that the forests were ahead in plantation and in forest and waters sources preservation, among other effective forest conservation measures.



As news of the financial support for forests spread, other community forest members have become equally excited. President of Malu Community Forest Muktiram Thapa said that they have tried their best to preserve the water sources in that forest.



“We have constructed a pond with a capacity of 170,000 liters within the forest area, “he said, adding, “We are mindful that there should be no lack of water for wild animals and birds”



Interestingly, environmental issues have gripped locals here. According to Deputy Manager of Ruprantaran Nepal Interim Forest Project Lilaraj Paudel, a 10-year plan has been framed to carry out environment friendly activities at the initiative of locals.



“How much carbon the forests in Resh and Damek actually reduce is under investigation,” he informed, adding that the youths in the two VDCs have started working even more efficiently after learning about the compensation paid to the two community forests.



Similarly, Secretary of Community Forest Users Federation Prem Lamichhane said forests are not only contributing to environment but also providing several schemes to better the income levels of locals. “The community forests are providing good income generating opportunities to people below the poverty line.”



He added that locals are also aware about the importance of herbal medicines found in the forests. “They are keen to preserve such plants.”

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