Search

Community forestry is becoming an increasingly popular forest management model worldwide. Community structure, property rights, and institutional perspectives of community forestry have been discussed so far. Yet, the question of how to integrate scientific knowledge into indigenous practices has not been sufficiently articulated, and this is the most significant issue in uncertain yet complex socio-ecological systems. Examining the current policy struggle of scientific vs indigenous practices in a pioneering country of community forestry―Nepal, we propose a framework of 'management authorship' in community forestry. As opposed to the classical approach of 'biosphere people' influencing 'ecosystem people' by injecting science into the community, this perspective paper would be instrumental in integrating science into indigenous practices without compromising capacity, confidence, and stewardship of local actors over the resulting adaptive management practices. • We examined the debate of new scientific insights and indigenous knowledge. • A way of integrating science into indigenous practice needs a reformed approach. • Management authorship envisions gradual, informed, and adaptive reform in forest management. • Management authorship provides avenue for sustainable management of communal resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emission reduction through land use management and forest-based initiatives such as REDD+ depends on multiple factors, including awareness programs, capacity building and inclusive design, and equitable and transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms. Even after a couple of decades of discussion over the REDD+ process, there have still been many contested issues that need to be resolved. Taking the case of three countries in the Asia and Pacific Region ― Vietnam, Nepal, and Fiji, ― at different stages of the REDD+, we have mapped the countries' progress toward emission reduction program and its benefit-sharing mechanism, documented the perceived impact of a capacity building program and provided the stakeholders' perspective on the performance of REDD+ program. Our study shows REDD+ participating countries are implementing various REDD+ capacity-building programs, but having a different level of impact from the stakeholders' perspective. Multilevel governance presents challenges for REDD+ outcomes, as REDD+-related policies and legislations are constrained within the forest ministry but not in other sector ministries, leading to both vertical and horizontal coordination issues. Much emphasis has been given to the technical content of capacity-building programs but little has been done to enhance the functional capacity of REDD+ implementers, especially of Indigenous People and Local Communities. The decision-making process on emission reduction benefit-sharing is neither transparent nor inclusive. Although various social safeguard mechanisms are proposed by the studied countries, there is still a huge gap in understanding the impact capacity building programs in inclusive decision-making, and equitable benefit sharing for Indigenous people. REDD+ stakeholders perceived that REDD+ can be a promising financial tool for developing countries and also contribute to non-carbon benefits, but the prospects of benefit-sharing plans are not fairly inclusive. Increasing transparency and accountability through digital platforms, raising the carbon price from $5/tCO2, adopting unified safeguards, and strengthening horizontal and vertical collaboration at all levels are pivotal for the REDD+ program to generate manifold environmental and livelihood benefits in the Asia and Pacific Region. • Poor coordination among multilevel institutions of REDD+ has slowed REDD+ progress • Donors invested adequately in REDD+ readiness programs but less in academic research • Functional capacity building is inadequate in Asia Pacific region • Design and distribution of benefit-sharing are neither transparent nor inclusive • REDD+ implementers are optimistic about carbon and non-carbon benefits of REDD+ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars recommend country (or region) specific energy security indices capable of adequately considering local specificities in the absence of a 'universal' index. Such an index is not available for Nepal. Hence, this study is the first to develop the Energy Security Composite Index of Nepal (ESCOIN) , applying a comprehensive indicator-based approach to quantify energy security (ES) of Nepal. We build upon the notion that a country is able to trade energy when it is energy secure. We quantify Nepal's energy security and qualitatively assess the prospect for regional power trade in South Asia. A long list of 77 indicators is compiled from an extensive review of international literature. Based on the context, applicability to Nepal, data availability and conditions of multi-collinearity, this list of indicators is narrowed down to 21. Principal Component Analysis is then applied to evaluate the importance of the components for ESCOIN. Our results show that Nepal has consistently held a boundary position between "moderate" to "high" classes of ES in the last decade. We identify key reasons for this. First, the country's domestic sector is over-reliant on traditional fuels (dry-dung, firewood and agricultural residues). Second, Nepal faces a problem of suppressed demand in the absence of energy-intensive development activities in all productive sectors of the economy. Third, the growth in the energy demand is met only marginally by domestic hydropower and other renewables, and largely by increasing imports. Hence, we surmise a 'pseudo energy secure' state for Nepal. Although efforts are underway, electricity trade with China, Bangladesh and other South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries is economically difficult and technically challenging. Hence, cross-border electricity trading, particularly with India, can be seen as an opportunity for Nepal provided considerable infrastructural development occurs, institutional capacity is strengthened, and genuine political commitment and trust are sustained. Moreover, Nepal should focus on achieving self-sufficiency in energy through domestic hydropower and renewable sources and aim to stabilize energy consumption rather than being overly ambitious of exports, at least in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study investigates the relatively unexplored relationships between socio-economic factors and perceptions of climate change and their influence on household energy preferences in developing contexts, taking the case of Nepal. We aim to achieve two objectives: to create a robust model identifying key socio-economic and climate perception variables affecting household energy behaviour; and to compare the respective impacts of these factors. Applying a mixed-method approach, we surveyed 323 households across 49 districts and three physiographic regions (high hills, mid hills and Terai plains) of Nepal. We fixed the explanatory and response variables through literature review and evaluated three ordinal logistic regression models: one focused solely on socio-economic factors, the second only on climate perception and the third a composite model integrating both. Data statistics showed that 47 % of the respondents preferred no change to their existing energy status, 23 % opted to rely completely on grid-electricity, 14 % favoured switching to renewables, while 16 % preferred an optimal combination of grid-electricity and renewables for their household use. The Composite-model was found to be the best fit model for our dataset. The identified key socio-economic factors include urbanization, education levels, and the availability of energy alternatives indicating a wide disparity in the energy access and use across the different socio-economic categories of Nepal. Likewise, magnitude and timing of summer and winter rainfall, changes in the household energy demands and community level subsidies were found to be the significant climate change perception variables. Hence, our findings highlight the need for better access to modern energy and financial incentives, mostly to the rural remote areas, and community-awareness initiatives throughout the country supported by comprehensive energy policies for sustainable renewable energy transition at the household level as well as in mitigation of the impacts of climate change. By enhancing this policy-science-society interface, our research contributes valuable insights for developing effective strategies to promote renewable energy adoption in similar developing contexts. • People's energy preferences are impacted by multiple factors. • Composite model outperformed its counterparts. • Socio-economic and climate change perception parameters need to be dealt holistically. • A significant contribution to the policy-science-society interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We assessed the makers and shapers of environmental policy making in Nepal. • Policy making is determined by the discursive practices of broad interest groups. • International organizations, to a large extent, influence the scope of environmental policy. • Environmental policy making is blamed to be government monolithic and expert-based. • Transdisciplinary approach to policy is crucial to solve environmental problems. Environmental policy is crucial for defining the scope of conservation and development at the local, national, and international level. Because of its broader framework for balancing conservation and development, environmental policy is considered as the concern of all actors representing multiple disciplines, ranging from environmentalists to development professionals. However, the current practice of environmental policy-making is blamed to be government monolithic and expert-based, which ignored the importance of local communities. In this context, we aimed to analyze the architecture of policy stakeholders and actors' constellation in the environmental policy-making process in the global south, by taking a case of Nepal. We reviewed national environmental policy milestones (n = 5) and scientific literature (n = 48) and undertook key informant interviews (n = 25) with seven policy stakeholder groups. The developmental history of environmental policy was reviewed from the perspective of policy actors and institutions. We found an increasing involvement of non-governmental (as well as donor) actors in setting the context and framing of the environmental policies. However, the selection of tools of actions of environmental policy was dominated by the discursive sphere of government officials, experts, and international organizations. In addition, implementation mechanisms and institutional arrangements for the transformation of policy objectives into implementation were largely subjugated by government officials, which in turn obstructed in the achievement of the policy outcomes and led to policy failure. We recommend adopting transdisciplinary policy-making approach to solve the complex environmental issues and development imperatives of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important initiative of climate action, REDD+ has been increasingly discussed in global policy arena. But delay in wider scale yet full-fledged implementation and its poor performance have raised suspects and pushed REDD+ toward in a long line of "conservation fad". In this paper, we have discussed the following ten questions to REDD+: (1) Does REDD+ address major causes of deforestation? (2) Does REDD+ contribute to global emissions reduction? (3) Does REDD+ recognize the inherent capacity of local people to manage their forests? (4) Does REDD+ respect the rights of indigenous people and local communities? (5) Does REDD+ justify the local governance and countries' sovereignty? (6) Does REDD+ ensure the transparency in program design and architecture? (7) Does REDD+ give credits to the carbon sequestering communities? (8) Does REDD+ supply sufficient reasons to justify the current carbon price? (9) Does REDD+ achieve climate goals through the voluntary carbon markets? and (10) Does REDD+ ensure sustainability of the ongoing projects? While discussing the questions, we have referred to global environmental issues of deforestation, emissions, transparency, decentralized governance, indigenous and local communities, voluntary carbon market, price effect, and other various contemporary sustainability issues. We argue that REDD+ could be a low-hanging fruit and act as a complimentary action to achieve its climate goal if it can address the issues raised under those ten questions. • We have raised and discussed ten important issues for REDD+ to be successful • REDD+ is popularly discussed yet highly debated conservation initiative • Forest centric activities would be inadequate for achieve climate goals through REDD+ • Voluntary carbon market is a challenge for successful REDD+ institutions • REDD+ should secure resource ownership and management authorship of locals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Knowledge and contribution of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities is critical in REDD + success. • Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP) offers an opportunity to recognize historical contributions of traditional users. • Inability to resolve context specific benefit sharing issues may result in the failure of REDD+. • Nepal's BSP need to specify the monetary benefits to the traditional distant users of Tarai region. Achieving the objectives of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest(s) Degradation, Conservation and Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks and Sustainable Management of Forests in developing countries (REDD+) will remain an aspiration unless and until the historical contributions of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs) to the state and management of forests are recognised and respected. REDD + is designed for developing countries where community-based forest management systems (CBFM) are becoming increasingly popular. Using the case study of Nepal, a pioneer of community forest (CF) management, we show how the traditional users of Tarai forests are systemically excluded from mainstream CF practices and discuss the potential negative implications of not rewarding their historical contribution. Considering the scope provided by REDD + benefit sharing plans (BSPs) and the greater number of developing countries involved in designing BSPs, we: (1) argue that BSP offers a unique opportunity to recognize historical contributions of traditional users; (2) suggest specific provisions for channelling REDD + benefits to the traditional users as a potential solution; and (3) conclude that the inability to provide such benefits may result in the failure of REDD + on a broader scale, nullifying global efforts for forest-based climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community forestry (CF) is one of the major forest management modalities in the world. A growing body of literature documents various outcomes and interactions of people with CF, but limited studies have assessed the mode of forest-people interaction considering changing socio-economic and environmental contexts by employing a broader theoretical framework. Our study employed Ostrom's social-ecological system (SES) framework accompanied by a meta-synthesis of peer-reviewed literature (n = 74), review of policy documents and census reports (n = 28), interviews with four stakeholder groups (n = 47) and group discussions with district-level forest user groups (n = 20), to explore the changed context in Nepal's mid-hills since 1990 s. The study revealed transformational changes in socio-economic and environmental contexts of Nepal's mid-hills compared to the conditions in which the CF was developed during 1990 s. Changes in the forces (or factors) of SES, including demography, socio-economic development, government policy and environmental discourse are so pronounced that its feedback to the social-ecological system is discernible. For example, the evolving dynamics have changed the mode of forest-people interaction and their relationship by altering land use practices, resource use patterns, farm-forestry linkage, and pool of human resources, which is reflected in diminishing participation, social capital, collective action, and (voluntary) contribution to CF management. Such (emerging) dynamics in the social-ecological system could further jeopardise CF institutions and their deliberation, weaken the forest-food security nexus, augment leadership gaps in forest management, and impede the country's efforts in achieving global climate and development goals. To revitalize CF in this changing context, we suggest that community forests should be managed in three different models: urban, protection and production by putting payment of ecosystem services in place. As Nepal is a global leader in CF and its policies are informing forest and land use policies around the world, the outcomes of our study could offer an insight to the decision-makers of other countries for recalibrating land use policies by considering evolving local and global dynamics and their feedback to SES. • Socio-economic and demographic context of Nepal's mid-hill is rapidly changing. • The socio-economic transformation has reduced forest-people interaction. • Nepal may face the stark problem of the tragedy of commons. • Efforts in achieving global development and climate goals could be impeded. • New form of management modality of CF is required for addressing changing dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Assessed governance quality of Nepal, Bhutan, India and Myanmar at three levels. • Myanmar has the highest total score followed by Nepal, India and Bhutan. • "Resources" received the lowest score, whereas "Durability" received the highest. • CBFMS has the ability to solve problems and ensure its sustainability. • Apply the highest-ranked four or five indicators across the whole country. Abstract Community-based forest management systems (CBFMS) are becoming increasingly popular in developing countries where 31% of the total forest is either managed or owned by the community. This paper presents the results of a four-country study conducted in 2017 in Nepal, Bhutan, India and Myanmar concerning the governance quality of CBFMS. The introduction outlines the global threat to forests, the contribution that forest-based emissions make to climate change, and the policy response of the international and national communities including REDD +. The next section provides a snapshot of CBFMS in the four case study countries, and is followed by an account of the methodology, approach, framework of analysis and sampling surveys undertaken during the course of, and informing, the research. The results of the surveys revealed that perceptions of governance quality, as well as governance priorities, varied between the countries, and also at the three levels of government (national, sub-national and local) within a country. For example, Myanmar and Bhutan had very high governance ratings from local levels compared to other levels, whereas, Nepal and India had similar ratings for all levels. Further, regarding the prioritisation of different indicators, Myanmar gave highest priority to "inclusiveness" at the local level but "democracy" at the national level. The reasons for the similarities and differences between and within these countries and the possible implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Research on impact of selective logging is in increasing trend. • Impact studies are predominantly concentrated in Brazil, Malaysia and Indonesia. • Global environmental discourses and fund flow have high influence on impact studies. • Plant species richness, composition and diversity are in the key focus. • Needs, interests and capacity of the selective logging forestry stakeholders are poorly discussed. Abstract Selective logging is the dominant timber harvesting practice in natural tropical forests. Considering its scale and its contribution to forest management outcome, efficient management of selective logging is crucial to address challenges associated with timber demand, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Ongoing selective logging has been a key reason for forest degradation despite a set of recommended practices such as reduced-impact logging. With the objective of drawing the attention of scholars and policy makers to answer the question why effectiveness of selective logging practice is still an issue, we tracked the trend and pattern of scholarly research related to the impact of selective logging. Using a systematic review of literature, we explored and discussed the possible factors hindering implementation of improved forest harvesting practices and the overall knowledge gaps yet not explored in this field of research. This review found consensus among scholars that implementation of improved forest harvesting is still rare despite the constant efforts made by researchers since the 1970s. Based on the review findings we concluded that concentration of research on specific countries, insufficient coverage of diversified forest dimensions/thematic areas, and higher concerns relating to ecological impacts of forest management are the reasons behind poor adoption of research outcomes of improved logging practices. Likewise, their implementation is further hindered by limited attention to the interests and needs of the forest managers/owners, lack of coordination and collaboration among stakeholders and negligible support to develop stakeholders' capacity. Our review suggests a broadening of the geographical and thematic focus of the study as well as a consideration of effective engagement and capacity development of the forest managers/owners and stakeholders in selective logging policies and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Government of the Lao PDR has a range of policies, including the promotion of domestic processing and discouraging the export of unprocessed wood, aimed at generating a greater share of benefits to all actors in the value chain. There are however, limited studies of the structures, operations and effects of policies on, value chains. This study aimed to compare financial returns to three different types of actors (growers, traders and a sawmilling and wood products manufacturing company) in a teak value chain in Paklay District of Xayabuly Province. The data were collected from two groups of growers on different site types, two timber traders and an integrated sawmill and wood products manufacturer. These data were triangulated with, and supplemented by, formal and informal interviews with other forest stakeholders in the district and province. Two silvicultural regimes were compared, with a single thinning at 11 years and clearfell at 18 years on good riverside alluvial sites, and 24 years on poorer, hillslopes sites. All sites were profitable for growers, as indicated by internal rates of return. The net returns per cubic meter of final product for the manufacturer is 7.3–20.3 times higher than net returns for the growers. Traders’ profits were considerably less than for the two other parts of the chain. Prices for others in the chain are largely controlled by the manufacturer and collaboration and co-innovation between the three actors is unlikely in the current environment. Possible options for increasing growers and traders’ incomes and improving value chain links are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globalisation has increased the flow of people, ideas, knowledge, technology and money by varying degrees. Due to constraints such as inaccessibility and fragility, the Himalayan region remained isolated from the outside world until relatively recently. Globalisation has however, now breached such isolation with increased tourism in some areas and increased migration from others. The accelerated rate of tourism and out-migration has the potential to affect different components of traditional socio-ecological system (SES). In the high Himalayan region, the transhumance is a system based on seasonal and recurring movement of livestock. This paper aims to explore the contemporary transhumance systems and impacts of tourism and labour migrations to the SES. The study was conducted in three sites in the northern mountainous areas of Nepal, having either significant tourism activities or labour migration. Primary data were collected by means of livestock census, household survey and focus group discussions. The results show that there were variations in proportions of households involved in transhumance, herd size, herd composition and seasonal mobility across the study sites but transhumance remains a major source of income and an important livelihood strategy for local people in all sites. Tourism and labour migration have reduced the number of households involved in transhumance systems and herd size by changing labour and income dynamics of the households but there are differential outcomes across the study sites. The findings of this study can contribute to strategies and policies for adaptation of SESs experiencing change pressures from non-traditional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems are dynamic forms of nature, intuitively affected by natural processes and human interventions, depending on various drivers of changes and management responses. Understanding the ecosystem dynamics (ED) from the perspective of both the drivers of changes and the effectiveness of policy−institution−program (PIP) responses is crucial for nature sustainability. PIP response to a management problem, as a sectoral intervention, has been analysed in the past; however, national-level assessment of drivers of ecosystem dynamics and its PIP responses has not been done so far. This paper is aimed at cyclical assessment and chronological analysis (1960–2020) of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the PIP responses to the drivers of ED, taking the case of Nepal. Using a driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework, we have assessed 38 drivers of ED on a decadal basis and analysed > 30 policy instruments as well as 15 periodic development plans (i.e., five-year plans and three-year plans) that have been developed yet. Moreover, we have carried out 300 household surveys to understand local people's demand for ecosystem management. Based on various qualitative and quantitative analyses, we have portrayed pressure, state, and impact of various economic, demographic, technological, governance, globalization, and other drivers, including PIP response to address the drivers of changes. We found that the drivers of ED are non-linear and multifaceted, but the PIP responses are sectoral and incremental (i.e., piecemeal gradation to the previous efforts). Instead of characterization of drivers of ED and public demand, domestic PIP responses are largely influenced by global environmental discourse. Our findings are critical in understanding dynamic drivers of ecosystems and pathways of PIP responses, which might support policymakers and scholars in Nepal and other developing countries in the Himalayas to recalibrate PIP measures for sustainable resource management by suitably addressing the drivers of ED. • The drivers of ecosystem dynamics are non-linear and multifaceted. • Policy-institution-programs responses are mostly sectoral and incremental. • Responses are influenced by global environmental discourse rather than public demand. • Current approach of ecosystem management is insufficient to deal with ecosystem dynamics. • Coordinated policy entrepreneurship is recommended for synergistic policy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for forest products is growing and plantation forests are supplying an increasing proportion of wood to industry. There are also increasing market requirements to demonstrate the sustainability of timber supply. Vietnam has some 3.9 M ha of plantation forests, 44% of which is on short-rotations managed by smallholders. More than 80 percent of the harvested volume from the plantation forests is used for woodchip production to serve domestic and international markets. The Vietnam Government has goals to increase the domestic supply of suitable wood for furniture production to international markets by increasing the supply of larger logs grown in plantations and the supply of certified wood to industry. However, it is not clear that these objectives will necessarily benefit growers and processors. This study compared financial returns from certified and non-certified forest products for: (1) growers with 10-year rotation acacia plantations; and (2) a furniture processing business (battens for chair and table) in Quang Tri Province, Central Vietnam. The data were collected from smallholder tree growers and a sawmilling company, triangulated with and supplemented by formal and informal interviews with other stakeholders. Currently, much of the cost of certification is met by external aid donors. Results showed that net returns from both certified and non-certified timber products are positive for both actors and are higher from certified timber production than non-certified timber production. When the full costs of certification are included, the benefits to growers of certification are much reduced and potentially negative unless the fixed costs can be spread over a large group of growers. A minimum of group with 3000 ha may be required to make certification cost effective. In recent years, the price difference between the certified and non-certified logs is narrowing and this may discourage farmers from attaining certification. For the sawmiller, the benefit of certified timber production is greater. It would be in their interests to increase prices paid to growers for certified logs. Government policy measures to support certification should include consideration of who bears the cost, support for aggregation of smallholder growers and improved communication in timber supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 750 million people in developing countries do not have access to better water sources and over 2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation. Transition towards more sustainable urban water management is an urgent need because supply of water in rapidly urbanized areas like the Kathmandu Valley (KV) of Nepal is deficient. Supporting such a transition requires the development of alternative methods such as rainwater harvesting (RWH) system, recycling, desalination, wastewater reuse, etc. Using semi-structured questionnaires for 403 households (203 users and 200 non-users of the RWH system) of KV, this study critically examines the major developments taken place in Nepal in the RWH system, measures the RWH awareness index, identifies the implementation challenges and provides managerial solutions. Measuring the awareness index in users and the non-users of the RWH system in terms of the four dimensions (financial, socio-environmental, technical and institutional), we found that the user groups are more aware of the issues of water and climate change (CC) than the non-users. Around 70% of our respondents suggested that the scarcity of water, user's self-commitment and cost-friendly technology, among others can help to address the RWH system challenges. Possible reasons of differences in attitude, behaviors and perceptions of RWH system users and non-users are discussed and managerial solutions are provided. Promoting the use of rainwater harvesting in the KV would require a multi-stakeholder approach that involves collaboration between the government, NGOs, and the private sector to create an enabling policy environment and provide the necessary resources to promote and scale up rainwater harvesting initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) habitat has been providing several ecosystem services (ES) to the people; however, the differences in local stakeholders' perceptions and preferences of these ecosystem services based on differences in their location, caste, gender, age, and engagement in CFUG are still understudied. This study was conducted using a telephone interview with 120 households from 28 Red panda habitat districts in the Himalayan range of Nepal. Respondents were asked to: (1) prioritize and rank the environmental (regulatory ES), economic (provisional ES), social, cultural, and spiritual importance of the Red panda habitat areas; (2) identify and prioritize the provisional ES; and (3) share their perceptions about the current state of the forest and biodiversity in comparison to the past decade to assess the change in Red panda habitat condition. Key findings include: (1) gender, caste, location, and involvement in community forest had a significant influence on people's perception and preference for ecosystem services (p < 0.05); (2) in overall, the environmental value of forests was significantly prioritized over the social, cultural, and economic values (p < 0.05); (3) provisional services such as fuelwood and fodder were significantly prioritized by Dalit and indigenous people and CFUG members, whereas timber was given the highest priority by the Brahmin and Chhetri caste groups (p < 0.05); and (4) forest cover, biodiversity, and forest condition have significantly improved in East Nepal over the past 10 years, while the reverse was true in West Nepal (p < 0.05). Information on the preferences of local communities could assist in planning, policymaking, and effective management of natural ecosystems and ecosystem services. More importantly, the findings provide a better understanding of the nature–human interactions in the Red panda region and indicate that people from marginalized groups (ethnic communities, Dalit, and women) still rely on forests (community forests in many cases), and any consideration in future policies should take this into account. • Location, gender, caste, and community forest engagement influence people's perception of ecosystem services in Red Panda area. • Marginalised groups prioritized fuelwood and fodder whereas male, Brahmin, and Chhetri prioritized timber. • Over last decade biodiversity and forest condition improved significantly in East Nepal, while the reverse was true in West Nepal. • Environmental value is accorded more priority followed by economic value among Red Panda habitat values. • Aids policy formation by understanding viewpoints of local stakeholders in the Red Panda habitat region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four emerging SAD reutilization methods were assessed by the IHLCA model. • Significant contribution from EIO system were observed in HTP, AP, FAETP. • Multi-component recovery (Al, N, F) from SAD is not always the best choice. • The single-component recovery path with Al has the best economic performance. • The technical routes are sensitive to variances in by-product prices. The development of secondary aluminum dross (SAD) has become a hot topic to deal with aluminum resource scarcity and landfill risk as hazardous waste. This study first compares the environmental impact, resource consumption, and economic performance of four emerging SAD reutilization methods with an integrated hybrid life cycle assessment (IHLCA). The results show that IHLCA captures larger environmental and economic impacts than process LCA (PLCA), especially for midpoint indicators, such as human toxicity potential, acidification potential, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity. Furthermore, multi-component recovery from SAD is not always the best choice. The multi-component recovery scenario of SAD-to-alumina with alkali has the smallest environmental impact and resource consumption, while SAD-to-PAC with acid is the worst due to the massive use of HCl. Particularly, SAD-to-calcium aluminate with single-component recovery stands out due to its best economic performance. The given results provide new perspective on making a sustainable decision for SAD recovery industrialization. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various restoration programs have been implemented worldwide to recover degraded ecosystems. Nepal implemented a signature policy— Scientific Forest Management (SciFM)—with the aim of restoring and enhancing forest conditions, as well as increasing employment, timber production and economic growth in the last decade. While SciFM might achieve these objectives, it may conflict with Nepal's own biodiversity and emission reduction policies. So far, various aspects of SciFM, such as stakeholders' opinion, policy issues, and financial analysis have been conducted. However, the effect of SciFM in achieving various restoration objectives remains unexplored. Taking a case of Sal (Shorea robusta) dominated forest which resembles productive forests in the lowlands of Nepal, we evaluated land productivity, carbon, and biodiversity outcomes of SciFM. Employing the methods of policy review (n = 6), literature review (n = 35), expert consultations (n = 15), and forest and soil inventory, we found that SciFM has been beneficial for establishing regeneration of Sal. However, in the short-run, SciFM was found to be counterproductive to achieve national objectives of REDD+ (reducing carbon emissions from forestry sector), biodiversity conservation, and land productivity enhancement. Based on our analysis, we have discussed some learning areas from SciFM practices to align with the restoration objectives at a national and global scale. Implications of the findings in the other parts of the world, who are also implementing intensive forest management programs, are highlighted. • Restoration objectives are affected by forest management approaches. • Scientific forest management is promising in regeneration establishments. • Scientific forest management is counter-productive in restoring soil and forest carbon, at least for short-run. • Harvesting intensity should be minimized to achieve multiple outcomes including forest restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We assessed dynamics of Himalayan ecosystems considering functional and management units. • Downstream and agriculture-dominated watersheds are rich in ecosystem services. • Relationship among ecosystem services is changing based on the differing spatial scales. • Trade-offs between crop production and soil conservation are significant in mountain landscapes. • We urge for global climate actions and regional integrated management of the Himalayas. The production of ecosystem services (ES) is highly dependent on the current state of spatial distribution, pattern of occurrence, and interaction among them, which is barely studied in the Hindu-Kush Himalayas (HKH). Taking a case of a multifunctional landscape in the central HKH region, we aimed to assess the biophysical production possibilities of major ES, their relationships and co-occurrence, and dynamic interactions at different spatial scales. We quantified and mapped six major ES (crop production, timber production, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, water yield, and habitat quality) at two spatial scales: landscape level (functional unit) and watershed level (management unit). Further, we analysed the relationship and interactions among all the possible pairs of the considered ES. All six ES were found to have a positive correlation, except crop production which showed a significant negative correlation with soil conservation. Moreover, we delineated 186 watersheds in the landscape and clustered them based on their biophysical potentials for the supply of ES. Gap statistics from K-means clustering identified three main clusters of watersheds (i.e., agriculture-dominated, poor-performing uplands, and multifunctional). The supply of ES from downstream watersheds was substantially higher than that of the upstream watersheds. We then discussed the interrelationships among ES at various spatial scales and suggested policy instruments for ecosystem management. The relationship among ES shows dynamic forms of spatial distribution, which need to be sustainably managed for minimizing trade-offs and maximizing synergies through the consideration of an integrated watershed management approach, improved agronomy practices, and global climate actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of the mitigation and adaptation roles of forests is important in addressing climate change issues. Community forests (CFs) have capacity to contribute in both roles as local communities are collectively working to improve forests and to fulfil their own basic forest product needs. Nowadays, an incentive mechanism for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, conservation of forests, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks in forests (REDD+) is emerging and already has received considerable attention in achieving climate change mitigation whereas there has been little analysis of its potential contribution to adaptation objectives, particularly at the community level. Therefore the overarching goal of this study was to analyse CFs from a mitigation and adaptation perspective. This study assesses 105 CFs covering a range of forest types managed by socially diverse communities of Nepal. Two point carbon data (2010 and 2013) was analysed to investigate differences in carbon stocks in these forests following the introduction of a REDD+ pilot program in Nepal. Similarly, a document review and focused group discussions were organised to evaluate the livelihood support and adaptation potential of pilot REDD+ CFs. This study found that community forest user groups (CFUGs) have increased forest carbon stocks and that the pilot REDD+ projects are also delivering livelihood benefits which ultimately will help adaptation to adverse climatic conditions. However, the motivation for communities to realise REDD+ carbon incentives may reduce the food supplement capacity of forests by limiting vegetation diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household carbon emissions (HCEs) contribute a large proportion of global carbon emissions. For several reasons there are large differences in HCEs between countries. Using governments’ annual data, this study aims to compare the trends and magnitudes of HCEs between China, Canada and the UK and pinpoint where these countries are heading and what lessons they can learn from others. In the years when HCEs were first reported (1995 in China, 1990 in Canada and 1997 in UK), per person HCEs in China, Canada and the UK were 0.54 tCO 2 , 13.54 tCO 2 and 9.63 tCO 2 , respectively. These values had changed to 1.77 tCO 2 , 13.14 tCO 2 , 8.20 tCO 2 by the end of reporting (2011 in China and UK and 2007 in Canada), representing an increase of 7.7%/yr in China and a decrease of 0.18%/yr in Canada and 1.14%/yr in the UK. Although the rate of increase in China was high, in absolute terms China’s per person HCE remained many times lower than that of Canada and the UK. The reasons why China may not follow Canada and UK’s emissions pathways are discussed. In comparison with several other studies, China’s average HCEs were found to be much lower than that of developed countries. Among the developed world, Sweden and Norway had much lower HCEs, probably due to the production of electricity by hydro and nuclear power generation and the use of centralised heating systems in Sweden, and production of electricity by hydropower in Norway. Where possible, countries all around the world can learn lessons from these two countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All walks of life have been affected by COVID-19 but smallholders from developing countries have been impacted more than others as they are heavily reliant on forest and agriculture for their livelihoods and have limited capacity to deal with COVID-19. Scholars are heavily engaged in assessing the impacts of COVID-19 on health and wellbeing, gender, food production and supply, stock market and the overall economy but not on the forestry sector. Using questionnaire surveys and key informant interviews—informed by grey literature and published articles— representing Division Forest Offices, Provincial Forest Directorates, and the Ministry of Forests and Environment in Nepal, this study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the forestry sector of Nepal. Our analysis suggests that: (1) nature-based tourism is more severely affected than other sectors; (2) private, religious and leasehold forests faced minimal impacts of COVID-19 than that of community and government-managed forests; (3) wild boar (Sus scrofa), different species of deer, and birds have been more impacted than other wild animals; (4) the price of the timber has increased significantly whereas the price of non-timber forests products (NTFPs) has decreased; and (5) illegal logging and poaching have increased but the incidence of forest encroachment has been reduced. Our study further reveals that agroforestry practices in home gardens, borrowing money from neighbors/banks/landlords and liquidating livestock remained key alternatives for smallholders during COVID-19. Many studies reported that reverse migration could create chaos in Nepal, but our study suggests that it may enhance rural innovation and productivity, as returnees may use their acquired knowledge and skills to develop new opportunities. As COVID-19 has created a war-like situation worldwide, Nepal should come up with a forward-looking fiscal response with alternative income generation packages to local living to counter the impacts of COVID-19 on the forestry sector. One of the options could be implementing similar programs to that of India's US$ 800 Compensatory Afforestation Program and Pakistan's 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Program, which will create a win-win situation, i.e., generate employment for reverse migrants and promotes forest restoration. • This study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the forestry sector of Nepal. • Impact on tourism, community forests & wildlife are severe. • Price of the timber has increased significantly whereas price of NTFPs has decreased. • Home gardens, lending money & liquidating livestock are key livelihood alternatives. • Reverse migration could enhance rural innovation & productivity in medium term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding attitude of local people towards big cats is vital for conservation interventions to succeed. Taking tigers and leopards as focal species, we investigated local peoples' attitude towards four subjects—tiger, tiger conservation, leopard, and leopard conservation—considering demographic and socio-economic factors as well as past experience with such predators in Nepal's first national park and a world heritage site, Chitwan National Park. The data were collected from 414 local people using structured questionnaires and their attitude towards the four subjects determined. We performed ordinal logistic regression analysis to identify the best fitted model and significant variables affecting attitudes. While majority of the people (51%) strongly liked tigers, fewer people (38%) had similar view while it came to leopard. However, a greater proportion of people strongly agreed that the conservation of tigers (61%) and leopards (53%) is important. About 12% people had negative attitude towards both big cats. We found women and low income respondents to likely have negative attitudes and higher caste Hindus to have positive attitudes towards both big cats and their conservation. Better educated persons and the owners to larger herds of livestock only agreed on conservation of tiger but not leopard. Past experience with the predator negatively affected attitude towards tiger but not leopard. We suggest the identified cohort of people with negative attitudes be more targeted in conservation initiatives. The reasons behind the similarities and differences in peoples' attitudes are discussed and designation of species-specific programmes for both cats is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015 Gorkha earthquake (7.8 Mw) triggered thousands of landslides in the highlands of central Nepal, causing widespread vegetation damage. After the earthquake, several attempts were made by the government to recover damaged vegetation; however, the efficacy of artificial restoration (from public finance) vs. self-ecological restoration is unknown. We analyze the vegetation recovery process of the areas impacted by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake landslides with a dual-lens: (1) remote sensing and (2) public finance and policy. Using remote sensing, Vegetation Recovery Rate (VRR) is estimated from the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from Landsat imagery between 2015 and 2021. Then public finance data is analyzed to compare the efficacy of vegetation recovery from the artificial vs. self-ecological restoration. The study examines fourteen severely impacted districts from the Gorkha earthquake in 2015. Out of 24,826 landslides triggered by the earthquake, ~95% of vegetation damage was caused by 13,670 large landslides (with area >0.09 ha). A total of 8651.58 ha of vegetation was lost due to landslides induced by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. About 4442 ha (51%) of such lost vegetation has been restored so far. Only 9.5% of this restored vegetation was due to artificial restoration, while the remaining 90.5% was by self-ecological restoration process in protected areas. Furthermore, VRR analysis showed that at least nine years are required to restore vegetation cover to the pre-earthquake level (R2 =0.91). The government had invested 3.73 million USD in this duration for artificial restoration. Our findings suggest that strict protection promotes self-ecological restoration, an effective tract for vegetation recovery, over artificial interventions. Findings provide insights for plausible decision-making in restoring lost vegetation due to earthquake-triggered landslides. • Gorkha earthquake-triggered landslides damaged vegetation in protected areas. • Artificial (public finance) vs. self-ecological vegetation restoration is compared. • Self-ecological restoration is almost ten-fold more effective than artificial. • Current vegetation recovery rate requires nine years (R2 = 0.91) for full restoring. • Focus on ecological restoration under strong policy backup is way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the effectiveness and integrity of forest-based emissions reduction schemes requires appropriate monitoring and evaluation. In order to develop one such approach, this study estimates total carbon stock and change in that stock over time, in REDD+ pilot projects in Nepal, including a comparison of outcomes by different (dominant vegetation and density) forest types. As expected, average biomass carbon was greater in dense canopy forests than sparse ones in all vegetation types. More particularly, carbon stock was highest in dense canopy of Shorea robusta forests followed by mixed broad-leaf forests, Rhododendron-Quercus forests, Pine forests and Schima-Castanopsis forests. On average, carbon stock increased in forests under the REDD+ activities during the study period (2010-13). The carbon increment between 2010 and 2013 was higher in dense forests with dominant Pine vegetation (24 Mg C/ha) followed by Schima-Castanopsis (20 Mg C/ha), mixed broad leaf types (18.9 Mg C/ha) and S. robusta (16.9 Mg C/ha), while the lowest was found in sparse canopy of Rhododendron-Quercus vegetation (5.9 Mg C/ha). The results suggest that funding agencies could maximise carbon stock by targeting particular forest types, but it should be noted that this has implications for the conservation and management practices for, and income from, community forests. The results of this study will be useful in designing REDD+ policies and programmes in Nepal. Although the exact results of the study could not be applicable; the approach, framework of the study and knowledge can be applied in several other developing countries with similar community-based forest management systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Communities are enhancing carbon stock in REDD+ community forests. [•] Carbon enhancement rates in community forests are not uniform. [•] Carbon stock increment is comparatively higher in middle altitudes forests. [•] There is potential of reducing species richness in later years of REDD+ project. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The increasing incidence of forest and land degradation is affecting billions of people, and causing loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Realizing the importance of forest restoration in moderating those impacts, various global and regional forest restoration initiatives (including Bonn Challenge 2011 and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) have been launched. But the gap between restoration commitments and their ground realities is becoming a huge challenge because of the limited knowledge on forest restoration approach as well as underlying socio-economic and ecological factors impacting the restoration undertaking. Moreover, few studies have comprehensively looked at institutional, socio-economic, and ecological aspects of forest restoration in a common framework. By employing a systematic review of the literature (n = 64), review of policies, plans and project reports (n = 58) and expert survey (n = 22), this study has navigated the rise and fall of Nepal's 65 years of forest restoration practices. Our study found that Nepal's forest restoration interventions from 1956 to the early 1980s got mixed results because of the limited integration of socio-economic and ecological concerns in restoration programs. However, forest restoration works after the mid-1980 s charted a more successful pathway because of (1) policies favouring decentralized decision making and local institutions; (2) devolution of rights and responsibilities; (3) firmed commitment for and adoption of multistakeholder partnership for the forest and landscape restoration; (4) recognition of multifunctionality of forest ecosystems; (5) accommodation of socio-economic and ecological concerns in restoration program; 6) adoption of multiple restoration approaches at multiple scales; and 7) capacity development and extension services. As institutional, socio-economic, and ecological factors are often been overlooked in forest and landscape restoration initiatives, the inferences we made and suggestions we provided can inform the policymakers and practitioners (of Nepal and other countries) in translating regional and global restoration commitments into action. • There is still a gap between restoration commitments and their ground realities. • We have assessed Nepal's 65 years of forest restoration practices. • Socio-economic and environmental factors has shaped trajectories of forest restoration. • Forest restoration programs need to be recalibrated considering changing contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effects of climate change tend to be more severe where people rely on weather dependent rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. In rural mountain communities with limited livelihood options, adaptive capacity is low due to limited information, poor access to services, and inequitable access to productive assets. Few studies have reported on the current status of rural and remote mountain areas in Nepal with little known about adaptation strategies in use. This article is based on a study in the remote mountainous Jumla District of Nepal to explore how climate change is affecting the livelihood of local communities and how different wellbeing groups are differentially impacted. Looking from a wellbeing lens, adaptation practices by households as well as local support mechanisms were explored to predict the severity of effects now and into the future. Using a climate vulnerability and capacity analysis (CVCA) process, major climate hazards and their effects on livelihood resources were analyzed. In addition, participatory social research methods were used to analyze the coping strategies of different wellbeing groups. Results show that changing weather patterns have significantly challenged the livelihoods of a community, experiencing resource degradation, food scarcity, lack of basic services, and increasing social inequalities. The changing climate is an additional burden to the poor people in the mountains who are already living in poverty, are vulnerable and excluded with predictions of additional risks to livelihoods and further inequity in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Unilateral Clean Development Mechanism (uCDM) projects are planned, implemented and financed by a Non-Annex I entity yet without the direct involvement of an Annex I entity. Currently in the CDM project pipeline, unilateral projects grow continuously. On the basis of a questionnaire survey and formal and informal discussions with key CDM stakeholders in China, which dominate the world CDM market, this study tested seven propositions: (1) uCDM provision provides lower risk to the host country investor; (2) uCDM provision lowers transaction costs; (3) uCDM provision helps to keep rent in the host country; (4) uCDM provision offers less technology transfer than normal CDM projects; (5) delayed financial flow in uCDM projects will be a major problem for developing uCDM projects; (6) the Chinese Government will promote uCDM policy in the future; and (7) there will be more uCDM projects in China in the future. The first six hypotheses were accepted while the final one was rejected. Outcomes of this study may help refine future uCDM policy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Being the most productive ecosystem on earth, wetlands provide basic as well as critical ecosystem services to humans and other living beings. However, the wetland resources are constantly being degraded because of poor understanding of its importance at local level and the lack of recognition of their economic value at sub-national and national levels. Using a case study of a Ramsar Convention site of Nepal - Ghodaghodi Wetland area―this paper identifies ecosystem services of the wetland based on its perceived importance at local level, and assessed its use and non-use values through total economic valuation method. We have employed literature review and participatory research tools (i.e., key informant interviews, household survey and field observation) for data collection. Based on priority ranking analysis, we found that ten major ecosystem services provided by the wetland, forest products being ranked as the most important followed by edible foods and tourism. Local people ranked (active) use value as the highest priority because the wetland is a complex of lake clusters with surrounding forests of the tropical region, providing the most needed provisioning services to local communities. As of the present evaluation of ecosystem services, the annual net economic return from Ghodaghodi wetland is estimated at 0.67 million US dollars, use value comprising 96% of the total. Having discussed the linkages and relations between (1) people's preferences and economic value and (2) use value and non-use values, we have suggested much needed policy interventions and future pathways of research for minimizing tradeoffs between provisioning and other ecosystem services, and for the precautionary interventions to sustain (active) use value while maintaining the integrity of ecosystem health. • Importance of wetland is understood by people's preference and its' economic value. • Ghodaghodi wetland is valued at US$ 0.67 million/year, use value counting for 96%. • Utilitarian values surprisingly supersede the critical ecological wetland services. • Precautionary policy is much demanding to balance the tradeoffs of ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecosystem based adaption (EbA) approach mobilizes ecosystem products and services to reduce people's vulnerability and improve adaptation to climate change. The approach is being tested and promoted globally including Nepal. However, there are limited studies on why EbA faces challenges of mainstreaming and wider upscaling in developing countries' policies and practices. Based on an empirical case study from the first EbA pilot project site in Nepal "Panchase Mountain Ecological Region", expert consultation, and in-depth policy analysis, this study examines the effectiveness of interventions implemented through EbA and explores "Why" questions related to mainstreaming and upscaling of EbA in Nepal. The results showed that EbA helps to reduce climate vulnerability and enhance socio-ecosystem resilience. However, it often lacks innovativeness in addressing the risk and vulnerability associated with the changing climate. Though EbA is spelled out in most of Nepal's climate change policies, it faces sustainability issues due to low priority, lack of a proper institutional mechanism, and inadequate budget provisions. The EbA related activities are implemented on a small scale, runs for a short period, and failed to demonstrate tangible impacts. The sustainability of the EbA practices in Nepal will be ensured, only if it is mainstreamed in the government's regular planning process, receives enough budget from the government, and has robust institutional mechanisms in place for implementing and monitoring EbA activities. The study's findings are expected to be useful for policymakers, practitioners, and development agencies to shape interventions to institutionalize the EbA approach in the developing countries. • EbA reduces the vulnerability through ecosystem resiliency and social support. • EbA is mainstreamed but lack an institutional mechanism to ensure sustainability. • EbA interventions fails to demonstrate tangible impacts due to lack innovativeness and project model implementation. • Government's priority and allocation of resources is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We assessed provisioning ecosystem services (PS) and carbon emissions among subgroups. • Community forest (CF) users derived high benefits compared to collaborative forests (CFM). • The benefits are skewed towards nearby and high income subgroups. • CF users emit more C from consumption of PS compared to users from CFM. • Future planning should consider carbon emissions and forests management costs. Provisioning Ecosystem Services (PS) from the forests contribute much to peoples' livelihoods as well as to the national economy. Previous studies have been constrained by their primary focus on biophysical quantification of PS through modelling and mapping or aggregated monetary valuation, while little attention has been paid to the issues of the distribution of financial benefits among the different forest subgroups. Using market price and substitute good price methods, this paper assesses how local users exploit financial benefits and emit carbon from the use of PS in two dominant community-based forest management systems (community forestry—CF and collaborative forestry—CFM) based on proximity (nearby vs. distant users) and socio-economic class (rich vs. poor users) in the Siwalik region, Nepal. Results indicated that the wealth level of the users plays a key role in the amount of financial benefits generated from the use of PS: (1) users living near forests receive the highest economic benefits compared to those living long distances from the forest area. However the distribution of benefits differs according to management modality and socioeconomic status; (2) CF users, on average, receive higher economic benefits than CFM users; and (3) compared to poor households, rich households receive higher benefits. On average, a rich household adjacent to CF receives USD 1214/year while a poor household living in the same area receives almost half of that (USD 630/year). Similarly, a poor household living far from a forest area generates USD 189/year, slightly higher than that of a rich household in the same area (USD 109/year); and (4) an average CF user emits more carbon (7.4 tCO 2 /HH/year) from the consumption of PS than an average CFM user (5 tCO 2 /HH/year). Finally, we discuss the reasons behind these differences and draw policy implications for developing and refining constitutions and operational plans of forest user groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessed dynamics of and shift in Nepal's forest policies and institutions. • Framing of ideas reflecting socio-political realities defined institutionalization. • Actors played key role in institutionalization of forestry discourses. • Discursive space for and discursive practices of ideas determined the policy durability. • Global environmental discourse also influenced Nepal's forest policy pathway. Evolution of public policy is governed by various factors of political change, institutional realignment, and global environmental discourse. Improved understanding of these factors is a prerequisite for policy-makers to solve forestry related socio-economic and environmental issues. In this study, we assessed the policy and institutional shifts in Nepal's forest policy regime through discursive institutionalism framework. We conducted a literature review, including Nepal's forest policy documents that were developed after 1950, and undertook an in-depth interview with twenty-five people representing five stakeholders groups. Based on specific features and objectives of the policies, we classified and discussed four different evolving periods of forestry sector: (1) strict protection period (1950–1975); (2) resource creation for crisis management period (1975–1986); (3) participatory forestry period (1986–2008); and (4) period of broad-based global normative discourse (2008 onwards). Our results showed that framing of ideas and discourse, and its interacting environment (dialectic space and discursive sphere) have determined institutionalization and deinstitutionalization of the country's forest policy. In addition, Nepal's forest policy pathways were shaped by a shift in 1) domestic political systems, 2) global environmental discourse and institution, and 3) the process of paradigmatic change and transformation. We conclude that policy durability and discursive shift in public policy are governed by how policy making-institutions embrace public aspirations and consider socio-political context of the country while framing policy discourse. We argue that articulation of discourses into discursive spheres and its ways of deliberation for discursive practices largely defines the trajectories- institutionalization and deinstitutionalization of public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Implications of selective logging policies and practices in Queensland and Nepal are discussed. • A poor link between log grading, commerciality and marketability creates inefficient utilisation. • Forest based livelihoods, labour costs and forest product standards are the key determinants of forest product recovery. • A detailed forest harvesting code of practice with occupational health and safety codes is needed in Nepal. • Queensland's grading and royalty system requires considerations on the possible options of utilising optional logs. Selective logging (SL) contributes nearly 15 percent of the global timber needs. Considering its role in sustainable timber production, biodiversity conservation and forest carbon enhancement, assessment of SL policies and practices is crucial. This paper assesses the policies and practices of SL in natural production forests of the Tarai region of Nepal and Queensland Australia to explore the key differences in such policies and practices and their possible implications in achieving sustainable forest management objectives. The primary methods applied in the study were review and synthesis of key policy documents and qualitative analysis of the information gathered from key informant interviews and stakeholders' workshop. Altogether, 53 respondents from a wide range of stakeholder groups (government organizations-15, non-government organizations/networks-15, private sector including the individual landowners-13, local political leaders-3 and independent forest experts/scientists-7) were consulted. Findings suggest that: (1) frequent and inconsistent changes in policy provisions, lengthy administrative procedures and heavy engagement of state forest agencies in forest product harvesting and sales processes play key roles in sub-optimal forest production in Nepal, whereas lower dependency on forest-products, higher labour costs, lack of species-wise royalty rate and flexibility in selecting optional logs are the key factors for increased wastages of forest products in Queensland; (2) recovery and utilisation of the harvested forest product is better in Nepal but policy and practical considerations on biodiversity and environment are better in Queensland; and (3) Forest harvesting specific codes of practice, occupational health and safety standards, and their compliance mechanism of Queensland could be beneficial for Nepal to minimise operational harvesting risks and to attract professional harvesters that support promoting sustainable use and management of natural forests, as we found this aspect almost neglected in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Forest ES valuation studies from 1994 to 2017 were reviewed using meta-analysis. • Studies predominantly focused on high-income countries indicating huge gaps in low and lower-middle income countries. • Non-monetary valuation method has been gaining popularity in recent years. • Valuation research was underrepresented in many highly biodiverse nations. • Studies have sparsely covered mountain and CBF management ecosystems in low-income countries. Ecosystem Services (ES) are critically important to human well-being, and sustaining economic growth and livelihoods. Globally, valuation research has increased markedly over the past two decades, partly due to the influence of environmentalism and the notable depletion of ES. Using meta-analysis of 1156 peer-reviewed journal articles from 1994 to 2017, this study assesses forest ES valuation, focusing on temporal trends, methodological approaches, the types of services most frequently evaluated, and the origin of ES valuation research, especially biomes, economy, and management modalities. Findings suggest that western European countries, including the UK, had the highest number of publications (33%) followed by the United States (15%) and China (13%). Countries with lower middle and low income collectively share only about 14% of the total publications, indicating a large gap in ES research in these countries. In terms of valuation methods, monetary valuation was initially popular, while non-monetary valuation using modelling and mapping methods is gaining popularity. The study revealed that more than 80% of studies have consistently assessed multiple functions of forests but largely focus on regulating services (carbon storage/sequestration/climate regulation). Similarly, about 57% of total ES research was carried out on public land, government managed forests and protected areas, whereas less than 3% was on community-based forestry (CBF), which shares more than 15% and 31% of the forests in developed and developing countries, respectively. Whilst ES publications on forestry have seen significant increases, valuation studies in countries with high biodiversity are conspicuously unrepresented; particularly on forests in mountain regions in low to lower-middle income countries. Some reasons for this disparity in ES research under four themes are discussed, in connection with the global climate change, biodiversity policies, and national, bilateral and multilateral initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]