Community Forest User Groups Award Ceremony

Dear forest guardians, community leaders, and conservation champions. Today we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Nepal's community forest user groups, the true guardians of our natural heritage. Twenty-five years ago, many doubted that local communities could effectively manage forest resources. Today, you have proven that community ownership is the most powerful tool for conservation. The groups we honor today have not only protected thousands of hectares of forest but have also created sustainable livelihoods, improved watersheds, and strengthened social cohesion in rural areas. Your work demonstrates that environmental protection and poverty reduction are not competing goals – they are complementary objectives that strengthen each other. To the awarded groups: you are models for communities across Nepal and around the world. Your success shows that when people have ownership and responsibility, they become the best stewards of natural resources. The Ministry will continue supporting your efforts through training programs, technical assistance, and market linkages for forest products. Together, we will ensure that Nepal's forests continue to thrive for generations to come.