Community Forestry in Reducing Carbon Emission; A Case Study of Nepal

In recent years the problem of forests degradation, tropical deforestation has been recognized. At the same time, there is a general acceptance of numerous benefits of these forests primarily Community Managed Forests (CFM). However, contributions of these forests are still debated and are not recognized yet in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). In this context, this research is an attempt to identify the existing condition of CFM; estimation of carbon content, species identification that has more carbon storage capacity. In this study, pine forest had higher carbon stock as compared to broadleaf forest and species; Quercus floribunda, Quercus glauca has high carbon storing capacity. The research signifies carbon sequestration, any shrinkage of forests have an enormous impact on Co2 emission with long term consequences. Therefore, this research is useful for policy makers and scientific community to take early recognition of CFM. It could establish a mechanism which works on principle of carrot and sticks; benefit to the adjacent community and globally, at large, in carbon mitigation and as a way forward to Kyoto Protocol.