Report of the forestry private sector study, September 28-November 27, 1986

This review of Nepal"s private sector forestry industry proposes a series of reforms aimed at both increasing investments in the industry and reversing the crippling deterioration of the forests. These reforms include: (1) recognition of private forests by the Government of Nepal (GON) and development of policies requiring private enterprise to take responsibility for their management; (2) focusing the resources of the Forest Department on specific areas to be termed national forests, on research, and on cooperation with local and private forestry; (3) transferring to the panchayats the authority to manage forests not owned by the GON or by private firms; (4) directing reforestation efforts to private farmlands; (5) dismantling and selling parastatals now attached to the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, as appropriate; (6) securing raw materials for industrial processing through agreements with wood-based industries, contracts with private landowners to grow wood as a crop, and a Reforestation Fund to be supported by assessments on such industries; (7) privatizing tree seedling nurseries; and (8) planting more trees along roadways and waterways. Among the appendices are a 60-item bibliography (1972-86) and details on Nepal"s forest industries and public forestry personnel.