Kathmandu: FAO and Government of Nepal organized an inception workshop of Restoration of Forests and Mountain Ecosystems in farwest Nepal (ReFaME).
Funded by Global Environment Facility, the ReFaME project is a four‑year initiative launched in partnership between the Government of Nepal and FAO. It aims to restore degraded forests and mountain ecosystems in Sudurpaschim Province by strengthening sustainable forest management, building the capacity of government officials and forest user groups, and promoting inclusive community participation.
The project is designed to enhance resilience, improve rural livelihoods, and conserve the rich forest and herbal resources of Nepal’s Far‑West. The government officials, community groups and stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to improve forest management and protect fragile ecosystems in Nepal’s Far‑West.
Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, said the FAO remains committed to restoring degraded forest and mountain ecosystems through inclusive partnerships, capacity development and alignment with FAO’s Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Programme. He noted that the initiative aims to enhance resilience and improve livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
Dirgha Narayan Koirala, Secretary of MoITFE, highlighted that ReFaME represents a timely and transformative initiative to restore our forests and mountain ecosystems while strengthening the livelihoods of our communities. Through collective commitment, we can ensure that conservation and development go hand in hand for a resilient Far-West Nepal.
Hemraj Bista, Sudurpaschim Province Forest Director, said the programme would help strengthen effective and sustainable forest management across the province.
Jhuma Chaudhary, provincial chair of FECOFUN, stressed the need for meaningful community participation and coordinated action to ensure long‑term conservation outcomes.
Rajendra KC, Joint Secretary from MoFE, highlighted the responsibility of public servants in environmental protection, pointing out that sustainable forest management is critical for agriculture, livestock and rural livelihoods.
Bhojraj Pathak, Under‑Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and ReFaME Project Coordinator, the four‑year project implemented under an agreement between the Government of Nepal and FAO will support capacity development of officials and forest user groups in 10 local levels across three districts.
Participants, including representatives of indigenous peoples, underlined the Far‑West’s rich forest and herbal resources and called for stronger multi‑stakeholder collaboration to advance conservation and sustainable development.
