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Summary:

Upper slope forest environs are important for bio-diversity and subsistence. These resources are heavily impacted by human and livestock utilization (Jackson et al. 1998). In some areas exploitation has been such that some species and ecotypes are already at the verge of extinction (Messerschmidt and Rayamajhi, 1996). Recognizing the potential of upper slope resources in the national economy and subsistence needs, Nepal Australia Community Resource Management Project (NACRMP) is developing and testing methodologies to manage upper slope forest resources in a sustainable manner. The work includes identification of sites and stakeholders to implement initiatives, participatory development and implementation of strategies, and evaluation and dissemination of the same. This report identifies the site and the stakeholders and briefly describes the general characteristics of the area.

Reports and studies on upper slope forest issues were reviewed and workshops held to identify initial sites for investigation and to develop criteria for site selection. The site selected had to be within the upper slope forest range, free from major conflicts and with a reasonable chance of success in demonstrating resource management activities, and be accessible.

Pomthali forest of Barabise Village Development Committee was identified as the most potential site to start upper slope forest resource management. Pomthali lies between 2500 to 3200m, is readily accessible, has no major conflicts, and the local people have shown interest in managing their forest. The mixed forest of Oak and Rhododendron, is used by nearly 160 households belonging to six villages of Tatopani and Listi Village Development Committees for fodder, timber, herbs and shrubs. In addition to these users, businessmen and contractors from Barabise Bazaar and Kathmandu also use the forest to collect high value non-timber forest products. The grazing pressure is very high and fodder is already in short supply calling for urgent management initiatives.

The major occupations around Pomthali area are livestock (managed largely by women), followed by agriculture. Almost every household around Pomthali raises chauris for milk which is processed to make hard cheese and butter. In winter livestock are kept around the settlements and moved to higher altitudes, above 3500m, during the monsoon.

The extension of community forestry model to upper slope forest management will require modification of the existing rules and regulations. For example, the Forest Act 1995 does not allow construction of goths and cultivation of crops such as potatoes within community forests. These activities are two vital needs of upper slope residents.

Immediate solutions to mitigate resource degradation in upper slopes include identification of interest groups and development of participatory plans to address fodder shortages through method and result demonstrations. Long-term strategies include community organisation and training, resource development and enrichment initiatives, identification and implementation of income generating activities, and enhancing the ability of local people to network and access information and resources for development.