Forest and rangeland management in Nepal plays an important role in national development as well as the socio-economic condition of rural people. However, deforestation and forest degradation have seriously reduced the availability of forest products which has adversely affected much of the country’s natural resource base.

1) Fodder from forest provides more than 40 % livestock nutrition.

2) Fuel wood from forest, shrub land adjoining farms provides 75% of total energy needs.

3) Forest watersheds are the main source of water for energy, irrigation and domestic use.

4) The protected area network establishes in natural forests acts to preserve biodiversity and maintain genetic stock

5) Forest provides employment opportunities for the rural poor.

6) Forest areas provide the basis for some of Nepal’s tourist industry.