The undulating hills of Danda Basaha in Dhading were once a landscape of beauty and abundance. Over time, however, they became scarred by deforestation and the steady loss of biodiversity from overgrazing, logging, firewood collection, forest fires, and the mounting pressures of climate change. For generations, local communities depended on the forest for energy, timber, and agricultural supplies. Yet this reliance came at a cost. The land began to erode, rivers ran dry, landslides grew more frequent, and the forest's richness faded. The construction of rural roads in the 2000s worsened the damage, cutting through an already fragile environment and leaving vast areas barren.
More than 70% of the native tree cover had vanished, leaving the land exposed to floods and landslides and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. Productive paddy fields, once nourished by steady water, were abandoned as scarcity forced them to lie fallow. The loss of habitat also drove away wildlife. Barking deer, leopards, Himalayan black bears, and countless bird species disappeared. In response, local communities formed Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) to protect what remained. But their efforts struggled to take root, held back by limited conservation knowledge and weak leadership.
Faced with this severe degradation, the National Conservation Development Centre (NCDC) reached out to communities to launch an ecological restoration programme. Both women and men pledged to work hand in hand with the NCDC team to bring life back to their environment. The journey began with a forest nursery to grow native species. Community consultations, training, and awareness-building ensured local ownership. In 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19, the first plantation of 1,900 seedlings marked a turning point. Since then, annual planting has continued.
The project was designed not only to restore the forest but also to improve livelihoods. Access to drinking water, upgraded walking paths, improved irrigation, sanitation, and health facilities were introduced. Income-generating activities such as seasonal vegetable farming, beekeeping, and fruit tree cultivation added incentives for conservation. This integrated approach strengthened commitment while delivering measurable ecological and social benefits, making the project a model of successful community-led conservation.
Launching restoration during COVID-19 was no easy task. Restrictions and health risks complicated every activity. Yet persistence and adaptability kept the effort alive. One of the earliest and most contentious issues was the idea of barbed-wire fencing to protect plantations. Many villagers feared it would end their age-old practice of free grazing. The resistance was real-people worried about losing a way of life. To ease concerns, the NCDC team and community leaders held consultations under shaded trees, listening patiently to villagers. Awareness campaigns followed, and exposure visits to successful restoration sites showed what could be achieved. Slowly, doubts gave way to hope. People began to see that protecting seedlings was not about losing grazing rights but about securing a greener, more resilient future.
Out of this trust grew what locals proudly called a "social fence", a system where the community itself took responsibility for safeguarding plantations and the remaining forests. Each year, thousands of native seedlings were planted, entirely by local hands. Mothers' groups, in particular, showed the highest levels of participation. "Our conservation efforts, particularly the plantation activities on degraded land, will soon help restore greenery in the village," says Reeta Gurung, Chairwoman of Namuna Mother's Group. "This will create a healthy and pleasant environment for future generations."
Over six years, more than 353,000 seedlings were established, gradually carpeting the barren slopes with green. At the same time, natural regeneration of Sal (Shorea robusta), Chilaune (Schima wallichii), Kafal (Myrica esculenta), and Khote Salla (Pinus roxburghii) flourished, complementing plantation efforts and accelerating recovery. Reflecting on the change, Bishal Gurung, Chairperson of the Aamp Khola CFUG, shared; "We worked day and night with NCDC to restore the degraded land of our village. Today, every villager can see that restoration is possible. The greenery has returned, and it makes us proud."
The results were striking. The combination of barbed-wire fencing and social fencing meant that not a single seedling was lost to human activity. While natural mortality occurred-mainly due to prolonged dry spells before the monsoon and nutrient-poor soils-the plantations still achieved a 70% survival rate. This was remarkable in mountain conditions, where survival often falls below 60%. Although the seedlings are still small, they are firmly rooted, and their steady growth is a powerful symbol of renewal. In mountain environments, tree growth is naturally slow, shaped by temperature, slope, and soil factors. It may take another five to eight years before seedlings reach pole size. Yet already, the sight of greenery creeping back across barren hillsides has become a source of pride and encouragement for the entire community.
This journey stands as living proof that ecological restoration is possible when collective action is paired with technical expertise. The revival of Danda Basaha has inspired neighbouring villages across Dhading, many of which are now eager to begin their own planting efforts. What began as a local initiative is now a beacon of possibility for the wider region. The story of Danda Basaha carries a hopeful message: if life can return here, it can return anywhere. The lessons of this project show how community-based restoration can be scaled up to rebuild ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and confront the challenges of climate change. From a landscape once stripped bare, the people of Danda Basaha have planted not just trees, but a vision for a greener future.
