Kathmandu, October 4

The Association of Family Forest Owners Nepal has demanded that the government ease provisions relating to the use of forest products by owners.

Speaking at a programme here today, family forest owners said though the association had expanded its network to 37 districts, their demands had not been addressed yet. The association has put forth a 21-point demand.

Among other things, it has demanded that the government allow family forest users to fell trees and use other forest products in their private land without having to go through procedural hassles.

The association has also demanded that the government seek its suggestions while formulating any law, policy, rules and regulations relating to forests.

According to AFFON chair Jog Raj Giri, forest users are required to seek permission from the authorities to fell trees in their own land and to transport them from one place to another.

“This deprives the owners of their right to earn livelihood through sale of forest products,” he said, adding that the Forest Act 1993 envisages increasing forest cover, but fails to encourage people to plant trees on their private land.

According to AFFON, it was established in to secure the rights of individuals or groups who rely on family forests for their livelihood.

Since the establishment of the association, it has been demanding removal of policy hurdles owners face in using forest products.

Former foreign minister Agni Sapkota had agreed to remove policy hurdles and promote forestry-based enterprises.