A large-scale community awareness campaign aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting forest-based rights has been launched across 100 municipalities in Gandaki, Bagmati, and Lumbini provinces. The initiative is part of Nepal’s efforts under the LEAF (Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance) program.
This rights-based program, running until April 2026, seeks to educate community forest user groups, Indigenous peoples, and local communities on their entitlements and potential benefits under Nepal’s carbon trading framework. It aligns with Nepal’s carbon trade agreement signed with the international LEAF coalition on November 9, 2022, which allows the country to earn payments for verified emissions reductions from forest conservation between 2022 and 2026.
With a budget of approximately NPR 20 million, the awareness program is being implemented through a partnership involving RECOFTC Nepal (The Center for People and Forests), the Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal (FECOFUN), and the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN).
Officials say the initiative not only supports climate goals but ensures communities are informed participants in the carbon finance system, reinforcing equity and sustainable forest management.
