Role of Community Forest in Biodiversity Conservation and Development: A Case Study of Baghmara Bufferzone Community Forest, Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

This study tried to analyze existing vegetation status, attitude of forest users groups towards biodiversity conservation and to assess the conservation of forest management practices in forest biodiversity conservation in Baghmara community forest adjacent to Chitwan National Park. Besides these, this study also assessed the participation status and explored the utilization and sharing of the forest products among FUG’s members. The study method included the available standard methods like questionnaire, survey, interview, direct observation group discussion etc. with biological and sociological aspects covered by households, questionnaire survey, informal and formal discussion with forest user groups and committee members and biological vegetation aspects covered from detailed forest inventory record in the community forest. The perception and attitude of people are very positive towards biodiversity conservation. They desire diversified, well stocked and dense forest resources in their CF. major forest management practices were protection system, management and utilization of the forest and plantation activities. These practices were found to have an increasing effect on floral and faunal diversity in the CF. The other all impact of community forest seems very positive and encouraging. The study also considered the records of floral and faunal species and other woody vegetation as basic elements of forest biodiversity assessment. This community also involved in the development activities like construction of road, bridge toilet, school building, hospital building, and fisheries pond for rural people etc. Finally, the study shows that the people of Baghmara CF. have positive attitude towards biodiversity conservation.