Socio- Economic Impact of Community Forest: A Case Study of Jamunbari Community Forest User Group of Jhapa District

Abstract

Community forestry program is based on people's participation and ownership. Resource management is a fundamental part of community forests. The study has shown that the management of the resources available in the forest area through community forest user groups has not only added important dimension to the sustainable and ownership management of the resources but has also shown unimaginable improvement in the conservation and promotion of the forest area. The purpose of this study was to examine what is being done in accordance with the prevailing law on resource management in Jamunbari community forest and what is affecting it. Particularly, the study sought to understand whether the implementation of Operation plan and Constitution has helped to achieve nature conservation and natural resource management inside the Jamunbari Community Forest. The specific study objectives were as follows. First, the study seeks to assess the factors that influence community in natural forest resource management in the study area. Second, the ways in which individuals and community people involve in natural resources management was assessed. Third, socio-economic impact of community forest was evaluated. From field survey and interaction with community forest and government authorities, the resource management Jamunbari Community forest have been under the guidelines that mandated by general assembly, operation plan other acts and regulations. Ecotourism program launched by Community Forest is running well and fund collected through eco tourism have created job opportunities and reduced exploitation of other forest resources. Finally, this case study in Jamunbari Community Forest confirms that community forest plays vital role in social and economic changes. So, the existing laws should be strictly imposed and needs to ensure whether it’s been implemented in a right way or not. Awareness programs should be conducted on a regular basis by related governmental and non governmental agencies for user group to provide information and ideas as well as to create awareness regarding various issues related to conservation, resource mobilization and development programs.