Nepal's Community Forests Offer Climate Solutions One Leaf at a Time

• Rural Nepali communities are scaling the production of "duna" and "tapari"—bowls and plates made from sal (Shorea robusta) leaves—as sustainable alternatives to plastic and styrofoam.
• These initiatives leverage community forests to generate income, promote environmental conservation, and build climate resilience for local women.
• Sal leaf products feature a low carbon footprint, require minimal processing, and are entirely chemical-free, making them attractive for international eco-conscious markets.

Economic and Social Impact

• Several enterprises, such as Tapari Global Private Limited and the Milijuli Tilakanya Dunatapri Udhyami Firm, have integrated technology into traditional craft, employing hundreds of local women.
• The People, Energy and Environment Development Association (PEEDA) supports a facility in Pyuthan District managed by 22 women, mostly from Indigenous communities.
• The Dhulekhar Community Forest, covering 488.68 hectares, can supply enough raw material to produce 5.2 million bio-bowls and 1.5 million bio-plates annually.

Policy and Climate Context

• Nepal’s community forest model, formalized by the Forest Act of 1993, has handed over roughly 2.58 million hectares to local user groups for sustainable management.
• While community forestry has succeeded in conservation, critics note that it has struggled to fully meet expectations for job creation and income generation.
• These forest-based businesses directly address the vulnerability of local women who face intensified climate impacts, such as forest fires and declining water sources, by creating sustainable, independent livelihoods.