The community led conservation of Giant hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and Bijaya Sal (Pterocarpus marsupium) was successfully initiated in 200 ha of two community forests, which is a part of larger Patana forest Block of 2500Ha in Central Nepal

Bijay sal demonstration plots were established in 10ha of land. Likewise, ponds (total nearly 3 ha) within the forest areas has been improved to store water for wildlife, birds and also to retain the moisture for growing of bijay sal seeding. Conservation of Bijaya sal seedlings and ban on harvesting is carried out in 60ha of land. Similarly, project has controlled invasive species in 50 ha, promoted grass plantation and agro-forestry initiatives in 28ha. The locals have also started to keep record of giant hornbill. There are, at present 7 nests and 24 hornbill counted.

The project also supported to cultivated NTFPs and repellant crops in 26 ha land, initiated organic farming in 12ha. With the project's support, beneficiary families have fetched almost USD38,000 from sale of the organic vegetables.


The project has been successful in building the institutional capacity of already established institutions and new functional groups formed to steer the project's activities. Accordingly, the project helped to build the capacity of 2 community forestry users groups and 13 functional groups viz. NTFP Sub-committees-4, youth club-1, vegetable groups-4, and climate resilient groups-4. Likewise, the project has been engaged indigenous people viz. Magar, Tharu, and Madhesi in each phase of the project cycle. Women have been considered real managers of the project's activities. As a result, they are in the leadership position in newly formed groups and committees.

The project was successful in developing meaningful partnership with Himalayan Socio-Economic Development/Caritas Nepal to empower women, conservation and livelihood initiative such as wetland conservation, organic vegetable farming, and livestock vaccination. Likewise, the project also partnered with Banganga Municipality, Chandeswori and Pipaldanda collaborative forest users group to undertake conservation activities.