Agroforestry

As COP17 continues through its thematic days on finance, water, land and people, and food systems and soil health, the focus remains on moving from declarations to measurable action.

Land degradation and desertification pose a critical threat to ecosystems that sustain millions of rural communities and underpin economic growth.

The achievements position India as a leader in translating large-scale restoration pledges into on-ground results that benefit both ecosystems and people.

Despite the optimism, experts warn of hurdles in ensuring equitable distribution and community access to funds. Past REDD+ pilots in Nepal have faced criticism for bureaucratic delays and inadequate consultation with marginalized groups, including indigenous Tharu and Chepang communities in the targeted provinces.

Agroforestry, which integrates trees into farming systems, has been consistently championed by the government as a multi-faceted solution to national priorities. These include doubling farmers' income, increasing tree cover outside traditional forest areas, mitigating climate change, reducing timber imports, and ensuring sustainable land management.

Though Nepal has introduced climate budget tagging to track climate-related public spending, gaps remain in strategy, transparency, and alignment with national climate goals.

Researchers say this makes it well-suited to planting in fire-affected areas for quick reforestation and regeneration — although experts also stress the need for a mix of species.

Meena’s work has not only built a thriving local economy but has also contributed to a 70 percent reduction in forest fires over the past year. What began as survival has become stewardship, and a local economy built leaf by leaf.