Nepal’s Forests: Conservation, Types, and Deforestation Impact
Forest Conservation in Nepal
About one-third of Nepal’s land surface is covered by forests. According to the Department of Forest and Natural Resources survey, 29% of the land is forested. Protection, preservation, and utilization of forest products are key aspects of forest conservation. Ecological studies have demonstrated that forests help maintain rainfall levels. Forests are crucial for preventing floods and soil erosion and are vital for wildlife, human recreation, and maintaining the balance of gases in the atmosphere.
Importance of Forests
- Forests occupy a central position in nature, providing wood, food, fodder, and raw materials for various industries.
- They serve as habitats for wild animals.
- Forests balance various gaseous cycles in nature.
- They maintain the water cycle.
- Forests provide medicinal plants that are widely used.
- They reduce the problems of global warming, greenhouse effect, and soil erosion.
Types of Forests in Nepal
Due to variations in altitude and climate, different types of forests are found in Nepal:
Tropical Forest
Located up to 1000m above sea level, tropical forests extend from east to west. They are characterized by abundant rainfall and high temperatures. Various deciduous trees dominate, particularly the sal forest. Other common tree species include Adina cordifolia (Karma), Terminalia bellirica (Barro), and Acacia catechu (Khair). Riverine forests include Alibizzia procera (Siris), Bombax ceiba (Simal), and Cassia fistula (Amaltus).
Sub-Tropical Forest
These forests lie between 1000-2100m. They are characterized by a moderately warm and humid climate. The main trees are Schima wallichi and Castonopsis indica in the central and eastern regions, and Alnus nepalensis and Pinus in the western region.
Temperate Forest
Found between 2100-3000m, these forests are characterized by the presence of laurel, evergreen oak, mixed broad-leaved deciduous, and Rhododendron forests in the eastern and central regions of Nepal. In the west, evergreen coniferous and deciduous forests are common.
Sub-Alpine and Alpine Forest
Sub-alpine forests lie between 3000-4000m, while alpine forests are found between 4000-5000m. The mountainous regions of Nepal fall under the Alpine zone. The climate is very cold, dry, and windy. The sub-alpine region mainly consists of Betula utilis and Rhodendron companulatum near the timberline. The alpine zone primarily consists of grasses, herbs, and dwarf shrubs, such as Juniperus spp. and Rhodondren spp. on exposed slopes.
Deforestation in Nepal
Due to the rapid increase in population growth, there is an increased demand for forest products. In Nepal, the rate of deforestation has been approximately 2% per year. The major causes of deforestation include:
- Overgrazing: Increased livestock populations lead to overgrazing in limited land areas, causing damage to forests.
- Road Construction and Industries: Construction of roads, buildings, and other infrastructure affects the stability of hill slopes, damages protective vegetation, and blocks natural drainage, leading to floods and landslides.
- Fuelwood and Timber Collection: Over-collection of trees for wood and timber for fuel and construction contributes to deforestation.
- Forest Fires: Fires cause serious damage to dry deciduous forests, destroying standing trees and organic matter in the soil.
- Pollution: Air pollution and acid rain cause significant damage to forest vegetation worldwide.
Hazards of Deforestation
- Irregular rainfall patterns, including heavy rainfall events.
- Soil erosion and landslides.
- Imbalance in water and gaseous cycles, increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming.
- Increased frequency of floods and landslides.
Methods of Forest Conservation
- Conservation from overgrazing.
- Control of fuelwood and timber collection.
- Intensive plantation efforts.
- Production/captive plantation.
- Community forestry initiatives.
- Afforestation of wetlands.
- National legislation to protect forests.