The country's forest cover increased by 0.75 percent in 2022 compared to 2019, according to a recent study conducted government in collaboration with other stakeholders.

The study reveals that 46.08 percent of Nepal’s total land area, equivalent to 6.797 million hectares, was classified as forest and other woodland in 2022. This marks an increase from 45.33 percent (6.687 million hectares) in 2019.

The study report, jointly conducted by the Forest Research and Training Center (FRTC) under the Ministry of Forests and Environment and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), also highlights that 19 percent of Nepal’s total land area in 2022 comprised rocks, snow, glaciers, riverine wasteland, built-up areas, water bodies, and open land.

Speaking at the launch of the report, FRTC Director General Dr. Rajendra KC noted that some "other woodland areas" and cultivable land had transitioned into forest land. He emphasized that the report provides real-time and periodic data on land-cover changes, which will be shared with relevant national and international organizations.

Dr. KC stated that the primary objective of the report is to offer reliable information on the country's forest area to stakeholders. He expressed hope that the findings would serve as a vital resource for developing strategic plans, conducting forest-related research, and coordinating efforts for sustainable forest development.

According to the report, agricultural land covered 65.4 percent of the Tarai region in 2022, while forest coverage stood at 73.67 percent in Chure, 64.54 percent in the mid-hills, and 57.20 percent in the mountainous region. Notably, 41.59 percent of the mountainous region was grassland, making it the largest land cover type in that area.

The study also confirmed an increase in forest area across the Tarai, Chure, and mid-hill regions, underscoring positive trends in forest conservation and management. -- RSS