Nepal’s Forest Cover Expands by 0.75 Percent

Nepal’s forest cover increased by 0.75 percent in 2022 compared to 2019, according to a study 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). The report shows that 46.08 percent of Nepal’s total land area, equivalent to around 6.8 million hectares, was covered by forest and other wooded land in 2022, up from 45.33 percent in 2019.

The study highlights that 19 percent of Nepal’s total land area in 2022 consisted of rocks, snow, glaciers, riverine wastelands, built-up areas, water bodies, and open land. It found that some areas classified as other wooded land and cultivable land in previous years have transitioned into forest land, contributing to the overall increase in forest cover.

Speaking at the launch of the report, FRTC Director General Dr. Rajendra KC stated that the real-time and periodic data on land-cover changes included in the study would be shared with national and international organizations. He emphasized that the report would serve as a crucial document for creating strategic plans for forest conservation and research while supporting coordination for the sustainable development of forest-related areas.

According to the findings, the Tarai region had 73.67 percent forest cover, the Chure region 64.54 percent, and the mid-hills 57.20 percent in 2022. Grasslands accounted for the largest proportion of land use in the mountainous region, covering 41.59 percent of the area.

Dr. KC noted that the forest area had grown in the Tarai, Chure, and mid-hills regions, reflecting efforts to restore degraded lands and enhance ecosystems. The report underscores the significance of monitoring land-cover changes to inform effective conservation strategies and strengthen Nepal’s commitment to sustainable development.