This national level study conducted by Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources (ANSAB) and its consortium partners on behalf of the Multi Stakeholder Forestry Programme (MSFP) of Nepal, assesses and analyses the current status and future potential of developing economically viable and socially and environmentally responsible forest-based industries leading to sustainable, green and inclusive development model in Nepal. The study has prioritized forest enterprises along four major subsectors, namely, timber, non-timber forest products, ecosystem services (especially ecotourism and carbon) and forest bioenergy and developed a thorough understanding of the current status and future potential of the private sector involvement and investment in these subsectors along with the development of appropriate intervention strategies.

Private sector delivery of state services is increasingly common worldwide, and state forest plantation management is no exception. Increasingly governments are transferring rights and responsibilities to the private sector for state-owned plantations. Some claim that this is the road to achieving sustainable forest management, greater contributions to local livelihoods and poverty reduction, others disagree. This book examines the evidence and explores the many issues raised by these changing relationships between the state, the private sector and local livelihoods. Experiences from around the world are described through seven case studies from Australia, China, Chile, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom, and key lessons and clear guidance are provided on how governments can best achieve a balance between private and public involvement while continuing to deliver the key social goods and services expected by all citizens.