Bhaktapur, Nepal - Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN), established in July 1995, is a pioneering network dedicated to safeguarding the rights of forest user groups (FUGs) across Nepal. Rooted in the principles of inclusive democracy, gender balance, and social justice, FECOFUN has grown into a transformative social movement, representing approximately 16 million forest users nationwide.
At its core, FECOFUN advocates for sustainable natural resource management, economic empowerment, and capacity building. It serves as a unified voice for 23,026 Community Forestry User Groups (CFUGs), encompassing over 3.19 million households. These groups collectively protect and manage more than 2.4 million hectares of forests, contributing significantly to environmental conservation and community welfare.
FECOFUN’s inclusive framework extends beyond CFUGs, affiliating with leasehold forestry groups, religious forestry groups, buffer zone communities, and traditional forest management groups. This diversity enhances its capacity to address pressing issues in policy advocacy, technical support, and governance, ensuring equitable representation of all forest users in decision-making processes.
On a broader scale, FECOFUN emphasizes national and international networking, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to advance sustainable forestry practices. Its mission to uphold social justice and gender equality remains integral, empowering communities and reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
As a beacon of community-driven forest management, FECOFUN continues to lead efforts in policy development, rights advocacy, and capacity strengthening, setting an example for global sustainable development initiatives.
