Babarmahal, Kathmandu, March 3, 2025 – The Nepal Forestry Technicians Association (NEFTA) has called for the immediate establishment of the Nepal Forestry Technicians Council to address critical issues related to forest management and provide formal recognition to forestry technicians. This demand was voiced during a policy dialogue program organized to mark NEFTA’s golden jubilee.
Rakesh Karn, President of NEFTA, emphasized the importance of the council, stating that it would empower forestry technicians to work officially and help resolve public concerns related to forest management. He noted the lack of technical expertise in forest management and underscored the need for science-based approaches to address challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and forest fires.
“A science-based forest management system is the need of the hour. Establishing the Nepal Forestry Technicians Council will streamline forestry-related tasks, create employment opportunities for forestry technicians domestically, and support the sustainable development of Nepal's forest resources,” Karn said.
The council, once formed, is expected to facilitate the renewal of community forests, improve efficiency in forest-related tasks, and prevent neglect of Nepal's vast forest cover, which constitutes 46% of the country’s total land area. Karn warned that the lack of prioritization of the forestry sector by the government has left forestry technicians and forest users facing significant challenges.
NEFTA believes that the council will play a pivotal role in fostering employment opportunities for forestry professionals and creating additional jobs in forest-linked industries. The council would also act as a platform for the systematic management and development of Nepal’s forestry sector.
The association is set to celebrate its golden jubilee today (Falgun 20) in Kathmandu in the presence of Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav. The program will reflect on NEFTA's five decades of contributions to forest conservation and management while advocating for immediate policy reforms to address the challenges faced by Nepal’s forestry sector.
This development highlights the increasing need for sustainable forest management policies and the empowerment of technical experts in ensuring the protection and growth of Nepal’s forest resources.
