Dang, Nepal – In a major step towards environmental conservation and community support, Mahuwa Wines and Beverages Pvt. Ltd has successfully planted 1,000 Mahuwa plants in the community forest area of Dang as part of the Mahuwa Mission 2024. This initiative, led by the Founder Sandesh Chaudhary, aims to enhance the economic and financial development of the community forest (CF) and increase local community engagement in forest management.
Empowering Communities Through Forest Management
The Mahuwa Mission 2024 extends beyond tree plantation, focusing on empowering women, indigenous peoples, Dalits, marginalized groups, and other CF users by involving them in various forest management activities. These activities include forest cleaning, pruning, cutting, singling, and digging holes for the plants. The mission aims to foster economic prosperity within the CF community by increasing forest resources and promoting income-generating activities.
Founder Chaudhary closely coordinated with the Division Forest Office in Ghorahi for the necessary preparations. The Mahuwa plants were provided by Assistant Forest Officers Mr. Navaraj Shahi from the Division Forest, Nepalgunj Banke, and Mr. Chiranjeevi Khanal from the Lamahi, Dang. Due to high demand for Mahuwa plants in Dang, additional support was requested from the Forest Division Office, Nepalgunj Banke. Consequently, a total of 1,000 Mahuwa plants were supplied by the Division Forest Offices of Banke and Dang for the plantation.
Ambitious Plans for the Future
Founder Chaudhary expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the first-year target and announced an ambitious plan for 2025, aiming to plant 2,000 Mahuwa plants. This next phase will be regularly monitored and managed by Mahuwa Wines and Beverages Pvt. Ltd.
Partnership with Ambeshwori Mahila Community Forest
The Ambeshwori Mahila Community Forest, chaired by Bimala Sharma, has been a key partner in this initiative. Located in Tulsipur Sub Metropolitan City-13, Ambapur, Fulbari, this 6.3-hectare forest has dedicated one hectare of bare land for the plantation of 500 Mahuwa plants, with the remaining area allocated for Khair, Teak, and other fruit trees. Managed primarily by a group of women, Ambeshwori Mahila CF comprises 80 households and a population of 200, showcasing a strong model of female-led forest management.
In collaboration with Sandesh Chaudhary, Chairperson Bimala Sharma secured a contract with the Division Forest Office Ghorahi for support, which included financial assistance for cutting, pruning, and digging holes, along with the provision of 1,200 Khair and Teak plants. The tree plantation activity was supported by CF users, local community members, and the Nepal Army Force in Ambapur, Fulbari.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Established in 2051 B.S., the Ambeshwori Mahila CF has faced numerous challenges, including the lack of a registration certificate and threats during the civil war in Nepal. However, with the support of institutions, organizations, and the Nepal Army, the forest has been successfully managed and registered in 2076 B.S. Today, the CF is flourishing with greenery and grown trees, and the community has plans to develop it into a tourism spot with picnic and green park areas in the future.
Chairperson Bimala Sharma expressed gratitude to Sandesh Chaudhary and Mahuwa Wines and Beverages Pvt. Ltd for their support and highlighted the need for continued technical and financial assistance to ensure the sustainable management of the community forest.
यो नेपाली भाषाको अनलाइन समाचार संस्था हो । 'थाहा अनलाइन' २०७३ साल देखि सञ्चालनमा छ ।
