Today” I am very delighted to remember you and thank you all on the special occasion of the 14th Anniversary of FECOFUN for your strong support” cooperation and coordination for the FECOFUN and community forestry growth.

I am very much happy to say FECOFUN traveled its 14th years successfully. The FECOFUN was established in June 1st 1995. At that time” the number of community forestry users group was around four thousands. Now the community forestry users groups have reached more than fifteen thousands.

The population covered by the community forestry users groups is around 40% of the total population of Nepal. The community forestry in Terai and Inner Terai was almost zero at that time but now the development of community forestry is being strong and expanded in all districts. In the same time FECOFUN's district federation and local federation are in all the districts and actively functioning with coordination of governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Now” the FECOFUN is recognized as strong civil society and community based organization at local” national” regional and global levels. FECOFUN is playing the role of Nepal Community Forestry Ambassador for the rest of the world.

Though we have successful stories and opportunities” we have challenges also. The livelihood improvement and poverty reduction of the community forestry users group is becoming challenging. The inclusive leadership and social inclusion in all sectors including community forestry is being a vibrant issue. We are passing through a historic transition and going to make new constitution recognizing all the issues of inclusion” justice” democracy” peace” federalism” republican and right to forest” land” water and other natural resources. The role of the local communities should be recognized in the new constitution. The sovereign right of the local community over the natural resources should be recognized in the New Nepal Constitution. Thus the FECOFUN slogan for the 14th anniversary is – SAMUDAYIK BANMA SAMABSEI ABHIYAN” NAYA SAMBIDHAN MA SAMUDAYAKO PAHICHHAN (Community forestry inclusive campaign” recantation of community in new constitution). We are celebrating the 14th anniversary of FECOFUN with this slogan.

At the end” FECOFUN would not have been able to travel this long journey without your support and coordination. FECOFUN is happy to recognize your support” cooperation and coordination. Also” FECOFUN look forward to see your supports” cooperation and coordination for the FECOFUN and community forestry growth and development.

Congratulation and thanks to you all.

LONG LIVE FECOFUN” LONG LIVE COMMUNITY FORESTRY!

FECOFUN Ghan Shyam Pandey

Chairperson

Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal” (FECOFUN)

www.fecofun.org