ForestAction Nepal

What ForestAction Nepal does

ForestAction Nepal (legally Forest Resources Studies and Action Team) is a Nepal-based non-profit research and policy engagement organization established in 2000 and headquartered in Lalitpur, Bagmati Province. Operating with 47 employees across 25 years, the organization applies participatory action research (PAR) methodologies to forestry, agroecology, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource governance, targeting government agencies (Ministry of Forest and Environment, NDRRMA, provincial DFOs), Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) under FECOFUN, and smallholder farming communities including indigenous Chepang and Tharu populations. Its core technology consists of proprietary action-research frameworks including the EnLiFT silviculture model, agroecological soil restoration methodologies, and forest fire training modules refined through field practice, all built around blending professional knowledge with citizen power for transformative policy change.

The organization produces knowledge products rather than commercial goods, including the peer-reviewed Journal of Forest and Livelihood (26+ volumes), Hamro Ban Sampada (Nepali-language publication), policy briefs, books, manuals, and e-newsletters, alongside managing the EnLiFT action research program on agroforestry and community forestry. Revenue derives entirely from grant funding by international development donors (IDRC Canada, DFAT/Australian Embassy, Heifer International, CPI India, Darwin Initiative/RBGE) and from training/technical assistance to government bodies. ForestAction Nepal serves as Secretariat of the Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF) coalition and maintains partnerships with ICIMOD, IAAS/Tribhuvan University, HIMAWANTI Nepal, AFFON, and The Asia Foundation. Go-to-market is event-driven and policy-engagement led, relying on Ban Chautari dialogue forums, national conferences, and multi-stakeholder workshops as primary dissemination channels.

Name

ForestAction Nepal

Legal name

Forest Resources Studies and Action Team (ForestAction Nepal)

Website

https://forestaction.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ForestAction Nepal is a Lalitpur-based non-profit research and policy organization that uses participatory action research to drive forestry, agroecology, and climate policy for Nepali government agencies, community forest user groups, and smallholder farmers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Forestry Research and Policy Engagement

NAICS

Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Support Activities for Forestry (11531), Support Activities for Forestry (115310), Forestry and Logging (113)

SIC

Forestry (800), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Forestry & Indigenous Land Stewardship Services (IMAMAJAM), Forest Carbon Projects & Ecosystem Services (Carbon Credits, Biodiversity) (IMAMAAAJ), Forestry, Land Use & REDD+ Programs (BPADALAF)

Keywords

• Forestry research
• Agroecology services
• Policy engagement
• Natural resource management
• Community forestry

Headquarters

HQ city

Lalitpur

HQ country

Nepal

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donor-Funded Research Projects: Primary revenue stream through grants and project funding from international development agencies and foundations (IDRC, DFAT, Heifer International, Australian Embassy, etc.) supporting forestry, agroecology, climate change, and livelihoods programs.
2. Research Grants and Fellowships: Funding for student research, academic collaborations, and capacity-building programs. IAAS MoU includes research grants and internship placements for agroecology students.
3. Training and Technical Assistance: Revenue from organizing training programs, workshops, and providing technical assistance to government agencies (Ministry of Forest, Bagmati Province), community organizations, and development partners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

ForestAction Nepal is a non-profit research and policy engagement organization that conducts participatory action research and delivers capacity-building programs in forestry, agroecology, biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable livelihoods. It produces peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and training modules, and convenes multi-stakeholder policy dialogues such as the Ban Chautari series to connect research with government and community decision-makers across Nepal. Revenue is generated through donor-funded grants and technical assistance projects executed in partnership with government agencies, international development partners, and community forest user groups.

Product overview

ForestAction Nepal is a non-profit research and policy engagement organization that does not offer a traditional software product. Its 'products' consist primarily of knowledge publications including the Journal of Forest and Livelihood (academic journal), Hamro Ban Sampada (Nepali publication), Policy Briefs, Books/Book Chapters, Manuals, Guidebooks, Annual Reports, and E-Newsletters. The organization also manages the EnLiFT (Enhancing Livelihoods and Food Security from Agroforestry and Community Forestry) research program. These publications and programs represent ForestAction Nepal's core offerings in forestry, biodiversity, landscape, agriculture and food systems, climate change, sustainable livelihoods, and GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EnLiFT: Enhancing Livelihoods and Food Security from Agroforestry and Community Forestry in Nepal - an action research project series (EnLiFT 1 and EnLiFT 2).

Products and services

• Journal of Forest and Livelihood A peer-reviewed academic journal publishing research on forestry, agriculture, biodiversity, and climate change topics for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Hamro Ban Sampada (हाम्रो बन सम्पदा) A Nepali-language publication covering forest resources and related topics for Nepali-speaking communities, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Policy Briefs Brief policy recommendations and analysis on forestry, agriculture, and environmental topics for government decision-makers and policy stakeholders.
• Books and Book Chapters Academic books and book chapters documenting research on natural resource management for researchers, students, and policy professionals.
• Manuals and Guidebooks Technical manuals and guidelines for field implementation of forest management, agroecology, and community forestry practices.
• E-Newsletters Regular electronic newsletters providing updates on organizational activities, publications, and project developments for subscribers.
• EnLiFT Project (Enhancing Livelihoods and Food Security from Agroforestry and Community Forestry) An action research project series focused on improving forest management practices, livelihoods, and environmental impact through community forestry and agroforestry interventions in Nepal's mid-hills.
• Forest Fire Training Program Structured training program delivered to forest officers, Nepal Police, Army, Armed Police Force, and community forest user groups on forest fire prevention and response coordination.
• Soil Restoration Participatory Action Research Program Participatory action research program engaging smallholder farmers as co-researchers in soil restoration through composting, mulching, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and vermicomposting on steep terrain.
• Jalthal Biodiversity Assessment Program Systematic biodiversity assessment program combining participatory field methods with scientific plot navigation for biodiversity documentation and invasive species management in the Jalthal forest.

Quantifiable outcome

• 220 vegetation plots sampled, 4000+ trees measured, 90+ tree species documented in Jalthal forest
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Heifer International NepalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026Supports the Practitioners' Forum on Regenerative Agriculture and the BAGAR (Building Agroforestry-based Adaptation Plans for Resilient Floodplains) project, collaborating on agroecology initiatives and capacity building for climate adaptation in floodplain communities.
• Alliance of Agriculture for Food (AAF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2026ForestAction Nepal serves as the Secretariat of AAF, a coalition coordinating civil society organizations, farmer federations (FECOFUN, AFFON), and agricultural groups. AAF organizes policy dialogues on fertilizers, organic agriculture, and agricultural transformation.
• Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuvan UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2026MoU signed on 12 March 2026 for academic and research collaboration. ForestAction supports IAAS students through research grants, internship placements, and field-based learning opportunities in agroecology and natural resource management.
• Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) IndiamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2025Implementing CAFIN project with ForestAction Nepal as implementing partner. CPI India oversees the climate finance initiative targeting women and social enterprises in Nepal, conducting assessments of women-led enterprises and climate finance opportunities.
• International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Collaboration on biodiversity data mobilization workshop supported by GBIF. ForestAction Nepal led the national consultation on enhancing biodiversity data mobilization from Nepal, with ICIMOD providing technical support.
• NDRRMA Nepal (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2024Joint organization of four-day forest fire prevention and response consultation/training in Dhulikhel, Kavre. NDRRMA collaboration involves Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army, and community forest user groups.
• Southasia Institute of Advanced Studies (SIAS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 December 2012Collaborated with SIAS and Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) on a half-day knowledge sharing workshop on 'Understanding Meso-level Institutional Responses to Climate Change' held in 2012.
• Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh (RBGE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on the Jalthal Biodiversity Project for conservation of the 6000-hectare Jalthal forest island in eastern Nepal. Partnership focuses on invasive species management, biodiversity documentation, and community-based forest restoration in collaboration with FECOFUN Jhapa.
• Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration across multiple projects including forest fire training, Jalthal biodiversity conservation, timber economy Ban Chautari, and women entrepreneur support. FECOFUN represents Nepal's extensive community forestry user network.
• International Forestry Resources and Institutions (IFRI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForestAction hosts and coordinates the IFRI-Nepal Collaborative Research Center, engaging in international comparative research on forest resources and institutions.
• Mountain Partnership (FAO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating member of the Mountain Partnership, a UN Food and Agriculture Organization initiative focused on sustainable mountain development.
• Himalayan Grassroots Women's Natural Resource Management Association (HIMAWANTI Nepal)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in the WEE-FS (Economic Empowerment of Women through Forest Solutions) project alongside AFFON and FenFIT, focusing on women's economic empowerment through forest-based enterprises.
• Association of Family Forest Owner's, Nepal (AFFON)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in the WEE-FS project for economic empowerment of women through forest solutions, collaborating on forest-based enterprise development.
• The Asia Foundation (TAF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint team activities on Natural Resource Management and Management Authority interaction, with ForestAction Nepal collaborating on policy engagement and research dissemination.
• Australian Volunteers ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in forest fire prevention and response training event alongside NDRRMA and DFAT, providing volunteer support for capacity building in forest fire management.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• REDA Foundation (Resource Experts for Development and Action): A Nepal-based NGO working on forestry governance, climate change adaptation, and livelihood programs. Comparable in thematic focus and Nepal geography, though smaller and less established than ForestAction, with overlapping policy engagement in Bagmati and federal forestry reform.

Broad incumbents

• WWF Nepal: The Nepal office of WWF, engaged in forest landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community-based natural resource management. Comparable in thematic focus on forests, biodiversity, and community engagement, but operates at much larger scale with global WWF infrastructure.
• ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development): A regional intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre covering the Hindu Kush Himalaya, with active programs in forestry, biodiversity, and climate adaptation. Comparable as a peer institution conducting applied research and convening policy dialogues, but operating at a regional (8-country) scale versus ForestAction's Nepal focus.
• IUCN Nepal: The Nepal country office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, working on biodiversity, forest governance, and climate change policy. Comparable as a peer NGO engaged in policy advocacy and conservation programming in Nepal, but with global IUCN backing and substantially larger resources.
• NTNC (National Trust for Nature Conservation): Nepal's premier conservation trust managing protected areas, biodiversity research, and community-based conservation programs. Comparable as a Nepal-based conservation and forestry NGO but operates at significantly larger scale with government mandate and direct site management.
• CIFOR-ICRAF South Asia: The South Asia program of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, conducting global comparative research on forests, landscapes, and livelihoods. Comparable as a peer research organization on forestry and agroforestry, but with global CGIAR backing and significantly larger scale.

Direct peers

• HIMAWANTI Nepal: A national federation of Himalayan grassroots women focused on natural resource management and gender-responsive forestry. Comparable as a peer Nepal-based NGO engaging with CFUGs and forestry policy, with overlapping partnership networks (e.g., WEE-FS consortium with ForestAction).
• LI-BIRD (Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development): A Nepal-based non-profit research organization applying participatory action research to biodiversity, agroecology, and climate adaptation. Highly comparable to ForestAction Nepal in mission, methodology (PAR), donor base (IDRC, SDC), and target communities (smallholder farmers and rural populations across Nepal).
• FECOFUN (Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal): A national federation representing Nepal's community forest user groups. While ForestAction is a collaborator rather than direct competitor, FECOFUN is the primary grassroots network for community forestry — directly comparable in constituency (CFUGs) and policy advocacy on forest governance.
• ANSAB (Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources): A Nepal-based NGO focused on sustainable natural resource management, enterprise development, and value chains for forest and agricultural products. Comparable in mission, Nepal focus, donor-funded model, and engagement with community forestry user groups and smallholder producers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCJqShK8h3aIFwjPzVF-2pnA
• Facebookfacebook.com/Enlift-Nepal-242800296601260
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nepalforestaction-nepal
• Instagraminstagram.com/enliftnepal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about ForestAction Nepal