Kathmandu: Nepal has witnessed a notable increase in its forest cover, which grew by 0.75 percent between 2019 and 2022, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the Forest Research and Training Center (FRTC) under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, in collaboration with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Key Findings
Forest Area Increase:
In 2022, Nepal’s forest area accounted for 46.08% of the total land area (6.8 million hectares), compared to 45.33% in 2019.

Land-Use Changes:
The increase in forest area has largely resulted from the transformation of other wooded lands and some cultivable areas into forested lands.

Current Land Distribution:

19% of the total land comprises rocks, snow, glaciers, riverine wastelands, built-up areas, water bodies, and open land.
Agricultural land: In the Tarai region, agricultural land accounted for 65.4% of the total area in 2022.
Regional Forest Cover:

Tarai Region: Forest cover increased significantly, with 73.67% under forest.
Chure Region: Forest cover reached 64.54%.
Mid-Hills Region: Forested land accounted for 57.20%.
Grasslands in the Mountainous Region
In the mountainous areas, 41.59% of the total area is now covered by grassland, underscoring the importance of high-altitude ecosystems alongside forest conservation.

Strategic Importance
FRTC Director General Dr. Rajendra KC emphasized that the report serves as a critical resource for national and international organizations in monitoring land-use changes and formulating strategic plans.

He noted that the periodic data will aid in:

Conducting further research.
Drafting practical policies for forest management.
Coordinating forest development and related initiatives.
Implications
The growth in forest cover highlights Nepal's commitment to sustainable land management and climate resilience. It also reflects progress in reforestation and land conservation efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Chure and mid-hills areas.

This positive trend is expected to contribute to Nepal's environmental goals and bolster its role in global initiatives for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.