Green Growth, Growing Gaps: Nepal’s forest cover soars 46%, but timber imports still rule

Nepal's forest coverage has expanded to 46.08 percent, yet the country paradoxically faces rising timber imports. Despite the potential for self-reliance, inefficient forest management and policy setbacks have hindered timber production. Agricultural land is shrinking as forests grow, and misaligned regulations prevent optimal resource utilization. Experts argue that scientific forest management could boost timber exports and generate billions in revenue, but government actions have instead fueled dependency on imported wood. Bureaucratic hurdles and financial interests further obstruct Nepal’s ability to harness its own natural wealth, raising concerns about the future of sustainable forestry and economic growth.