The Chepang Landscape is a large area in Nepal that the government has proposed as an OECM, a kind of conserved place. Local Chepang people manage many small forests on the hills.
The landscape supports wild fruit, medicinal plants and many birds. It also links to a nearby national park and helps animals move between forests. People are concerned about land ownership and about rules that could stop traditional practices. Officials and community groups need to talk and agree on fair rules and benefits.
Difficult words
- manage — to take care of and control something
- conserve — to protect and keep things for the futureconserved
- support — to help or give what is neededsupports
- ownership — the legal right to own land or things
- traditional — from older local customs and practices
- benefit — something that helps people or communitiesbenefits
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Discussion questions
- Why should officials and community groups talk before making rules?
- What fair benefits could help local Chepang people?
- Do you think it is important to link small forests to a national park? Why or why not?
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