The Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN) is a national umbrella organization of community forestry user groups (CFUGs) across Nepal. FECOFUN works to protect and promote the rights, responsibilities, and benefits of forest-dependent communities. It is one of the largest civil society networks in Nepal, representing millions of forest users through thousands of community forest groups.
FECOFUN advocates for community-based natural resource management, ensuring that local communities—especially women, indigenous peoples, marginalized groups, and poor households—can participate meaningfully in decision-making processes related to forest governance. The organization actively engages in policy dialogue, capacity building, community empowerment, and sustainable forest management.FECOFUN supports community forestry groups in areas such as forest conservation, biodiversity protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, livelihood improvement, good governance, and natural resource-based enterprises. It collaborates with government agencies, development partners, civil society networks, and local communities to strengthen inclusive and equitable forest governance.
The organization, with financial support from DGM Nepal, has initiated a community-based enterprise in Bardibas-3 focused on producing duna and tapari (eco-friendly leaf plates). The project targets two local community groups, providing them with the necessary machinery and technical support to manufacture these sustainable products.
The initiative aims to enhance livelihoods by creating employment opportunities for community members, particularly those who previously had limited income sources. By utilizing locally available leaves (pat), the project ensures that raw materials are efficiently and sustainably used, converting natural resources into marketable, environmentally friendly products.
Beyond economic benefits, this project contributes to environmental conservation. The production and promotion of leaf-based products help reduce reliance on plastic and non-biodegradable alternatives, thereby supporting sustainable waste management and eco-friendly practices in the community.
Overall, the project integrates livelihood promotion, sustainable resource management, and environmental protection, fostering both economic growth and ecological responsibility within the local community.