Finland supports the community of Hariyali as part of a Multi-stakeholder Forestry programme. The programme in Hariyali is very diverse – the primary aims are in forestry, conservation and climate change adaptation. Equally important targets, that also enable the nature conversation, are building livelihood and income, women empowerment and collaboration with local NGOs in community development.
Hariyali is 73 household group located in the Terai region in the district of Kapilvastu. Hariyalis are mainly from the Tharu ethnic group where the women are known for making handicrafts from local materials.
Finland supports the Hariyali community as part of Multi-stakeholder Forestry programme. The core of the project is sustainable forest management. Other emphases are climate change adaptation and biodiversity development. The work in national level has paid off – for example the forest cover in Nepal has increased by more than five percent according to the report on state of forests of Nepal 2016.
Besides the themes related to protecting the nature, the project in Hariyali community includes, amongst other things, weaving and selling traditional Tharu baskets. According to the members of the community the income from the sold products has exceeded the expectations. The group is also aiming to participate in national and international handicraft fairs.
Especially women are also active in kitchen gardening as men are more committed to taking care of the community fish bond. Goat and pig farming are also part of the supported activities in the community. One of the main gains of the programme is to create employment possibilities in otherwise very demanding financial situation.
To achieve the goals in the forest management the community has to be viewed as an entity. In order to successfully invest to forestry and nature conservation the community members need a source of livelihood. Growing and harvesting forests takes decades and the financial gain is a result of patient long-term work. Without raising awareness, committing to shared goals, networking and ensuring livelihoods the exploitation of forests is very difficult to prevent.
"We used to be just at home, but selling baskets have taken us to the world and opened possibilities" says a Tharu lady who is involved in the community activities.
Women's voice was strongly present when the community and the stakeholders met in March 2016 during a field trip of the Finnish Embassy. The women, with other community members, presented the activities, gains and difficulties, to the visitors. There are few more women than men in the community's executive committee and the decision making is shared by both men and women.
The women in Hariyali highlighted the importance of community based approach of the programme and emphasized that networking with local organizations creates security for the future. Raising awareness and educating the members of the community increases the possibilities to develop the community to be more self-sufficient.
Sannakaisa Janhonen
The Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu
Updated 4/5/2016
