Nepali origins:

Forest Action UK's origins run against the grain of many development related organisations that have links in the South and North. Forest Action UK grew from the South to the North, inspired by the example set by our sister organisation. Our roots are very much in the realities of local people that are at the heart of ForestAction Nepal's work and we remain committed to the spirit of those realities in all our activities.

Nepal is a good example of a less developed country that has achieved significantly in the area of participatory management of natural resources (especially in participatory forestry). However, despite these impressive results in Nepal, there is still a lot to be achieved - particularly since the country is now slowly recovering and moving towards peace after a decade of violent armed conflict. The declaration of the Republic in April 2008 has opened up an exciting political space for the emergence of democracy. Yet, Nepal is still one of the poorest countries in the world. The promotion of civil society and good governance is now more important in Nepal than ever.

Forest Action UK consists of a core individuals who have, in their various ways, learned and benefited from working and living in Nepal and from the hospitality of Nepali people. Consequently, we wish to build on and strengthen the links already established with Nepal and utilise them for the mutual benefit of Nepal's people (especially the most disadvantaged people) as well as those people in other countries in a similar situation. As an organisation, we will therefore utilise our particular experience and capacities to return something of lasting benefit to both Nepal and the UK.