Transiting to green growth:
natural resources in Nepal (TGG-N)

Trade has the potential to drive the transition to a green economy by promoting sustainable resource use, generating employment, and contributing to poverty alleviation. However, lack of empirically-based knowledge renders this transition difficult. This research project will investigate how the transition to green growth can be undertaken in the MAP sector in Nepal.  The sector involves millions of people and has potential to promote pro-poor employment and earnings as well as sustainable resource use. The project focuses on (i) identifying, describing and quantifying production networks for MAPs traded in and from Nepal to India and China, and (ii) identifying points of intervention that enhances job creation, increase earnings, and promote sustainable resource use. Data is generated through transnational production network actor interviews, from harvesters through traders to end consumers and regulatory bodies, and ecological inventories. The project is developed and managed by the University of Copenhagen, the Federation of Community Forestry Users in Nepal, Tribhuvan University and the Agriculture and Forestry University in Nepal, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Project outcomes will inform the development of policies and strategies for transiting to green growth in natural resource sectors in low income countries. Outputs include international papers, policy briefs, strengthening Nepalese partners’ human and social capital, and sector-wide stakeholder participation.