Kathmandu, July 12 -- The northern side of East-West Highway in Gaindakot, Nawalparasi, used to be an open barren land a little over two decades ago. What little vegetation that grew in the area would burn down every summer due to bushfires.

Twenty-four years ago, the residents of Gaindakot decided to do something about this. They formed Sundari Community Forest Users' Group and began planting trees in the area.

Their efforts paid off eventually. The once arid landscape gradually came to life. Over the years, saplings became trees while grass and shrubbery also thrived. All the while the Gaindakot residents made a point of allowing the young forest to grow in the most natural way possible.

"Even when the locals needed firewood for cons...