Mahuwa Mission – 2024: A Community-Led Indigenous Agroforestry Initiative
The Mahuwa Mission is a flagship initiative by Mahuwa Wine & Beverages Pvt. Ltd. that blends traditional knowledge, sustainable agroforestry, and community empowerment. At its core, the mission aims to restore and expand the indigenous Mahuwa tree population in Nepal—while uplifting the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), particularly women-led community forest user groups.
By collaborating with community forests, forest user groups (CFUGs), government agencies, and civil society, the Mahuwa Mission contributes to reforestation, climate resilience, and cultural revival through the conservation of the Mahuwa tree—known for its edible flowers, medicinal value, and spiritual significance among Tharu and other indigenous communities.
- Major Plantation Achievements
- 1,000 Mahuwa trees planted in Dang (2024)
Under the leadership of Founder Sandesh Chaudhary, Mahuwa Mission 2024 successfully planted 1,000 Mahuwa seedlings in a community forest in Dang. The effort was carried out in coordination with the Division Forest Office in Ghorahi and Nepalgunj, with seedlings supplied by both offices. - Ambitious growth targets
After meeting the first-year goal, Sandesh Chaudhary announced intentions to double the target to 2,000 Mahuwa plants in the 2025 phase—complete with structured monitoring and management.
- Community Partnerships & Capacity Building
- Empowering forest user groups (CFUGs)
Women, indigenous peoples, Dalits, and marginalized CF users were actively involved in tree‑planting operations—tasks like cleaning the forest, pruning, digging, hole-preparation, and planting seedlings. These activities enabled shared responsibility in forest management and fostered income-generating participation. - Collaboration with Ambeshwori Mahila Community Forest (CF)
- One hectare of the 6.3-hectare forest (in Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City‑13) was dedicated to planting 1000 Mahuwa trees, alongside Khair, Teak, and fruit trees.
- The CF is led by over 80 women-headed households (about 200 people), showcasing female-driven governance.
- In partnership with Sandesh and via the Division Forest Office, the community received financial assistance for clearing, hole-digging, as well as 1,200 additional seedlings (Khair and Teak). Nepal Army personnel also participated in planting exercises.
- Forest Management, Support & Recognition
- Capacity & institutional strengthening
The Ambeshwori Mahila CF was initially registered in 2051 B.S. and solidified its legal status in 2076 B.S. It overcame civil war-era threats with support from institutions including the Nepal Army.
Today, the forest is flourishing, with long-term plans to develop it as a picnic/tourism destination, further strengthening its communal and economic value. - Support across governance layers
The Mission engaged closely with government offices—from Division Forest to local ward-level collaboration—ensuring technical support, seedling sourcing, and financial assistance. Community members themselves lead day-to-day forest maintenance.
- Cultural, Economic & Environmental Impacts
- Boosting local livelihoods
Through active engagement by women and marginalized groups, the Mission fostered economic opportunities linked to forest roles and future non-timber forest products (like Mahuwa flowers/wine). - Reviving traditional agroforestry
Integration of Mahuwa trees in community forests helps preserve indigenous agroforestry practices, restore biodiversity, and sustain cultural traditions tied to Mahuwa wine production. - Reforestation & ecosystem resilience
Planting native trees contributes to ecosystem restoration, carbon sequestration, and strengthened forest cover in Dang region.
- Involvements & Integration
| Stakeholder | Role & Contribution |
| Mahuwa Wines & Beverages Pvt. Ltd | Organized mission strategy, resources, monitoring & technical support |
| Division Forest Offices (Ghorahi, Nepalgunj) | Supplied seedlings, coordinating with CFUGs and Nepal Army |
| Community Forest User Groups (e.g. Ambeshwori Mahila CF) | Managed land allocation, participated actively, established forest care systems |
| Marginalized Groups (women, Dalits, etc.) | Provided labor, leadership & capacity in CF management |
| Nepal Army | Assisted in plantation events, offering additional manpower |
| Local Government Administrations (ward offices) | Enabled regulatory, legal, and financial support |
- Future Directions
- Scaling up plantation: Targeting 2,000 trees in 2025 with consistent monitoring.
- Tourism potential: Planning eco-tourism and picnic zones within rehabilitated forests (e.g. Ambeshwori CF).
- Sustaining empowerment: Ensuring continued involvement of women, tribal communities, and marginalized groups with a focus on technical development and income-generation.
The Mahuwa Mission represents a holistic fusion of environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and social empowerment. Key achievements include large-scale plantation, building CFUG capacities (especially women-led groups), collaboration with forestry experts, and forging multi-layer governance partnerships. The next steps—doubling tree targets, eco-tourism, and further community empowerment—reflect a sustainable and inclusive model for community forestry.