The third general assembly of Federation of Community Forestry, Users' Nepal (FECOFUN) was recently held in Kathmandu (December 21 to 26, 06). Three hundred and sixty eight representatives and more than five hundreds observers attended the general assembly from across  Nepal. The assembly elected a new leadership to run its apex body for three years to come. Those elected persons in key positions are; Mr. Ghanashyam Panday (chairperson), Ms. Samjana Thapalia (Vice Chair person), Mr. Bhola Bhattarai (General Secretary) and Ms. Bharati Pathak (Treasurer).

Besides the provision of one female and one male representing all fourteen zones of Nepal in the National Executive Committee, the general assembly approved and mandated a special proposition for action to entertain the inclusiveness in FECOFUN's leadership. The purpose of this kind of proposition was to address the concerns related to multi-ethnicity, Dalits, regional imbalance and the poorest groups. The conditions for reservation in the National Executive Committee are as defined below:

1. Two men and two women representatives exclusively from the groups of Terai-origin or Madeshis. (Madhesis: culturally close to Indians). However, the ethnic minorities and distant users are required to be included. (The flat area of southern Nepal is called Terai.)
2. Two men and two women representatives from Community Forest Users' groups of Terai region. One Dalit and one ethnic minority representatives are mandatory among the four persons.  (This provision is for maintaining regional balance in the leadership.)
3. Two men and two women representatives from high mountainous districts. Only persons from ethnic groups and Dalits are eligible for this reservation.
4. One male and one female representative from Dalits from across Nepal. (Dalit refers to so-called untouchables as defined by Hindu caste system.)
5. One male and one female representative from the Ethnic Groups from all over Nepal.
6. One male and one female representative from physically handicapped people.
7. One male and one female representative from the poorest of the poor.

From now on, the National Executive Council (NEC) of FECOFUN  is composed of 53 members which include; the elected 28 persons representing all fourteen zones of the country, 20 persons elected from the reserved quota for multi-ethnicity, Dalits, regional imbalance, physical  handicapped persons and the poorest groups, plus 5 members nominated by central committee. The election takes place during general assembly provisioned with equitable representation of women. Another major change within FECOFUN from the third general assembly  is its structure, that is, Federation is comprised of three tiers like Village or Range post, District, and Central level committees. In addition to such a structure, the justice and program development/monitoring committees are also established within FECOFUN's NEC.

The constitution of FECOFUN has been amended by the general assembly and the amendment incorporates above mentioned points. The same assembly has approved the vision, mission, strategies and programs of FECOFUN to shape its future direction (see strategic plan). Almost all representatives during assembly expressed that the apex body of FECOFUN  should further continue  advocacy role to retain users' rights, together with technical and institutional strengthening support to its constituent CFUGs to ensure their growth and dynamism. They also said that such an act could be launched through District FECOFUN.

It is worthwhile to mention once again here that the financial and moral support of Ford Foundation enabled FECOFUN to reach this stage.  However, District FECOFUNs are still in need of capacity building. On the same line, the third general assembly has passed a special resolution to make a request to Ford Foundation for financial assistance to run an Institutional Strengthening Project in order to strengthen District-FECOFUNs, under the coordination of center FECOFUN.