Community-managed forests (CMF) provide vital ecosystem services (ES) for local
communities. However, the status and trend of ES in CMF have not been assessed in many
developing countries because of a lack of appropriate data, tools, appropriate policy or
management framework. Using a case study of community-managed forested landscape in
central Nepal, this paper aims to identify and map priority ES and assess the temporal change
in the provision of ES between 1990 and 2013. Semi-structured interviews, focus group
discussions, transect walks and participatory mapping were used to identify and assess
priority ES. The results indicated that community forestry has resulted in the substantial
restoration of forests on degraded lands over the period of 1990 to 2013. Local community
members and experts consider that this restoration has resulted in a positive impact on various
ES beneficial for local, regional, national and international users. Priority ES identified in the
study included timber, firewood, freshwater, carbon sequestration, water regulation, soil
protection, landscape beauty as well as biodiversity.