FORESTRESTORATION, NEPAL
After celebrating the power and beauty of U.S. forests, America’s Forests with Chuck Leavell is growing into a 5-part international series – spotlighting breakthrough stories of sustainable forestry and climate resilience around the world.
The pilot episode takes us to Nepal, where one of the world’s most successful forest restoration movements is being led by local communities. Since the early 1990s, communities in Nepal have reclaimed ownership of their landscapes – and the results are extraordinary.
SUCCESS
Through community-led stewardship and natural regeneration, Nepal has doubled its forest cover and restored 66,800 hectares in the south. These efforts have tripled its wild tiger population and stabilized species like rhinos and elephants, earning recognition as a UN World Restoration Flagship.
CHUCK WILL
- Discover community-led forest revival across Nepal’s diverse landscapes
- Connect through music, culture, and nature with local stewards
- Share a scalable, equitable climate solution with global relevance
With heart, soul, and science, this episode shows how reforestation isn’t about planting trees—it’s about planting hope.
WHY NEPAL, WHY NOW
Nepal’s forest revival is the result of visionary policy and local leadership. Since the early 1990s, over 22,000 Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) have helped restore tens of thousands of hectares of degraded land. Forest cover has surged from ~26% to ~45%, largely through natural regeneration, not just tree planting.
THE EXPERIENCE
- Two community-led restoration success stories with powerful before/after visuals
- Intimate wildlife cinematography featuring tigers, rhinos, and more
- Chuck’s personal journey blending tree planting, music, and a message of climate hope
PRODUCTION & BUDGET
- Proposed Budget (Pilot Episode – Nepal) TOTAL = $550,000
- Production team: Highly experienced, environmentally conscious crew with deep experience in Nepal
- Filming window: September–October 2025.
CHUCK LEAVELL
HOST & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Internationally known as the longtime keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, Chuck Leavell is also one of America’s leading voices for forest stewardship. A recipient of the U.S. Forest Service Lifetime Achievement Award, Chuck co-owns and manages Charlane Plantation, a certified tree farm in Georgia, and co-founded Mother Nature Network. He brings unmatched charisma, credibility, and connection to every story he tells – blending art, science, and soul.
photo credits: Peter Mangolds & Jocelyn Stokes