What is happening to the forests of Kanchanpur (Nepal) present a compelling case for direct government intervention. The rate in which these forests are being depleted-more than one thousand hectares every year for the past twelve years-is to say the least, alarming. Thirty six years ago, forests comprised 70 percent of the total area of Kanchanpur. Today forests cover only 53 percent of the total area and it is estimated that almost three hectares of forest are destroyed every day. (editorial)