This document summarizes the experiences and lessons learned from buffer zone community forests (BZCFs) in Nepal for improving biodiversity. It discusses how BZCFs have evolved in Nepal to involve local community management of forest areas outside protected areas. BZCFs have achieved increased forest cover and wildlife populations while also providing economic benefits to communities. However, issues still exist such as inconsistent policies, elite dominance of management groups, and human-wildlife conflicts. Overall, BZCFs have shown benefits to conservation but still require improvements in equitable resource sharing and addressing challenges to fully realize their potential.