Biodiversity conservation initiative in Nepal

Abstract

The study aims to assess the biodiversity conservation initiative in Nepal. The focus group discussion, score ranking, key informant interview, field observation methods were used to collect the information from the study areas. The study focused on Terai Arc landscape, National Conservation Areas and Sacred Himalayan Landscape of Nepal. In the areas around 5000 ha forests have been restored in different critical corridors and 1085 ha grassland had been managed across TAL which has supported in improving quality habitat for Tiger, its prey based species and other wildlife species. The overwhelming majority of the respondents (98.63%) have found happy with the programs because the improvement of sustainable livelihoods of the poor people, conservation of species and ecosystem conservation, sustainable forest management, alternative energy and conservation education and capacity building of women, men, youths, ethnic groups and conflict affected people. There has been increased species population like tiger, rhino, snow leopard, blue sheep etc; increased community stewardship, habitat restoration and livelihood enhancement. The program launched with government and civil society organizations that lead to sustainability of the program. There have been faced challenges in order to wildlife conservation that include human-wildlife conflict, limited resources, transboundary movement and wildlife trade etc.