NP0016 Nepal: Annapurna Conservation Area

Project Summary:
Launched in 1986, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
is WWF's largest programme in Nepal. Operating under the supervision
of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, a semiautonomous
organization, it is headquartered in Ghandruk with a liaison office
in Pokhara. For its strategy of resource management through local
community involvement in areas of forestry, tourism, alternate
energy, and other sectors of conservation, it has won several
awards. ACAP has been cited as a model of integrated conservation
and development projects for the world. WWF will continue to support
ACAP until it reaches its goal of selfsufficiency from increasing
tourist entry fees.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 30 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 20 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 50 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 50 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), launched in 1986,
is WWF's largest undertaking in Nepal, supervised by the King
Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation. The project's strategy
of resource management through local community involvement in
the fields of forestry, tourism, alternate energy, and other sectors
of conservation, has been hailed as a model of successfully integrated
conservation and development. ACAP's greatest success so far has
been the level of local community commitment to the project. Its
achievements to date include the planting of some 50,000 seedlings
annually, training for local lodge owners, demonstration plots
on agroforestry, operation of a prototype microhydro station
and kerosene depots, demonstration of solar power and heat storage
units, community health clinics with family planning services,
education programmes in schools, and adult literacy programmes
for men and women.
Project Objectives:
1. To manage natural resources on a sustainable basis for biological
conservation and to fulfil basic human needs.
2. To improve the quality of life of people through provision
of community development programmes.
3. To improve people's attitudes towards conservation and development.
4. To preserve cultural heritage by working with the rich and
diverse ethnic culture of the region.
5. To develop a database on the sociological, cultural, and biological
diversity of the Annapurna region.
6. To develop human resources for the management of the Annapurna
Conservation Area.
7. To empower local communities to manage their natural resources.
NP0016.2: Annapurna Conservation Area - Strategic Plan (Extension)
(Jun. 85 - Jun. 96)
Activity Background:
WWF will continue to support ACAP until it reaches its goal of
selfsufficiency through tourist entry fee revenues, probably
by 1998-99. During the WWF fiscal year 1994-95, ACAP was supported
for ongoing programmes such as natural resource conservation,
sustainable rural development, conservation education, and ecotourism.
The highlights of 1994-95 activities included a participatory
monitoring and evaluation workshop, establishment of a biodiversity
database, and local community participation in conservation eduction
training. In 1995-96 support was continued to strengthen the capacity
of the local grass roots organizations such as ACAP's conservation
and development committees. WWF continued to help enhance the
capabilities of project staff in monitoring and evaluation and
conservation education, and one senior staff member was sponsored
for a natural resource management MSc degree in the UK. From WWF
fiscal year 1996-97, support will continue for capacity building,
including strategic planning and preparation of a management plan
for the ACAP area.
Activity Objectives:
1. To review and prepare a management plan for ACAP to manage
natural resources on a sustainable basis, for biological conservation
and fulfilment of basic human needs.
2. To develop a strategic plan for ACAP through staff participation.
3. To develop human resources for the management of ACAP.
NP0019 Nepal: Institutional Support for the Department of National
Parks and Wildlife Conservation
Project Summary:
WWF has provide institutional support for the Department of National
Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) since 1990. In September
1994 a supplementary agreement was signed with DNPWC, opening
a new avenue of mutual cooperation with government agencies. Further
funding will be necessary in assisting the DNPWC to establish
a biodiversity database, further advancing conservation awareness
programmes, enabling staff to attend technical meetings and workshops,
and continuing antipoaching activities in and around the
parks. The department is also being assisted with editorial support
to enhance reporting capability.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 100
|
Project Background:
WWF has provide institutional support for the Department of National
Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) since 1990. Activities
have included the procurement of communications equipment and
vehicles, conducting censuses (e.g. of rhinos), a wardens' conference,
training of department staff, production of exhibits, and support
for television spots for public awareness. Funding has also been
provided for field gear and equipment for antipoaching units
in the lowland parks; this is now an indispensable component of
National Park activities. In September 1994 a supplementary agreement
was signed with DNPWC, opening a new avenue of mutual cooperation
with government agencies. Support since then has gone towards
essential equipment such as computers, audiovisual materials,
and further field gear, as well as staff participation in training
programmes, conservation education programmes in the schools around
the protected areas, and anti-poaching activities in Royal Chitwan
National Park and Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve. Further
funding will be necessary in assisting the DNPWC to establish
a biodiversity database, further advancing conservation awareness
programmes, enabling staff to attend technical meetings and workshops,
and continuing antipoaching activities in and around the
parks. The department is also being assisted with editorial support
to enhance reporting capability.
Project Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To provide support to the Department of National Parks and
Wildlife Conservation to effectively implement its conservation
activities in Nepal's protected areas.
Specific objectives:
2. To provide the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
with emergency help to acquire equipment and funds when required,
such as in the case of antipoaching work.
3. To support the staff in participating in overseas seminars
and training.
4. To support production of educational materials, e.g. for displays
and television spots.
5. To provide infrastructural support, e.g. office equipment,
furniture, and other materials.
6. To enable DNPWC staff to attend regional courses in wildlife
conservation and parks management.
NP0019.2: Institutional Support to Department of NP and
Wildlife Conservation (Extension) (Jul. 94 - Jul. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0022 Nepal: Strategy for the Management, Protection, and
Improvement of Shey Pkoksundo National Park
Project Summary:
Located in a remote part of Nepal, the Shey Phoksundo region is
a backward area in terms of modern economic activities. WWF's
support has been instrumental in developing physical infrastructure
and human resources for the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Along
with some infrastructural development, an operational plan has
been prepared for which WWF support is crucial for implementation.
The project's objective is to manage the natural resources of
the park and help elevate the living standards of local people
through a process of community participation. Project activities
include biodiversity and wildlife surveys, park protection measures,
pasture management, and conservation and development programmes,
including ecotourism, conservation education, alternate energy,
and infrastructure strengthening.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 50 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 20 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 30 |
Non-Priority Biomes 50 | |
|
Species 0Non-Biome Specific 0 |
| Sustainable Resource Use 50 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Shey Phoksundo National Park, with its rich biological diversity,
unique TransHimalayan ecology and stark natural beauty,
is unique in Nepal. This area was set aside to protect one of
the last wild habitats of such endangered species as snow leopard,
wild yak, Tibetan antelope, and wild ass. WWF's support has been
instrumental in developing physical infrastructure and human resources
for the park since 1993. Staff quarters, office buildings, trails
and tourist camping sites are already completed. The infrastructure
development, coupled with the provision of field equipment, has
greatly improved working conditions for park guards. Another significant
WWF contribution has been training for park staff. Two midlevel
staff members, natives of the region, received training in park
management at Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal. The Shey Phoksundo
warden, Mr Nima Wangchu Sherpa, completed his Master's degree
in range science at Montana State University. Recently, groups
of local leaders and teachers completed a study tour in Chitwan
and Pokhara. Similarly, local women are training in income generation
in Chitwan. A forest nursery was also established to promote fastgrowing
species.
Project Objectives:
1. To improve and maintain local living standards while safeguarding
the region's unique environmental and cultural heritage.
2. To develop alternative income sources which promote sustainable
natural resource management.
3. To develop a tourism management plan which benefits local
people and moderates environmental and cultural impacts of tourism
on this sensitive region.
4. To reduce the impacts of grazing through improved livestock
and pasture management, i.e. improved fodder quality, increased
livestock productivity, rotational grazing schemes, and strengthened
local rangeland management organizations.
5. To maintain existing forest cover and restore degraded forests
through reforestation, agroforestry, user group forestry, alternative
energy projects, and village nurseries.
6. To strengthen the capacities of local community and government
institutions that manage and regulate the use of natural resources.
7. To develop a management plan for Shey Phoksundo National Park,
based on scientific principles and with the participation of the
local people.
8. To increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity among
local people through environmental education.
9. To increase women's participation in the development programme
through nonformal education classes that increase literacy
and teach health, sanitation, marketing, and tourism management;
and by ensuring women's active participation in all aspects of
planning and in implementing all phases of the programme.
NP0022.2: Strategy for Management, Protection and Improvement,
Shey Phoksundo (Extension) (Jul. 94 - Jul. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0023 Nepal: Field Action Research Grant
Project Summary:
Established in 1990, the first grant under the Field Action Research
Grant programme went to the Natural History Museum of Nepal. Since
then the programme has supported research into antipoaching,
ecotourism, and action research conducted by local scientists,
conservationists, and university students. Applications for small
grants are reviewed by a panel of experts. The grants have encouraged
competition among emerging scientists to develop sound proposals
with new ideas and concepts on biodiversity conservation. Ultimately,
it is envisioned that work undertaken with the assistance of this
programme will collectively strengthen the national database.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | |
Project Background:
Since its inception in 1990, this small grants programme has been
very successful in responding to immediate conservation needs,
such as antipoaching, ecotourism and action research conducted
by local scientists, conservationists and university students.
In 1994-95 some 25 research proposals were selected from over
50 applications, with a total budget of about US$36,000 and an
average funding of US$1,360 per proposal. Proposals received for
the small grants are reviewed by a panel of experts, and the grants
are administered by the field office. Most of the proposals concern
grass roots research on plants, animals, or issues such as parks
and local people. Others are concerned with conservation education
programmes and development of materials. Grants of up to US$5,000
are available and the programme has encouraged healthy competition
among emerging scientists to develop sound proposals with new
ideas and concepts on biodiversity conservation. Some example
projects have included a rhino census, the discovery of a new
orchid species, a song contest, a workshop on the control of illegal
wildlife trade, and a pesticide study. The programme is publicized
among prospective recipients, such as university students and
conservation organizations. Priority is given to supporting studies
of species and habitats for which little or no data exist. It
is envisioned that contributions from work undertaken under the
small grants programme will collectively strengthen the national
database.
Project Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To support small-scale research programmes that are relevant
to the WWF Nepal Country Plan in addressing urgent needs, protecting
conservation values, and corresponding to the established conservation
methods and mission of WWF.
Specific objectives:
2. To respond to immediate conservation needs such as antipoaching
and orchid inventory.
3. To promote new concepts and ideas on conservation such as
ecotourism and green quiz contests.
4. To encourage local scientists and students to undertake output-oriented
action research and collect basic information.
5. To support local scientists and non-governmental bodies in
expanding their conservation ideology.
NP0023.2: Action Research Grants (Extension) (Jul. 94 -
Jul. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0024 Nepal: Royal Bardia National Park Conservation Programme
Project Summary:
Established in 1976 as a wildlife reserve and gazetted as a National
Park (NP) in 1988, Royal Bardia NP was extended into the Babai
Valley in order to protect potential habitat for endangered species
such as greater onehorned rhinoceros. This involved the
translocation of nearly 1,500 families. The park has faced a number
of threats and challenges emanating from inmigration of
local people, and from the expansion of development activities
in its periphery. Serious threats and challenges are the pressures
on natural resources, wildlife accidents and crop damage, expansion
of physical infrastructure, and wildlife poaching. Under an agreement
with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation,
management and community development activities are being carried
out by the park office. This includes antipoaching work,
community forestry, wildlife damage control, public awareness,
staff training, biodiversity surveys, ecotourism and operational
plan preparation, guard posts, community services, and an information
centre. Under a separate agreement with the King Mahendra Trust
for Nature Conservation, work is carried out on wildlife monitoring,
education, and community services. This project supports the long-term
conservation programme for the park.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 100
|
Project Background:
Royal Bardia National Park encompasses diverse wildlife habitats
such as sal ("Shorea robusta" - an important timber
tree) and riverine forest, grassland, floodplain and river valleys.
As such it is a key park for the conservation of Asian wildlife.
Rhinoceros, black buck, and crocodiles have been translocated
to the park from Royal Chitwan National Park and elsewhere. Reintroduction
of 13 rhinos from Royal Chitwan National Park was carried out
in 1986, with a further 25 individuals in 1991. These rhinos are
now breeding and producing offspring, increasing the genetic variability
of the area's rhino populations. Similar efforts were made for
the endangered blackbuck in 1993, but failed due to technical
and climatic reasons. Funding of this project first came from
the Fort Worth Zoological Society, with initial management by
WWF in collaboration with the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation
and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
A 1992 evaluation emphasized the need for development of park
infrastructure, training of park staff, and monitoring of translocated
rhinoceros, crocodile, and black buck, and recommended the construction
of guard posts in the Babai valley. Under this project the park's
conservation programme will extend its community development activities
in the park's buffer zones. This will include further strengthening
of antipoaching units, preventing crop damage by wildlife,
activating conservation education and public awareness, management
of existing research stations, developing a research and monitoring
system, and developing projects that integrate the local people
with the park.
Project Objectives:
1. To establish a viable breeding population of greater onehorned
rhinoceros in Royal Bardia National Park.
2. To strengthen management and protection of the park, including
provision of equipment, guard posts, a patrol road, and technical
assistance.
3. To develop buffer zone management activities to reduce park-people
conflicts.
NP0024.2: Royal Bardia National Park Conservation Programme
(Extension) (Jul. 94 - Jul. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To promote the conservation of biodiversity in and around
Royal Bardia National Park by strengthening the capacity of local
institutions responsible for resource management and conservation
in Bardia area.
Specific objectives:
2. To improve management in the National Park.
3. To conduct biological and socioeconomic inventories.
4. To establish a biological and socioeconomic database.
5. To strengthen antipoaching units.
6. To strengthen management capacities through training and equipment.
7. To re-demarcate park boundaries.
8. To promote conservation education activities.
9. To improve sustainable agriculture and forestry practices.
10. To reduce damage from marauding wildlife.
11. To improve animal husbandry and livestock management practices.
12. To improve natural forest regeneration.
13. To promote alternative income schemes.
14. To encourage women in conservation and development activities.
15. To develop sustainable nature-based tourism.
16. To establish social services and community infrastructure.
NP0025 Nepal: Sagarmatha Pollution Control Project, Sagarmatha
National Park
Project Summary:
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sagarmatha National Park
received adverse media attention for the accumulation of garbage
produced by trekkers and mountaineers along its trails and around
camping sites. This challenging situation spurred local people
to organize clean-up programmes which received initial funding
from WWF. In addition to pollution control activities, WWF initiated
awareness programme and has been instrumental in establishing
the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) as a registered
nongovernmental organization capable of handling project
activities on its own. WWF has mediated an agreement with the
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation under which the committee
will receive RS3 million.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
|
EE & Capacity Building 0Oceans and Coasts 0
| | Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 100
|
Project Background:
Sagarmatha National Park, which extends over 1,243 sq km, is listed
as a World Heritage site for its diverse and unique flora, fauna,
and geographical conditions. Quantities of garbage deposited along
trails and around camping sites by trekkers and mountaineers necessitated
locally organized clean-up programmes, which received initial
funding from WWF. As a result, the project has created a local
institutional base for environmental conservation in the park,
which has gradually gathered momentum. The project is managed
by a local body, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC),
which is registered as a nongovernmental organization. The
executive and advisory councils of the body are chaired by the
Abbot of Tengboche Monastery, and represented by local voluntary
clubs, village development councils, and the warden of the Sagarmatha
National Park.
WWF funding has been further utilized to: (a) develop office management
guidelines and procedures for the committee; (b) develop a community
forestry management plan for the Pharak area; (c) initiate a kerosene
depot under the park management; (d) procure office equipment;
and (e) sponsor the training of two staff abroad. WWF has also
provided technical to SPCC to establish two information centres.
SPCC activities include cleaning, education and training. Under
the tripartite agreement between the government of Nepal, SPCC,
and WWF Nepal Programme, since 1993-94 the government has provided
funds for the park totalling RS5 million from "peak"
fees paid by mountaineers. Similarly, various organizations have
extended their support to cover a wide range of activities, including
provision of incinerators. Activities during 1994-95 included
implementation of the Pharak forestry plan and management guidelines,
a review of the existing operation plan, completion of the kerosene
depot at Namche, and capacity building of the SPCC staff.
Project Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To enable the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee to undertake
pollution control work and community development programmes through
local people's participation in the Khumbu region on a sustainable
basis.
Specific objectives:
2. To protect the natural environment of the Khumbu region by
undertaking such activities as forestry, pollution control, erosion
control, awareness, and education.
3. To help preserve the cultural heritage of the region by promoting
rituals, festivals, religious values, and monastery conservation.
4. To help develop environmentally sensitive tourism in the region
by creating a visitor information centre, implementing lodge owners'
training, taking visitor safety measures, and improving communication
systems.
5. To help develop community services under the concept of conservation
and development, such as electricity, water supply, health services,
sanitation, schools, trails, and bridges.
NP0025.2: Sagarmatha Pollution Control Project, Sagarmatha
National Park (Extension) (Jul. 94 - Jul. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0863 Nepal: Integrate Pest Management in Nepal
Project Summary:
In Nepal, commercial growers of such crops as cotton are overly
reliant on chemical pesticides for pest management. The WWF Nepal
Programme proposes to demonstrate the economic and environmental
benefits of reducing reliance on chemical pesticides for growing
cotton by enhancing reliance on biological and mechanical control
methods. Such a demonstration would be the first step in promoting
nationwide adoption of a policy of reduced reliance on chemical
pesticides. A demonstration project would be complemented by work
on implementation and enforcement of pesticide management laws
and regulations.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 100
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
|
EE & Capacity Building 0Oceans and Coasts 0
| | Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
There has been growing global concern about the adverse effect
of extensive use of pesticides in health, agriculture, and industrial
sectors. A study was carried out by WWF Nepal Programme to assess
the current patterns of use of pesticides in Nepal, to examine
its impact on health and environment, and the existing and potential
roles of governmental and nongovernmental organizations,
and to recommend approaches for reduction of pesticide use in
Nepal. The study reveals that the misuse of pesticides occurs
mainly in illiterate rural communities. Moreover, farmers, dealers,
retailers, stockists and other users have inadequate technical
know-how on safe handling and proper usage of pesticides. Users
lacking safety measures while applying pesticides in field crops
and in disease vector control are forced into breathing polluted
air, drinking polluted water, and eating food contaminated with
pesticides. Reviews of alternative pest management strategies
in agriculture and public health indicate that agriculture research
in Nepal, especially in plan protection and public health, is
at an initial stage. The main governing factors are lack of trained
manpower, laboratory facilities and proper monitoring and evaluation,
weak institutional coordination, and the short-sightedness of
government in planning and policies, as well as weak implementation
of plans, programmes, and regulation.
Project Objectives:
1. To develop a feasibility study for a project to demonstrate
the economic and environmental benefits of reduced reliance on
chemical pesticides for the commercial growing of cotton.
2. To implement a demonstration project.
3. To disseminate integrated pest management (IPM) knowledge,
including traditional knowledge systems.
NP0863.2: Integrated Pest Management in Nepal (Extension)
(Jul. 95 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0864 Nepal: Abraham's Conservation Award Programme (Nepal)
Project Summary:
This aim of this project is to provide a mechanism to publically
recognize dedicated grass roots conservation workers in Nepal.
In addition to public recognition, winners will receive a cash
award which will serve to further motivate them in their conservation
efforts.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 100
|
Project Background:
Up to now Nepal has not had a sustainable mechanism to recognize
the grass roots conservation efforts of field conservationists,
particularly those involved in front-line conservation. This project
is designed to remedy this by establishing an annual conservation
award, named after the award's major donor.
Project Objectives:
1. To create a mechanism to award dedicated field conservationists
in Nepal on an annual basis.
2. To increase conservation awareness and motivation at grass
roots level by providing a one-time cash award.
(New winners will be selected on an annual basis.)
NP0864.2: Abraham's Conservation Award (Nepal) (Extension)
(Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0865 Nepal: Operational Support to the Nepal Country Office
Project Summary:
This project provides support for the operational costs of the
Nepal Country Programme.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 100
|
Project Background:
WWF involvement in Nepal dates back to 1967 when it supported
work to conserve endangered species such as the greater onehorned
rhinoceros and the royal Bengal tiger. Focusing initially on research
and training, WWF's Nepal programme has expanded to cover conservation
education, protected areas and endangered species management,
and institutional strengthening. Today, the programme is also
concerned with addressing human needs and community issues. Activities
that integrate conservation with development are encouraged. In
1993, WWF signed a General Agreement with His Majesty's Government
of Nepal and opened the Nepal Country Office in Kathmandu to coordinate
and monitor project activities. The field office has been instrumental
in facilitating WWF projects in Nepal; coordinating scholarships,
small grants, and training; promoting WWF's message through mass
media; and administering small grants and the Abraham Conservation
Awards. Through the decentralization process, WWF Nepal Programme
is pro-actively developing conservation projects in the Himalayas.
Project Objectives:
1. To assist the Nepal Country Office with its operational costs.
2. To assist the office in developing proposals for funding.
3. To provide field staff with exposure to WWF activities around
the world.
NP0865.2: Nepal Country Office (Extension) (Jun. 95 - Jun.
99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
(Concept) NP0859 Nepal: Kanchenjunga Conservation Project:
Proposed Biosphere Reserve
Project Summary:
View Map
The Kanchenjunga mountain region encompasses unique environmental
characteristics, including rich forests of Himalayan larch (Larix
griffthiana) mixed with Abies species, and numerous glaciers.
Mount Kanchenjunga is the second highest peak in the country,
and the third highest in the world. The eastern side of the region,
which lies in India, is already a National Park. In September
1994 a team consisting of natural resource management specialists
(a wildlife ecologist, botanist, sociologist, and political economist)
completed a feasibility study of the area. Now, WWF Nepal Programme
has developed the Kanchenjunga Conservation Project which aims
to protect the region's rich environment and help local communities
improve their standard of living.
Priority Biomes %
| | |
Strategies %Forests 60
| | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 20 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 40 |
Non-Priority Biomes 40 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 40 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Mount Kanchanjunga, at 8,586m, is the second-highest mountain
in Nepal after Mount Everest and the third highest in the world
after Mount K2. Within the biogeographic region of Kanchanjunga
there are four National Parks and one Conservation Area in existence.
However, Kanchanjunga itself has three unique features sufficient
to make it worthy of declaration as a Conservation Area: (a) it
is the second-highest mountain in the country; (b) it has more
than 500ha of Himalayan larch (Larix griffthiana) forest mixed
with Abies species. Himalayan larch is also found in Langtang
National Park but it is scattered and does not occur as forest
in its own right, and has been recorded as a threatened species
in the IUCN Red Book; and (c) there are a high number of glaciers
in the region, with probably the longest glacier (Kanchanjunga
glacier) in the world.
Another important aspect of the Kanchanjunga area is that India
has already declared the eastern side of the Kanchanjunga as a
protected area. Declaration as a Conservation Area in Nepal will
help to strengthen its protection as a unique mountain system.
(The northern part of the Kanchanjuga system lies in the Tibetan
Autonomous Region of China.) According to the National Conservation
Strategy for Nepal, the Kanchanjunga area meets four of the six
criteria for consideration as a protected area: (i) it is a site
of significant religious, cultural, archaeological, and historic
value; (ii) it contains examples of outstanding sitespecific
or unique land-form or geomorphic features; (iii) it contains
sites necessary for the preservation of genetic diversity; and
(iv) it contains habitats essential for the preservation and enhancement
of rare and/or endangered species.
Project Objectives:
1. To develop prerequisites for establishing a Conservation Area
in the Kanchenjungha region by developing technical and legal
documentation.
2. To prepare an operational plan and draft regulations through
a participatory approach.
3. To implement a pilot project under the plan and regulations
in collaboration with government, donors, and the local people
and institutions by establishing an office and appointing staff,
and initating fundraising and field activities.
NP0859.1: Feasibility Study of Kanchanjungha area for a
protected area status (Jul. 95 - Jun. 96)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To review available literature on the region to understand
its culture, acquire information on the diversity of flora and
fauna, and explore its potential for tourism.
2. To study land use in the region with the help of LRMP maps,
Indian 1inch topography survey maps, and aerial photographs
and Landsat imagery from different periods. To develop a digitized
map to assist with the development of the conservation area.
3. To select and form a team of experts (formed by a forester,
wildlife expert, botanist, zoologist, geomorphologist, archaeologist,
and social scientist/anthropologist) to carry out a field survey
of the region.
4. To develop methodology for the fieldwork in order to obtain
the required information for establishing the Conservation Area.
Community participation will be sought at each step.
5. To conduct a survey of the area over a period of 5-6 weeks.
6. To determine the boundaries of the Conservation Area in consultations
at local and district level meetings, involving local leaders,
social workers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations,
and respected people of the district.
7. To discuss each activity for the conservation of the area
with the local communities, together with implementation and training/manpower
aspects.
8. To compile field data, prepare a report, and draft a conservation
plan for the area, to be coordinated by the team leader.
9. To develop a biodiversity conservation database.
10. To prepare a list of artifacts in the region.
11. To present the conservation plan to the DNPWC.
NP0859.2: Kanchenjunga Conservation Project: Proposed Biosphere
Reserve (Extension) (Jul. 95 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
An important element of this project is transboundary conservation.
India has already declared the eastern side of Kanchenjunga a
protected area. A conservation area on the Nepal side would create
a regional, cooperative conservation effort. The northern part
of the Kanchenjunga system extends into the Tibet Autonomous Region
of China. Thus, Kanchenjunga has the potential to be a trinational
reserve once Nepal and China declare it a Conservation Area.
Activity Objectives:
1. To protect the unique environment of the region and help local
communities improve their standard of living.
2. To improve the use of natural resources through sustainable
local management.
3. To increase income by developing alternate income-generating
activities.
4. To increase women's participation in development by organizing
nonformal education.
5. To develop naturebased tourism.
6. To increase entrepreneurship among local people for tourism
development.
7. To develop and implement a Conservation Area Management Plan.
8. To collect information on biological and socioeconomic
conditions.
9. To collate biological and socioeconomic information
into a database system.
10. To increase management capacity through training, strengthening
infrastructure, and procuring equipment.
11. To increase community awareness of conservation and sustainable
management of natural resources.
12. To discuss a regional approach to the conservation of Kanchenjunga
mountain system.
(Concept) NP0866 Nepal: "EcoClubs Green Gift"
School Programme
Project Summary:
The goal of the programme is to promote awareness among students
on global and local environmental issues, and to mobilize them
to participate in environmental projects. Specific objectives
are to raise awareness by showing studens environmental films;
encourage students to form ecoclubs in their schools; catalyse
studentcreated environmental projects; exhibit and reward
outstanding projects implemented by students; and exchange selected
prize-winning projects between schools within and outside the
country. To realize these goals, a volunteer and a supervisor
will visit schools to show environmental films and motivate teachers
and students to form clubs and develop projects.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 75 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 100 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 25
|
Project Background:
Since WWF initiated conservation activities in Nepal in 1967,
environmental education has been a priority. Recently, WWF Nepal
Programme has supported educational activities through environmental
education camps for students; subscriptions to magazines for schools
and NGOs; mobile workshops for teachers; and student environmental
clubs. Teachers and students have also approached WWF Nepal Programme
for support for their environmental projects. By motivating students
and mobilizing them to undertake projects of institutional building
(e.g. eco clubs), an enhanced awareness and interest in environmental
affairs will result, to the benefit of continuing environmental
work. The programme's strategy is to work with teachers and students
through the government education system and local nongovernmental
organizations.
Project Objectives:
1. To increase awareness of global and local environmental issues
by showing environmental films to students.
2. To form environmental clubs in schools, to be renewed in each
subsequent academic year.
3. To develop and implement environmental projects in schools,
neighbourhoods, and families.
4. To exhibit and reward outstanding projects implemented by
students.
5. To exchange selected prize-winning projects between schools
in and outside the country.
6. To promote the sending of "green gifts" from one
school to another.
NP0866.1: Teachers' Orientation Session and Workshop (Jul.
96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
In Kathmandu, WWF Nepal Programme, the Goethe Institute, the District
Education Office, and the Soaltee Holiday Inn will jointly organize
workshops for teachers, inviting back the 17 teachers and representatives
who attended the June 1995 orientation session. Technical papers
on project designs and materials production will be handled by
WWF Nepal Programme. The Goethe Institute and Soaltee Holiday
Inn will provide logistic support. The District Education Office
will contact school teachers; a volunteer and a school supervisor
will personally contact the participants of the June 1995 session.
In Bardia District, under the Supplementary Agreement with the
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, a similar
orientation session and workshop will be organized, with the participation
of Royal Bardia National Park and other conservation partners
such as the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation and the
District Education Office of Bardia. A volunteer will be sent
to Bardia to coordinate the programme. Five schools located in
the buffer zone of Royal Bardia National Park will also be invited.
A study tour for teachers from the schools was organized in May
1995 to familiarize them with environmental education programmes
in the Kathmandu valley.
NP0866.2: School Visits (Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
In Kathmandu, a volunteer and the school supervisor will make
regular visits to schools and present environmental films. They
will motivate students and teachers by explaining the "nuts
and bolts" of the programme. Educational materials will be
given to the schools as souvenirs, and these will help students
develop and implement projects. The volunteer will also evaluate
student response sheets following the environmental film presentation.
In Bardia, a volunteer and park staff member will visit schools
and help teachers and students develop and implement environmental
projects.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0866.3: Exhibition and Contest (Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
Students' projects will be evaluated using criteria developed
in consultation with the District Education Office and educators.
Selected projects will be exhibited in winter 1996. A panel will
judge the exhibits and the best ones will be given prizes.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0866.4: Exchange (Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
Prize-winning projects will be transformed into an audiovisual
presentation and will be sent to schools abroad, accompanied by
"green gifts" prepared by students for their peers.
The "green gifts" will contain environmental messages
from Nepal, with descriptions and products of student environmental
activities. Case studies will be developed from Kathmandu and
Bardia. Factual information from the students' activities and
studies will be used in the "green gifts" to be exchanged
with schools abroad. Similarly, the gifts will be exchanged with
students of schools from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
and Japan. A logo for the programme will be developed in such
a way that it will communicate ecoclub exchanges in the
region. The major activities that will be undertaken by WWF NOs
from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Japan will be primarily
at the level of gift exchanges. These NOs are in contact with
schools through educational programmes such as Nature Clubs in
India and Pakistan, an education project in Sabah, Malaysia, and
the School Campaign Against Illegal Wildlife Trade in Japan and
Hong Kong.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
NP0866.5: Exchange frm Other Countries Other Than Nepal
(Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
See Project Objectives.
(Concept) NP0867 Nepal: Tiger Conservation Project
Project Summary:
Tigers and rhinos are in grave danger due to the demand for different
body parts for use in oriental medicine. The increasing demand
for these products is causing heavy loss of tigers in India. Nepal's
tigers, too, will be increasingly threatened unless they are protected
with the help of local communities. Under this project, an antipoaching
unit is envisaged for the protection of tigers and rhinos. A complete
survey of the tiger populations in Shuklaphanta and Parsa Wildlife
Reserves, and an updated report on the status of tigers in Chitwan
and Bardia National Parks will be executed. Staff will be trained
in survey and monitoring techniques of major wildlife species.
Concerned government officials will be trained in the identification
of wildlife products, legal provisions, and intelligence strategies
to halt illegal wildlife trade. To increase awareness, a programme
will be launched via media, display and notices for tourists,
traders, and the general public.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 100 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Since 1990, trade in wildlife produces has increased in Nepal
in spite of strict legislation that penalizes traders and offenders
by as much as NRs 100,000 (US$2,000) or 15 years imprisonment,
or both. The issue has been frequently raised by the media but
the trade continues. In 1991, with a grant from the MacArthur
Foundation, WWF set up an institutional support programme for
the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC)
to tackle the most pressing problems of tiger and rhino poaching
in lowland parks. Antipoaching units were established in
Royal Chitwan National Park and Royal Bardia National Park. Poaching
of tigers and rhinos was considerably reduced as a result of increased
surveillance, strong motivation of staff, and an effective local
informant system. Many arrests were made and tiger bones and rhino
horns were confiscated.
In July 1994, WWF Nepal Programme, with the Nepal Forum for Environmental
Journalists (NEFEJ), organized a workshop entitled "Control
of Trade in Wildlife Specimens" in which scientists, journalists,
and high level government officials, including the Minister of
Forest and Soil Conservation, participated. The workshop resulted
in good media coverage, including news and feature articles and
public notices. Consequently, the number of items made of wildlife
products exhibited in store showrooms and windows in Kathmandu
dropped. Also, with the help of local informants, 13kg of tiger
bones and a truck load of 128 tortoises were confiscated in Kathmandu
and Bhaktapur. Informants were later rewarded by the DNPWC and
WWF Nepal Programme. In the Fall of 1994, an intelligence team
uncovered underground trade by negotiating with traders who eventually
agreed to deliver 18 pieces of rhino horns to Kathmandu. Through
similar efforts, two traders were caught redhanded in Srinagar,
India, in November 1994. However, the trade continues in Kathmandu.
In May 1995, the DNPWC hosted another workshop on CITES implementation
in Nepal, bringing government law enforcement agencies, journalists,
NGOs, and concerned authorities together to understand trade issues
and exchange ideas for effective action against wildlife trade.
The training clarified the complexities involved in controlling
trade in wildlife. Participants concluded that more is needed
to save Nepal's dwindling population of endangered species. In
particular, support is urgently needed to: train officials involved
in law enforcement (police, customs, immigration); educate the
public; strengthen enforcement teams in the field; and provide
mechanisms to regularly patrol parks with better equipment and
supplies. In October 1995 WWF Nepal Programme received CHF50,000
from WWF-Netherlands as part of the Tiger Project Fund. This is
now being used to train staff and conduct tiger surveys and antipoaching
activities.
Project Objectives:
1. To strengthen existing antipoaching units and create
new units in the lowland parks to conserve tiger and rhinoceros
populations.
2. To establish tiger and rhino monitoring units in Bardia and
Chitwan National Parks, and Parsa and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.
3. To carry out a status survey of tigers in the lowland parks
using scientific survey methods.
4. To organize training for DNPWC staff in survey and monitoring
methodologies.
5. To train customs and police officials to identify wildlife
products and enforce legal provisions.
6. To implement conservation education in local schools and through
the media.
NP0867.1: Tiger Conservation Project (Jul. 97 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To strengthen existing anti-poaching units in Chitwan, Bardia,
Shuklaphanta and Parsa
2. To procure and maintain necessary field equipment.
3. To train unit members in law enforcement.
4. To strengthen intelligence and local informant networks; expand
to include more villages
5. To set up and regularly monitor the reward system for informants.
6. To provide incentives for staff implementing antipoaching
units.
7. To coordinate park staff, KMTNC's Bardia Conservation Project,
and Park Concessionaires in regular monitoring of rhinos and tigers.
8. To provide and maintain mobile units with immobilization equipment,
radio-telemetry, and necessary scientific and field gear.
9. To conduct training workshops for staff in handling radio-telemetry
and immobilization equipment at least once a year.
10. To Set up "Count Tiger '97" in collaboration with
conservation partners DNPWC, KMTNC, ITNC, and Park Concessionaires
in Shuklaphanta and Parsa.
11. To provide necessary equipment and manpower to each survey
team and conduct training in survey methodology prior to each
survey.
12. To hire a consultant to teach survey methods and conduct
various workshops for the census.
13. To organize specialized park staff training at NCRTC Chitwan
and Bardia for tiger censusing.
14. To create training workshop packages for customs, forest,
and police officials in identification skills, enforcement of
legal provisions, and intelligence strategies.
15. To ensure media coverage.
16. To prepare displays materials.
17. To develop a monitoring system for illegal trade in Kathmandu.
Activity Species:
Tiger (Panthera tigris).
(Concept) NP0868 Nepal: Gateway to Nature Education (Zoo)
Project Summary:
View Map
It is necessary to transform the Central Zoo at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
from an amusement park to a vibrant educational ground; visitors
should be given information on animals, their habitats, behaviours,
unique characteristics, relations with human beings, and the necessity
of protecting them in the wild. The specific objectives of WWF's
proposed support to the zoo are to develop an education centre,
train zoo staff, and optimize the use of existing information
facilities. With WWF's support, significant achievements have
already been realized: audio-visual equipment, an incinerator,
and zoo booklets. WWF has contracted a fulltime volunteer
consultant at the zoo office from October 1995. Further support
is needed in technical assistance to prepare a long-term masterplan
for the zoo, training and study tours for zoo staff on visitor
education, use of audio-visual equipment, improving zoo grounds,
development and use of educational materials, and infrastructure
development (e.g. waste management, visitor facilities).
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 100 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 100 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
The Central Zoo at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur was established in May
1932 for the entertainment of Nepal's ruling family. It later
became government property. The zoo has been a focus of curiosity
for many visitors, a place of education and entertainment. Open
for 365 days a year, the zoo is spread over an area of 6.5ha,
with a pond in the middle of the compound. Annually over 1 million
people visit from all over the country. There are some 500 animals
of 101 species, including 32 mammal species, 16 reptile species,
and 53 species of birds. Major attractions include endangered
species such as tiger, hyena, lynx, blackbuck, rhinoceros, sarus
crane, impeyan pheasant, crocodile, python, and monitor lizard.
There are a few entertainment attractions such as a merrygoround
and boating. In fiscal year 1993/94, total income of the zoo was
nearly Rs2.9 million; government grants totalled Rs4.25 million.
The government grants are mainly spent on staff salaries, animal
food, and general maintenance. It is necessary to look for outside
funding for other development programmes, including education.
In order to overcome this financial constraint, zoo authorities
have decided to erect plaques with the names of sponsors who donate
over Rs500,000. The zoo's current priorities include: gardening
and sanitation; improvement of animal enclosures; increasing the
number of unique animals; study of endangered species and rehabilitation
into their natural habitat; integration of income-generating recreational
programmes; and importation of species from other countries through
government channels. In spite of its high potential for conservation
education, the zoo has been underutilized.
Project Objectives:
1. To develop an educational centre with audiovisual and
interpretation materials within the premises of the zoo.
2. To train zoo staff in the operation and maintenance of the
centre, including presentation, handling, and general maintenance
of audiovisuals for visitors.
3. To optimize the use of the existing information facilities
at the zoo by improving labels, signposts, information boards
(with codes of conduct, etc.), guidebooks, maps, posters, postcards,
and slides.
4. To establish basic infrastructural facilities, e.g. waste
management, visitor facilities.
NP0868.1: Education Centre (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To prepare a detailed plan for an Education Centre by assessing
existing programmes and facilities.
2. To produce and install a set of audio-visual equipment and
accessories.
3. To contact agencies such as the Department of National Parks
and Wildlife Conservation, Nepal Television, Radio Nepal, and
Nepal Forum for Environmental Journalists for educational materials.
NP0868.2: Training of Zoo Staff (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To train zoo staff. Local resource persons will be contacted
to conduct training programmes. Following training, staff responsibilities
for the centre will be defined according to the operation plan.
NP0868.3: Information Facilities (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To carry out a needs assessment for the improvement of existing
information facilities.
2. To prepare detailed estimates and contact local sponsors.
Zoo authorities will coordinate sponsors for the construction
of information boards, signposts, kiosks, and other information
facilities.
NP0868.4: Information Materials (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To produce information materials: guidebooks, maps, posters,
postcards, and slides. Local writers and illustrators will be
contracted for the task.
NP0868.5: Operational Plan (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To develop an operational plan for the zoo. The plan will
contain detailed strategies for management, animal enclosures,
animal nursery, visitor information, and souvenir production and
sales.
2. To contact the world's leading zoos to assist in the preparation
of the plan. The education section of the plan will contain components
such as management of a visitor centre, monitoring and evaluation
of visitor response, and zoo guide services.
NP0868.6: Basic Facilities (Jul. 96 - Jun. 97)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To prepare a detailed plan with estimates, in consultation
with engineers; to include operation of waste management, incinerator,
toilets, etc.
(Concept) NP0869 Nepal: Agroforestry, Sagarmatha National Park
Project Summary:
The Pharak area lies directly south of Sagarmatha (Everest) National
Park. Since the establishment of Sagarmatha National Park (SNP)
in 1976, with its strict regulations on resource use, people living
inside the park have used the Pharak area forest for timber, fuelwood,
leaf litter, etc. Moreover, most of the 16,000 tourists who visit
SNP yearly pass through the Pharak area, multiplying forest use
directly (meals, showers, heat) and indirectly (tourists' porters
burning fuelwood to cook, lodge construction). As a result of
the heavy pressure from local people, SNP residents, and tourists,
degradation of the Pharak forest area is visible and increasing.
This project seeks to initiate skillful management of forests
through local community participation. The objective of the project
is increased sustainable production of fuelwood and timber to
fulfil demand. The project also aims to promote agroforestry on
private land through sustainable production of fruit, fuelwood,
and timber.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 0
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 0 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 100 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
Chaurikharka Village Development Committee (VDC) - locally known
as Pharak - is the focus of this project. Forests in the Pharak
communities, outside Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), have received
much less attention than those within SNP. While strict controls
and management exist for forests within the Park, the forests
outside are less effectively managed and have increasingly been
cut to meet the demands for forest products. Should the present
trend of degradation continue, the potential for these forests
to be renewable will be greatly diminished. WWF Nepal Programme
seeks to reverse the trend of forest degradation through implementation
of a longterm community forest management plan. With the
initial aim of managing waste disposal along trekking routes,
the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), a local institution,
was created in July 1991 in Sagarmatha National Park. SPCC has
gathered momentum and expanded its activities beyond pollution
control to include community services and environmental awareness,
tourism development, and cultural preservation. However, until
recently community agroforestry management in the buffer zone
of the SNP was not given priority by SPCC. To assess the situation,
WWF sent two consultants, led by a SPCC Programme Officer, to
initiate an agroforestry project in Pharak area in February and
March 1995. Project proposals were submitted to various donors.
Project Objectives:
Main objective:
1. To manage existing forests sustainably in order to meet the
demands of local people and tourists.
Specific objectives:
2. To establish nurseries and produce fruit, fuelwood, and timber
seedlings.
3. To develop agroforestry on private land and produce fruit
and fuelwood to fulfil demand and earn income through sales of
fruit to tourists.
4. To manage existing forests through plantation and sustainable
resource use through the forest users group approach envisaged
by Nepal's Community Forestry Development Project.
5. To develop income-generating activities such as medicinal
plant cultivation and local crafts production.
6. To reduce forest-based energy use by encouraging efficient
cooking and heating stoves, and alternate energy.
7. To build the capacity of the local Department of Forest's
staff and user groups by providing training.
NP0869.1: Agroforestry, Sagarmatha National Park (Jul. 96
- Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To provide institutional support for the District Forest Office
(DFO):
(a) project officers will work in close cooperation with and consult
the DFO in implementing all components of the project; (b) project
officers will assist the DFO and local Forest User Groups in redrafting
Operational Plans to reflect the silvicultural prescriptions of
this report; (c) DFO staff will be given onsite training
at successful community forestry programmes; (d) the project will
coordinate regular meetings for DFO staff, Forest User Groups,
and project staff; (e) project officers will facilitate creation
of smaller Forest User Groups.
2. To provide institutional support for Forest User Groups: (a)
project officers will work in close cooperation with and consult
local Forest User Groups in implementing all components of the
project; (b) group members will be exposed to successful community
forestry programmes on study tours funded by the project; (c)
the project will coordinate regular meetings for DFO staff, Forest
User Groups, and project staff; (d) the project will encourage
more frequent Forest User Group general assembly meetings; (e)
the project will provide financing for nursery naile and plantation
watch salaries; (f) project officers will facilitate creation
of smaller Forest User Groups.
3. To hire two fulltime staff (an Agroforestry Project
Officer and a Community Liaison Officer) and two fulltime
nursery naikes.
4. To establish two nurseries: (a) PemaCholin's nursery
at TokTok will receive necessary materials and support to
upgrade its capacity and output; (b) nursery naikes will receive
comprehensive training from DFO, Himalayan Trust, and project
staff; (c) seedlings will be sold at a nominal price for private
plantation.
5. To introduce horticultural species, including apples and peaches,
in the area. Private plantation of horticultural species will
be encouraged in Pharak. Training in use of fruits for incomegeneration
will be provide.
6. To plant 218.3ha in rotation, using seedlings produced in
the project's nurseries. General assembly meetings will maximize
community input to plantations; plantation will be carried out
with community donated labour, as per Forest Rules' 95; fodder
species will be planted on degraded community lands.
7. To design and implement technical training programmes (Agroforestry
Project Officer); to design and implement environmental education
programmes (Community Project Officer); to design design and implement
community forestry education programmes for tourists (Project
Officers); to establish a demonstration plot at Chuomo.
8. To reduce demand: (a) the feasibility of introducing improved,
smokeless stoves will be researched; (b) a comprehensive list
of simple and effective actions that reduce resource demand will
be compiled and taught within the education programme; (c) WWF
will conduct highlevel negotiations with SNP and DNPWC to
ensure that demand reduction is effectively incorporated in the
Park's conservation strategy.
(Concept) NP0870 Nepal: Ministry of Population and Environment:
Policy
Project Summary:
This project proposes a three-year programme to strengthen and
build the institutional capacity of His Majesty's government of
Nepal's newly created Ministry of Population and Environment.
This ministry, created in September 1995, responds to a critical
need for a government organization whose principal responsibility
is protection and preservation of the environment. The Ministry
was established to formulate and effectively implement environmental
statutes, and regularly evaluate environmental legislation, regulations,
policies, and programmes. The new ministry faces significant challenges
in establishing the institutional framework for implementing its
new mission, and has asked WWF to develop a longterm proposal
to provide institutional support. By providing the ministry with
institutional support and enhancing its capacity to implement
strong environmental programmes, the WWF Nepal Programme will
be able to further the objectives outlined in its 1996 Nepal Country
Plan (as well as the global priorities and medium and longterm
strategies of WWF).
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 0 | | Consumption & Pollution 25
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 25 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 100 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 0 |
| | |
Treaties & Legislation 50 |
| Non-Priority Strategies 0 |
Project Background:
In September 1995, His Majesty's government of Nepal created the
Ministry of Population and Environment (MPE) in recognition of
the critical need to solve environmental problems under a single
ministry. The creation of MPE is a significant step beyond earlier
efforts to prioritize environmental issues. In 1993, the government
established an Environmental Protection Council, comprised of
representatives of the many ministries, under the National Planning
Commission, to coordinate environmental policy nationwide. Nepal's
Constitution of 1990 establishes as a fundamental principal and
priority the protection of the environment and rare wildlife,
forests, and vegetation. An effective MPE can significantly improve
Nepal's ability to respond to the many environmental problems
faces. MPE faces challenges of enormous proportion. It is a new
ministry, and to date has been provided extremely limited funds
and personnel to carry out its mission and integrate functions
now carried out by many different entities. Current laws affecting
various sectors of the economy contain some environmental provisions;
the implementation of these provisions by various line ministries
is uneven at best, and virtually nonexistent in some cases.
WWF Nepal Programme conducted extensive meetings in December 1995
with its conservation partners and found widespread concern over
inadequate enforcement of environmental laws and international
treaties/conventions to which Nepal is party. For example, basic
legal framework and infrastructure to comprehensively address
industrial air and water pollution and solid or toxic waste management
is lacking. The MPE, along with others, has recognized the need
for umbrella type legislation that covers unaddressed aspects
of environmental issues and facilitates the enforcement of existing
acts and regulations. In January 1996, WWF Nepal programme provided
MPE with a shortterm, fourmonth $30,000 grant: to
begin institutional strengthening and work with WWF to sponsor
and conduct a workshop on enforcement and compliance in March
1996; to begin needed intergovernmental communications; and to
develop a longterm proposal by which WWF will provide institutional
support to MPE. The goal of the longer-term project is to work
closely with the MPE and WWF Nepal Programme's conservation partners
to enhance MPE's capacity so that it becomes an effective voice
protecting and preserving the environment of Nepal. This programme
will enhance the capacity of MPE and WWF Nepal programme's activity
to carry out its objectives.
This project endorses all six of WWF's strategies for action,
with special focus on sustainable development, consumption and
pollution, treaties and legislation, and environmental education
and capacity building. The overall goal is to build the capacity
of MPE as an effective ministry to advocate environmental protection.
Special emphasis will be placed on building the institutional
framework for implementation of strong environmental programmes;
MPE will work with affected communities to ensure a successful
and collaborative outcome.
There is considerable focus in Nepal on the need for drafting
legislation. WWF Nepal Programme's concern is a much broader one:
that from their inception environmental programmes must be designed
and implemented with tangible environmental results. Agenda 21
recognized that national programmes for reviewing and enforcing
environmental laws are key to integrated and sustainable development
(Agenda 21, section 8.21). Integrated sustainable development
strategies must include effective standards and institutional
capacity building to promote compliance, collect compliance data,
evaluate compliance programmes, and take action to remedy and
redress non-compliance. This proposal builds on WWF Nepal Programme's
successful work with the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation
and its departments.
Project Objectives:
1. To establish antipoaching patrols and provide institutional
support to help protect species, reduce illegal trade in wildlife
products, and enforce pertinent laws.
2. To provide three years of institutional support to enable
the MPE to effectively implement environmental laws.
3. To build an institution capable of involving the public and
affected community that will be able to respond in a flexible
and innovative way to the myriad environmental challenges that
confront Nepal.
NP0870.1: Ministry of Population and Environment: Policy
(Jul. 96 - Jun. 99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To provide comments on and, as appropriate, draft umbrella
environmental legislation for Nepal. This includes comment on
additional environmental legislation that are developed, especially
in the area of industrial pollution control (e.g. air, water,
waste laws).
2. To provide comments on and, as appropriate, help draft regulations
or by-laws to implement the abovementioned legislation.
Industrial air and water pollution regulations will be finalized
following passage of the umbrella legislation. No time-frame has
been set for addressing regulations for mobile sources (cars,
trucks, three-wheelers) or industrial or solid waste.
3. To conduct workshops and training sessions to increase local
capacity to implement effective environmental programmes. Workshops
may include participants from key government, NGO, and other affected
entities and may cover such topics as drafting environmental permits,
drafting and negotiating enforcement orders, developing enforceable
regulations, designing effective enforcement and compliance programmes,
conducting inspections and documenting compliance and non-compliance,
developing an enforcement case. At least two workshops will be
conducted during each year of the programme. Specific workshops
will reflect the most critical area of need, based on discussions
with affected groups. Persons trained in workshop will be from
diverse disciplines, including inspectors, investigators, policy
personnel, police, lawyers, citizens, NGOs, etc.
4. To provide advice and suggestions to MPE on ways to develop
the institutional, legal, and organizational structure for the
new ministry and its relationship with other line ministries with
environmental responsibilities. These activities could include
how to establish suitable accountability and oversight functions
in MPE and affected ministries.
5. To work with MPE to develop a successful enforcement programme.
In specific areas, to work with MPE and affected ministries, NGOs
to develop working models for some of the following activities:
(a) a compliance promotion and outreach programme for a selected
regulation or selected industries; (b) a priority targeting programme
to set enforcement priorities and subsequently inspect, evaluate
compliance with, and follow up inspections for at least one selected
priority; (c) a longterm programme for developing data systems
to measure programme success and evaluate environmental accountability
and compliance rates; (d) an annual enforcement and compliance
"accomplishments" report for MPE or the affected line
ministries; (e) guidance to develop an enforcement case for prosecution.
6. To provide funds to MPE to help them implement and enforce
key environmental laws, regulations, policies, and programmes.
This may include such activities as: providing for personnel,
inspection units or patrols; providing funds to develop an annual
"enforcement accomplishments" report; providing funding
for a database to assess compliance rates in selected areas; providing
money to support citizen awards for assisting in enforcement;
supporting the communications networks.
(Concept) NP0871 Nepal: Forest Target Driven Activities
Project Summary:
The Forest Action Plan will help reduce loss of forest area, increase
forest production, place more forests under sustainable management
and increase agroforestry in the private and public sector. The
project will use a participatory approach involving the public,
NGOs, government agencies, professional organization and forestbased
industrial organizations. Its scope of activities will include:
placing more forest area under the protected system to represent
different ecosystems found in Nepal (covering at least 10% of
total forest area); networking between different forest organizations
and associations; encouraging agroforestry work among local NGOs
and user groups; and introduction of a certification system for
selling forest products.
Priority Biomes %
| | Strategies %
|
Forests 100 | | Consumption & Pollution 25
|
Freshwater Ecosystems 0 | |
EE & Capacity Building 25 |
Oceans and Coasts 0 | |
Protected Areas 0 |
Non-Priority Biomes 0 | |
Species 0 |
Non-Biome Specific 0 | |
Sustainable Resource Use 50 |
| | Treaties & Legislation 0
|
| | Non-Priority Strategies 0
|
Project Background:
This project is based on WWF's Forest Target Driven Activity -
the global "Forest For Life" campaign. Forests are the
major source of energy and other agrarian requirements for most
of Nepal's rural population: forest resources fulfil basic needs
such as timber, fuelwood, fodder for livestock, nonwood
forest products, and raw material for industry. Due to the growing
demand for agriculture land, fuelwood, fodder, and timber, changes
in land-use patterns have been observed in the past three decades,
resulting in a decrease in forest area. The main aim of the project
is to conduct a gap analysis of existing forest cover over various
ecosystems, and to manage existing forests through sustainable
practices. It is envisioned that unique forest ecosystems will
be identified by gap analysis and recommended for protection to
the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation. For sustainable
forest management, a participatory approach involving local people,
NGOs, government agencies, professional organizations, and forestbased
industrial organizations will be used. Networking among different
forest organizations and associations will be encouraged to promote
agroforestry work among local NGOs and user groups. Introduction
of a timber certification system to sell forest products will
control the illegal trade of forest products on the market.
Project Objectives:
1. To identify forest ecosystems in Nepal and find gaps in the
existing protected area system.
2. To network with government agencies, professional organizations,
NGOs, and forestbased industry organizations for the sustainable
management of existing forests.
3. To encourage local organizations, NGOs and user groups to
engage in agroforestry activities on private land.
4. To introduce a timber certification system in forestbased
industry.
5. To encourage users of forest products to buy only certified
forest products.
NP0871.1: Forest Target Driven Activities (Jul. 96 - Jun.
99)
Activity Background:
See Project Background.
Activity Objectives:
1. To carry out a gap analysis of forest ecosystems in the protected
area system.
2. To create a network of different forest organizations.
3. To produce and publish audiovisuals materials for organizations
and the public in order to disseminate recent developments in
forestry.
4. To organize transboundary (regional) workshops to discuss
different approaches to conserve Mount Kanchenjunga's unique ecological
system.
|