Nepal Launches Project to Conserve High-Altitude Rangelands Using Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science

Conservation of rangelands in the high Himalayan regions of the country will be undertaken through traditional knowledge and modern science and technology. A four-year project titled 'Revitalization of Religious Leadership for the Conservation of High Himalayan Rangelands in Nepal' has been initiated. The Government of Nepal, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Nepal, launched this project on Thursday.

The objective of this project is to conserve the high Himalayan rangelands located in the remote upper region of Dolpa in Karnali Province, improve the livelihoods of the local people, conserve cultural heritage, and promote tourism.

This collaboration, funded by the United Kingdom's 'Darwin Initiative,' will adopt an innovative co-management approach utilizing the capacity of relevant stakeholders. It is stated that this will involve the coordination of local traditional knowledge and modern science.

The year 2026 is being celebrated as the 'International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.' Nepal's high Himalayan rangelands have sustained nature and human life for thousands of years. These rangelands are an important source of income and will play a crucial role in ensuring water security for the people.

In the Himalayan region, including Dolpa, these rangelands conserve diverse biological assets such as the snow leopard, and will serve as a socio-economic lifeline for indigenous and local communities. These rangelands are directly at risk due to increasing human pressure and the impacts of climate change.

WWF Nepal stated that it has gained robust experience working with marginalized communities in remote areas of the country. Dr. Ghanashyam Gurung, Country Representative for WWF Nepal, mentioned that with the support of the 'Darwin Initiative,' work has previously been done to improve the living standards of economically and socially backward communities in the Terai region. "Through this new project operating in the upper region of Dolpa, our goal is to achieve similar impact by strengthening community-based conservation and livelihoods," he said.

Nepal has given high priority to the conservation of the natural and cultural integrity of these rangelands. Visionary policies have created a conducive environment for co-management, ensuring meaningful participation of indigenous and local communities. However, practical challenges such as remoteness, limited resources, and unclear management responsibilities continue to impede effective conservation.

WWF Nepal, in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation under the Ministry of Forests and Environment and local communities, has been implementing comprehensive conservation programs in Shey-Phoksundo National Park, where the snow leopard is considered the flagship wildlife species.

Since the sustainability of conservation depends on the active participation and responsibility of stakeholders, these efforts prioritize strengthening the positive relationship between nature and human well-being, promoting coexistence. Key priorities include managing human-wildlife conflict, diversifying livelihoods, and expanding access to education and clean energy.

"Community participation in rangeland management and the integration of traditional knowledge is the primary strategy of the Government of Nepal. The Department wishes to thank the donor agencies and partners who are contributing to this important project," said Dr. Buddhisagar Paudel, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

He stated that this project, funded by the United Kingdom, aims to secure the rangelands and the tangible and intangible services derived from them in the long term, based on past efforts, thereby contributing to human well-being.

This project, operating under the leadership of the Department and Shey-Phoksundo National Park and the guidance of Shey-Phoksundo Rural Municipality, aims to develop a replicable effective governance framework for Nepal's high Himalayan rangelands.

The rangelands in the project area support more than 650 families of the Buddha and Mukpukrong Buffer Zone User Groups, where the community depends on livestock farming, non-timber forest products, and traditional medicine for their livelihoods.

Guided by the policies of the Government of Nepal, traditional knowledge, and international best practices, this project is stated to empower members of the local community—especially youth, women, and herders—who will play an active role in the Rangeland Management Subcommittees of the Buffer Zone User Groups.

"This project is an excellent example of strengthening local leadership with the support of the United Kingdom through the 'Darwin Initiative,' benefiting both humans and nature equally. Collaborating with religious leaders and community-level rangeland committees, we acknowledge a simple truth that the Buddha taught for a long time: the well-being of the human and natural world are deeply interconnected," said Rob Fenn, the British Ambassador to Nepal.

Partners of this project, besides WWF Nepal, include the 'Asia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bio-resources' (ANSAB) Nepal and the Sowa-Rigpa Association of Nepal (SRAN). 'ANSAB' Nepal will assist in the sustainable collection, value addition, and market access of non-timber forest products, while 'SRAN' will contribute to the preservation and strengthening of Sowa-Rigpa (the science of healing) based on Buddhist tradition in a contemporary context.

The leadership of the Rangeland Management Subcommittees for the preservation and strengthening of traditional knowledge systems will be held by religious leaders and traditional healers, 'Amchis,' informed Narendar Aryal, Senior Conservation Officer at Shey-Phoksundo National Park. He added that support will be provided to transform the Amchis towards legal and sustainable use of medicinal materials, "which will reduce dependence on endangered wildlife and flora while preserving the originality of the traditional 'Sowa-Rigpa' healing system."