With over four decades of experience in participatory conservation, right from the grass root level to policy and core research, NTNC continues to steer a phenomenal track record of driving the principle of conservation for people.
Since the very early years of conservation in Nepal, NTNC has gradually widened its focus from species-specific research to progressive shifts in conservation paradigms. Species conservation continues to remain a core focus with our strengths evolving into newer and more complex form of approaches that take perspective of conservation at multiple interlinking levels.
A holistic approach to conservation necessitates balancing multiple dimensions of nature and development. Driven by landscape approach to conservation, our efforts in bringing harmony between people and nature prioritizes integrating natural resource, biodiversity, energy and local communities to achieve sustainable development. A proven model of such integrated approach, ACAP has provided tremendous learning which continues to be a source of knowledge for protected area management. NTNC's support to the Government through its lowland projects has resulted in numerous conservation successes which are notable in the rise of mega faunal species such as tiger and rhino populations, achieving zero-poaching and establishment of successful community forests. In the past few years, NTNC has successfully established its field offices in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Parsa National Park to support the park for their effective management. NTNC continues to focus in capacity enhancement, adopting cutting-edge technology, infrastructure development, clean energy promotion and natural resource management to generate meaningful outcomes for the wellbeing of nature and people. Over this period, the some of the major achievements are:
- NTNC is among the only two Green Climate Fund (GCF) accredited institutions of Nepal (as of December 2023)
- Recognized nationally and internationally for conceptualizing, pioneering and implementing innovative conservation approaches
- ICDPs (Integrated Conservation and Development Projects) model designed, piloted and implemented; examples – Annapurna Conservation Area Project and Baghmara Community Forestry in Chitwan
- Entrusted by the government to manage three Conservation Areas and the Central Zoo – only national zoo in the country
- Established Annapurna Conservation Area as the only self-financed protected area in the country
- Pioneered and promoted eco-tourism model in the country
- Piloted and successfully implemented captive breeding
- Successfully introduced micro-hydro schemes as an alternative energy source to firewood
- Reputed to have some of the best wildlife technicians in the country
- Played a key role in the establishment and institutionalization of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)
- Developed technical competency in handling problem wild animals and rescue
- Established as a knowledge hub for science and evidence-based information in biodiversity
- A key contributor to science and evidence-based inputs for policy dialogue and policy formulation at the national level
- First national institution to be entrusted by multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, ADB, GEF, UNDP and UNEP to implement conservation and biodiversity programs/projects
- Recognized internationally and awarded the following for its outstanding achievements
- Tourism for Tomorrow – Worldwide and Asia-Pacific
- J. Paul Getty Conservation Award
- UNEP Global 500 Award
- Deutscher-Riesburo-Varband Award of Tourism and Environment
- Abraham Conservation Award from WWF for the Tourism Management Sub-committee of Chhomrong Village
