Overview
The Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) is a biodiverse region with rare and endangered species of global significance. Its high-hill and mountainous areas remain less scientifically explored which hinders conservation involving meaningful local participation. Lapchi and Rolwaling valleys, lying between Langtang and Sagarmatha National Parks, are vital for biodiversity if habitat integrity and connectivity are preserved. Challenges include infrastructure, forest reliance, human-wildlife conflicts, poaching, and habitat deterioration. The project's focus is to enhance GCA's biodiversity conservation by building a scientific database, supporting local livelihoods, and strengthening local institutions.
Camera trapping, GPS handling, Survey and Monitoring Training
Training on behavioural change and attitude towards wildlife conservation
Awareness programmes on human-wildlife conflict
Training to encourage and support locals to continue traditional methods of human-wildlife conflict mitigation
Project objectives
- Build local capacity in wildlife survey techniques, forest fire control, GESI and good governance
- Reduce HWC through awareness, mitigation measures and compensations
- Reduce poverty through alternative livelihood
Expected outputs
- 50 community members trained in wildlife survey techniques
- Updated biodiversity profile of GCA containing mammalian fauna of Lapchi valley and Tamakoshi river corridor, and status of wildlife corridors and connectivity
- 21 Conservation Area Management Committees and 92 Forest Management Sub-committees mobilized in regular forest patrolling
- 500 households supported with various methods for mitigating HWC
- Insurance scheme for crop and wildlife depredation piloted in HWC area
- 300 community people trained on forest fire control
- 25 conservation farmers trained and engage in cultivation of high value medicinal plants and organic vegetables
- 60 women trained and engage in producing local handicraft
- 30 km trekking trail branded as eco-trails with 10 new homestays developed along the trail
Project partners
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN)
Project duration
April 2023 to December 2026
Budget
£ 610,482 (£426,800 Defra, £183,682 NTNC)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Madhu Chetri, Project Chief, Gaurishar Conservation Area Project, NTNC (mchetri@gmail.com, 9854045143)
The project is supported by the Darwin Initiative, funded by Defra, UK Government.
