Overview
The Badimalika and Ramaroshan area, located in the middle-mountains region of far-western Nepal form a contiguous landscape containing diverse habitats and rich floral and faunal diversity. The numerous alpine forests, pasturelands and lakes in this landscape bear high biodiversity and ecosystem values. Despite the biological richness, the area has not received conservation attention and various threats leading to biodiversity decline are present. The project envisions an integrated Badimalika-Ramaroshan complex managed as a protected area under the Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) approach. The OECM framework will aim for long-term conservation of its biodiversity, alongside preserving its religious and cultural values. The OECM will be managed as Category VI – ‘Protected Areas with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources’ and it will be established as a ‘Forest Conservation Area’ as provisioned by national laws. The OECM will be community-based management integrative to existing institutions and natural resource governance systems.
Badimalika landscape
Ramaroshan lake
Project objectives
1) Establish the Badimalika-Ramaroshan complex as a Forest Conservation Area
2) Management of the Forest Conservation Area by engaging local communities
Expected outputs
• Updated biodiversity and socio-economic profile of the project area
• A 5-year FCA management plan
• 60 local youths trained as citizen scientists
• 5 community anti-poaching groups trained and mobilized
• 20 local people trained as nature guides
• Rapid rescue team mobilized in wildlife rescue
• 7 existing local institutions strengthened for management of the FCA
• 30 local youths capacitated as change agents
• 125 households receive alternative livelihood support
• 4 communities trained in operating ecotourism business
• Improved solid waste management and trail infrastructures
Project outcome
The Badimalika-Ramaroshan complex managed as an OECM preserving its flora and fauna, and conserving ecosystems, while strengthening the socio-cultural values.
Project partners
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment (MoITFE), Sudurpaschhim Province Division Forest Office (Accham and Bajura), Community forest user groups, Local Municipalities
Project duration: December 2024 to May 2029
Budget: $ 603,391
Principal Investigator (PI): Dr. Naresh Subedi, Member Secretary, NTNC
Co-PI: Laxmi Raj Joshi, Senior Conservation Officer, Shuklaphanta Conservation Program, NTNC
Contact: nareshsubedi@gmail.com, Phone: +977-9855056934; laxmi.ntnc@gmail.com, Phone: +977-9849181858
The project is supported by the Rainforest Trust.
