Integrating Sustainable Livelihoods with Tiger Conservation in the Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal
Case Study C0205
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| Date | 2006 |
| Agency | WWF |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Nepal |
| Locality | Terai Arc Landscape |
| Biodiversity focus | Species (Royal Bengal tiger), ecosystem |
| Development focus | Rural communities |
| Conservation goals | Protect the biodiversity of Terai Arc Landscape, in particular Royal Bengal tigers |
| Poverty reduction goals | Develop and promote sustainable income generating activities for rural communities living in Terai Arc Landscape |
Summary
The Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) extends from Nepal to India, covering a 49,500 square kilometre network of 11 protected areas and forest corridors. The TAL in Nepal is important for economic reasons, as well as for its biodiversity and ecological services. The highly productive alluvial grasslands and subtropical forests support some of the highest densities in the world of the Royal Bengal tiger, as well as numerous species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. The Terai Arc Landscape in Nepal also hosts a dense and rapidly growing human popualtion, the majority of whom are poor farmers. These rural households depend heavily on natural resources for their subsistence. As a consequence, poaching of wildlife and illegal timber extraction are posing a major threat to the region biodiversity.
WWF began working in Nepal in the 1960s with a very species-focused approach. Today, WWF is integrating the Sustainable Livelihoods framework into its species conservation approach. Within this approach, one of WWF main strategy has been to support the formation of User Groups who are assigned clear-cut rights and responsibilities for the management of their forests. Other activities carried out by WWF in TAL, in order to achieve both conservation and livelihoods objectives, include: i) developing nature-based tourism, to provide local communities bordering protected areas an alternative source of income; ii) strengthening capacity building; iii) developing basic infrastructures, like schools, roads, bridges, irrigation schemes, etc.; iv) promoting the development of sustainable income generating opportunities, through the provision of training, equipment and small credit schemes.
Conservation impact
Today, over 18% of Nepal is under protected area status and the pressure on wildlife habitat within protected areas have been greatly reduced, as proved by the growing numbers of tigers and rhinos. The adoption of improved stoves and the use of biogas reactors and toilets lead to a cleaner environment and better health. Each reactor also helps saving about 3000kg of firewood and 40 litres of kerosene annually. Forest restoration activities carried out by the User Groups include seedling production, plantation and natural regeneration under sustainable management regimes. Finally, the TAL Programme has initiated the cleaning and restoration of ponds within a number of community forests.
Poverty reduction impact
Nature-based tourism initiatives have provided local communities bordering protected areas with substantial financial and employment benefits. Other off-farm livelihoods opportunities (e.g. agroforestry, fish farming, tailoring, etc.) supported by the programme are gradually becoming available in the area, but are still very limited. Numerous improvements of basic infrastructures were achieved: between 2001-2004, the programme supported the construction of 1778 biogas reactors, 6127 efficient stoves and over 650 toilets; local electrification efforts were supported through the construction of three micro-hydro power plants; eight schools were either built or renovated, along with subsidiary roads, small irrigation schemes and health care centres. 44 User Gorups were formed. WWF has been instrumental in forging partnerships for the development of the Terai Arc Landscape, with, among others, USAID, UNDP and DFID.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://www.worldwildlife.org/pubs/wwfmdgreport2006final.pdf
Related records above this one:
- WWF International (Organisation O0115)