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India-Nepal Ink Pact for Wildlife Corridors, Climate & Biodiversity

India and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation. The agreement focuses on shared ecosystems and aims to restore critical wildlife corridors between the two nations. Key areas of collaboration include protecting species like tigers and elephants, combating wildlife crime, and exchanging technical expertise. The MoU is expected to lead to the sustainable management of natural resources across the region.

Key Points: India-Nepal Sign MoU on Forests, Wildlife & Climate Change

  • Bilateral conservation MoU signed
  • Focus on transboundary wildlife corridors
  • Targets key species like tiger & elephant
  • Aims to combat forest and wildlife crime
2 min read

India-Nepal sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in Forests, Wildlife, Environment, Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change

India and Nepal sign a bilateral MoU to strengthen cooperation in biodiversity conservation, climate change, and restoration of transboundary wildlife corridors.

"to further deepen India-Nepal cooperation in conservation of wildlife and biodiversity - Official Statement"

New Delhi, February 26

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal, to promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change, including restoration of wildlife corridors and interlinking areas, and exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and best practices as per an official statement by the Ministry.

The statement noted that the signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, in the presence of Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and Madhav Prasad Chaulagain, Cabinet Minister for Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal.

The statement highlighted how India and Nepal are endowed with rich biodiversity and natural heritage and have established extensive networks of Protected Areas in their respective territories. Both countries are also Parties to several multilateral environmental agreements and conventions. In view of the shared ecosystems and transboundary wildlife habitats, a need was felt to further strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two Governments in the fields of forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change.

As per the statement, the MoU envisages cooperation in formulation of biodiversity conservation strategies at the landscape level with emphasis on key species such as elephant, Gangetic dolphin, rhinoceros, snow leopard, tiger and vultures. It also provides for strengthened forest and protected area management; restoration of corridors and other interlinking areas towards creation of transboundary conservation landscapes; addressing biodiversity conservation threats; combating forest and wildlife crime; strengthening the capacity of frontline staff of enforcement agencies; and promoting smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots.

The signing of this MoU is expected to further deepen India-Nepal cooperation in conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, and contribute to protection of shared ecosystems and sustainable management of natural resources in the region, the statement noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, a focus on the Gangetic dolphin and vultures! These species are often forgotten. Cross-border cooperation is the only way to save them. Great move by both governments.
R
Rohit P
Good initiative. But the real test is implementation. We have signed many MoUs before. Will this actually stop illegal wildlife trade and poaching across the open border? Need strict monitoring.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves trekking in the Himalayas, I'm thrilled to see this. Climate change and biodiversity loss don't respect borders. This regional approach is essential for the mountains and the communities that depend on them.
V
Vikram M
Sharing technical expertise and best practices is key. Nepal has done excellent work in community forestry, and India has strong research institutions. Together we can build much more resilient conservation models. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Hope the "smart green infrastructure" part is done carefully. Sometimes development in the name of conservation harms local tribes and villagers. Their consent and benefit must be central to any plan.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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