Friends of Nature Protects Nepal's Biodiversity
Encouraging Endangered Species Conservation and Sustainable Use
Feb 3, 2009
From the mountain terrain of the Himalayas, home of the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) to the wetlands of the Terai Arc which host multiple threatened species, tiny Nepal has many unique habitats. Friends of Nature Nepal is a local non-government organization (NGO) whose mission is to ensure that biodiversity is not lost as the country grows.
Wildlife and Ecoystem Biodiversity in Nepal
Nepal is a country noted for its extremes of climate, from tropical to alpine, but all of its habitats are facing challenges as the country develops. Nepal ranks 27th in the world in plant diversity. It is also home to more than 800 species of birds, 600 species of butterfly and 181 species of mammals.
One of only three discrete subpopulations of the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is found in Nepal. Other endangered mammal species include tigers (Panthera tigris), Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis).
Birds of special concern include the vulnerable Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallachi) and the Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo), which is locally threatened. Many of the Nepalese bird species are considered at risk as forest, wetland and grassland habitat is lost.
Friends of Nature Nepal’s Programmes
- Climate Change and Development
Protecting Nepal’s biodiversity in the face of climate change and development is a key element of FON’s work. They are creating a database of endangered species and looking to establish a climate change monitoring programme in a section of forest.
- Forest Resource Management
A closely connected project is the Friends of Nature Nepal’s forest resource management work. This programme combines research into forest quality and coverage with sustainable use enhancement. In addition to being a country of tremendous biodiversity, Nepal is very culturally diverse which means that many different types of traditional land use must be integrated into any habitat conservation programme.
- Soil and Water Resource Management
A country with vast water resources, Nepal is also a country facing serious pollution problems from pesticides and sewage outfall. Sedimentation from soil erosion adds to the degradation of the water supply as does salinization in coastal areas.
To combat these environmental threats, Friends of Nature Nepal is helping teach people soil and water management which also results in increased productivity for small agricultural users. Water quality monitoring and distribution of clean drinking water are also part of this programme.
- Owl Conservation Programme
In conjunction with the Global Owl Project and the World Owl Trust, FON is working to protect Nepal’s owls. In addition to surveys and investigations into illegal trade in owls, the programme includes an Owl Conservation Camp where children learn about owls and their habitats.
While international NGOs have made tremendous progress in bringing environmental awareness to countries around the world, local NGOs which have a broader understanding of their country’s issues are often more effective in bringing about long lasting change. Friends of Nature is one such organization, leading Nepal’s biodiversity protection activities.
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