completed · Climate

Developing elephant conservation action plan and strengthening elephant conservation initiatives focused to Khata and Karnali forest corridors of Bardia, Nepal

The transboundary Khata and Karnali forest corridors in the western Terai landscape of Nepal connect the important protected areas of Bardia National Park, Nepal to Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, India, and is home to wild Asian elephants, rhinos, and tigers. This project will work to to strengthen human-elephant coexistence (HECx) in this landscape and promote science-based management of wild elephants through the revision of the Nepal Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP). Project objectives include: 1) revise the NECAP, which expires in 2018 and develop a new plan for the next 10 years; 2) strengthen cooperative Asian elephant conservation activities between Nepal and India focused on the Khata and Karnali forest corridors. Specific project activities include: 1) organize a national and three regional workshops for consultations and preparation of the NECAP; 2) draft a revised NECAP and request formal government approval; 3) organize four cross-border events for community conservation leaders in Nepal and India; 4) organize a local and a national media workshop to convey HECx messages to a broad audience; 5) capacity building to 50 rapid response team members and provision of field gear and equipment; and 6) organize six workshops for newly-elected local government officials.