Sustainable management of wetlands and grasslands: enhancing biodiversity and livelihoods
Darwin Initiative Project Information
Bird Conservation and livelihood support project in Koshi
Tappu Wildlife Reserve (2022-2025)
This project is funded by the UK Government through
Darwin initiative and is being implemented in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
(KTWR), an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) and important habitat for
grassland and wetland dependent bird species. A total of 526 bird species has
been recorded in the area out of which 26 are globally threatened species. Regular
monitoring of the bird species indicates signs of decline in water bird
populations in KTWR. Additionally, the region also harbours Bengal Floricans,
the species under grave threat of extinction. Moreover, local communities living close to
KTWR are dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods and use natural
resources unsustainably. Therefore, the project aims to reduce pressure on
natural resources of KTWR ultimately reducing threats to threatened birds
through sustainable use of resources, improved management and restoration of
wetlands and grasslands. Moreover, the project aims to improve well-being of
local communities through sustainable use of wetlands and grasslands;
nature-based income generation activities and empowering women and indigenous
people in project area.
Some of the expected outcomes from this project are:
· Threats to
threatened bird species in KTWR and its buffer zone reduced through improved
management of grassland and wetlands inside the reserve, restoring grasslands
and restoring wetlands in buffer zone area.
· Capability
and capacity of KTWR staffs, buffer zone community forest user committee
members, local conservation group/NGOs members on managing grassland and
wetland for creating safer habitats enhanced.
· Sustainable
livelihood enhancement program in place to support local communities'
well-being as for example one household one fishpond program, women
entrepreneurship, community-managed grasslands and wetlands.
· Sustainable
use of natural resources promoted through involvement of women, indigenous
people and local communities in decision-making processes.