WWF - News & Stories

Barely Surviving: the Karnali River and Forest Corridor

2013-06-14

"Let a female tiger in India make love to a male tiger in Nepal," sang Bhadai Tharu, a local conservationist from Bardia. His song underlines an important fact. Like all other species, tigers too need genetic diversity in order to survive. Inbreeding reduces their chances of survival and with the added complication of climate change, how do we ensure that Indian and Nepali tigers meet?

One way to do it is to create conservation corridors to restore habitat connectivity, enabling wildlife to move from one place to another. Although four such trans-boundary corridors already exist and are recognized by the Nepal Government, there is an urgent need for an additional corridor to connect Bardia National Park in Nepal to Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. This will be called the Karnali River and Forest corridor. The corridor will follow the western tributary of the Karnali River, which branches out from Chisapani Bazar in Baliya VDC and covers an area of 14,618.5 square hectares.

As the name suggests, this will be the first river and forest corridor in Nepal, facilitating the movement of both terrestrial and aquatic animals, notably the threatened Gangetic dolphin and gharial populations. The corridor provides both north-south and east-west connectivity which will be of particular help in the western stretches of the Churia hills. This additional corridor will also shore up protection for the entire Karnali River ecosystem in combination with the Khata corridor which lies to the east.

Both the (existing) Khata corridor and the (proposed) Karnali corridor facilitate the north-south movement of mega species such as rhinos, tigers and elephants. "If we do not intervene immediately, the long term viability of the narrow strip of forest that still exists in the Karnali corridor is put into question," says Dr. Shant Raj Jnawali of WWF Nepal, Biodiversity Coordinator for the Hariyo Ban Program. Dr. Jnawali's fears are well placed given the many challenges the area is facing – forest encroachment, poaching, unsustainable harvesting of river and forest resources, illegal and intensive fishing, over-grazing, forest fires and problems of invasive plant species. The area is also facing climate induced threats such as flood, river-bank cutting and landslides in the north. The most serious of these challenges is the massive encroachment of forest land and river beds in the southernmost section of the corridor near the Nepal-India border. This wholesale encroachment has almost caused the corridor to be split in two.

The ongoing development of infrastructure presents further challenges. The east-west Mahendra Highway passes through the Karnali corridor at Baliya VDC, fragmenting a major patch of forest in the Churia hills and a narrow strip of forest in the Terai. The ongoing World Bank supported Rani Jamara Kulariya irrigation canal project also bisects the forest corridor. This physical barrier will have direct impacts on the north-south movement of wildlife. The canal will eventually pass through almost all of the corridor-adjoining VDCs in Kailali district. A hydropower project has been proposed upstream of the corridor on the Karnali River at Chisapani and if ever built, would very seriously affect the ecosystems in both the corridor and Bardia National Park. The proposed Indian funded Hulaki Highway connecting Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi, if constructed, will pass through the lower part of the corridor, fragmenting the habitat further and threatening the very existence of wildlife in the area, let alone their free movement.

"While national development is essential, we need to be careful, because this is a corridor of international importance. Any infrastructure development in this corridor should be designed in such a way that it will have minimum impact," says Santosh Mani Nepal, Director of the Policy and Support Program at WWF Nepal. "WWF Nepal strongly recommends that the government either elevates the part of the Hulaki Highway where it passes through the corridor, or runs it underground," he continues. "This is essential for the safe movement of wildlife, and for safeguarding the ecological functionality of the corridor."

The conservation efforts carried out by the Hariyo Ban Program in the Karnali corridor, although wide-ranging and successful, will be unable to address critical ecological issues without strong government support. The corridor must be conserved by strong community engagement, supported with robust policy back-up. The participation of local communities in conservation initiatives is after all imperative. If only there were more local heroes like Bhadai Tharu to save the Karnali river and forest corridor. He has achieved so much in the neighboring Khata corridor which is well-maintained by local communities. And his passion for tigers continues, despite losing an eye in the tiger attack. "Let us not break the love between the Indian and the Nepali tigers," he sings, "let us not block their free passage, let them meet and make love."

By Pallavi Dhakal, Communications Officer, Hariyo Ban Program, WWF Nepal

For further information,
Please e-mail: hariyobanprogram@wwfnepal.org

^{_{Disclaimer: The Hariyo Ban Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the responsibility of WWF and its consortium partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.}}

Local Communities Work to Save their Grasslands and Wetlands

2013-06-14

The degradation of wetlands and grasslands is a matter of grave concern for environmentalists, both in Nepal and across the globe. Dr. Shant Raj Jnawali, the Hariyo Ban Program Biodiversity Coordinator for WWF Nepal explains: "Species such as rhino and hog deer need access to alluvial tall flooded grassland in order to survive, whereas wetlands are essential for cultivation, irrigation and flood control." He also links healthy wetlands to healthy livelihoods. "Wetlands also have recreational, religious and cultural value," says Dr. Jnawali, "they have the potential to draw tourists and to boost local livelihoods." Clearly, the effective management of grasslands and wetlands has a significant positive impact on the maintenance of ecological harmony.

We witnessed wetlands management in action in the Namuna Buffer Zone Community Forest in Amaltari, Chitwan district, where twenty-five men and women were working to clear dense water hyacinth and water cabbage growth from a small section of the Sano Narayani (known locally as Bhutaha Dhaab). Originally a river, the water source has become severely depleted, and is now little more than a pond. Dr. Jnawali explains: "Threats such as siltation, encroachment, overexploitation of resources, invasive alien plant species and pollution are responsible for the degradation of our wetlands and the destruction of the habitats and water sources for our wildlife." Dr Jnawali goes on to say that the degradation of grasslands is caused by overgrazing, encroachment, invasive alien plants, and uncontrolled or mistimed burning.

DB Chaudhary, Chief Advisor to Namuna Community Forest User Group is also concerned: "We have worked to increase the awareness of local people of the importance of grasslands and wetlands. They know that unless the grasslands and wetlands are maintained, there is little chance of conserving the area's biodiversity. Any loss of biodiversity is bound to affect their livelihoods which rely, to a greater or lesser extent, on agriculture, wildlife, and tourism." The Namuna group is currently working with men and women from the excluded Mushahar caste on a number of riverine grassland and wetland management initiatives in the Namuna Buffer Zone Community Forest. Activities such as these not only provide a source of livelihood for local communities, but also make them more receptive to the principles of biodiversity conservation. This initiative is supported by the Hariyo Ban Program through WWF Nepal.

The Namuna ecosystem is home to a number of rare and endangered species such as the Bengal Florican – the world's rarest bustard – and the hog deer. Bengal Floricans are ground-nesting and require a habitat with ample grassland. Hariyo Ban is working to conserve the Namuna grasslands to prevent species like these from dying out. Wetlands, wet-grasslands, pastures, and swampy areas are also home to a dazzling range of fauna and flora that Hariyo Ban is working to conserve. DB Chaudhary told us about the importance of striking a balance: "The popular notion that we must have forests everywhere is misguided. Rhinos, spotted deer (chital in Nepali), barking deer (ratuwa in Nepali), peacocks and thrushes all need grasslands for their survival. If the grasslands are healthy and full of prey, the tiger will come to the grasslands to hunt." A tiger population indicates a healthy forest, the apex predator being at the very top of the food chain.

With infestations of invasive mimosa (Acacia catechu) and bitter vine (Mikenia micrantha) reducing the hundreds of hectares of grassland in Namuna to less than 20 hectares in 7 years, work to reverse the degradation was urgent. With support from the Hariyo Ban Program, 70 hectares has already been cleared.

DB Chaudhary is also the coordinator at the Jatayu Vulture Restaurant which is managed by the Namuna User Group. The restaurant has been working to conserve the local vulture population since 2006, by providing meat that is free from Diclofenac – a common cattle mediation which is deadly to vultures. "This vulture restaurant has helped local communities to benefit from local biodiversity," says Chaudhary, "this is now a tourist attraction – and if we manage the adjoining community forest effectively we'll attract even more tourists."

Effective grassland management can also help to ensure a healthy supply of cane and thatch for building houses. Grasslands are the only source of Halfa grass (kush in Nepali - Desmostachya bipinnata) which is used in Hindu and Buddhist religious practices. What's more, grasslands capture and store carbon, and have an important role to play in greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. The 850 households that make up the Namuna Community Forest User Group see grassland and wetland management as a way to ensure sustainable livelihoods for their communities.

By Richa Bhattarai, Communications Associate, Hariyo Ban Program, WWF Nepal

For further information,
Please e-mail: hariyobanprogram@wwfnepal.org

^{_{Disclaimer: The Hariyo Ban Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the responsibility of WWF and its consortium partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.}}

Taking ownership for a greener tomorrow

2013-06-07

This year, WWF-Bhutan, in collaboration with the Thimphu Thromde and the National Environment Commission marked the social forestry Day on June 2nd by organizing the 'My Tree' program in 28 schools in Thimphu.

Under the program, a total of around 3000 tree saplings were distributed in the schools and around 8056 students participated in the event.

The program was aimed at reviving ecological responsibility among children by planting trees in their own household compounds. This will help inculcate a sense of ownership and love for forest among the youth.

Through the initiative, the program seeks to increase tree cover outside the forested areas as well as on degraded forests.

A step closer to securing TRAMCA

2013-05-30

WWF's vision to secure the Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area (TRAMCA), in southern Bhutan, by 2015 gets clearer as new activities under the project take off with support from the Department of Forests and Park Services.

The project includes Khaling and Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuaries (KWS and PWS) and the Royal Manas National Park (RMNP). These protected areas under the project are also important for conservation of Rhinoceros, Elephants and some endangered, eastern Himalayan endemic species such as the Pygmy Hog and Hispid Hare.

Some of the more recent development in the area includes training field staff on camera trapping exercises for surveys and conducting smart patrols in the landscape. There were around 28 participants from Khaling and Phibsoo.

The three parks have also started consultative processes to share experiences and expertise to better manage the area.

Studies have also confirmed the functionality of corridors connecting the three protected areas as there are now evidences of wildlife movement through the corridors. A fish survey is also being done in RMNP. So far, a total of 42 different fish specimens have been identified.

The park now needs to develop waterholes, salt licks and watch tower and trails in consultation with the communities. Such facilities will enhance local economy through home stays, youth employment while at the same time garner community support for the conservation.

WWF Nepal celebrates 20 years of conservation partnerships

2013-05-20

Amaltari, Chitwan – Partnerships, from the national to the grassroots level, that helped shape Nepal's conservation landscape were at the forefront of the celebrations of WWF Nepal's 20 years of office (1993-2013).

At a special ceremony organized to mark this day in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park in Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape, more than 70 partner organizations were felicitated by WWF Nepal in recognition of their support and contribution in conservation. These included Government of Nepal's line Ministries and Departments, donor organizations, NGOs, enforcement agencies and community-based organizations. Dr. K. C. Paudel, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, was the Chair of the event which saw the active participation of more than 1,000 community members.

"WWF Nepal's official presence started in 1993 with three people in a small room. Today, we have built a core family of nearly 100 staff and an extended one with the government, conservation agencies and the local community," stated Mr. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. "Over these years, Nepal has witnessed significant advances in conservation all of which has been possible because of the power of partnerships," he added.

The past 20 years have seen significant conservation gains in Nepal. The landscape level approach to conservation, exemplified by the ambitious Terai Arc Landscape and Sacred Himalayan Landscape programs of the Government of Nepal in which WWF Nepal is an active partner, was initiated during this period. These programs have introduced important conservation strategies aimed at protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat, protecting and building populations of key species such as tigers, rhinos and snow leopards, and creating enabling policies and mechanisms related to addressing climate change, land use and trans-boundary conservation issues. This period has also helped build and strengthen an important link in conservation – the local communities – through which sustainable forest management and anti-poaching are now locally led and supported initiatives.

"The Government of Nepal has found a valuable partner in WWF," stated Dr. K. C. Paudel, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation. "We look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years to come so that Nepal can be a leading example in conservation," he added.

As part of the celebrations, WWF Nepal announced an important next step for the organization in conservation – the creation of sustainable villages – with Amaltari as the first village towards this end. A homestay program, a community clinic and a women-led micro-enterprise were launched as starting initiatives in providing alternate livelihoods and wellbeing opportunities for local communities in order to strengthen their motivation in conservation.

"WWF Nepal has recognized the role of local people in conservation," stated Mr. Prem Shankar Mardania, Chairperson of Amaltari Buffer Zone User Committee. "Just as conservation takes care of people, the people will take care of conservation," he added.

WWF and World Cyclist Foundation to promote the Green Hiker campaign

2013-05-16

Kathmandu, Nepal - WWF Nepal joined hands with Mr. Pushkar Shah, a world cyclist and leader of World Cyclist Foundation, in order to promote responsible tourism in Nepal's Himalayas under WWF's Green Hiker Campaign.

Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr Ram Kumar Shrestha, handed over a bicycle supported by WWF Nepal to Mr. Pushkar Shah amidst a ceremony in the capital today. Mr. Shah is presently undertaking an ambitious cycling expedition across Nepal's Great Himalaya Trail to promote tourism in the region with cycling being an avenue to attract more tourists in the region and, in effect, address the livelihoods of people. Through his expedition, WWF Nepal seeks to promote the message of responsible tourism in the Himalayas.

"The personal drive and initiative of Mr. Shah is indeed commendable," said Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Authority. "I will try my level best to ensure that his work is recognized by the government and that his endeavors are duly supported so that he can carry on in his unique mission of spreading world peace and now, environmental protection," he added.

Mr. Shah has been travelling the world in his bicycle for the past fifteen years spreading the message of world peace.

Speaking at the program, Mr. Shah said, "I will in the best possible way help spread the message of the Green Hiker Campaign and responsible tourism wherever I go. I thank WWF Nepal for the support provided to me. WWF is probably the only organization that has come forward to help."

"WWF Nepal sees a strong connect between tourism and conservation, and the Himalayas which is Nepal's biggest tourist attraction is also one of the hardest hit in terms of climate change," stated Dr. Ghana S Gurung, Conservation Program Director of WWF Nepal. "The Green Hiker campaign and this partnership with Mr. Pushkar Shah seek to create greater environmental awareness so that people can enjoy nature while ensuring that its pristineness is protected," he added.

Nepal Tourism Board in partnership with WWF Nepal launched the Green Hiker campaign in May 2011 on the occasion of the 4th International Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) Day. The campaign is part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations to promote responsible tourism in Nepal.

###

Restoring forests and adapting to climate change – one step at a time

2013-04-26

"I was ill, I have even had heart surgery, and my health was deteriorating because of the smoke while cooking," shared Laxmi Rana, who is very happy to have installed biogas in her home with the help of the Hariyo Ban Program. Rana is from Jumdanda, one of the least developed regions in Bandipur Village Development Committee, in Tanahun District in the mid-hills of Nepal, where most women are tied to home and hearth. Today 25 households in Jumdanda have installed biogas. Rana says, "Now since less time is needed for gathering firewood, cooking, and cleaning, I have spare time to do other work." As well as saving women time and work, and reducing smoke in the kitchen which affects women and children, biogas helps to restore forests by reducing firewood extraction. Biogas plants provide methane gas for cooking; the gas is produced in a digester from livestock dung and waste from the family toilet. Since livestock are an essential part of the process, people keep livestock near their homesteads instead of in the forest, which also takes pressure off the forest by reducing trampling and browsing of young trees. Children have milk to drink, and spare milk can be sold to boost household incomes. Manure from the slurry that drains from the digester can be used to grow vegetables, which also improves household nutrition. Restored forests stabilize hillsides and improve water supplies. So, bringing biogas to Jumdanda helps women, children and the forest.

Currently Rana is using some of the time saved from household chores to act as the vice president of Jum Dada Jhapri Community Forest Users Group (CFUG), and today there are also many other women members in the CFUG committee. One of them is Sugmaya Thapa. On a high level monitoring visit of the Hariyo Ban Program, I accompanied government representatives and heads of partner institutions to Jumdanda where Thapa enthusiastically taught me the use of forest firefighting equipment - uncontrolled fire is a major threat to forests in Nepal. She lifted a shovel up, "We use this to create fire lines, and this," pointing at a yellow bag, "to fill water, so we can easily carry it on our backs," she instructed. Hariyo Ban has also provided forest fire management training and equipment to the locals in Jumdanda. "We did not have boots, gloves or helmets before, so obviously when the fire used to start on that hill," she said pointing to the north, "we burnt our hands and feet when we tried to control it. It was dangerous because we were wearing saris but now we even have protective suits."

Women in Jumdanda were not always this outspoken. The Hariyo Ban Program helped the community to establish a community learning and action center (CLAC), an informal forum to organize and gather marginalized , particularly women, Dalits, and poor to discuss issues of concern to them. These people are often the most dependent on the forest for their survival, but do not have a say in how the forests are managed and used. The focus of CLAC is to organize, empower and mobilize these communities around issues affecting their lives and livelihood for collective social action. Issues discussed in the CLAC range from environmental, social and economic to political. After these discussions the group normally generates community awareness and even tries to network with relevant service providers to seek solutions to their problems. In Jumdanda, through the CLAC, the group has established a local penalization rule to stop the problem of poaching and illegal harvesting of trees, and has even conducted a campaign on solid waste management in Bandipur.

The community learning and action center also provided training on climate change adaptation through a local resource person trained by Hariyo Ban Program. "I understand about climate change and its impact on our community and ecosystem now, and the need to develop climate smart adaptation practices," stated Rana. The CLAC group has now decided to prepare a Community Adaptation Plan of Action (CAPA) to address climate change impacts in Jumdanda. With the help of Hariyo Ban Program, the CLAC group will take the lead with other community organizations, including the community forest users groups (CFUGs) and local leaders to create a community adaptation plan for action. By the end of March 2013, Hariyo Ban Program had helped to prepare and implement 26 CAPAs in Nepal.

"We hope to prepare our community adaptation plan and leverage resources from stakeholders to implement it to address vulnerabilities to climate change," said Rana. The CAPA not only brings together the community to prepare a plan, thereby creating ownership, but also empowers them to address the adverse impacts of climate change by networking and mobilizing resources from local and national stakeholders. Hariyo Ban takes an integrated approach to climate adaptation, using ecosystems to help vulnerable people to adapt to climate change (for example, reducing the risk of landslides by restoring forests on steep hillsides), and at the same time working with local communities to build resilience of ecosystems to withstand the adverse impacts of climate change.

By Pallavi Dhakal, Communications Officer, Hariyo Ban Program, WWF Nepal

For further information,
Please e-mail: hariyobanprogram@wwfnepal.org
^{_{Disclaimer: The Hariyo Ban Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the responsibility of WWF and its consortium partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.}}

Miss Nepal 2013 Ishani Shrestha is WWF's Young Conservation Ambassador

2013-04-16

WWF Nepal appointed Ishani Shrestha, Miss Nepal – World 2013, as the eighth Young Conservation Ambassador at a ceremony in Kathmandu on 15 April 2013.

"WWF is pleased to appoint Ishani as our Young Conservation Ambassador," said Dr. Ghana S Gurung, Conservation Program Director of WWF Nepal. "During her tenure she will promote biodiversity conservation in Nepal through awareness and action." I would also like to acknowledge with gratitude Miss Nepal 2012, Shristi Shrestha for her active contribution to help raise awareness on WWF's conservation endeavors and also being the first Young Conservation Ambassador to fundraise for the local people of Ghunsa in Kanchenjunga.

Following in the footsteps of former Miss Nepal's and the global conservation organization's Young Conservation Ambassadors, Ishani will be actively involved in helping promote conservation especially among the youth.

"I would, in the best possible way, use this opportunity to raise awareness on conservation issues," said Ishani, the newly appointed Young Conservation Ambassador.

WWF Nepal started appointing The Hidden Treasure's Miss Nepal pageant winners as the Young Conservation Ambassador from 2004 and since then Payal Shakya, Sugarika KC, Sitashma Chand, Zenisha Moktan, Sadichha Shrestha Malina Joshi and Shristi Shrestha have contributed to disseminating the message of conservation through word and deed.

Prince Albert II Foundation Project takes off in Nepal and Bhutan

2013-04-08

Koshi and Dangme chhu river basins traversing through Nepal and Bhutan are of considerable significance for the hydrology of the Eastern Himalayas. However, the impacts of climate change is affecting weather patterns in the Himalayas, hampering the food production, hydropower investment as well as causing negative impacts on biodiversity and the lives of millions of people dependent on these water sources of the Himalayas.
To address these impacts, WWF is implementing an Integrated River Basin Management (IBRM) in both the basins and their sub –basins (Dudhkoshi in Nepal and Kulong chhu in Bhutan) with the local communities and partners. The project, titled "The Living Himalayas- Securing the Water Towers of Asia" is being jointly implemented in the two sub-basins by WWF- Nepal, WWF- Bhutan, and WWF- LHGI supported by Prince Albert II Foundation. The project is for a period of three years and actual implementation began since January 2013.
In Bhutan, the PAF project is being implemented by Watershed Management Division under the Department of Forests and Park Services, Royal Government of Bhutan in collaboration with WWF. The funds have been released for the first activity of building national consensus on IRBM in Kulong chhu sub-basin under Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. The World Water Day was celebrated earlier this year in Bumdeling by restoration of a wetland locally known as Dung Tsho in Dungsam
In Nepal, community based local Integrated Resource Management Committees (IRMCs) are implementing the project activities in the two catchment areas of Siku and Pankhu in Dudhkoshi sub-basin with support from WWF Nepal. Nepal is also working on the larger Indrawati basin on similar lines from other funding sources. Five hundred households stand to benefit from the project outcomes that build capacity in the two catchment areas in the conservation and management of existing water resources.

Orphaned rhino struggles to survive after mother killed

2013-04-05

An Indian rhino calf that lost its mother to poachers is clinging to life with the help of conservationists, according to WWF staff assisting with its care. The two week old male is in critical condition after its mother was gunned down by poachers Tuesday and her horn chopped off.

The shocking incident is the latest in a surge of poaching plaguing India's Assam province where 16 greater one-horned rhinos have been killed already this year.

A team of frontline staff from WWF, the government and partner organizations joined community members to search Manas National Park for the orphan after the carcass of its mother was discovered earlier this week. The group was determined to prevent the calf's death imminent from starvation, which would surely occur without the nourishment of its mother's milk.

The dehydrated and traumatized calf was located, captured and brought to a safe location for urgent veterinary care. Images of the confused newborn show it cowering in the corner of a store room where it is being held temporarily.

"It was a challenge getting hold of the calf as it was very scared but thankfully it is fine and doing well now," said WWF's Deba Dutta who was part of the rescue team.

However, the calf's survival is not assured. The animals are highly dependent on their mothers for the first few years of life. Work will soon begin on a special fenced enclosure, or boma, for the calf so that it can be raised by rehabilitation experts. It is possible, but challenging, to successfully reintroduce rhinos to the wild.

Rhinos across their Asian and African ranges are being decimated at record rates by poachers and criminal traffickers. Killing has surged in recent years just as rhino horn has become a prized commodity in Viet Nam where it is marketed as miracle cure for everything from cancer to hangovers. Viet Nam has done little to crackdown on the illegal trade or curb demand by dispelling such rumours, which have no medical basis.

Opportunistic criminals are now targeting rhinos reintroduced into India's Manas National Park by WWF and its Indian Rhino Vision 2020 partners. Four of the 18 rhinos moved there have been killed for their horns.

"In Manas National Park itself, monitoring, patrolling, intelligence and protection regimes need to be strengthened and implemented on ground in a time-bound, verifiable and accountable manner," said Dr. Dipankar Ghose, Director of WWF-India's Species and Landscapes Programme.

WWF strongly condemns the rhino killings and renews its call to source, transit and consumer countries to increase protection and law enforcement.

Take action to stop wildlife crime. Join WWF's campaign.

Making rangers patrol-smart

2013-04-04

Some 29 field park staffs from Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Royal Manas National Park and Samdrup Jonkhar Divisional Forestry (Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary) attended the SMART (Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tools) patrolling training that was held in Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) from 24^rd March till 1^st April.

SMART is a site-based approach used to monitor and improve the effectiveness of conservation management. The software has been jointly developed by a consortium of NGOs such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Flora and Fauna International (FFI), Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Frankfurt Zoological Society, New Castle Zoo, CITIES, MIKE, and many others.

The objective of the training was to provide basic, but vital, knowledge to field rangers of the proposed Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area (TRAMCA) landscape on law enforcement.

During the five-day long training, participants were trained by Rohit Singh, Tactical Protection and Law Enforcement Monitoring Officer of WWF Tigers Alive Initiative based in Malaysia.

The training included GPS and map reading, patrol and patrolling tactics, patrol planning, intelligence gathering, anti-poaching operation, use of SMART patrolling tools, legislation and reporting on patrolling activities.

Bhutan observes Earth Hour nation-wide

2013-03-25

WWF-Bhutan, in collaboration with the National Environment Commission, observed the second earth hour in the country last Saturday. Taking the event to another level, the National Environment Commission, with support from WWF-Bhutan Program, helped take the event to the grassroots by having all the dzongkhags contribute to this important global event.

In Thimphu, members of other CSOs and government official offered butter lamps as the lights were put off at the Memorial Chorten. In other dzongkhags, students, residents and business communities came together to make a difference by switching off lights and by engaging on other green activities.

Gracing the eve, Dasho Paljor. J. Dorji, the Special Advisor to the National Environment Commission said that the celebration was a symbolic gesture to protect the planet from climate change. "One billion people saving energy for an hour makes a lot of difference," he said. He said that the event was important, especially to sensitize the youth on a better future of the planet earth.

Earth Hour puts the 'you' in youth in Nepal

2013-03-24

Nepal's youth took centre stage on Earth Hour in what was called "the biggest gathering for the environment" in the picturesque lake-city of Pokhara attracting over 6,000 youth.

"Climate change poses a major threat to the biodiversity and communities of Nepal and the Himalayas, for which Pokhara is a key entry point, is one of the hardest hit," said Dr. Ghana S Gurung, Conservation Program Director at WWF Nepal. "Earth Hour gives people, especially the youth, the means to take concerted environmental actions and adopt climate-smart lifestyles that heals the earth," he added.

The event saw performances by two of Nepal's leading pop/rock artists, Nima Rumba and Abhaya & the Steam Injuns, using music as a medium to reach out to the youth on the need to make environmentally-smart choices.

Nepal's icon of the film industry and WWF's Goodwill Ambassador, Rajesh Hamal, and Miss Nepal 2012 and WWF's Young Conservation Ambassador, Shristi Shrestha, were the special guests at the event.

"Music is the fabric that binds us youth; Earth Hour is a platform that gives us a shared purpose," said Shristi Shrestha. "Through Earth Hour, I would like to call on the youth to join me to be the agents of change for the environment and to take the initiative to make a difference for a living planet," she added.

The Earth Hour event in Nepal was supported by the WWF Network and the Hariyo Ban Program. Pashchimanchal Hotel Association of Pokhara, Restaurant and Bar Association and Pokhara Tourism Council were the local partners of the event.

"Pokhara is a meeting point between the mountains and the terai in the Chitwan Annapurna Landscape, one of the two landscapes under the Hariyo Ban Program funded by USAID and implemented by a consortium of conservation partners led by WWF Nepal," said Ms. Judy Oglethorpe, Chief of Party, Hariyo Ban Program. "Pokhara gives us an ideal platform to showcase some of Nepal's natural riches, from the lakes to the adjoining community forests and the recently inaugurated world peace biodiversity garden, and stress on the need to address the impacts of climate change on our natural resources," she added.

On the occasion of Earth Hour, a clean-up campaign was also organized in the Fewa Lake as per the ongoing water hyacinth removal drive. Coordinated by the Pashchimanchal Hotel Association of Pokhara together with the support of Pokhara Municipality, the campaign brought together about 300 people including Mr. Rajesh Hamal who was the Chief Guest at the event.

Saga of the three conservation heroes

2013-03-20

On International Women's Day, 2013 Hariyo Ban Program recognized three individuals for their remarkable work as change agents in conservation and women's leadership promotion. They are from the two landscapes where Hariyo Ban Program works - Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) and Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL). Nanda Devi Kuwar from Kailali was given a special recognition for her bravery, and Durga Gole from Makwanpur and Ek Bahadur Budhathoki Magar from Gorkha were honored as outstanding female and male change agents respectively. Find out about their inspiring struggle and accomplishments below.

Risking her life for conservation

With her hands on her lap Nanda Devi Kuwar waits quietly and as her name is announced to recognize her bravery and courage, she walks slowly amid the echo of applause, holding her hands that are still recovering from injury.

On April 21, 2012, Nanda Devi was trying to prevent forest encroachment in Madhumalati Community Forest when she was brutally attacked by a gang involved in the encroachment. They cut her hands and tried to kill her. Despite the serious injury and risk to life, she selflessly continued to work for community forest conservation.

"The pain in my hands has reduced but I cannot work as I used to before. I am still dependent on others for everyday tasks like bathing and changing clothes," said Nanda. "I am happy to be recognized at the national level but the gravity of conservation issues at local level that I am fighting for daily is yet to be understood by my own community. We still have a long way to go but I am positive that people will understand the importance of conservation soon," added Nanda with determination.

Nanda Devi wakes up early in the morning to patrol the forest and talk to people about forest conservation and sustainable forest management. She is also fighting to ensure community forest users' rights to meet their needs. Despite the incident in the past, her courage and determination to work for forest conservation are still intact.

Mocked and ridiculed, but never abandoned hope

Durga Gole, 22, from Makwanpur, Churiyamai VDC was mocked and taunted by villagers for patrolling the forest and protecting local natural resources. "They used to demoralize and challenge me, telling me that they had cut trees to see whether I would dare to file a complaint to the police," reflected Durga. That was four years ago. Today things have changed in Churiyamai.

"My family used to be completely dependent on the forest for our livelihood. We cut trees and made alcohol for money to pay for our education and food. The entire local community was cutting trees and while it was lucrative, it had serious consequences for our forest," she said. "I was introduced to the idea of a sustainable future through conservation by WWF Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) project. It helped me to question our community's way of life and made me realize the need to use our forest responsibly and conserve it. There has been no looking back since then."

Today, with a group of 23 women, Durga marches forward as the secretary of the 'All Women Anti-Poaching Unit' for regular patrolling of the Churiyamai Forest. She is currently also a youth leader in her community and is active in encouraging and mobilizing women's participation in conservation and anti-poaching activities. The unit coordinates with local officials to report illegal activities. They have also started microfinance cooperative to lend money to women interested in alternative livelihood options to reduce pressure on the forest.

"Today those who mocked and threatened me are working with me to conserve the forest. The community is not as dependent on the forest as before. I feel blessed and could not be happier," said Durga, a smile spreading across her face.

Breaking tradition for women's leadership

Ek Bahadur Budhathoki Magar is breaking with traditional thinking and is encouraging women into leadership positions in the Bhuwanisthan Chhipchhipe Community Forest in Gorkha. "Since women can manage their households and surroundings perfectly well, why should we doubt their leadership capability in managing our forests?" says Ek Bahadur. "By increasing the engagement of women, we ensure participatory forest management and improve our conservation efforts. However, while I have been trying hard to increase and promote female leadership, it has been difficult as they are mostly occupied with household chores," he added.

To attract women's participation, Ek Bahadur initiated a folk song competition on the theme 'Importance of women's leadership today'. "This proved to be a great way to generate awareness on women issues and boost their participation," he reflected.

When Ek Bahadur became the chairperson of Bhuwanisthan Chipchipe Community Forest Users Group four years ago, he immediately worked to change the gender ratio of the male-dominated executive committee. Today with his creative work, four out of 11 executive members are female. He smiles with a hint of satisfaction and says, "It is difficult to believe that we now even have a female vice-chairperson in our community forest users group."

_{By Pallavi Dhakal, Communications Officer, Hariyo Ban Program, WWF Nepal}

_{For further information,
Please mail: hariyobanprogram@wwfnepal.org}

^{_{Disclaimer: The Hariyo Ban Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the responsibility of WWF and its consortium partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.}}

In harmony with nature

2013-03-20

Having just travelled six hours from his village in Palpa to Pokhara to take part in a song competition, 22-year-old Toya Biswakarma had every reason to be exhausted. But a smile played on his lips, and he expressed happiness at being given the platform to display his singing talents. Biswakarma, who has been visually challenged since birth, is determined to focus on his talents. This made him enter his name for the song competition organized by the Hariyo Ban Program. After emerging as the winner from over 30 participants in Gulmi and Palpa Districts, he managed to clinch the second place in the landscape level song competition held on February 24 in Pokhara.

"This is a very good platform," said Biswakarma, content even after missing the first position, "The subject matter set for this competition is quite apt, too. We all need to understand that the absence of forests means extinction of our existence." As for handing over leadership roles to women, the major theme of the competition, he opined, "Women should definitely be promoted to decision-making levels. With their sensitivity and gentleness, they will add a new dimension to conservation."

The competition was part of Hariyo Ban's campaign for the 103rd International Women's Day, under the theme of 'Amplifying unheard voices of women's leadership in conservation and climate change.' The campaign was directly aligned with Hariyo Ban's goal to reduce impacts of climate change and threats to biodiversity in Nepal, highlighting the work of local women who have been selflessly working to conserve and restore forests, and yet who are often not adequately empowered to do this. Auditions were held in six districts of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL). The two participants from each district chosen from this audition competed one more time in Pokhara before one winner each was selected from the poem and song category.

The winners for CHAL were Basanta Subedi from Kaski and Uday Nepali from Mustang, both of whom managed to articulate the innate relationship between women leadership and conservation. Nepali, who traveled a long way from his mountain district, focused on the need of women leaders in every sphere of life. "No effort is too small to raise awareness about women leadership, and I could not let such a chance go. I truly believe that only when we men speak out and cooperate with women can they voice their problems. Besides, women are the ones relegated to the home and hearth, they are the ones who have to deal with problems such as depleting water sources and fuel, which is why they need to be at the forefront to decide about the best use of natural resources."

Two days later, a similar scenario of bonhomie laced with competition occurred in Chitwan, where seventeen contestants gathered. Just like in CHAL, these contestants had been selected from districts in the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL). Their songs and poems spoke of the pain women faced due to declining natural resources, the courage they showed in conserving their biodiversity, and the challenges they encounter each day in their endeavors. The hopeful voices mesmerized one and all, and the final choice of the judges – Jayananda Joshi 'Paramhamsa' for his rousing poetry and Ritu Lama for her mellifluous song – were appreciated by all present. Speaking out about the message of her song, Ritu explained eloquently, "My point is that women are as capable of doing things that men are, it is only the rights and official positions that they lack. But even this is not deterring women, as they are personally carrying out their quest to save forests and wildlife. This is because it is especially women who bear the brunt of environmental crises."

The issues highlighted in the songs and poems have raised awareness and understanding of women's hopes and struggles for their forests. When the overall winner, Ritu Lama, was finally announced on March 8, 2013 at an International Women's Day Hariyo Ban event judged by seven eminent judges, she expressed elation at the chance to have the songs and poems recorded and played back through national and local media. This process will not only highlight conservation issues that are pertinent to the region, but should also inspire men and women to join hands together for conservation and a better future. The campaign, which focused on raising voices from the local to the national level on best practices and challenges faced by women active in natural resource management through their inspiring stories via song and poetry, came to an inspiring end with a young female winner who is passionate about changing the world for the better through her words and actions. Thanks to all the competitors for their inspiring work!

_{By Richa Bhattarai, Communications Associate, Hariyo Ban Program, WWF Nepal

For further information
Please mail: hariyobanprogram@wwfnepal.org}

^{_{Disclaimer: The Hariyo Ban Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this article are the responsibility of WWF and its consortium partners and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.}}

Climate Summit bearing fruit

2013-03-15

Coordination Group of the Summit for a Living Himalayas (SLH) comprising of delegates from four countries (India, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh) met again on 23 February 2013. For the WWF LHGI, decisions taken by this Group in this meeting are a big step towards large scale regional action in the Eastern Himalayas.

For the next one year, as endorsed by the Group, Government of India will lead the coordination work for carrying out of the Framework of Cooperation (FoC) of the SLH.

Organizations like WWF and ADB were credited as reliable supporters to coordinate and provide assistance to carry out regional project proposals. WWF has been supporting the Summit from its inception. Also, ADB has approved a Regional Technical Assistance (ReTA) of over USD one Million for developing large regional proposal relevant to FoC.

The Group also selected regional project proposals, based on do-ability and relevancy to the FoC of the Summit for a Living Himalayas. This is where the LHGI's objective on 'sustainable development that is responsible for the Ecosystem Services' and 'safeguarding the East Himalayan Ecosystems' were prioritized as some of the components to take forward.

The selected projects include:
•    Strengthen Institutional capacities for resource assessment on renewable energy.
•    Promote eco-efficient water infrastructure for effective adaptation to climate change.
•    Safeguard the EH ecosystems from degradation and resource utilization.
•    Enhance ecosystem resilience by promoting biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use in EH.
•    Apply appropriate technology to adapt to impacts of CC and improve water use efficiency for enhanced crop productivity in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins.

Indian delegation identified the 'India Endowment for Climate Change in South Asia' as a potential source of funding for the implementation of the regional projects.

The coordination group also agreed to review their respective Network of Institutions and submit to the Secretariat by 15 March 2013. The Group endorsed a timeline until the next meeting scheduled for the 17July, 2013.

Amplifying the voices of women leaders in conservation and climate change

2013-03-15

KATHMANDU – Complementing the global theme of the 103rd International Women's Day, "A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women", the USAID-funded Hariyo Ban Program on 8th March 2013 held the finale of a campaign "Amplifying unheard voices of women's leadership in conservation and climate change" that started on 7th February 2013.

The campaign focused on raising voices from the local level to the national, on best practices and challenges faced by women active in natural resource management through their inspiring stories via song and poetry. The program held auditions in the two landscapes where Hariyo Ban works – in six districts of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (Kaski, Tanahu, Lamjung, Gorkha, Palpa and Mustang) and nine districts of Terai Arc Landscape (Dhading, Makawanpur, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Dang, Banke, Bardia, Kailali and Kanchanpur). Winners from these districts participated in landscape-level semi-finals held in Pokhara (24th February 2013) and Chitwan (27th February 2013). From each landscape two finalists were chosen to participate in Kathmandu on 8th March 2013. The Hariyo Ban Program also recognized two woman and man change agents who have worked to promote women's leadership in conservation and climate change.

Ms. Ritu Lama from Hetauda, Makawanpur won the song category and Mr. Basanta Subedi from Hemja, Kaski won the poetry category at national level. Besides winning prizes, the finalists will have their songs and poems recorded, and the winners will have their creations aired on national radio and FM stations in several working districts of the Hariyo Ban Program, as part of generating awareness on women's roles in conservation and climate change. In addition, Ms. Durga Gole form Makwanpur and Mr. Ek Bahadur Budhathoki Magar from Gorkha were recognized for their exceptional work in promoting women's engagement in conservation and increasing women's participation in decision making as change agents respectively by the Hariyo Ban Program. In addition to this Ms. Nanda Kunwar from Kailali was given special recognition to honor her bravery, leadership and high level of commitment in conservation and climate change. Similarly, Ms. Churim Sherpa, the first woman to ascend Mount Everest twice in the same season, was felicitated for her bravery by Conservation Program Director of WWF Nepal, Dr. Ghana S Gurung, and Miss Nepal 2012 and WWF's Young Conservation Ambassador, Ms. Shristi Shrestha.

Chief Guest Ms. Anuradha Koirala, CNN hero 2010 and Chairperson of Maiti Nepal said, "Being women, we are at the frontline of climate change, both as the sufferers and also as the ones creating alternative strategies and solutions. Climate change has a big gender dimension and hence it is important that women's voices and interests are heard and amplified through meaningful representation." She added, "Women are also honest conservers, true leaders and sustainable change makers, and celebration at events such as this one for International Women's Day organized by the Hariyo Ban Program will provide further momentum to promote women's leadership roles in conservation and climate change."

Nepal's poorest and most disadvantaged people including women depend heavily on forest resources for their livelihoods. Inequitable distribution of rights, resources and power, and repressive cultural rules and norms constrain them from fully engaging in and benefitting from natural resource management and climate adaptation. Out of Nepal's 75 districts, only 14 have women chairpersons in their Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs). These 14 chairpersons were also felicitated at the event by FECOFUN Chairperson Ms. Apsara Chapagain and CNN Hero 2010 Ms. Anuradha Koirala for their untiring contribution towards conservation.

"Increasing opportunities for women to raise their voices and take on decision-making roles is a special focus of USAID programs, including Hariyo Ban", said special guest at the event, Ms. Sheila Lutjens, Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Nepal. "Particularly for sustainable natural resource management efforts in vulnerable ecosystems, women's stewardship role is essential and so is addressing social, economic, health, cultural and financial barriers that inhibit women from managing their resources sustainably."

Building on the work of Hariyo Ban Program in Nepal Ms. Judy Oglethorpe, Chief of Party remarked, "The Hariyo Ban Program has gender and social inclusion (GESI) as a key cross-cutting approach, helping empower both women and men to challenge and change deeply rooted inequalities and improve the policy environment. Further, because many young men have migrated overseas for work women are going to become much more responsible for sustainable forest management in the future, emphasizing the importance of promoting women's leadership in conservation. However, with the rise of active participation of women in natural resource management, the risk of gender based violence, both physical and psychological, has also increased. And compared to gender based violence in other sectors, violence in natural resource management is rarely highlighted or talked about in our media. The campaign has provided both men and women a platform to build awareness on this issue at national level."

For further information:
Pallavi Dhakal
pallavi.dhakal@wwfnepal.org
Communications Officer, Hariyo Ban Program
WWF Nepal

_{^{Disclaimer: The Hariyo Ban Program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this website are the responsibility of WWF and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.}}

TraMCA takes off

2013-03-14

Governments met to discuss Indo-Bhutan
Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area

Governments of India and Bhutan agreed to step up trans-border conservation action in Manas Conservation area during the first Indo-Bhutan trans-boundary meeting in Manas Tiger Reserve in India.
On 20th February, the two governments created a core group of officials from both countries to start a joint cross border action.

In cordial and open discussion, the two parties also agreed on other key steps, the modalities of which will be worked out by the Core Group. These actions include;

•    the need for join patrolling and the creation of protocols thereof
•    the need for working together on creating a trans-border world
     Heritage site
•    the need for joint monitoring of large mammals, (The NTCA also
     agreed to provide for equipment and capacity that may be
     needed in Bhutan for monitoring of tigers)
•    increased cooperation for stopping cross-border poaching and felling
     was emphasized
•    the need for engaging the SSB (Indian Border Police) for conservation
     action was recognized and the
     India delegation suggested opening discussions on the matter with the
     police agency
•    the need for signing the already tabled MOU on trans-border
     cooperation between the two countries

WWF made a presentation on Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area (TraMCA). The TraMCA Action Plan was well received by the two sides and stated the need to incorporate it in the joint action plan. The two governments recognized the contributions made by WWF in the region.

The Indian delegation was led by, Dr Rajesh Gopal, Addl. Director General (DG) of Forests and Member Secretary of the NTCA. Mr. Chencho Norbu, the DG of Forests and Park Services, Royal Government of Bhutan led the Bhutan team. Among other senior officials, the PCCF of Assam and the Director of Wildlife Institute of India were also present at the meeting along with other park managers from both sides of the border.

This indeed is big step towards creating a successful trans-border conservation action across the Indo-Bhutan border where WWF India, WWF Bhutan and two GIs (LHGI and TAI) are working together.

Local youths unite to curb wildlife crimes

2013-03-14

Nepal witnessed a mass gathering comprising 5,000 passionate youth and members of community-based anti-poaching units in Khata Corridor, Bardia to mark the fourth annual Community-Based Anti-Poaching Unit (CBAPU) Day on 10 March 2013. The event was supported by WWF Nepal under the Government of Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape Program.

One thing that unites the youth of the landscape is biodiversity conservation; through the anti-poaching units, the youth have come together on a voluntary basis to help protect their forests from illegal logging, poaching and wildlife crimes.

"Since the establishment of CBAPU, the involvement of communities in curbing illegal wildlife crime has been increasing with each passing day," stated Mr. Hari Ram Tharu, Chairperson of a Community Based Anti-Poaching Unit. "It is now time that the government of Nepal recognizes our effort and declare March 10 as a National Day," he added.

The event also saw the active participation of government authorities, representatives from diplomatic mission and conservation partners.

Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Dr. Krishna Chandra Paudel said, "It is very encouraging to see the seamless efforts of the local communities in combatting wildlife crime. This is an indication that together we will be able to achieve zero poaching of our flagship species in Nepal."

At the event, the chief guest of the program Dr. Krishna Chandra Paudel, Secretary of Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, felicitated WWF Nepal for continuously supporting the Government of Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape program particularly with regard to biodiversity conservation in Bardia National Park.

Similarly, other key personalities from various walks of life, including Mr. Shiv Raj Bhatta, Deputy Director of Terai Arc Landscape Program-WWF Nepal and Dr. Shant Raj Jnawali, Coordinator of Biodiversity for Hariyo Ban Program-WWF Nepal were felicitated for their contribution in biodiversity conservation in Bardia National Park.

Speaking at the program, Dr. Ghana S Gurung, Conservation Program Director of WWF Nepal said, "Conservation and addressing the threats towards the same requires strong ownership and leadership starting with the grassroots level. WWF Nepal is proud to have joined hands with the local communities and youth in helping protect the natural heritage of Nepal."

Special guests at the event, Mr. Rajesh Hamal, Nepal's leading cinema artist and WWF's Goodwill Ambassador, and Ms. Shristi Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2012 and WWF's Young Conservation Ambassador, expressed their individual support to end wildlife crimes and called upon individuals and organizations alike to take proactive steps to curb this biggest threat to wildlife.

New study reveals scale of persistent illegal tiger trade

2013-03-07

Bangkok, Thailand, 7th March 2013—Parts of more than 1400 Tigers have been seized across Asia in the past 13 years, according to TRAFFIC's latest analysis of confiscations, which includes new data for 2010-2012.

Reduced to Skin and Bones Revisited finds that parts of at least 1425 Tigers had been seized across all but one of the 13 Tiger range countries between 2000 and 2012. For Cambodia alone, no seizures were recorded at all during the period.

Although it is not yet possible to show a definite trend, the analysis provides clear evidence that illegal trade in Tigers, their parts and products, persists as a major conservation concern, says TRAFFIC.

A total of 654 seizures of Tiger parts ranging from skin to bones, to teeth, claws and skulls took place during this period, an average of 110 Tigers killed for trade per year or just over two per week.

89% of seizures occur outside protected areas, emphasizing the importance of anti-trafficking actions to disrupt trade chains and prevent incursions into Tiger habitat. The benefits of such analysis to enhance law enforcement efforts to protect Tigers are obvious.

"If more robust information was routinely collected, analysed and shared between countries, real inroads could be made into targeting the smuggling syndicates behind Tiger trafficking," said Natalia Pervushina, Tiger Trade Programme Leader for TRAFFIC and WWF.

The report, a joint effort by TRAFFIC and the WWF Tigers Alive Initiative, was launched today at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meeting currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand. Later this week governments will debate efforts underway to protect Tigers and other Asian big cats.

A significant finding in the updated analysis was increased recording of seizures involving live Tigers – 61 individuals were seized in the three-year period since the last full CITES meeting took place in 2010, representing 50% of overall numbers (123) recorded since 2000. Thailand was the most significant location for interdiction of live Tiger trade (30 Tigers), followed by Lao PDR (11) and Indonesia (9) and Viet Nam (4).

"Given the low population estimates for wild tigers in Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam, combined with the presence of captive Tiger facilities within these three countries, there are serious questions as to the source of these live Tigers in trade," said Nick Cox, Species Programme Manager for WWF-Greater Mekong.

Of the 13 Tiger range countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Viet Nam), only India had kept sufficiently detailed seizure records to allow meaningful analysis to identify the 'hotspots' where Tiger trade was taking place.

Based on the information from India, five 'hotspot' locations were identified, including Delhi, while the other four were close to protected areas in different parts of the country (Uttar Pradesh, central India, West Bengal (Sundarbans) and the southern India landscape of the Western Ghats).

"The quality of the information from India allowed us to perform a spatial analysis and pinpoint the key locations where Tiger trade is taking place," said Sarah Stoner, TRAFFIC's Tiger Trade Data Specialist and author of the report. "Countries should be made to keep to their commitments under CITES to protect wild Tigers by providing robust reporting on the current situation."

Under agreements made at earlier CITES meetings, Tiger range countries have to state what action they have taken to protect Asian big cats. As of the start of the CITES meeting currently underway in Bangkok, only China, India and Thailand1 had submitted appropriate reports in compliance with a CITES requirement to do so.2

WWF and TRAFFIC are urging countries engaged in the Global Tiger Recovery Program to develop a harmonized process for reporting to the GTRP that will also fulfil the requirements of CITES with respect to Tigers.

-ENDS-

For further information contact

Dr. Richard Thomas, TRAFFIC's Global Communications Co-ordinator, Richard.thomas@traffic.org, +66 904 169 478

Notes

1 Russia also submitted a report, but not in the appropriate format.
2 CITES Resolution 12.5 (Rev. CoP15) on the Conservation of and trade in Tigers and other Appendix-I Asian big cat species.