For close to 50 years WWF has been working in the Eastern Himalayas, and we are now in the unique position to scale up our conservation work to ensure that the region's incredible diversity of life is preserved for generations to come.
Through our Living Himalayas Initiative we are working closely with the governments and people of Bhutan, India and Nepal to restore and protect ecological processes, reduce the human footprint and support local economies.
These actions will form 'stepping stones' towards achieving WWF's vision for the entire Himalayas:
A harmonious mosaic of healthy, vibrant landscapes, providing plentiful resources for people, while giving wildlife space, and securing the ecological and cultural treasures of the Himalayas.
Our vision
The Eastern Himalayas will be effectively managed and conserved through the bold concerted actions of 3 governments and the empowerment of communities to save the rich, common, natural and cultural heritage of this unique ecoregion.A regional approach
Combining connectivity and a regional approach, WWF views the ecoregion as a single unit, not a collection of fragmented landscapes in seperate countries. Wildlife trade, landscape management and development issues will be treated regionally, bringing people, governments and industry together in all countries; crossing borders and linking landscapes.Living Himalayas targets
- Adapting to climate change - Climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation will be mainstreamed into the management of river systems.
- Connecting habitats - A mosaic of over 7 million hectares of high conservation value forest, grassland, and wetland will be secured in the region, connecting over 1,500km of conservation area.
- Saving iconic species - Viable populations of iconic and threatened species will be secured and live in harmony with human communities.
Our plan of action
WWF will mobilize decision-makers and major stakeholders from communities to large companies to implement the following actions:- Develop a shared vision and plan between Bhutan, India, and Nepal for the conservation and sustainable development of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Secure over 7 million hectares of forests, grasslands and wetlands, by bringing 3.5 million hectares of land under conservation management and linking it with existing conservation areas.
- Protect threatened plant and animal species and their habitats.
- Ensure the integrity and climate resilience of critical ecosystems.
These actions will form 'stepping stones' towards achieving WWF's vision for the entire Himalayas:
A harmonious mosaic of healthy, vibrant landscapes, providing plentiful resources for people, while giving wildlife space, and securing the ecological and cultural treasures of the Himalayas.
