Objective: “To promote biodiversity conservation, environmental justice and sustainable livelihoods in Nepal.”
Our programme is designed to maximize synergies and minimize trade-offs between the three parts of the objective above. The framework provides the structure for the design and implementation of programmes and projects we undertake with our members and partners. It comprises several key elements:
Ecosystem Focus: We concentrate our efforts on the following key ecosystem areas:
• Forests: a major resource base in Nepal, they support important biodiversity, and provide diverse ecosystem services. We need to ensure that they continue to support rural people’s livelihoods.
• Freshwater: some of the poorest and most marginalized communities in Nepal depend on wetland and other water resources for their livelihoods. They also have regional and global value. Proper management can halt or even reverse the deterioration of freshwater bodies and provide additional livelihood opportunities.
• Agriculture: the majority of Nepal’s rural population is dependent on agriculture but unsustainable agricultural practices threaten rural livelihoods and food security. Promoting sustainable practices can conserve agro- biodiversity while enhancing livelihood security.
Target Groups: the most disadvantaged groups in Nepal are also those most dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods, and most vulnerable to environmental shocks and natural disasters. In particular, these are the lower caste Dalit, women and ethnic groups. The roles and responsibilities of women to manage natural resources is growing as men are increasingly forced to migrate to cities or even abroad for jobs to support their families. IUCN Nepal has, therefore, identified “poor and socially excluded households and women dependent on biodiversity for livelihood security” as direct beneficiaries.
Cross-cutting Priorities: we aim to ensure that our efforts are targetted in the right way, and that they bring lasting change. We will, therefore, alignthe programme with five cross-cutting priorities: equity; livelihoods; sustainability; conflict and partnerships. These priorities will guide the way IUCN works at all stages of the project cycle from design to final review. We will measure our programme activities against these cross-cutting priorities to ensure that the key issues in Nepal are tackled.