MoFE, WWF Nepal sign deal on biodiversity, sustainability

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 30: The Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and WWF Nepal have formally signed a Scope of Cooperation (SoC) to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across Nepal.

The agreement aligns joint efforts with country’s national priorities and global commitments, including key policies and strategies on biodiversity, forests, climate change, wetlands, agriculture, and sustainable development, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals and national planning frameworks, said a press statement issued by WWF on Wednesday.

These policy frameworks collectively stress the conservation of biological resources as a foundation for Nepal’s sustainable development. The SoC further recognises the importance of landscape-level strategies and species conservation action plans in guiding effective, on-the-ground implementation.

“Our partnership with the Ministry of Forests and Environment reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding Nepal’s rich biodiversity while improving lives and livelihoods for communities who depend on nature. Through this Scope of Cooperation, we aim to scale impactful, science-based and community-driven solutions across conservation landscapes, contributing to Nepal’s national priorities and global environmental commitments,” said Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal 

Under the agreement, MoFE and WWF Nepal will jointly design and implement programmes and projects across conservation landscapes and protected areas. 

Under the guidance of MoFE, relevant government departments will collaborate closely with WWF Nepal in implementing the SoC. WWF Nepal will also work in coordination with Provincial Ministries of Forests and their entities including Division Forest Offices (DFOs) and Protected Area Offices (PAOs), as well as other government agencies. 

In addition, collaboration will extend to civil society organizations, including buffer zone institutions, community-based forest management groups and their networks, community forest coordination committees, and local and national non-governmental organizations. 

As part of this long-term partnership, WWF Nepal will endeavour to mobilise up to USD 40 million over a period of ten years, subject to the availability of funds, to support implementation in conservation landscapes and country’s protected area system, 

Funding will be channeled through grant agreements with implementing agencies, in line with agreed modalities. A Programme Executive Committee, co-chaired by the Director Generals of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC), will facilitate effective execution of the programme. 

Both MoFE and WWF Nepal will ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the Government of Nepal, as well as funding terms and conditions, throughout the implementation of the agreement. 

“This collaboration with WWF Nepal strengthens our efforts to conserve biodiversity, address climate change, and promote sustainable development in Nepal. By aligning resources and expertise, we will enhance the implementation of national policies and ensure that conservation delivers tangible benefits to people and ecosystems alike,” said Dr. Rajendra KC, Chief of Planning, Monitoring and Coordination Division under the MoFE.