Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflicts through EbA in Nepal
Project Information
Implemented by WWF Nepal, this project focuses on the Brahmadev-Laljhadi complex located in the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal, a landscape of 82,032 ha spanning the Terai to the mid-hills and comprising a mosaic of national park and biological corridors. The Ministry of Forests and Environment’s 2021 Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) indicated that climate-related risks are projected to increase significantly by 2050 in the Sudurpaschim Province. Unpredictable climate variability is negatively impacting forests, freshwater ecosystems, and the communities that depend on these critical natural resources. The province is experiencing water scarcity, increased frequency of forest fires due to prolonged dry periods, and recurring floods and landslides. These pressures are causing unprecedented challenges to ecosystems and its services, triggering the loss of suitable habitats and water sources for wildlife. The assessment also revealed that the districts within the project sites are hotspots for climate-induced disasters, placing both local livelihoods and wildlife habitats at growing risk.
As climate change reshapes resource availability in nature and disrupts ecosystem services, Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) becomes crucial for reducing the potential escalation of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC). Evidence shows that both HWC and climate risks are rising, with a connection between the two. Without understanding the “climate-conflict nexus,” conventional HWC mitigation risks are becoming ineffective and unsustainable in the long run. Investments in such mitigation actions through business-as-usual development plans of local/provincial government and community-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) institutions will be futile.
Because understanding of the climate-conflict nexus remains limited within local planning systems, the project aims to close knowledge gaps by developing a framework on the climate-conflict nexus supported by case studies, identifying EbA interventions, and strengthening the capacity of duty bearers to translate knowledge into actions. The project results will also be shared through various mediums to support decision makers, EbA enthusiasts, and researchers in scaling solutions in other areas across the country, as well as in other countries with similar contexts.
Project Updates
1. Identified Climate-Conflict Hotspots in the Brahmadev-Laljhadi Complex: Completed a comprehensive vulnerability and risk assessment, identifying key hotspots where climate risks and human-wildlife conflict pressures are most pronounced.
2. Documented Community Experiences on the Climate-Conflict Nexus: Developed case studies through community consultations, documenting how climate change is affecting human-wildlife interactions and increasing conflict risks.
3. Defined EbA Intervention to Address the Climate-Conflict Nexus: Through expert knowledge, application of scientific tools and in-depth community consultations, identified 13 EbA interventions designed to help communities to adapt to climate change while generating co-benefits for reducing HWC across the complex.
4. Developed a Draft Framework on Climate-Driven Conflict Pathways: Developed a draft framework outlining how climate change contributes to increased HWC in the complex.
Project Status
Ongoing
