MoU on Biodiversity Conservation between Forest Ministry and WWF, Aims to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

Desk. Nepal’s Ministry of Forest and Environment and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have signed an agreement to strengthen biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The agreement will align joint efforts in the Himalayan nation with national priorities and global commitments, WWF Nepal said.

The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s policies and strategies related to biodiversity, forests, climate change, wetlands, agriculture, and sustainable development. It also incorporates Sustainable Development Goals and national planning frameworks. These policies emphasize the conservation of biological resources for Nepal’s sustainable development. The agreement also recognizes the importance of landscape-level strategies and species conservation action plans.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to scale up science-based and community-driven solutions in conservation landscapes,” said WWF Nepal representative Ghanshyam Gurung. He further added that this will contribute to Nepal’s national priorities and global environmental commitments. Under the agreement, the Ministry of Forests and WWF Nepal will jointly design and implement programs and projects in conservation landscapes and protected areas. WWF Nepal will disburse up to US$40 million over the next ten years, depending on funding availability.

Under the Ministry’s guidance, relevant government departments will work closely with WWF Nepal. WWF Nepal will also coordinate with provincial forest ministries and their agencies, such as divisional forest offices and protected area offices. Other government agencies will also be part of this collaboration. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting Nepal’s rich biodiversity.

“By aligning resources and expertise, we will enhance the implementation of national policies,” said Rajendra KC, head of the Planning, Monitoring and Coordination Division at the Forest Ministry. He added that this will ensure that conservation benefits both people and ecosystems. This long-term partnership also aims to improve the lives and livelihoods of nature-dependent communities. This agreement will play a key role in achieving the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.