Kathmandu, February 13, 2024: The Terai Arc Landscape has been recognized as one of the seven UN World Restoration Flagships. The announcement was made as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya. This information was shared on Tuesday in a joint news conference organized by the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Wildlife and Conservation and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Spanning a vast territory of over 900 kilometers from the Bagmati River in Nepal to the Yamuna River in India, the Terai Arc Landscape blankets an expansive area of 51,002 square kilometers. Within Nepal, it encompasses six protected areas, four forest conservation areas, three Ramsar sites, and vital wildlife corridors, totaling 24,710.13 square kilometers.
The visionary objectives of the Terai Arc Landscape aim for a globally distinctive ecosystem where biodiversity thrives, ecological equilibrium is sustained, and the socio-economic welfare of communities is safeguarded. Anchored in a comprehensive strategy spanning 50 years, the landscape’s focus remains resolute on conserving the Terai and Churia hills ecosystems while honoring the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.
Initiated through the Terai Arc Landscape Program in 2001, restoration efforts have yielded remarkable outcomes. Over 66,800 hectares of forests have been rejuvenated, resulting in a resurgence of wildlife populations. Notably, the rhino population has soared from 409 in 2005 to 752 in 2021, while the tiger population has nearly tripled from 121 in 2010 to 355 in 2022.
Nepal’s steadfast commitment to ecosystem restoration has not only revitalized its natural heritage but has also garnered international acclaim, culminating in a result-based payment of USD 45 million through REDD+.
The benefits of the Terai Arc Landscape transcend conservation; they enrich local communities through nature-based tourism, sustainable enterprises, and community engagement initiatives. This inclusive approach, involving community forest users, anti-poaching units, and citizen scientists, underscores the landscape’s holistic conservation ethos.
In acknowledgment of the UN designation, Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, Nepal’s Minister of Forests and Environment, expressed gratitude for the global recognition and reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to addressing forest, wildlife, and community challenges. Responding to the accolade, Mr. Dipak Gyawali, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, extended appreciation for WWF’s unwavering support. Mr. Bed Kumar Dhakal, Officiating Director-General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, acknowledged the two decades of collective efforts that led to this remarkable achievement.
The Terai Arc Landscape’s elevation as a World Restoration Flagship epitomizes its exemplary adherence to the UN’s 10 Restoration Principles, offering a beacon of hope for large-scale ecosystem restoration globally.
As accolades pour in, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, conservation partners, and local stakeholders stand as a testament to Nepal’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The Terai Arc Landscape emerges as a beacon of success, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of nature conservation and human prosperity—a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative restoration endeavors.
Contributors: WWF Nepal, Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Government of Nepal.
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