Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 17

The government has approved the Terai Arc Landscape strategy to conserve the biodiversity of the region and uplift the livelihood of the people relying on the biodiversity.

The 10-year strategy beginning this year was formulated in connection with the 10th five year plan, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the action plan for sustainable development and the prevailing concept of biodiversity conservation in Nepal.

Divided in seven different sectoral programme areas — policy reform, institutional coordination, sustainable management of forest, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation at species level, conservation of Chure hills, public awareness and education, the document has specified 51 strategies.

According to a statement issued by the ministry of forest and soil conservation today, the strategy framework would positively affect the seven million people living in the area. The ministry also hoped that the document would provide a base for coordinated action for a specified target amongst the various actors in conservation front.

The paper was formulated in consultation with WWF Nepal Programme and other donors.