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Nepal is often thought of as a mountainous country, renowned for being home to the highest peak on Earth and attracting mountain climbing enthusiasts from all over the world.
However, it is little known that Nepal was once covered in dense jungle. |
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30%Tragically, only 30% of Nepal's original forests now remain.
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Nestled between the two giants of India and China, Nepal is steeped in culture and home to a fascinating population, shaped by a rich history and religion.
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81%81% of Nepalese people rely solely on agriculture and forestry to survive. With dwindling resources this is causing a nationwide economic crisis, forcing many living in rural areas to migrate or live on barren lands.
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Deforestation in Nepal is not caused
by outside exploitation. Instead the problem results from acute and growing pressure on the land. |
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The Nepalese people rely on trees for fuel, fodder, grazing, shelter and income. However, when land that once supported healthy regenerating forests is depleted, the locals have to move further afield to source these materials and so the downwards environmental cycle continues.
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Deforestation in Nepal has left much land barren, pushing wildlife into what retreating forests remain. 70 species are now on the endangered list including:
Asian Elephant Bengal Tiger Red Panda Snow Leopard Asian Water Buffalo |
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We plant our trees in Nepal with our on the ground planting parter Eden Reforestation Projects, who have been planting here since 2015.
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The projects in Nepal are spread across three distinct regions:
The Mountains - Nawalparasi
Located in the western region of Nepal, an area prone to landslides, the trees planted in this project help anchor the soil, protecting the villages from environmental disasters.
The Grasslands - Jhapa
Located along the south eastern tip of Nepal, bordering India, here we are supporting local villagers and community leaders to restore previously forested land in this now barren region.
The National Park - Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is home to some of Nepal's most endangered species. The last population of the One-Horned Asian Rhinoceros lives within its forests and it's one of the last hunting grounds for Bengal Tigers. Working with Eden Reforestation Projects and the National Park, we are helping to create a reforested buffer zone - restoring, expanding
and protecting vital animal habitat.
The Mountains - Nawalparasi
Located in the western region of Nepal, an area prone to landslides, the trees planted in this project help anchor the soil, protecting the villages from environmental disasters.
The Grasslands - Jhapa
Located along the south eastern tip of Nepal, bordering India, here we are supporting local villagers and community leaders to restore previously forested land in this now barren region.
The National Park - Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is home to some of Nepal's most endangered species. The last population of the One-Horned Asian Rhinoceros lives within its forests and it's one of the last hunting grounds for Bengal Tigers. Working with Eden Reforestation Projects and the National Park, we are helping to create a reforested buffer zone - restoring, expanding
and protecting vital animal habitat.
There is even more encouraging news to share.
It has been a long time since wildlife was part of the day to day lives of the local community members.
As the forests disappeared, so did the animals.
However, in restoring the forests, biodiversity is returning once more.
Even the elephants have returned to the planting sites in and near Jhapa,
leaving fresh tracks and other tell-tale deposits.
It has been a long time since wildlife was part of the day to day lives of the local community members.
As the forests disappeared, so did the animals.
However, in restoring the forests, biodiversity is returning once more.
Even the elephants have returned to the planting sites in and near Jhapa,
leaving fresh tracks and other tell-tale deposits.
PROJECT FOCUS
Planting 75,000 trees in Jodhipur
Planting 75,000 trees in Jodhipur
One of our more recent projects in Nepal, and one that's really stolen are hearts, can be found in Jodhipur. Situated along the Babai River and adjacent to Bardiya National Park, Jodhipur contains a variety of habitats such as grassland, riverbank forests, and waterholes. Ten endangered mammals, six endangered birds, and three protected reptiles have been recorded in the area.
The devastating impacts of deforestation in this region include severe flooding and complete crop failure for farmers due to topsoil erosion which would normally be held in place by the trees. The local communities heavily rely on the forests for resources, and their degradation has led to an economic downturn. What's more, the habitats of endangered species native to the area are being lost at an alarming rate.
By planting our trees in Jodhipur, we’re helping farmers engage in more sustainable farming, prevent landslides, and avert floods. Our trees will create vital habitats for some of the cutest and coolest endangered wildlife species on the planet, such as one-horned rhinos, red pandas and snow leopards.
The devastating impacts of deforestation in this region include severe flooding and complete crop failure for farmers due to topsoil erosion which would normally be held in place by the trees. The local communities heavily rely on the forests for resources, and their degradation has led to an economic downturn. What's more, the habitats of endangered species native to the area are being lost at an alarming rate.
By planting our trees in Jodhipur, we’re helping farmers engage in more sustainable farming, prevent landslides, and avert floods. Our trees will create vital habitats for some of the cutest and coolest endangered wildlife species on the planet, such as one-horned rhinos, red pandas and snow leopards.
Check out our blog "Nepal at a Crossroads" to learn more about this planting site.
