India-Nepal MoU on Forests, Wildlife & Climate Cooperation

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal, to enhance bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.

The MoU aims to promote collaboration in areas such as the restoration of wildlife corridors, interlinking conservation areas, and exchange of knowledge, technical expertise, and best practices.

The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, in the presence of Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and Shri Madhav Prasad Chaulagain, Cabinet Minister for Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal.

Shared Biodiversity and Conservation Goals

India and Nepal are rich in biodiversity and natural heritage, with extensive networks of Protected Areas in both countries. Both nations are also parties to multiple multilateral environmental agreements and conventions.

Given their shared ecosystems and transboundary wildlife habitats, both governments recognized the need to strengthen coordination in forestry, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The MoU outlines several priority areas, including:

Biodiversity conservation strategies at the landscape level, focusing on key species like elephants, Gangetic dolphins, rhinoceroses, snow leopards, tigers, and vultures.
Enhanced management of forests and protected areas.
Restoration of wildlife corridors and interlinking areas to create transboundary conservation landscapes.
Addressing biodiversity threats and combating forest and wildlife crimes.
Capacity building for frontline staff of enforcement agencies.
Promotion of smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots.

Expected Outcomes

The MoU is expected to deepen India–Nepal cooperation in wildlife and biodiversity conservation. It will also contribute to:

Protection of shared ecosystems
Sustainable management of natural resources
Long-term ecological balance in the region

This agreement marks a significant step in fostering regional environmental collaboration and ensuring the protection of transboundary biodiversity for future generations.