TERMS of REFERENCE for Study on Rangeland Management Status in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone and Langtang National Park and Buffer Zone in the Sacred Himalayan Landscape (SHL)- Nepal
I. Background
Sagarmatha National Park and Langtang National Park lie within the Sacred Himalayan Landscape (SHL). Government of Nepal (GON) has recently formulated the SHL Strategic Plan (2006-2011) which is currently being implemented by the GON in partnership with various organizations and agencies. Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and WWF Nepal have been jointly implementing programs in SNPBZ since 1996 and LNPBZ Support Program from January 2007.
Sagarmatha National Park and Langtang National Park consist of significant rangeland areas, both within the park and in their buffer zones. Rangelands comprise grassland, scrubland, forest and pastures. The estimated rangelands in SNPBZ is 180 sq. km and in LNPBZ, it is 337 sq. km. Rangelands in both the parks are spread over alpine meadows and broadleaf conifer forest eco- regions. These rangelands are important for water sources, as repository of unique biodiversity, livestock forage, NTFPs/MAPs, tourism, carbon storage and also have cultural significance for local communities. However, despite rangeland’s understood significance, there is inadequate information on their present management status. Besides, local people themselves have been reporting that rangelands have come under increased pressure in the recent years, those threats mostly to do with human interventions and irregular grazing. Such underpinnings are yet to be researched and confirmed. Given this backdrop, having a complete analysis of rangeland management status in both Parks is expected to support designing and strategizing conservation programs in SNPBZ and LNPBZ.
II. Objectives of the Study: The main objective of the study is to assess the management status of rangelands in SNPBZ and LNPBZ. Specifically, the study will 1. Draw out historical significance of rangelands 2. Give a picture of area extent and values of rangelands to people and their livelihoods 3. Describe significance of rangelands for conservation efforts in both the parks 4. Analyze threats to rangelands 5. Recommendations for future interventions and rangeland management in both the parks III. Methodology: The methodology will use mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. It will involve: 1. Desk analysis of available literature on rangelands in SNPBZ and LNPBZ 2. Field visits for conducting focus group discussions, key persons and local people’s interviews 3. Observed analysis of the rangeland management in the Parks
IV. Expected Outputs:
This research should deliver following outputs: - Two separate reports on rangeland management status in SNPBZ and LNPBZ. The reports should fully satisfy the objectives stated for this study.
V. Study Sites: Select sites in SNPBZ and LNPBZ (to be decided through consultation with project staff)
VI. Deliverables
1. Detail workplan by the first week of the commencement of assignment. 2. Desk study, literature review and preparation for field by end of February 3. Field visit by 1st week of March 2007 (1 week each in SNPBZ and LNPBZ) 4. Draft report (digital and hard copy) of the study by 30 April 2007 5. Final report with incorporation of review feedback by 30 May 2007
VII. Duration of study: February – May 2007
IX. Fund disbursement: 50% of the consultancy fees will be disbursed after submission of the workplan. The remaining will be disbursed after the submission of final deliverables.