Hariyo Ban Program CHITWAN-ANNAPURNA LANDSCAPE: A RAPID ASSESSMENT Published in August 2013 by WWF Nepal Any reproduction of this publication in full or in part must mention the title and credit the above-mentioned publisher as the copyright owner. Citation: WWF Nepal 2013. Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL): A Rapid Assessment, Nepal, August 2013 Cover photo: © Neyret & Benastar / WWF-Canon Gerald S. Cubitt / WWF-Canon Simon de TREY-WHITE / WWF-UK James W. Thorsell / WWF-Canon Michel Gunther / WWF-Canon WWF Nepal, Hariyo Ban Program / Pallavi Dhakal Disclaimer This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL) and do not necessarily reflect the views of WWF, USAID or the United States Government. © WWF Nepal. All rights reserved. WWF Nepal, PO Box: 7660 Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal T: +977 1 4434820, F: +977 1 4438458
[email protected] www.wwfnepal.org/hariyobanprogram Hariyo Ban Program CHITWAN-ANNAPURNA LANDSCAPE: A RAPID ASSESSMENT Foreword With its diverse topographical, geographical and climatic variation, Nepal is rich in biodiversity and ecosystem services. It boasts a large diversity of flora and fauna at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Nepal has several critical sites and wetlands including the fragile Churia ecosystem. These critical sites and biodiversity are subjected to various anthropogenic and climatic threats. Several bilateral partners and donors are working in partnership with the Government of Nepal to conserve Nepal’s rich natural heritage. USAID funded Hariyo Ban Program, implemented by a consortium of four partners with WWF Nepal leading alongside CARE Nepal, FECOFUN and NTNC, is working towards reducing the adverse impacts of climate change, threats to biodiversity and improving livelihoods of the people in Nepal.