The tremendous need for global action is clear as the effects of climate change continue to be increasingly noticeable. Geographical vulnerability, inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and political challenges have all impeded Nepal's ability, for the most part, to address the impact of climate change efficiently. Despite these challenges, Nepal, with the tiger count of 355, successfully tripled its tiger population in a decade, a commendable achievement, falling behind only Indonesia (371), Russia (433), and India (2967). The 190% increase from the initial count in 2009 reflects Nepal's focused conservation efforts, even when faced with climate adversities. Nepal's success in conservation sends a clear message of what is possible with determined efforts and focused strategies.
But what does Nepal's conservation success mean for its people, especially the ones living at the edges of protected areas? How can it maintain progress while avoiding human-wildlife conflicts? Tiger attacks resulted in nearly 40 deaths and 15 injuries between 2019 and 2023, while the locals argue the actual number is higher. About 78% of Nepal's dominant agrarian population residing in rural areas remain ill-equipped to protect themselves from such encounters. Rage and terror among locals have been growing as tigers have been preying on livestock. The balance between preserving wildlife and protecting human lives must be carefully considered. Saving human lives is a priority. Even so, it is equally essential to recognize that threatening the existence of another species, especially one facing extinction, presents a moral and ecological dilemma.
Conservation as a Political Bargain
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has described Nepal's decades-long efforts in tiger protection as "impractical and unwise," a stance that led to his widespread criticism for being both unscientific and preposterous. PM Oli's comments reflect growing frustration among rural communities who bear the brunt of human-wildlife conflict. However, his remarks also direct to a recurring theme in Nepal's political diction: the propensity to frame conservation as an elitist attempt, detached from the struggles of communities. This narrative prioritizes short-term populism over long-term sustainable governance, reducing complex issues to simplistic slogans for political gain.
Human-Tiger Coexistence Amidst Rising Tiger Population
Tiger protection has been a vote-bringer for political institutions, and while the leaders tout the increase as an image of national accomplishment, the ground realities are far more glamorous. Despite our challenges, the growing number of tigers has undeniably placed Nepal in the international spotlight, positioning the country as a key symbol of global conservation efforts. This recognition is, however, strategically exploited by political parties, particularly during election cycles, to sharpen their images, illustrating themselves as champions of environmental stewardship. After the election, the focus on conservation risks wanes and hollows, as appointees rarely follow through on addressing the pressing concerns of rural communities. As a result, these communities feel exploited, their struggles ignored in favor of political agendas and people in power rather than people living in the buffer zones of the protected areas.
The 2022 killing of a protestor in Bardiya, while demanding protection from tiger attacks, is one of many instances where the government failed to strategize conservation. These conflicts only heighten the divide between the government and the people it aims to serve. When interests in conservation fail to address the needs of those most affected, it aggravates human-wildlife coexistence and erodes the trust and collaboration crucial for sustainable long-term solutions. This makes it difficult for wildlife and humans to coexist.
Beacon of Roar
The consequences of climate change continue to intensify globally, and Nepal faces anomalous threats as it stands at the forefront of vulnerability. Yet, the remarkable recovery of the tiger population offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating how dedicated efforts can yield transformative outcomes even in the face of the most dire circumstances. Nevertheless, conservation efforts should be sustained to maintain the ecological balance and ensure that success is not short-lived but a lasting foundation for environmental balance.
Nepal can draw examples from India, Russia, and Indonesia and enhance its conservation strategies. India's Project Tiger has created an extensive network of reserves, introducing strict anti-poaching and community relocation programs, which have helped reduce human-wildlife conflicts while also boosting the tiger population. Russia incentivized the protection of Amur tigers through rigorous anti-poaching laws, international cooperation, and establishing the Siberian Tiger Project, despite challenges such as limited funding and personnel. Similarly, Indonesia launched the Social Forestry Program in 2015, granting local and indigenous communities legal access to forest areas, empowering them to manage these resources sustainably.
Nepal can implement strategies inspired by global models, expanding buffer zones around protected areas like Chitwan and Bardia national parks, enforcing stricter anti-poaching laws through increased deployment of trained rangers, surveillance technologies like camera traps, and active involvement of local communities in wildlife monitoring. Like India's Project Tiger, a community-based wildlife protection program could also be introduced in Nepal, offering local communities livelihood support through ecotourism and sustainable farming as incentives for protecting wildlife. Additionally, Nepal could grant local communities legal access to degraded forest lands for restoration and sustainable management, integrating indigenous knowledge. Establishing an inter-agency task force involving local authorities, conservation organizations, and national stakeholders will ensure unified habitat protection, anti-poaching, and biodiversity monitoring initiatives.
Conclusion
Nepal's success in tiger conservation brings immense ecological and economic gains, boosting ecotourism while providing a sustainable source of income for the local communities. However, maintaining this success requires a sustainable approach to prioritizing ecological preservation and the well-being of those living at the frontline.
By strengthening its conservation efforts, Nepal can advocate for the interests of other countries facing similar environmental challenges and shape the global agenda on pressing ecological issues. As Nepal seeks to strengthen its position worldwide, it is crucial to first address domestic challenges by prioritizing sustainable conservation practices, bridging gaps between policy and local needs, and fostering opportunities for collaboration. By mobilizing its potential for environmental leadership, Nepal can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for its communities and the global ecosystem.
