Story by Steve Frankham, photographs by Ram Raj Dhakal/CBAPU
The success of community conservation in Nepal
In March I wrote about the magnificent conservation work being done by CBAPU (the Community Based Anti-Poaching Unit) and members of the Tharu Community in the areas surrounding Bardia National Park in Nepal. Much of the article was focused on Bindrapur Community Forest.
During my time in Bardia, I learned about the villagers allowing and assisting wildlife to return to sections of community-managed land. For many years the organization and the communities have poured a huge amount of energy and passion into this project, for virtually no financial reward.
Some readers contributed to the project, for which I give heartfelt thanks. That money has gone straight to the community and CBAPU.
NEW LIFE IN THE FOREST
In these images we see the fruits of all this hard work…recent camera trap images of a young tiger cub! The next generation of these magnificent creatures. As you can see from the photos, Bindrapur and its surrounding areas now host a complete tiger family: A male, female, and cub. The tigers are recolonizing land from which their species have been absent for decades, due to previous hunting and degradation of habitats.
Bindrapur also hosts a thriving population of other wildlife, including leopards, wild boar, and nilgai, Asia’s largest species of antelope. Community forests like this one are vital for wildlife to survive in the long term, as Bardia National Park alone is not large enough to maintain a self-sustaining population of megafauna. Great animals such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants need space, to migrate with the seasons, establish new territories, and avoid inbreeding.
IF NATURE DIES, WE DIE
Living alongside these magnificent creatures brings considerable risks for the local people, but it’s a risk that they accept. The Tharu consider themselves part of the fabric of nature and worship the creatures of the forest as gods. They understand that if nature dies, we die. We are not nature’s masters, but part of its fabric. We in the West, in faraway countries also benefit from the work being done in Nepal. The rejuvenation of forests such as Bindrapur helps fight climate change, maintains biodiversity, and keeps our planet’s life support systems functioning.
JUST REWARDS
Still, in this modern world people need money to survive, and it is only right the community of Bindrapur (and other community forests) benefit directly from eco-tourism. Profits need to be directed to those who need it most, not just a select group of wealthy businessmen. Initiatives like this have begun, but need to be given much more support so that they can thrive.
Community conservation projects like those in Bardia offer a ray of light and hope in a time of ecological catastrophe. It is with projects and people such as these, that we will heal our sick planet.
Many thanks to Ram Raj Dhakal (of CBAPU), known to his friends as Nana, for providing all the images for this article.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The community conservation groups in Bardia featured in this article, CBAPU and the RRT are in desperate need of funding and support. Their work is essential for the long-term future of Bardia’s Wildlife. If you can help and support CBAPU and the RRT please click the crowdfunding link below. Every cent given goes straight to the community: https://gofund.me/42378d7a
Burhan Wilderness Camp, set on a beautiful island in the Khata Corridor, directly supports these community conservation initiatives in and around Bardia. For more information visit: Burhan Camps
Information regarding Tiger Track, a community conservation project that works directly with CBAPU and runs community conservation courses, can be found at: www.tigertracknepal.com
Wild Trails Nepal is founded by community conservation members of CBAPU and the RRT. They give 10% of all profits to conservation work and focus on community conservation. www.wildtrailsnepal.com
For a fabulous homestay experience with an incredibly welcoming Tharu Family, you can’t beat Angna Ghar. This is run by Kaka and Kaki. Stay in a traditional Tharu longhouse with some of the most friendliest people you’ll ever meet! Call Kaka on +977 9812535063.