Community Based Red Panda Conservation Nepal

Community-based Red Panda Conservation

 

Since November, 2017, “Community-based Red Panda Conservation in Western Nepal, Kalikot” is implementing at Subhakalika and Mahawai Rural Municipality under the responsible of Himalayan Community Resource Development Centre (HCRDC). Till date (2025) with aim to broadcast local community forest patches into suitable habitat of red panda, project cross cutting supportive activities were implementing at core buffer areas (wards and CFs)

Name of project 

Community based Red Panda Conservation in Western Nepal
Total Fund NRS.20500000.00
Duration 1st January 2018 to 31 December 2025
Funding sources Red Panda Network Kathmandu
Contact person of the earlier donor agency Angphuri Serpa
Beneficiary HHs 755 HHs
RMs Subhakalika RMP  and Mahawai RMP  Kalikot

Project Descriptions:-

  • Conducted community consultations with 56 CFUG members.
  • Renewed 2 Forest Guardian groups and recruited 4 new FGs.
  • Completed baseline surveys and set up 2 new red panda monitoring blocks.
  • Recorded 86 indirect red panda signs across 3 community forests.
  • Supported school eco-club and integrated conservation into grade 6 curriculum.
  • Celebrated International Red Panda Day with poem competition(52 participants).
  • Constructed 2 wildlife water ponds employing 14 locals.
  • Distributed 3,900 conservation brochures to partner NGOs.
  • Organized WCCB coordination meeting with 19 stakeholders.
  • Distributed 20 Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) in Subhakalika RM-4.
  • Provided raincoats to FGs to overcome monsoon-related field challenges.
  • Expanded eco-club activities (tree planting, leadership training).
  • Improved communication for remote schools during awareness
    events.

Key project achievements:

  • The project made significant progress in strengthening community-led red panda conservation in Nepal. Key achievements include the engagement of 56 CFUG members through consultations and the renewal and recruitment of Forest Guardians (FGs). Red panda monitoring was enhanced with baseline surveys and the establishment of new monitoring blocks, yielding 86 indirect signs across three community forests.
  • Education and outreach efforts benefited 43 students through textbook integration and 52 participants through Red Panda Day events. Habitat management improved with the construction of two water ponds, while 3,900 brochures promoted awareness. Sustainable practices were encouraged by distributing 20 Improved Cooking Stoves.
  • Challenges such as monsoon disruptions were addressed by equipping FGs with rain gear and expanding eco-club activities. The project
    successfully enhanced local capacity, habitat protection, and advocacy, contributing to the long-term survival of red pandas.

Type of input from NGO:-

  1. Technical Support: Provided training and guidance for Forest Guardians and CFUG members on red panda monitoring techniques.
  2. Capacity Building: Facilitated consultations, eco-club support, and leadership training for teachers and students.
  3. Monitoring and Research: Supplied field equipment, conducted baseline surveys, and supported quarterly monitoring in community forests.
  4. Education Materials: Developed and distributed conservation textbooks, stationery, and red panda awareness brochures.
  5. Awareness Campaigns: Organized events like International Red Panda Day and community outreach programs.
  6. Infrastructure Support: Constructed wildlife water ponds and distributed Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) to reduce firewood dependency.
  7. Logistics and Supplies: Provided raincoats for Forest Guardians and materials for eco-club activities.
  8. Coordination and Advocacy: Facilitated collaboration meetings with local stakeholders and government officials.
  9. Financial Support: Funded community engagement, habitat improvement, and awareness activities through direct and in-kind contributions.