India, Nepal agreement on wildlife conservation ….Aarti Dhar
India and Nepal have agreed to strengthen their respective National Action Plans under the Global Tiger Forum for tiger conservation in a time-bound implementation.
The resolution is the outcome of the Fourth Nepal-India Consultative meeting on Trans-Boundary Biodiversity Conservation held earlier this month.
As per the resolution, the two countries will strengthen the capacity building of the personnel involved in tiger and wildlife conservation and protection under the Forum. The implementation of projects for rhinos, elephants and other endangered species will also be strengthened.
The resolution signed on Thursday further focuses on establishing a joint monitoring arrangement using standardised protocols in selected landscapes and ensuring reciprocal actions, including restoration of corridors using voluntary relocation.
The two countries will explore funding opportunities to strengthen bilateral conservation efforts and develop institutional mechanism for regular monitoring, interaction and reporting at the field, regional and national levels.
The areas identified for bilateral cooperation are: Suklapthanta-Lagga Bagga-Piliphit; Bardia-Katerniaghat Khata; Dudhwa-Dhangadhi-Laljhadi; Valmiki-Chitwan-Parsa; Banke-Suhelwa and Kosi Tappu.
It was also that diplomatic channels would be used, wherever necessary, to resolve problems and issues pertaining to trans-boundary biodiversity conservation.