New Delhi: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with Nepal to strengthen bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Nepal’s Forests and Environment Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain.
The MoU aims to enhance coordination in managing shared ecosystems and transboundary wildlife habitats, according to an official statement. India and Nepal share rich biodiversity and maintain extensive networks of protected areas. Both countries are also signatories to several global environmental conventions.
Under the agreement, the two sides will work together on landscape-level biodiversity strategies. Focus species include elephant, Gangetic dolphin, rhinoceros, snow leopard, tiger, and vultures. The partnership will also support the restoration of wildlife corridors and interlinked habitats across borders.
The MoU covers cooperation in forest and protected area management. It includes action against forest and wildlife crime. Capacity building of frontline staff and promotion of smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots are also part of the plan.
Officials said the agreement will deepen India-Nepal ties in conservation efforts. It is expected to support sustainable management of natural resources and long-term protection of shared ecosystems in the region.
