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1 September 2022.
Introduction:
Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Nepal on Biodiversity Conservation proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Highlights:
- This MoU has been signed to strengthen and enhance coordination and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of forestry, biodiversity conservation and climate change.
- It will also help in restoration of corridors and connecting regions and sharing of knowledge and best practices between the two countries.
- The shared Indo-Nepal border of over 1,850 km touches five Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. India and Nepal are already cooperating on a number of wildlife-related issues, but this will strengthen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the management of important cross-border wildlife habitats.
The joint border of India and Nepal includes many border wildlife habitats. For example, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar connects to the Chitwan National Park and Parsa Wildlife Sanctuary in Nepal. Similarly, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh shares its boundary with Shukla Phanta National Park in Nepal. Thus, this MoU is expected to have a significant focus on the management of the marginal landscape.