Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Project
© WWF Nepal
Although comprising only 0.09% of global land area, Nepal possesses a disproportionately large diversity of flora and fauna at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Protected Areas (PAs) including KCA lie at the heart of Nepal 's commitment to protect this biological diversity for the benefit of present as well as future generations a range of goods and services. According to the latest estimates, 26,695km 2 (18.32%) of the total area of Nepal , is now declared protected in 16 different protected areas.
The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), which measures some 2,035 sq.km, is located in northeastern Nepal , bordering China ( Tibet ) to the north and India to the east. Among those 16 PAs, KCA is one of the most isolated and least densely populated in Nepal and contains tracts of pristine forests, alpine meadows and high altitude wetlands that among others harbor the endangered snow leopard and red panda. Furthermore, Mount Kangchenjunga (8586m), the third highest peak in the world is located in the area.
Implemented in four VDCs of Taplejung district namely Lelep, Wolangchung Gola, Tapethok and Yamphudin, KCAP applies an integrated conservation and development project (ICDP) approach. Whereby, emphasizing on strengthening the capacity of local communities to improve their livelihood while maintaining the biological diversity of the area.
Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Project was initiated on 22 nd March 1998 by DNPWC with technical and financial support from WWF Nepal. Preceding this, the area had been declared a "Gift to the Earth" in support of WWF's Living Planet Campaign and "Kangchenjunga Conservation Area" in recognition of the biological and cultural diversity of the area
The project played a crucial role in extending the territory of KCA from 1,650 sq. km to 2,035 sq. km and in formulation of the Conservation Area Governmental Management Regulation, 2000.
The project has been implementing its programs in partnership with community-based organizations, namely Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, 7 User Committees, 44 User Groups and 32 Mother Groups, which it helped establish.
Moreover, the Management Council has recently received a "letter of intent" from Government of Nepal in accordance with its policy to handover the management of KCA to an organization. It is expected that the Management Council will soon be managing the KCA as per the government approved participatory management plan it has formulated.
