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WWF Goals

  • Develop a shared strategy between Bhutan, India and Nepal for the conservation and sustainable development of the Eastern Himalayas.
  • Secure 5 million hectares of forests, grasslands and wetlands in this region.
  • Protect threatened animal and plant species.
  • Reduce the negative impacts of tourism, oil and gas extraction, and hydropower.

Facts & Figures

  • The Himalayas extend over 5 nations: Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
  • It is the highest mountain range in the world and is home to 14 of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt Everest (8850m).
  • The Himalayas have the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar caps.
  • These glaciers feed 7 of Asia’s great rivers: Brahmaputra, Ganges, Huang Ho, Indus, Mekong, Salween and Yangtze.

Himalayas

WWF is working to reconnect natural landscapes across the Eastern Himalayas - ensuring that plant and animal species are able to thrive and that the needs of local communities are met without negative impacts on the environment.


View of the Everest massif from the Singalila hills, India,150 Kilometers away. From left to right: Mount Lhotse, Mount Everest, and Mount Makalu Sikkim.

Useful Links

Snow leopard (<i>Uncia uncia</i>) in winter.

Roof of the world

Few places on Earth can match the breathtaking splendor of the Himalayas.

Its towering peaks, secluded valleys and diverse landscapes are home to snow leopards, Bengal tigers, red pandas and one-horned rhinos. 

Known as the "roof of the world", the Himalayas are facing many challenges: climate change is melting mountain glaciers, forests are being overharvested for timber or cut down for agriculture expansion, and wildlife poaching is rampant.

Many communities depend on the region's natural resources for their livelihoods and traditions, making conservation an integral part of their lives.

WWF's vision for the Himalayas

To ensure that the Eastern Himalayas are effectively conserved and managed for the people of Bhutan, India and Nepal, as well as for all those who visit this unique environment, WWF is working to:

  • restore and connect natural habitats to improve the survival of threatened species
  • tackle the illegal wildlife trade and human-wildlife conflict
  • address the potentially devestating impacts of climate change
  • ensure the sustainable development of tourism and infrastructure projects
  • encourage local communities to manage their natural resources

Our work will achieve true harmony in the Himalayas and secure this magical place forever.

Kinzang Namgay, WWF-Bhutan

High-altitude community conservation

Covering an area of 2,035km2, the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area in the northeast corner of Nepal near the border with India and Tibet is known for its alpine meadows, high-altitude wetlands, glaciers and high peaks.

Named after Mt Kangchenjunga (8586m) - the third highest in the world - the region is home to rich biodiversity that includes red panda, snow leopard, grey wolf, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr (wild goat), blue sheep and musk deer. It is also home to a number of ethnic groups who depend on the natural resources for their livelihoods.

WWF has being working in this region for many years and was instrumental in encouraging the government of Nepal to turn the conservation area over to local communities to ensure the sustainable management of this pristine environment.

Photos and graphics © WWF or used with permission. Text available under a Creative Commons licence. RSS/Web Feeds

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