Our Story

Introduction:

Founded in 2000, Himalayan Nature is a development and conservation research institute, working for sustainable livelihoods of Himalayan communities as well as initiating scientific research on Himalayan biodiversity and the broader environment. It is an independent, not-for-profit organization actively working on emerging issues related to the development and conservation of natural resources, and sustainable livelihoods of people in the Himalayan region Himalayan Nature is a science-based organization and takes an independent view of livelihood options provided to local communities and biodiversity conservation issues. We provide sound advice on aspects of social development and environmental management to government authorities and other concerned agencies. Periodically, we release statements to help improve awareness among the public and policy makers on the sustainable livelihood issues and environmental challenges.

The organization is supported by globally renowned livelihood advisers and conservation scientists who have long experience of the Himalayan region. We work closely with other similar interest organizations within and outside Nepal, complementing their work and exchanging information.

The wide geographic coverage of the organization’s work includes the northern part of India, Nepal, and Pakistan, the whole of Bhutan, southeast Tibet and the northern part of Myanmar. However most of our work is currently concentrated in Nepal and India. We are based in Kathmandu and have field study centers in Nepal, in Koshi, Chitwan and Lumbini. We collaborate with several community-based organizations working in higher altitude environments.

We can be contacted at the address given in this web page for further enquiries. We appreciate any assistance or advice that helps achieve the goals of Himalayan Nature.

Vision: Prosperous communities living in harmony with nature and managing biodiversity in the Himalayan region.

Mission Statement: Himalayan Nature is dedicated to explore opportunities for making sustainable livelihoods for the people of the Himalayan region to inform and empower the public for a knowledge-based management of natural resources in the most participatory way possible.

Goal: Promote peoples’ livelihood in Himalayan communities through research, conservation, awareness, capacity building and networking for living with nature.

Objectives: The main objectives of Himalayan Nature are to:

  • Conduct scientific and participatory research on flora, fauna and ecosystem dynamics
  • Promote public appreciation of natural heritage
  • Promote sustainable livelihood and healthy lifestyle in the region
  • Foster dialogue, networking and partnership among local, national and international stakeholders for sustainable livelihoods and nature management issues at landscape level

Global Membership

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Himalayan Nature has been approved as a member of IUCN in the category of national non-governmental organization, Group 1 by IUCN Council at its 76th meeting held in Gland from 23-25 May 2011. IUCN is the largest network of global conservation organisations.

Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE): Himalayan Nature is the only member of AZE from Nepal.