Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is a significant global challenge that poses severe threats to biodiversity, disturbs ecosystems, and weakens global conservation efforts. This illicit trade involves the trafficking of animals, plants, and their parts, often driven by organized criminal networks. The severe consequences of IWT are seen through the rapid decline of species, particularly those already at risk, further disrupting ecosystems globally. In Nepal, with its rich biodiversity and strategic location along major wildlife trade routes, the fight against IWT is very challenging issue. The transboundary wildlife trafficking between Nepal and neighboring countries such as India and China add further challenges to enforcement efforts. Alongside IWT, Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and the need for sustainable livelihood alternatives are also critical challenges that require integrated solutions. Effective mitigation of HWC and the promotion of alternative livelihoods are crucial for reducing conflict and fostering long-term community resilience.

This project aims to combat IWT, reduce HWC, and uplift the livelihoods of marginalized community members in the buffer zones of Chitwan National Park, specifically in the Tribeni and Daunnedevi Buffer Zone User Committees (BZUCs). The project adopts a comprehensive approach that strengthens law enforcement and inter-agency coordination while empowering local communities and promoting alternative livelihoods. It integrates IWT prevention with effective HWC mitigation strategies and sustainable livelihood opportunities, ensuring a balanced approach to both conservation and community well-being.

This project aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Strengthening law enforcement and judicial capacity through targeted training and improved legal frameworks for addressing wildlife crime.
• Enhancing inter-agency coordination with cross-border collaborations and advanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
• Promoting community-led HWC management via workshops, early warning systems, and institutionalized mitigation committees.
• Investing in sustainable livelihoods to break the cycle of poverty and reduce dependency on natural resources.

By integrating conservation and community development, the project not only addresses the root causes of wildlife crime and conflict but also fosters resilience and coexistence for a sustainable future.

This project is funded by the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (IWTCF) and is being implemented in partnership with the Department of National Parks and wildlife conservation (DNPWC), Zoological Society of London-Nepal office (ZSL), and South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN).