{"id":790,"date":"2024-07-28T19:04:43","date_gmt":"2024-07-28T19:04:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dimensionfx.net\/?p=790"},"modified":"2024-08-28T11:24:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T11:24:52","slug":"conserving-the-khata-corridor-a-transboundary-triumph-for-tigers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dimensionfx.net\/index.php\/2024\/07\/28\/conserving-the-khata-corridor-a-transboundary-triumph-for-tigers\/","title":{"rendered":"Conserving the Khata Corridor: A Transboundary Triumph for Tigers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Khata Corridor, a critical 15-mile wildlife passage along the shared border of Nepal’s Bardia National Park and India’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, is a <\/span>beacon of<\/span> hope for tiger conservation in South Asia. This vital link, facilitating safe movement for tigers<\/a> and other wildlife between Nepal and India, underscores the importance of transboundary conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity and enhancing genetic diversity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Restoration & Adaptation in the Khata Corridor<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Two decades ago, the Khata Forest was a degraded landscape ravaged by human encroachment, deforestation, and poaching. The situation was dire, with local communities heavily dependent on forest resources for their livelihoods. The 1950s saw a surge in settlement due to Nepal\u2019s resettlement programs and malaria eradication, further straining the fragile ecosystem. By the 1990s and early 2000s, the forest’s condition had worsened due to widespread encroachment, livestock grazing, and the spread of invasive species.<\/span><\/p>\n

In response to this crisis, WWF, local communities and the Nepalese government embarked on an ambitious project to restore the <\/span>Khata Forest<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>The initiative aimed <\/span>not only<\/span> to rehabilitate the ecosystem <\/span>but also to<\/span> secure a safe passage for tigers and other wildlife and engage the local community in conservation efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"tiger<\/p>\n

\u00a9 Surya Ramachandran<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Community-Led Conservation: A Blueprint for Success<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The cornerstone of this effort was community engagement, transforming the local attitude toward conservation.<\/span><\/p>\n

WWF’s strategy involved extensive community consultations, awareness programs, and the introduction of sustainable livelihood schemes. These initiatives were designed to reduce the community’s dependence on forest resources, thereby alleviating pressure on the ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n

One <\/span>of the key components<\/span> of the Khata Corridor project was the establishment of community forests.<\/span> Today, a network of 74 community forests covering 78 square miles <\/span>plays a crucial role in<\/span> the corridor’s success.<\/span> These community forests <\/span>are managed<\/span> by over 9,000 households, who benefit from sustainable income opportunities and access to irrigation and saf<\/span>e drinking water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternative energy programs <\/span>were <\/span>introduced<\/span> to replace household reliance on firewood, <\/span>further<\/span> reducing deforestation. Restoration activities have included the establishment of nurseries, planting native tree species, and allowing forests to regenerate naturally by regulating cattle grazing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hear from a local community organizer, homestay host, and a young member of a community anti-poaching unit in WWF-Nepal\u2019s video, <\/span>Life in Nepal’s Khata Wildlife Corridor<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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