Why restore the landscape in Nepal?

Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world with many communities depending on the natural environment for food, shelter, and income. Today, less than 30% of its original forests remain due to over-harvesting, forest fires, and agriculture. The effects of this landscape degradation are devastating for the local communities and wildlife.

  • 81% of the population

    in Nepal live in rural areas

  • 27 endangered mammal species

    call Nepal's forests their home

Aerial view of a planting site set beside mountains

How we started

In 2014, our reforestation campaign began helping improve local livelihoods and restoring forests in Nepal. In partnership with Chitwan National Park, and through local leadership and Nepalese employees’ support, we planted close to 400,000 seedlings in the first year. Since then, we have grown our work in Nepal to sites spread across geographic landscapes. Our sites have now evolved from just reforestation, to a holistic landscape restoration model and are located around community forests from the mountainous Nawalparasi District to the lowland alluvial plains in the Terai Region and around the subtropical and tropical rainforests in Chitwan National Park to develop a thriving ecosystem.

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Nepal woman walks while carrying plants in her hands

Where we're working

  • Mountains

    Nawalparasi

    • Located in the south-western region of Nepal in the Himalayan Mountains
    • Challenging terrain with a highly active tectonic region that is unstable in deforested areas
    • New trees provide great benefits in anchoring the soil and protecting the communities from environmental disasters

  • Grasslands

    Jhapa

    • Located along the Southeastern tip of Nepal, bordering India
    • Characterized by flat grasslands and dense forest
    • We work with local people and community leaders to restore previously forested land in the region

  • National park

    Chitwan National Park

    • Located in South Central Nepal
    • The Chitwan Valley is characterized by its tropical and subtropical forests
    • Established in 1973, Chitwan, which means "Heart of the Jungle," was the first national park in Nepal
Nepal man carries plants on back while walking with goats

Our progress to date

At our initial reforestation sites in Nepal, we are seeing forests reemerging and natural regeneration taking place. We have also expanded to 21 project sites, and we are continuing to explore new regions in critical need of restoration. Through this work, hundreds of women and men are provided with consistent employment, giving them the opportunity for economic self-sufficiency.

How you can help restore the environment and support community development in Nepal

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