Implementation Status of NSLEP
One of the most commendable achievements under Nepal’s National Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Plan (NSLEP) has been the complete elimination of retaliatory killings in one of the country’s priority snow leopard conservation sites. This success was made possible through sustained community engagement and awareness programs.
A network of community-based institutions has also been created. These include Buffer Zone Committees (BZCs), Snow Leopard Conservation Committees (SLCCs), and Livestock Insurance Schemes (LIS).
To mitigate livestock predation, predator-proof corrals have been piloted in key areas. These corrals have proven highly effective, with zero instances of mass livestock killings reported from project sites.
Climate-smart planning has also been integrated into the NSLEP. Strategies have already been initiated in both eastern and western snow leopard landscapes, with the central landscape currently in the development phase. Furthermore, Nepal has adopted a One Health approach, addressing the links between human, animal, and ecosystem health. This includes pilot programs for disease monitoring and the training of veterinary technicians.
Research & Monitoring
The PAWS (Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards) protocols have been applied both within protected areas and in adjacent habitats.
Cutting-edge technologies such as satellite telemetry are being employed to track snow leopard movements, while citizen science initiatives encourage local involvement in data collection. The impacts of climate change are being closely monitored in tandem with these efforts.
In addition, habitat mapping has been conducted to identify critical ecological corridors, climate refugia, and zones where non-timber forest products (NTFPs) can be harvested sustainably. Infrastructure development assessments have also been incorporated, with wildlife-friendly guidelines now being integrated into forestry and engineering curricula to ensure long-term conservation is factored into development planning.
Awareness & Communication
A faith-based outreach strategy has been employed by engaging religious leaders, who serve as trusted messengers within their communities to promote conservation ethics and environmental responsibility.
Snow leopard conservation has also been incorporated into school curricula, using both Bhoti and Nepali languages to reach diverse populations in the mountain regions. A wide array of media campaigns—including documentaries, posters, and the establishment of eco-clubs—has increased awareness among schoolchildren and youth.
Additionally, scholarships have been provided to indigenous students to pursue conservation-focused education, further empowering local communities to become long-term stewards of their ecosystems.
Policy & Institutional Strengthening
Nepal has updated its legal and policy frameworks to reflect the evolving needs of snow leopard conservation, including the National Wildlife Health Action Plan, the Wildlife Damage Relief Guidelines, and the Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure Directives, designed to minimize the ecological footprint of infrastructure projects.
On-the-ground enforcement has also improved, thanks to the use of SMART patrolling, a digital monitoring system that allows real-time tracking of ranger patrols and incidents. Anti-poaching networks have been strengthened, and cross-border collaborations with enforcement agencies enhance protection in transboundary landscapes.
Disrupting Illegal Wildlife Trade
Nepal continues to build frontline capacity to disrupt the illegal trade in wildlife. Rangers have been equipped with modern tools and training, while networks of informants help detect and report suspicious activities.
Awareness campaigns have targeted groups historically overlooked in traditional conservation outreach—such as traditional medicine practitioners and other non-conventional stakeholders—to reduce demand and change attitudes toward snow leopard derivatives.
Climate Adaptations & Nature-Based Solutions
One of Nepal’s flagship initiatives is the Clean Energy Access, with the goal to provide 100% renewable energy access to remote mountain villages by 2050.
In the rangelands, co-management models are being piloted that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation science. These initiatives promote shared responsibility and adaptive grazing practices.
Furthermore, solid waste management systems have been established in key habitats to reduce pollution and minimize threats to wildlife health.
Infrastructure Management
Wildlife-friendly infrastructure standards have been adopted, and extensive mapping of linear infrastructure has been completed across the Nepal Himalayas.
Coordination among different stakeholders, including government agencies, civil engineers, and conservationists.
Transboundary Initiatives
The country has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to promote collaborative conservation. Additionally, resolutions with India support cross-border strategies for conservation.
Resource Mobilization
Funding for Nepal’s snow leopard conservation comes from both internal and external sources:
· Internal sources include budgetary allocations from the Government of Nepal.
· External support includes approximately USD 3 million from WWF and an additional USD 1 million from various international partners.
However, several challenges persist, including extreme terrain, under-resourced institutions, climate uncertainties, and issues related to feral dogs.
Threats
Nepal’s snow leopards face a combination of persistent and emerging threats:
· Ongoing challenges include human-wildlife conflict and the risk of poaching, though progress has been made in mitigation.
· Emerging threats include the impacts of climate change, expanding infrastructure, and outbreaks of disease
Next Steps
Nepal has identified several strategic priorities to guide future conservation action:
· Conduct a national population estimation through phased surveys to optimize resources and build a comprehensive understanding of population trends.
· Scale up successful conflict management practices into national policy.
· Prioritize habitat mapping, particularly focusing on corridors and climate refugia that will remain viable under changing climatic conditions.
· Expand One Health programs to strengthen disease monitoring and control in remote and vulnerable regions.
· Finalize and implement climate-smart strategies for both the western and central snow leopard landscapes.