Nepal – rethinking conservation strategy in times of conflict (IISD, 2005)

At the 3rd World Conservation Congress in Bangkok, IISD led a workshop addressing Nepal’s conservation challenges amid conflict. With 18% of its land protected, Nepal’s environmental efforts face threats from ongoing violence between the government and Maoist rebels, which has displaced thousands and endangered both natural resources and conservation workers. Building on global insights from the 2003 World Parks Congress, the workshop explored strategies such as contingency planning, UN neutrality for park staff, and rapid crisis response to safeguard both ecosystems and conservation teams in conflict zones.