India and Nepal on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of forests, wildlife, environment, biodiversity conservation and climate change, with a focus on transboundary ecosystems and shared natural heritage.
The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal, in New Delhi. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Madhav Prasad Chaulagain, Cabinet Minister for Forests and Environment, Government of Nepal.
The MoU seeks to promote collaboration in restoration of wildlife corridors and interlinking areas, exchange of knowledge and technical expertise, and adoption of best practices in environmental governance and conservation management.
India and Nepal share rich biodiversity and extensive networks of Protected Areas across contiguous landscapes. Given the presence of shared ecosystems and transboundary wildlife habitats, both sides recognised the need for deeper coordination to address conservation challenges and climate risks collectively. Both countries are also Parties to several multilateral environmental agreements and conventions, reinforcing the importance of coordinated regional action.
The agreement envisages cooperation in developing biodiversity conservation strategies at the landscape level, with special emphasis on key species such as elephant, Gangetic dolphin, rhinoceros, snow leopard, tiger and vultures. It provides for strengthened management of forests and protected areas and restoration of wildlife corridors to create and sustain transboundary conservation landscapes.
The MoU also outlines joint efforts to address biodiversity threats, combat forest and wildlife crime, and enhance the capacity of frontline enforcement personnel. In addition, it calls for the promotion of smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots to ensure that development is aligned with ecological sustainability.
The initiative is expected to deepen India Nepal cooperation in wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation, while advancing sustainable management of shared natural resources. By reinforcing institutional coordination and knowledge exchange, the agreement aims to safeguard fragile ecosystems and enhance climate resilience across the region.
