Building Community Capacity to Protect the Heart of the Himalayas project enhances the community conservation model by integrating community development and nature conservation to benefit both people and nature. This brings together experts, government, and community to protect the biodiversity of Makalu Barun National Park.
Activities enhance conservation awareness, capacity building of Forest User Groups, and livelihood opportunities for the community in partnership with the local government and National Park. Forest User Groups train in Sustainable forest management, sustainable harvesting, and protecting rare/endangered animals in community forests. Local government members, police, stakeholders, and the National Park team work together for a shared understanding and solidarity for nature conservation.
"Sustainable Forest Management Training" raises conservation awareness, knowledge, and capacity of the communities for sustainable forest management. Participants develop action plans to implement and improve forest management, which includes developing alternative livelihoods to reduce the use of forest resources and concentrating on endangered plants, trees, and wildlife.
Sustainable vegetable farming with communities teaches how to set up vegetable tunnels, plant seeds, manage plant growth, and use organic fertilizers. Livestock diversification also increases livelihood opportunities through breeding bucks and piglets to cross-breed with goats and pigs for local commercial purposes. The communities’ collaboration increases with the local government and National Park teams for advice to preserve biodiversity as their livelihood options increase.