India and Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to strengthen bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and climate change.
The agreement focuses on restoring transboundary wildlife corridors, enhancing protected area management, combating wildlife crime, and promoting sustainable green infrastructure across shared ecosystems.
Key Highlights of MoU
The MoU envisages cooperation in:
- Landscape-level biodiversity conservation strategies.
- Protection of key species including:
- Elephants
- Gangetic dolphins
- Rhinoceroses
- Snow leopards
- Tigers
- Vultures
- Restoration of wildlife corridors and transboundary conservation landscapes.
- Strengthening forest and protected area management.
- Addressing threats to biodiversity.
- Combating forest and wildlife crime.
- Capacity building of frontline enforcement staff.
- Promotion of sustainable green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots.
- Exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and best practices.
Combating Wildlife Crime
A central component of the agreement is joint action against illegal wildlife trade and poaching, including:
- Rhino horn trafficking
- Poaching of tigers for skins, bones and body parts
- Illegal ivory trade from elephants
- Cross-border smuggling networks
The MoU emphasizes enhanced training and capacity building of enforcement agencies to curb such activities.
Need for Cooperation
India and Nepal share:
- Extensive transboundary ecosystems
- Wildlife corridors
- River basins
- Mountain landscapes
Both countries possess rich biodiversity and maintain networks of protected areas. Given shared habitats and migratory species movement across borders, coordinated conservation efforts are essential.
The MoU is expected to deepen cooperation in managing shared natural resources sustainably.
Commitment to Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Both countries are parties to major international environmental conventions, including:
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- CITES
- International Big Cat Alliance
The agreement reinforces collaboration in fulfilling obligations under these frameworks.
Important Transboundary Ecosystems Between India and Nepal
- Khata Corridor
- Links Nepal’s Bardia National Park with India’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Valmiki–Chitwan Landscape
- Valmiki Tiger Reserve in India connects with Chitwan National Park and Parsa Wildlife Reserve in Nepal.
These corridors are crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring safe wildlife movement.
Focus Species: Gangetic Dolphin
The MoU places special emphasis on conservation of the Ganges River Dolphin, also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges”.
Key Facts
- Discovered in 1801.
- Declared India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009.
- State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
- Indicator species of river ecosystem health.
Habitat
- Historically found in the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna and Karnaphuli–Sangu river systems across India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
- Now extinct from much of its earlier range.
Biological Features
- Freshwater species.
- Functionally blind.
- Uses ultrasonic echolocation to locate prey.
- Usually solitary or in small groups.
- Locally known as “Susu”.
Population
- 6,327 river dolphins recorded in India under Project Dolphin (2020 survey).
- Population declined by over 50% since 1957.
- Range reduced by 25%.
Threats
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
- Industrial pollutants (DEHP, DnBP).
- Banned pesticides (DDT, Lindane).
- Heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, cadmium).
- Fishing net entanglement.
- Poaching.
- Dams and habitat fragmentation.
- Vessel noise.
Protection Status
- IUCN: Endangered
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
India’s Initiatives for Dolphin Protection
- Project Dolphin
- Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary – India’s only dedicated dolphin sanctuary.
- National Ganga River Dolphin Day – 5 October.
Significance of MoU
The agreement:
- Strengthens India–Nepal environmental diplomacy.
- Enhances cross-border wildlife protection.
- Supports climate resilience in the Himalayan region.
- Promotes sustainable landscape management.
- Addresses biodiversity loss through coordinated action.
- Reinforces shared ecological responsibility.
Given increasing climate vulnerabilities in the Himalayas and Indo-Gangetic plains, such cooperation is critical for long-term ecological stability.