ECOSYSTEM & SPECIES CONSERVATION

One of the missions central to CODEFUND is the protection of Nepal’s unique mountain biodiversity. Nepal’s high-altitude landscapes, from the Himalayan peaks to the trans-Himalayan plateaus, host globally significant species such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan wolf, which serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health. These landscapes are also rich in floral diversity, harboring over 6,500 species of flowering plants, including rare medicinal herbs like Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), and Panch Aule (Dactylorhiza hatagirea), species that hold immense ecological, cultural, and economic value for mountain communities. Equally remarkable are the forests draped in epiphytic orchids, ferns, mosses, and lichens that cling to trees and rocks, forming miniature ecosystems that support pollinators, retain moisture, and serve as sensitive indicators of forest health and climate change. CODEFUND recognizes that these fragile ecosystems extend beyond protected areas, requiring integrated approaches that combine rigorous scientific research with community stewardship. Our work focuses on generating evidence-based knowledge through camera trapping, genetic sampling, and prey assessments while simultaneously empowering local communities, the true guardians of these landscapes, through environmental education and capacity building. We are also actively strengthening governance frameworks for wetlands and high-altitude ecosystems, advocating for policies that ensure sustainable management of natural resources, both flora and fauna, for the prosperity and resilience of nature and people alike.