Ecosystem and Species Conservation

At the heart of CODEFUND's mission is the protection of Nepal's unique mountain biodiversity.
all Ecosystem and Species Conservation. 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 epiphytes 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.