Nepal is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world and rural villagers in Nepal directly depend on their natural environment for food, shelter, and income. When the local environment is damaged or destroyed, the poor are the first to feel the negative effects. Forced to live on marginal lands, they are at greatest risk. Without financial resources or the knowledge to manage vulnerable resources in a sustainable way, they often further degrade their lands in order to survive. In this way, the problem perpetuates their poverty.
Eden Reforestation Projects is working to support poverty alleviation and environmental restoration across the country and has already planted over 6 million trees. Starting in 2015, Eden Reforestation Projects has been working in 3 distinct regions across the country, including a partnership with Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage Site in Nepal. By partnering with the National Park system, Eden Reforestation Projects is helping to protect and create a reforested buffer zone that is vital to protect animal habitat.
