India–Nepal MoU on Forests, Wildlife & Climate Action

Context:

On February 25, 2026, India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to deepen cooperation in forests, wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate action.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:

• • Landscape-Level Conservation Strategies: Both countries agreed to adopt landscape-based conservation approaches for transboundary species such as:
    • Tigers
    • Elephants
    • One-horned rhinoceroses
    • Snow leopards
    • Gangetic dolphins
    • Vultures
  • This approach aims to ensure habitat connectivity across borders, particularly in the Terai Arc Landscape and Himalayan ecosystems.

Restoration of Wildlife Corridors:

• • Creation and restoration of interlinked wildlife corridors
  • Development of seamless transboundary conservation landscapes
  • Joint monitoring of migratory and endangered species
  • This is crucial because species like elephants and tigers routinely cross the India–Nepal border.

Combating Forest & Wildlife Crime:

• • Enhanced intelligence sharing
  • Coordination through the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)
  • Joint action against poaching, illegal timber trade, and trafficking
  • Given the region’s vulnerability to illegal wildlife trade networks, this is a major strategic component.

Technical Exchange & Capacity Building:

• • Sharing of best practices and scientific expertise
  • Strengthening frontline forest enforcement staff
  • Promoting smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots

About India–Nepal Relations:

• • India and Nepal share a unique and special relationship rooted in shared history, culture, religion, and geography.
  • 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship:
    • The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship:
    • Allows citizens of both countries to reside, work, and own property in each other's territory.
    • Enables an open border regime.
    • Forms the bedrock of bilateral ties.
    • The relationship is often described as “Roti-Beti ka Rishta”, symbolizing deep people-to-people ties. 

Core Areas of Cooperation:

 Strategic Significance for India

• • Nepal acts as a buffer state in the Himalayan region.
  • Critical for India’s Neighborhood First Policy.
  • Cooperation essential for management of shared rivers:
    • Kosi
    • Gandak
  • Important for flood control, irrigation, and livelihood security in the Gangetic plains

Conclusion:

The 2026 MoU marks a progressive shift toward ecological diplomacy between India and Nepal. Beyond conservation, it reinforces strategic trust, sustainable development, and regional stability. Given the ecological fragility of the Himalayas and rising climate risks, this partnership is not just environmental cooperation—but a strategic necessity.