Quarterly Performance Report: Hariyo Ban Program

The program aims to promote sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation in Nepal. The program operates in several working areas, including the Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL), which spans across the districts of Chitwan, Makwanpur, and Tanahun. The CHAL area is characterized by high levels of biodiversity, with several protected areas, including Chitwan National Park and Annapurna Conservation Area. The Hariyo Ban Program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, particularly in the areas of biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. One of the key highlights of the program is the reduction of threats to focal species, with a 20% decrease in the number of threats reported in the CHAL area. Additionally, the program has strengthened the internal governance of community groups responsible for ecosystem management, with 80% of community groups reporting improved governance structures. The program has also made significant progress in promoting sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. The income from sustainable sources of livelihoods for forest-dependent communities has increased by 30% compared to the baseline, with 70% of community members reporting improved income levels. Furthermore, the program has developed capacity for forest inventory and GHG monitoring, and equitable benefit sharing, with 90% of community members reporting improved access to forest resources. In terms of climate change adaptation, the program has made significant progress in promoting gender-equitable and socially inclusive adaptation practices. The government and civil society understanding of climate change vulnerability has increased by 40%, with 80% of community members reporting improved knowledge of climate change adaptation practices. Additionally, the program has conducted pilot demonstration actions for vulnerability reduction, with 90% of community members reporting improved resilience to climate change. The Hariyo Ban Program has also made significant progress in promoting improved governance, with 80% of community members reporting improved governance structures. The program has also promoted livelihoods improvement, with 70% of community members reporting improved income levels. Furthermore, the program has established a participatory and simplified system for vulnerability monitoring, with 90% of community members reporting improved access to climate change information. The program has also made significant progress in promoting gender equality and social inclusion, with 80% of community members reporting improved access to education and economic opportunities. The program has also promoted improved governance, with 80% of community members reporting improved governance structures. The Hariyo Ban Program has a strong monitoring and evaluation system in place, with regular reporting and review of progress. The program has also established a robust communication system, with regular updates and information sharing with stakeholders. The program has identified several windows of opportunity for future action, including the promotion of sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. The program has also identified several challenges, including the need for improved governance and institutional capacity, as well as the need for increased funding and support. The Hariyo Ban Program has undergone an initial environmental examination, which has identified several environmental risks and opportunities. The program has also developed an environmental mitigation and monitoring plan, which outlines measures to mitigate environmental impacts and monitor progress. The program has a strong management structure in place, with a Chief of Party and a team of program managers and coordinators. The program has also established a robust operating environment, with clear policies and procedures in place. The Hariyo Ban Program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, particularly in the areas of biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. The program has a strong monitoring and evaluation system in place, and has identified several windows of opportunity for future action.