USAID Biodiversity Annual Work Plan: Year 1

The program focuses on the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Terai Arc Landscape, and the proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape. USAID Biodiversity will implement activities aligned with three mutually interrelated and reinforcing objectives. The program's technical approach is based on a four-pronged strategy: Partner, Empower, Integrate, and Innovate. This approach involves partnering with local counterparts to lead design, implementation, and learning; empowering women, indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups to participate in decision-making; integrating across landscapes, disciplines, and government units; and innovating through evidence-based decision-making and piloting promising conservation technologies. To achieve its objectives, USAID Biodiversity will strengthen the capacity of provincial and municipal governments, support local communities and conservation practitioners, and reduce multiple threats to ecosystem and wildlife species. The program will also increase resilience to climate change and contribute to the inclusive and sustainable development of the Nepali people. The program's activities will be implemented in collaboration with local stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. USAID Biodiversity will also engage with international partners, such as the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), to leverage expertise and resources. The program's work plan covers the period of January 2023 to September 2023, with a focus on technical and operational activities. The work plan outlines the program's objectives, technical approach, and activities, as well as the expected outcomes and impact. USAID Biodiversity will achieve measurable conservation targets within the biodiversity-rich, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems in and around the Government of Nepal demarcated landscapes. The program's success will be measured through regular monitoring and evaluation, which will inform adjustments to the program's activities and strategies. The program's budget is USD 10 million, with an effective contract date of November 4, 2022 to November 3, 2025, with option years extending the program to November 3, 2027. The program is implemented by DAI Global, LLC, under contract with USAID/Nepal. USAID Biodiversity's work plan is aligned with the Government of Nepal's policies and strategies, including the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The program's activities will also contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 on Climate Action and Goal 15 on Life on Land. The program's geographic focus is on the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Terai Arc Landscape, and the proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape. These landscapes are biodiversity-rich and critical for the conservation of ecosystem and wildlife species. The program's timeframes are January 2023 to September 2023, with a focus on technical and operational activities. The program's recommendations are based on the analysis of the program's objectives, technical approach, and activities, as well as the expected outcomes and impact. The program's implementation will be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure that the program is on track to achieve its objectives. The program's success will be measured through regular monitoring and evaluation, which will inform adjustments to the program's activities and strategies.