Kathmandu: Government in cooperation with an international body is launching a program towards restoring the health of forests in some districts.

The project named, ‘Catalyzing Ecosystem Restoration for Climate Resilient Natural Capital and Rural Livelihoods in Degraded Forests and Rangelands of Nepal (EbA 2)’ is launched in Achham, Salyan and Dolakha districts. Forest cover in these districts are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The project is a joint work of the Ministry of Forests and Environment and the Global Environment Fund. The four-year project has a fund of approximately Rs 550 million.

The project will contribute towards the conservation of bio-diversity, restoration of ecosystem and support livelihood, among others, according to the Ministry.

Speaking at a workshop of the project here today, Minister for Forests and Environment, Shakti Bahadur Basnet said that the project will create employment at the local level and will contribute to poverty reduction through livelihood supports.