KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army’s participation and achievements in nature and environmental conservation over the past five decades are being recognized globally as exemplary.
Since the establishment of Chitwan National Park in 1973, the country’s first national park, the Nepali Army has been formally deployed for park protection from 1975 onwards. Over 50 years, the Army’s dedicated work has earned international acclaim for its contributions to wildlife and forest conservation.
Currently, approximately 8,000 personnel from eight army battalions, seven independent companies, and one Nature Conservation Academy are deployed across 12 national parks, one wildlife reserve, and one hunting reserve. Their duties include safeguarding flora, fauna, and biodiversity, alongside cultural and tourist sites, government offices, and infrastructure within protected areas.
Nepal’s conservation history predates Yellowstone National Park in the U.S., with formal efforts beginning in 1869 under King Surendra. The country’s commitment to wildlife protection has continued through constitutional provisions, the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2022, and the revised “Permanent Operation Procedure 2067.”
The Army’s operations have helped increase populations of key species. From 121 tigers in 2009, the number has grown to 355, while one-horned rhinos rose from 400 in 2005 to 752. Despite challenging geography and extreme weather ranging from 42°C to minus 20°C, the Army has consistently performed its duties.
In recent years, the Army has led initiatives such as the “Clean Himalaya” campaign, collecting over 119 tons of waste from peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Kanchenjunga by 2024. They have also managed 12 human remains and four sets of cremation remains, promoting responsible mountaineering worldwide.
The Nature Conservation Academy, established in 2014 at Chitwan National Park, trains both military and civilian personnel. To date, 2,304 soldiers and 236 civilians have received conservation training, with plans to extend ranger-level training in the near future.
The Army’s conservation leadership has contributed to several milestones, including “Zero Poaching Years” in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, earning awards such as the Abraham Conservation Award and the Double Tiger Award at Bardiya National Park.
Through initiatives like “Forests and Wildlife for All” and “Nature and Wildlife for Future Generations,” the Army has enhanced biodiversity conservation, supported sustainable tourism, and promoted environmental stewardship. Programs under the “Green Promotion” campaign have planted fruit-bearing trees such as avocado, orange, lemon, mango, and bay leaf, alongside the “One Soldier, One Fruit Tree” initiative.
The Nepali Army’s ongoing efforts over 50 years reflect its integral role in safeguarding Nepal’s natural heritage while setting global benchmarks for conservation.
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