This project aims to analyze the diversity and biogeographic affiliations of alien species in PAs, predict suitable habitat (current, future climate) of IAS, identify socioeconomic drivers, examine distribution patterns of IAS and their ecological impacts, and analyze stakeholders’ perception and engagement in IAS management. The information will be integrated with contemporary knowledge drawn from the literature to provide management options for prioritizing species (IAS), sites (individual PA) and pathways across the PA system of Nepal so that limited resources can be allocated to maximize management outcomes. This project will help to meet IAS related national targets set by the Nepal government in sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies, as well as management plans of individual PAs. Overall, the policy uptake of these findings will help to meet United Nations Sustainable Goals (life on land, life below water and climate actions), and post-2020 biodiversity framework. This project is funded by Research Coordination and Development Council (RCDC), Tribhuvan University under the National Priority Research Project Scheme.

Investigator (s): Dr. Bharat Babu Shrestha (Lead), Dr. Anjana Devkota, Dr. Hari Prasad Sharma, Dr. Uttam Babu Shrestha