Published Date : 2021-10-28 (Modified Date : 2021-10-31)

1. Introduction

Characterization, classification, and mapping of ecosystems are the key to the sustainable management of biological diversity. In Nepal, several attempts have been made in this regard time and again. However, the vegetation maps prepared by Dobremez and his colleagues in the 1970s and 1980s have been the basis of all those efforts. The existing classifications of ecosystem are based on limited field studies of vegetation composition and structure, and analysis of bioclimatic and ecological conditions. In this context, Forest Research and Training Centre (FRTC) has initiated the Ecosystem and Forest Type Mapping Program (EFTMP) to standardize the classification of Nepal’s ecosystems and forest types, and update the related maps based on a comprehensive and systematic study. The program aims to inform decision making regarding management and conservation of diverse ecosystems in Nepal.

 

2. Program Summary

 Title:

 Ecosystem and Forest Types Mapping Program

 Implementing Agency

 Forest Research and Training Centre, Ministry of Forests and       Environment, Nepal

 Program duration

 2.5 years

 Starting Date

 28 October, 2020

 End Date

 27 March, 2023

 

 Purpose of the program

  • The primary purpose of Ecosystem and Forest Types Mapping is to identify the state of an ecosystem, its characteristics, classifications and conditions. It will enable to delineate the critical ecosystems for conservation for ensuring supply of ecosystem services.

 

 Program outputs:

  • Forest, wetland, rangeland and agriculture types and ecosystems maps, typology produced and made available through open data sources.
  • Ecosystems threat vulnerability status assessed and recommend the management options.
  • Institutional capacity for the future monitoring of ecosystems improved.

 Program outcomes

  • Enhanced understanding and improved decision-making supported by a re-categorization, re-classification and revisiting of ecosystems.
  • Improved national capacity to update information and meet national and international targets.

 

3. Organizational Structure

 

4. Ecosystem Mapping Unit (EMU)

The EMU acts as a technical working group of the Program. The Unit includes the Ecosystem Mapping Coordinator (EMC) and technical officials from the FRTC and thematic experts/specialists of the Program. It mobilizes all kinds of resources, including field crews, to deliver the Program outputs. The following members are involved in the EMU team.


1. Mr. Bimal Kumar Acharya, Ecosystem Mapping Coordinator ,FRTC

2. Mr. Amul Kumar Acharya, Assistant Research Officer,FRTC

 

3. Dr. Keshab Raj Goutam, Technical Advisor, EFTMP

4. Dr. Himlal Shrestha, RS/GIS Specialist, EFTMP

3. Dr. Chet Raj Upreti, Rangeland Specialist, EFTMP

4. Dr. Gobinda Basnet, Agro-ecologist, EFTMP

5. Mr. Shailendra Kumar Pokharel, Wetland Specialist, EFTMP

 

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