WILD & WORKING LANDS

NEPAL

Journey into the heart of Nepal’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage on this immersive conservation-focused program, developed in collaboration with the Nepal Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). This unique experience will offer an in-depth look at the intersection of wildlife conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development in one of the world’s most ecologically and culturally diverse regions.

During this J-term course, students will explore Nepal’s conservation efforts firsthand. The journey begins in Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s flagship protected area. Here, students will engage with conservation scientists and park officials, studying species such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and Asian elephant while examining the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence. The program then moves into the Himalayan foothills in the Annapurna region or a similar high-altitude ecosystem. Through interactions with local communities, students will explore conservation efforts in mountain landscapes, the role of ecotourism, and how Indigenous knowledge informs sustainable land management. The final leg of the journey brings participants to Kathmandu, where they will engage with policymakers, NGOs, and conservation leaders to gain insight into Nepal’s broader environmental governance and development strategies. Amid visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, students will reflect on Nepal’s unique approach to balancing cultural preservation with environmental protection.

Experience Nepal’s conservation landscape through the lens of both science and community. Gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between people, wildlife, and the land—considering Nepal’s past, present, and future in an era of global change.

Instructor: John Koprowski