Alternative Financing Schemes for Tiger Conservation in Nepal

Abstract

Many scientists and conservation workers agree that global tiger numbers in key areas could double by 2022 if efforts are taken immediately. Countries facing declining tiger numbers and having the ability to meet this goal have produced national tiger recovery plans that outline necessary program activities and their associated costs. To assess the financial feasibility of the tiger conservation program in Nepal and to recommend viable alternatives to secure funds to cover long-term tiger conservation costs, we conducted financial analyses of tiger conservation programs in Nepal. Our results show that the present funding level fails to cover the long-term costs of taking the recommended steps for tiger conservation. Thus there is a need to identify and secure alternative funding sources to supply approximately a 100% increase in revenues currently generated from tiger-bearing protected areas assuming a continuance of the current level of funding by the government. This finding is troublesome given the magnitude of the financial burden associated with necessary steps to increase the tiger population, plus the fact that no policy instrument exists that can target the revenue generated by the protected areas specifically for tiger conservation. To achieve financial sustainability of the tiger conservation program, alternative financial mechanisms warrant serious consideration. One alternative institutional mechanism could be a tiger conservation trust fund that would be entrusted to secure a wide range of financing from domestic and international sources to ensure financial sustainability of the Nepal’s tiger conservation program.