Overview
Impact Assessment of Linear Infrastructure Projects (Roads and Hydropower) in Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), Nepal is an ongoing assignment commissioned by WWF Nepal, in collaboration with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation (DoFSC). The assignment aims to assess the combined impacts of road and hydropower infrastructure and climate change on biodiversity, wildlife habitats, ecosystem integrity, and local communities within the KCA. The assessment combines biodiversity monitoring through camera trapping, citizen-scientist engagement, GIS and spatial analysis, and participatory social assessment through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Particular attention is given to the Olangchungola–Tiptala road corridor and areas influenced by hydropower development, with a focus on wildlife such as snow leopard, red panda and other species affected by habitat fragmentation
Core Objectives
To conduct an evidence-based assessment of the impacts of roads, hydropower projects and climate change on biodiversity and local communities in KCA.
To undertake camera-trap-based monitoring of wildlife presence, movement and habitat use along the Olangchungola–Tiptala road segment.
To train and supervise local citizen scientists in camera-trap deployment, biodiversity monitoring and field data collection.
To assess the social and ecological impacts of hydropower and associated road infrastructure through KIIs and FGDs with Indigenous Peoples, local communities and relevant stakeholders.
To integrate ecological, social and spatial evidence to identify high-risk infrastructure locations and recommend appropriate biodiversity and natural-resource safeguards.
Key Progress to Date
Established an integrated assessment framework combining biodiversity monitoring, social assessment, citizen-scientist engagement and GIS-based spatial analysis.
Developed the methodology for systematic camera-trap monitoring along the 21 km Olangchungola–Tiptala road corridor, including habitat-informed site selection and monitoring of wildlife response to infrastructure proximity.
Established a participatory approach for engaging local communities, Indigenous Peoples, government agencies and conservation stakeholders through KIIs and FGDs.
Developed protocols for citizen-scientist training, camera-trap deployment, GPS use, standardized data recording and field safety, supporting local participation in biodiversity monitoring.
Established an integrated analytical framework using occupancy/detection analysis, GIS, wildlife activity and hotspot mapping, thematic analysis and spatial integration of ecological and social data.
The assignment is progressing toward identification of high-risk infrastructure locations and practical recommendations for biodiversity safeguards, including potential wildlife crossing measures.
