Restoring Jumla's forests and water sources

The Partnership for Sustainable Development Nepal (PSDN) works in the fragile mountain ecosystems of Nepal, where forests, water sources, biodiversity, and local livelihoods are deeply interconnected. Our restoration projects are primarily focused in the Karnali and Himalayan landscapes, including Jumla and surrounding areas, where communities are highly dependent on natural resources for survival.

Over the years, unsustainable firewood use, forest degradation, climate change, and poor watershed management have caused severe environmental challenges in our landscapes. In many project areas, more than 60% of natural spring water sources have dried up, forests are increasingly vulnerable to wildfire, and wildlife habitats are under threat. These changes directly affect farming, drinking water access, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of rural communities.

PSDN’s approach is community-led and ecosystem-based. We work closely with Community Forest User Groups, local governments, women’s groups, and youth networks to restore degraded forests, land, and water systems. Our projects integrate native tree plantation, watershed restoration, rainwater harvesting ponds, spring source protection, groundwater recharge, forest fire management, and biodiversity conservation.

To date, PSDN has planted over 510,000 native trees across 1,130 hectares of degraded land, restored hundreds of water sources, and supported cleaner energy solutions through improved cooking stoves that reduce pressure on forests. Our restoration landscapes also provide important habitats for species such as the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Monal.

What makes our work unique is that local communities are not just beneficiaries — they are leaders and custodians of restoration. By combining indigenous knowledge with practical restoration techniques, PSDN is helping communities rebuild resilient ecosystems while improving water security, biodiversity, and climate resilience for future generations.