The Vultures, Cows and People-Strengthening an Ancient Relationship project in Kanchanpur District, Far-Western Nepal.

The Vultures, Cows and People-Strengthening an Ancient Relationship project is a three-year conservation initiative funded by the Darwin Initiative (0ctober 2025-September 2028). The project is led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in partnership with Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) and Renewable World (RW). Shuklaphanta National Park and it’s bufferzone in Kanchanpur District, Far-western Nepal and directly benefits almost 1,500 households.

The project aims to demonstrate an integrated conservation approach that links vulture conservation with sustainable livestock management and community development. Specifically, the project seeks to establish Nepal's second Vulture Safe Zone while improving livestock husbandry, strengthening the financial sustainability and management of community cow shelters, and promoting policy measures that support long-term vulture conservation. The project directly benefits local communities while contributing to the long-term conservation of globally threatened vulture species in Far-western Nepal.

The project will mainly work in four outputs. The outputs of the project are:

Output 1: Establishment of Nepal’s second Vulture Safe Zone.

Output 2: Improved livelihoods of local cattle and livestock owners, with farmers adopting regenerative livestock farming, improved production methods, and better post-harvest practices

Output 3: Enhanced sustainability, viability, and adoption of vulture-friendly practices in cow shelters located around Shuklaphanta National Park.

Output 4: Strengthened policy engagement and advocacy with decision-makers to ensure effective and long-term delivery of vulture conservation efforts.