Kathmandu: In a significant step towards enhancing environmental resilience and sustainable development, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Nepal signed the Operational Partner Agreement (OPA) for the Restoration of Forests and Mountain Ecosystems (ReFaME) project in Far West Nepal. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Singhdurbar, and graced by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Bishal Ghimire Joint Secretary, MoFE and Dirgha Narayan Koirala, Province Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment (MoITFE).
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, stated that the ReFaME project represents a timely and strategic intervention to restore Nepal’s forest and mountain ecosystems, which are vital for both environmental sustainability and community resilience. He added that ministry is pleased to collaborate provincial counterparts and FAO to ensure that this initiative delivers tangible benefits to the people of Sudurpaschim Province and contributes to Nepal’s climate and biodiversity goals.”
Ken Shimizu FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal emphasized the importance of the ReFaME project in safeguarding Nepal’s rich natural heritage and enhancing the resilience of mountain communities. “This agreement marks a collective commitment to restore fragile ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of local populations through inclusive and gender-transformative approaches,” he stated.
The ReFaME project is a collaborative initiative implemented by the Government of Nepal, with the Ministry of Forests and Environment serving as the Executing Entity and MoITFE Sudurpaschim as the Operational Partner andFAO will act as the Supervising Entity. The project received Cabinet approval on 25 September 2025, followed by the signing of the financing agreement between the Ministry of Finance and FAO on 9 October 2025.
Dirgha Narayan Koirala, Province Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment (MoITFE), added that Sudurpaschim Province is home to unique and fragile ecosystems that require urgent attention. Through ReFaME, the ministry aims to strengthen local capacities, promote sustainable land use, and empower communities especially women and marginalized groups to become stewards of their natural resources. We look forward to effective implementation and lasting impact.
Targeting three districts Baitadi, Darchula, and Doti, the project will cover ten local governments and span an area of 1,845 square kilometers, ranging from 500 to 3,000 meters in altitude. These areas are home to critical forest ecosystems that play a vital role in regulating water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity. Their restoration is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the socio-economic well-being of the communities that depend on them.
The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with a total budget of USD 2,346,483 over four years, contributing toward the smooth implementation of project activities to restore Nepal’s forests and mountain ecosystems for a more resilient and sustainable future.
