Renewable Energy Access for Livelihoods in Fragile Buffer Zones – Phase 2 (REALIZE II)

The project targets over 35,000 people living in the northern buffer zone of Bardiya National Park including local school students, CFUG members, cooperatives, and forest dependent marginal households. Key interventions include the promotion of improved cookstoves (ICS), development of local energy technicians, clean water access powered by renewable energy, foster human-wildlife conflict co-existence through promotion of mitigation measure and climate education through school curricula focused on biodiversity, NTFPs and MAPs, forest conservation, and climate change. Building on lessons from Phase I, REALIZE II adopts a community led “Park, Palika and People Partnership (4P)” approach with an expanded geographic focus, synergic initiatives and system development. It also engages with national-level stakeholders to replicate good practices and influence broader conservation and energy policy across protected areas of Nepal.

The project seeks to drive systemic change in natural resource management by promoting clean energy access, climate-resilient agriculture, and conservation-friendly livelihoods. It aims to improve livelihoods through renewable energy-based solutions that promote conservation-friendly practices, clean energy access, women’s empowerment, and climate-resilient agriculture by fostering stronger cooperation between local communities and concerned stakeholders. The project also aspires to transform potential conflicts into opportunities for peaceful coexistence and shared stewardship of natural resources. It focuses on empowering vulnerable and marginalized communities, especially women, and enhancing their role in local decision-making processes.

Project Title: Renewable Energy Access for Livelihoods in Fragile Buffer Zones – Phase 2 (REALIZE II)

Expected Result of the Project:

Result 1: Livelihoods & Energy Access (2,625 farmers and 50 entrepreneurs increase their income through clean energy enabled alternative enterprises.)

Result 2: Human-Wildlife Coexistence (35,000+ people (including students) benefit from reduced conflict with wildlife.)

Result 3: Governance & Collaboration (Improved Park-Palika-People (4P) partnership for inclusive governance and conservation.)

Result 4: Accountability & Learning (Communities acknowledge tangible benefits from solar-powered technologies and sustainable livelihoods.)

 Partner: Renewable World ( RW), LIBIRD