Kangchenjunga Conservation Area

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas is home to Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, and a diverse range of ecosystems, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. This protected region boasts rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan blue sheep. The KCA is also a cultural treasure, inhabited by indigenous communities like the Limbus, Sherpas, and Rais, who have long maintained sustainable practices and vibrant cultural traditions. This blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity makes the KCA not only an ecological treasure but also a symbol of harmonious coexistence between nature and human life. However, the KCA faces growing threats from climate change. Melting glaciers pose the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, while increased rainfall and landslides disrupt communities and ecosystems. Shifting weather patterns are damaging traditional agriculture, shrinking wildlife habitats, and reducing snowfall, which threatens vital water sources, further compromising the region’s resilience. Inclusion in Preserving Legacies will support climate adaptation efforts in the KCA while promoting eco-tourism to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. By balancing conservation with sustainable development, the KCA can become a global model for protecting vulnerable mountain ecosystems in the face of climate change.