Biodiversity and Social Impact Assessment at Banke-Bardiya Complex Along East-West Electrified Railway Alignment in Nepal

Abstract

An electrified railway is being built east-to-west across Nepal, bisecting key ecological regions and carrying significant potential to disrupt wildlife connectivity and peoples’ land relationships. We worked with WWF Nepal to analyze various social and ecological consequences of the planned railway. Specifically, we evaluated (1) where wildlife occupancy is highest in Banke-Bardiya (BB) Complex, (2) where key endangered species moved within the landscape, (3) how habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict can be mitigated through effective management and railway design, and (4) village fragmentation and Indigenous rights in Nepal. To address these topics, we used Geographic Information Systems, occupancy modeling using camera trap data, remote sensing, habitat selection modeling, and literature reviews. Our results revealed high biodiversity within key wildlife corridors, the active use of these corridors by these species, and the potential for human-wildlife conflict given the proximity of wildlife to developed areas. We found that the modeled movement overlapped highly with actual wildlife movement and identified two potential best crossing locations. We strategically designed crossing structures at these points to facilitate movement of key species. We determined approaches to maintain connectivity and minimize human-wildlife conflict in general, including crossing structure standards, fencing, and habitat management techniques, as well as approaches related specifically to key species. We also proposed a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocol to support Indigenous peoples’ rights prior to railway construction in BB Complex. This study has the potential to mitigate harm to both humans and wildlife, presenting a good model for future projects in achieving sustainability and development goals.