For decades, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), particularly the Tharu, were treated not as partners in conservation but as obstacles to biodiversity protection across Bardiya National Park and Nepal’s conservation paradigm. They were systematically denied agency and recognition, as exclusionary, top-down, and often colonial conservation models displaced them from their lands and erased their role as ecological stewards.
Ban Pahura, Community Conservation Crisis Group, is a dynamic, youth-led, gender-inclusive platform with 6 permanent and 12 volunteer members from local Tharu communities.
As stewards of culture and ecology, Ban Pahuras spearhead community-driven regeneration across ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Through targeted activities such as developing and implementing context-specific collaborative strategies, and mobilizing the local population to advocate for improved policies and infrastructure related to HWC mitigation, the crisis group will foster local ownership of conservation strategies. Key outcomes include a reduction in HWC incidents, increased participation of historically marginalized groups, such as the Tharu people and other IPLCs, in conservation decision-making, and enhanced capacity of IPLCs to manage HWC situations while protecting their lives and livelihoods, with minimal reliance on external support.
Our Vision
Ban Pahura envisions thriving ecosystems and resilient communities where conservation is led by Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with the land for generations. Through justice, partnership, and empowerment, CCCG is transforming conservation into a movement rooted in respect, inclusion, and sustainability.
Ban Pahura
Narayan Chaudhary
Ban Pahura (Areas: Bantaiya, Tharkurdwara and Betani)
Bandana Tharu
Ban Pahura (Areas: Kailashi and Bahadurpur)
Biru Chaudhary
Ban Pahura (Areas: Pathharbojhi and Khata)
Nisha Tharu
Ban Pahura (Areas: Kusuma and Chhotkitaduwa)
Gopal Sunar
Ban Pahura (Areas: Shivapur and Banugaun)
