Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus) has a wide-spread geographic distribution range, with majority of the population residing in Asia. It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List and Appendix I of CITES. In Nepal it is protected under National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 of the Government of Nepal. It is highly threatened due to poaching and illegal trade of its body parts, conflict with locals, habitat loss and fragmentation. Due to its large body size and aggressive nature, it is often referred to as “Black Giant of the Forest”.
UKALI is a community-driven model, focusing on the Upper Karnali Landscape as a learning ground and field campus. Guided by the philosophy of “Leading by Locals,” the initiative ensures that conservation efforts are community-led and grounded in the cultural heritage and values of the landscapes it serves. With the broader vision of developing a replicable approach for other mountain regions in Nepal and beyond, UKALI strengthens local institutions, nurtures conservation leaders, and enhances the capacity of communities to actively participate in and benefit from conservation initiatives.