Kathmandu, November, 2025- The Government of Nepal has secured a major milestone in its climate action journey, receiving the first payment of US$9.4 million from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). This marks Nepal’s inaugural results-based payment through REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). 

“This first payment from the FCPF is a testament to Nepal’s dedication and the tireless work of our forest-dependent communities. It underscores our commitment to inclusive, sustainable forest management, and affirms that conserving our forests is not only contribute to  climate mitigation but essential for local livelihoods.” says Mr. Nabaraj Pudasaini, Chief of the National REDD+ Centre, Ministry of Forests and Environment 

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Emission Reductions Program will further strengthen community-based forest management regimes- especially community forestry, collaborative forestry, and leasehold forestry- and promote the application of Sustainable Forest Management principles in the Terai Arc Landscape for improved productivity, sustainable use and economic wellbeing of local communities. 

WWF Nepal has been a key government partner throughout the REDD+ journey, leading the development of the Emission Reductions Program Idea Note (ER-PIN), which laid the foundation for Nepal’s REDD+ framework. WWF Nepal’s engagement dates back to 2008 with the Carbonated Tiger Project, which pioneered carbon stock estimation in tiger habitats. This work expanded to establish Nepal’s first forest carbon inventory- later used as the subnational carbon baseline, and was subsequently scaled to the Sacred Himalayan Landscape in 2012 to help local communities access international climate finance through forest carbon sequestration. In close partnership with Ministry of Forests and Environment and World Bank, WWF provided technical leadership in drafting Emission Reduction Program Document (ERPD), which claims US$ 45 million in with a target of sequestrating 9 million tons of CO2 equivalent. 

“We are delighted by this long-awaited milestone. WWF Nepal has supported the Government of Nepal from the early phases of REDD+ readiness to the preparation of the ERPD, and today’s results-based payment validates the hard work of communities, Indigenous Peoples, and government partners alike."  said Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative, WWF Nepal. "This fund will help scale community-based forest management and sustainable use of forest resources that benefit both people and nature,” he added.

Nepal’s National REDD+ Strategy (2025-2034) positions forest landscapes at the heart of climate mitigation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. The first results-based payment provides a powerful demonstration of Nepal’s ability to deliver measurable emissions reductions while empowering local communities. With WWF Nepal and other partners, the government aims to replicate and scale this model nationwide, reinforcing Nepal’s global reputation as a pioneer in community-based forest management. Continued investments will further advance carbon and non-carbon benefits, including biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.