In the heart of Nepal, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is more than just a scenic landscape; it’s a critical carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot. A recent study led by Rushma Karki from the School of Environmental Science and Management at Pokhara University has shed new light on the park’s ecological dynamics, with implications that extend far beyond its borders, particularly for the energy sector.
The research, published in ‘Discover Environment’ (translated to ‘Discover Environment’), reveals a complex interplay of forest cover changes, species diversity, and carbon stocks. Over two decades, the park’s forest cover has seen significant fluctuations, from 703.73 hectares in 2001 to a low of 830.88 hectares in 2013, before rebounding to 955.8 hectares in 2022. This rollercoaster of change is mirrored in the park’s Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and high-vegetation land (HVL) cover, reflecting the impact of human activities, policy shifts, and natural factors.
Karki’s findings underscore the park’s role as a vital carbon reservoir. The total aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock across the park’s 63 sampled blocks were measured at 255.83 tons/ha and 120.24 tons/ha, respectively. “These figures highlight the park’s significant role in mitigating climate change,” Karki explains. “The carbon sequestered in these forests is a valuable natural resource, one that has direct implications for the energy sector’s carbon management strategies.”
The study also revealed stark variations in species diversity and richness across different blocks. While some areas boasted a high Shannon–Wiener index, indicating balanced species composition, others showed complete dominance by a single species. This spatial variability in forest structure has commercial implications. For instance, areas with high species richness and diversity could be prioritized for ecotourism, while those with high carbon stocks could be targeted for carbon offset projects.
The research also underscores the importance of conservation efforts. The recovery of HVL cover to 41.7% by 2022 suggests that recent conservation and restoration efforts are paying off. This has direct implications for the energy sector, which is increasingly looking to natural solutions for carbon management. “The park’s proximity to the capital city makes it a crucial provider of natural resources like clean water and air,” Karki notes. “Its role in supporting a healthy ecosystem and providing habitat for wildlife is invaluable.”
The study’s use of GIS and remote sensing technologies provides a roadmap for future research. These tools could offer deeper insights into the park’s conservation efforts, helping to identify areas for targeted intervention and monitoring changes over time. This could be a game-changer for the energy sector, enabling more precise and effective carbon management strategies.
As the world grapples with climate change, the findings from Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park offer a beacon of hope. They demonstrate the power of conservation efforts and the potential of natural resources to mitigate climate change. For the energy sector, this research underscores the importance of investing in natural solutions and highlights the need for continued research and monitoring.
