Conservation That Works for People and Fishing Cats
Our work addresses the challenges facing fishing cats by working directly with the people who share their wetlands. From fish farmers and women’s groups to local guardians, we develop practical solutions that reduce conflict, strengthen livelihoods and protect fishing cat habitat.
Our approach is simple: conservation should benefit both wildlife and communities.
Fish Bank Program
Fish farmers share their ponds and surrounding wetlands with fishing cats, sometimes resulting in fish loss and conflict. Our Fish Bank Program turns this challenge into an opportunity for coexistence.
We provide fish hatchlings and practical support to participating farmers. In return, farmers commit to protecting fishing cats, and 5% of profits from supported fish farming contributes to a community-managed Fishing Cat Conservation Fund.
Conservation also creates opportunities for local women. Through our handicraft program, women use locally available natural materials and traditional skills to create handmade products while strengthening their livelihoods.
The program connects economic opportunity directly with conservation. Participating groups contribute 5% of profits to the Fishing Cat Conservation Fund, which supports actions such as conflict response, compensation and safer livestock practices.
Local people are at the heart of fishing cat conservation. Our Fishing Cat Guardians bring together community members and young conservationists to monitor fishing cats, identify threats, raise awareness and take action in their communities.
Guardians connect conservation with everyday community life. They support field monitoring, awareness activities and local action to protect fishing cats and their wetland habitats.
Local people. Local knowledge. Long-term conservation.
Wetland & Habitat Conservation
Healthy wetlands are essential for the survival of fishing cats. We work with local communities to restore ponds, protect wetlands and improve habitats that provide food, shelter and safe movement for fishing cats and other wildlife.
Our habitat work combines wetland restoration with community stewardship, helping ensure that these important places remain healthy for both wildlife and people.
Our conservation approach addresses multiple threats at the same time by working with fish farmers, local communities, young people, women’s groups, government authorities and other partners across the landscape.
Research & Monitoring
We use camera traps, field surveys and community knowledge to monitor fishing cats, understand threats and guide conservation action.
Evidence. Action. Conservation.
Education & Awareness
We engage schools, communities and the wider public through conservation education, campaigns and outreach that build understanding of fishing cats and wetlands.
Awareness inspiring coexistence.
Threat Reduction
We address direct threats to fishing cats through roadkill mitigation, conflict response, safer livestock practices and collaboration with communities and government authorities.
Reducing threats. Creating safer landscapes.
Working Across the Landscape
From fish ponds and village wetlands to roads, schools and community forests, our work connects people, habitats and conservation action across Nepal’s western Terai.
Work With Us
Protecting fishing cats requires communities, researchers, conservation organizations and government working together. We welcome partnerships that help strengthen coexistence across Nepal’s western Terai.
