Nepal turns to insurance as human-wildlife conflict and losses grow
Summary
Nepal has introduced its first Wildlife Risk Insurance Policy to help households recover faster from deaths, injuries and property losses caused by wild animals. The move comes as human-wildlife conflict intensifies across forest-edge communities, with elephants, leopards, tigers and other animals causing rising casualties and damage.
Key Points
- Nepal has launched a Wildlife Risk Insurance Policy to provide financial protection for deaths, injuries and property losses caused by 18 species of wild animals.
- The policy offers coverage of up to Rs1 million for accidental death or permanent disability and includes support for homes, livestock, crops and funeral expenses.
- Officials say the scheme will complement existing government relief, while conservation experts warn that prevention and conflict-mitigation measures remain essential.
- The insurance move responds to rising human-wildlife conflict, especially in areas such as Chitwan and Bardiya, where fatalities and losses have increased sharply.
