The project aims to enhance the livelihood security of communities by improving forestry practices, soil and water conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, and agricultural production. It supports decentralization by building the institutional capacity of its partner organizations and monitors the implementation of government policies, strategies and practices for the effective management of resources in the Churia Hills.

The project is being implemented in two phases. The first year is the inception and learning phase to analyze the situation of the project area through various studies. It identifies pilot activities that will have the greatest impact and win the support of the community. The lessons learnt in this phase and from other CARE projects guide the implementation of the main phase.

Project location: Mahottari and Sarlahi Districts

CARE-Nepal and Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management have designed the Churia Watershed Management Project jointly. It operates in the Churia Hills, Bhabar and downstream regions of Sarlahi and Mahottari districts of the central Terai. The project integrates valuable lessons from the successful implementation of previous projects, Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal Watershed Management Project in Kaski district and Upper Adhi Khola Watershed Management Project in Syangja. The project started in March 2001 with the assistance of Danida through CARE Danmark and CARE-Nepal.