Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Sarita Chaudhary, CIPRED – Nepal

“Our land rights—the foundation of our culture and identity—have been violated in the name of conservation,” says Sarita Chaudhary, a Tharu Indigenous woman from Saptakoshi, Saptari, Nepal.

For generations, the Tharu Indigenous Peoples have lived in the Terai region, yet they were never consulted when the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established.

“The solution is clear: Recognize our land rights, guarantee legal protections, and ensure Indigenous Peoples have a meaningful role in managing protected areas,” Sarita emphasizes.

Sarita works with the Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Research and Development (CIPRED). Learn more: https://www.cipred.org.np/