The Alumni Association for Conservation and Development (AACD) is a pioneering non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 2009 by a group of dedicated forestry graduates committed to biodiversity conservation in Nepal.
Registered in Kathmandu and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council (SWC), AACD focuses on advancing impactful wildlife and biodiversity conservation aligned with the policies, regulations, and guiding principles of the Government of Nepal.
AACD envisions a sustainable and resilient world where people and nature can coexist harmoniously. To achieve this, we focus on:
AACD proudly aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From grassroots participation to national and global policy discussions, we champion environmental stewardship, empower communities, and work tirelessly towards a greener and sustainable future for everyone.
Founded in 2009 by visionary forestry graduates, the Alumni Association for Conservation and Development (AACD) was initiated as a modest college initiative with a mission to protect Nepal’s rich biodiversity while empowering local communities. Today, AACD has grown into a nationally recognized organization leading efforts in conservation, sustainable development, and climate action across Nepal’s diverse landscapes..
AACD operates through three interconnected branches: Central, Pokhara, and Hetauda.
At both Pokhara and Hetauda campuses, we nurture dynamic student groups committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. These groups hold annual assemblies to elect their own committees, empowering bachelor-level students to take leadership roles and contribute to shaping AACD’s future. Our work is driven by the belief that knowledge, collaboration, and innovation can bring transformative change. Through our networks, we focus on:
Our mission is to protect Nepal’s biodiversity and tackle climate challenges through research, innovation, and community-driven solutions for a sustainable future.
Our vision is “to conserve biodiversity - for people, for nature and for generations to come.”
Through these efforts, AACD envisions a Nepal where biodiversity conservation and human development progress together, building resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity for future generations.
AACD is committed to protecting Nepal’s endangered species (e.g., Dholes, Pangolins, Snow Leopards, Tigers, Elephants, Rhinos, Red Pandas, etc.) by conserving their habitats, reducing wildlife crime, managing human-wildlife conflicts, and promoting community-led conservation initiatives. Through scientific research, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with local stakeholders, we aim to ensure the survival of endangered species while maintaining the socioecological balance.
AACD believes that effective wildlife conservation is deeply connected to community development. By empowering local communities with knowledge, skills, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, we foster a sense of stewardship that benefits both people and wildlife. Our initiatives promote coexistence by reducing human-wildlife conflicts, supporting eco-friendly practices, and engaging communities as active partners in conservation. Through education, capacity-building, and participatory programs, we create pathways where protecting nature also enhances well-being, resilience, and prosperity for local communities.
The AACD alumni network functions as a vibrant platform connecting forestry graduates across Nepal’s campuses, promoting collaboration, mentorship, and collective efforts for conservation. At the Institute of Forestry in Pokhara and Hetauda, alumni actively interact with students through research support, training, and awareness initiatives, empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. By integrating academic knowledge with practical field experience, the alumni network reinforces AACD’s mission of biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and climate action, while building a strong community of professionals dedicated to protecting Nepal’s natural resources.
Research and advocacy are central to AACD’s mission. Through field studies, data-driven insights, and innovative methods, we create knowledge to tackle urgent conservation and climate issues. We turn this research into meaningful advocacy by working with policymakers, institutions, and communities to shape sustainable policies and practices. By connecting science with action, AACD ensures evidence informed decisions, amplifies local voices, and promotes long-term solutions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Nepal.
AACD values strong partnerships with national and international conservation organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, and local stakeholders to maximize impact. By working together, we share knowledge, resources, and expertise to design and implement effective conservation and community development initiatives. These collaborations allow us to tackle complex environmental challenges, strengthen advocacy for sustainable policies, and keep local communities at the heart of conservation efforts. Together, we create long-term solutions that protect biodiversity, boost resilience, and promote a sustainable future for Nepal.
Sustainability is the primary focus of AACD’s vision and actions. We believe that protecting biodiversity and supporting human well-being must go hand in hand, ensuring that current efforts do not compromise the needs of future generations. By managing natural resources responsibly, adopting climate-smart practices, and encouraging community-led initiatives, AACD promotes ecological balance while enhancing economic and social resilience. By integrating sustainability into every project, we aim to create lasting impacts that empower communities, preserve ecosystems, and foster a greener and more resilient society.
AACD primarily focuses on developing innovative proposals to secure funding from agencies, as our current operations depend entirely on donor contributions. Recognizing the importance of lasting impact, we are dedicated to creating a pathway toward self-sufficiency for the communities we serve. Our goal is to establish self-sustaining communities that generate sufficient revenue through biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. By promoting sustainable livelihoods tied directly to environmental stewardship, we aim to reduce reliance on external funding while ensuring our conservation efforts remain sustainable and effective over the long term.
Through strategic project design, capacity building, and community engagement, AACD aims to create models of conservation-driven economic empowerment. These models will support local livelihoods and promote biodiversity protection, thereby linking ecological sustainability with socio-economic resilience. While donor support remains the foundation of our current efforts, our strategic approach focuses on achieving financial and operational sustainability in the long run, ensuring that every initiative we undertake continues to generate lasting environmental and social benefits.
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