MetLife Foundation Grants $120,000 to WWF Nepal for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods in Bardiya

MetLife Foundation has awarded a US$120,000 grant to WWF Nepal to implement the one-year JEEWAN (Joint Efforts for Ecosystem, Wellbeing and Alternative Livelihoods of Local Communities Based on Nature) project in Rajapur Municipality, Bardiya.

The initiative will support around 140 low-income households from marginalized Sonaha and Tharu communities affected by floods, riverbank erosion, and declining fish populations along the Lower Karnali River basin.

The project will introduce nature-based solutions such as bio-dykes, green belts, and stream restoration to reduce flood risks and protect agricultural land and settlements.

It will also promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through homestay-based eco-tourism, livestock and poultry activities, improved market access, and financial literacy and small business management training supported by MetLife volunteers. The initiative aims to reduce pressure on declining fish stocks while helping conserve the Karnali River’s biodiversity, including endangered river dolphins and gharials.