The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) is home to four global biodiversity hotspots and is the origin of 10 major river basins in Asia. It provides essential ecosystem services including freshwater resources and fertile soil for agriculture to the 240 million people living in the mountains and hills and 1.9 billion people living in the river basins.1 Nepal and Bhutan fall within this region, and their population is highly dependent on the services provided by the mountains.

Traditional agriculture contributes significantly to both the country’s GDP and communities relying on rivers originating in the HKH to meet their irrigation, livestock, and household needs. Both Bhutan and Nepal are also highly dependent on these rivers for hydroelectricity generation, a source that contributes to both countries’ clean energy needs as well as export revenue. This region is also a hotspot for tourism - another significant revenue source for the countries. Additionally, the region has its own inherent value, and its rich biodiversity and culture are an integral part of the national identity of both countries.