We are thrilled to announce that HWC Nepal has been recognized as a Semi-Finalist for the prestigious Social Innovation ICT Award 2025. Out of over 750 nominations nationwide, our initiative was selected as one of the Top 13 innovations making a measurable impact on society through technology.
The Challenge: A Growing Conflict
In Nepal, the recovery of megafauna like elephants, tigers, and leopards is a conservation success, but it has led to an increase in Human-Wildlife Coexistence (HWC). Local communities often face devastating crop raids, livestock loss, and threats to human safety, which can lead to retaliatory killings and a decline in conservation support.
Our Innovation: Data-Driven Coexistence
HWC Nepal leverages ICT to bridge the gap between conservation and community safety. By utilizing geospatial analysis, real-time reporting, and digital mapping, we provide:
Early Warning Systems: Helping communities stay one step ahead of wildlife movements.
Conflict Mapping: Identifying high-risk "hotspots" to deploy targeted mitigation like electric fencing and waterhole management.
Digital Advocacy: Empowering local stakeholders with data to access compensation and support more efficiently.
The Journey Ahead
Being a semi-finalist in the 10th edition of the ICT Awards—Nepal's largest tech recognition platform—validates our mission to create a "Digital Nepal" that is safe for both people and nature. This journey involved rigorous jury presentations, speed-dating sessions with experts, and competing alongside the nation's brightest minds.
"Innovation isn't just about building apps; it's about solving real-world struggles. This recognition fuels our commitment to ensuring that technology serves as a shield for our farmers and a voice for our wildlife."
What’s Next?
As we move forward, we are more committed than ever to scaling our digital solutions across Nepal's conflict-prone corridors. We thank the ICT Foundation Nepal and the jury for this honor, and we thank you—our community—for standing with us.