Summary Parthenium hysterophorus is a noxious invasive weed of both agricultural and natural ecosystems, spreading aggressively in Nepal. Management of this weed in Nepal has been limited, mainly because of the lack of geo‐referenced data concerning the weed's distribution. We conducted a nationwide survey of P. hysterophorus and its coleopteran biological control agent Zygogramma bicolorata from 2013 to 2016 to determine their spatial distribution. Both were widespread, with the distribution of Z. bicolorata lagging behind the invasion front of P. hysterophorus. The weed was present in 21.2% of the 4838 locations examined, including several isolated satellite populations. The weed was found in the Tarai, Siwalik, Middle Mountains and High Mountains regions, reaching up to 2000 m asl. It has invaded natural and modified ecosystems including all six protected areas in the Tarai and Siwalik regions. Road access appears to be the major pathway for its long‐distance dispersal. Zygogramma bicolorata had spread from the east to the west and was present in 15.4% of the weed occurrence locations, inflicting a low amount of damage. A CLIMEX modelling projection revealed the presence of additional geographic areas in Nepal which are climatically suitable for both P. hysterophorus and Z. bicolorata. Eradication of satellite populations of the weed by physical and chemical measures, and the release of Z. bicolorata into new, but climatically suitable, locations should be prioritised for P. hysterophorus management in Nepal. In conclusion, P. hysterophorus has rapidly become widespread in Nepal and the currently available biological control agent has not been able to prevent further spread of the weed.

Chure Region has a distinct geographical and bio-physical specificities lying on the foothill of Himalaya. It is the youngest mountain of the world, and suffers from mass erosion, landslides and other environmental externalities which make the region vulnerable. Resource depletion, for example deforestation, due to natural as well as human induced factors in the Chure Region has accelerated; and livelihood opportunities have been retreating. Degradation of watershed, lowering the underground water and disturbing the ecological niche in and around the region makes the region more sensitive and fragile. Ecological balance and conservation of natural resources of the Chure Region, therefore, is very urgent. For the betterment of the people and resources of the Chure, Bhabar and Terai regions, there is need to design the work plan for conservation and development. The Government of Nepal, at present, has also given greater emphasis to the protection of Chure through initiation of 'Rastrapati Chure Conservation Program since 2009 in the field of conservation and management of the resources in the Chure Region. The present paper is an attempt to identify the problems and issues of Chure forest conservation and to prepare conservation and management plan using qualitative as well as quantitative methods of analysis. The paper has pointed out that the ecological, geographical and biophysical conditions of the Chure Region have rapidly degraded since the last 32 years. Increasing landslides and flooding; and human intervention makes Chure more fragile and weakest zone where lack of/inadequate livelihood assets and food insecurity are noted. However, Chure Region has many opportunities of employment and income generation through establishment of environmental friendly green enterprises. Thus, the paper concludes an urgent need to formulate short-term to long-term strategies with policy priorities actions and result-oriented efforts. The policies and strategies should be related to establish Chure as a rich biodiversity zone, with hazardless and improved livelihoods.

This paper is an attempt to trace out the Nepal ‘s China-India relation in the context of dynamic changes of powerful nations of the world as well as emerging regional countries. Existing international relation of Nepal is needed tactic diplomacy to take maximum economic and technological benefits from global major powerful countries and emerging regional countries. The existing foreign relation of Nepal and future adaptive strategies have been discussed using qualitative approach. By reviewing and synthesizing ongoing initiations of present government at the global, regional and national level, paper drew the conclusion to maintain balance relation between and among the north -south two neighbors including super power of the world. Paper further emphasized to adopt among equals foreign relation strategy to take benefits from the emerging powerful countries in the Asian region.

Karnali watershed area is very sensitive and need of scientific management of highland grasslands which are rich in number of plants and animal species that have significant role and contribution in national economy and ecology. However, these grass lands are in threat and exist in their natural state within protected areas as neighboring grasslands and forest habitats have been rapidly degraded. At higher altitudes, trans-Himalayan and alpine rangelands are home to a diverse array of wildlife and are grazed by livestock, which are an integral part of the livelihood of several different ethnic groups. These grasslands are being overgrazed and little is known about the ecology and sustainability of prevailing land use practices at the community level. In this context, the prime concern of the paper is to address the existing issues, challenges along with biodiversity characteristics of the higher altitude grasslands of the region. Thus, the main focus of the paper is to point out the major issues of grasslands along with location specific as well as innovative measures and devises for the effective management of grassland beyond the protected and adjoin areas. Further, the paper explores some applicable measures to high land grassland management strategies with active participation of local communities with a view to provide comprehensive policy guidance for the sustainable management of grasslands in order to build the capacity of locals on the road to climate change adaptation and watershed protection in the Karnali region.

Mid Western Development Region (MWDR), a part of Nepali Himalayas, the globally significant and biologically diverse ecosystems, is remarkably rich in medicinal and aromatic plants, and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Government recorded data shows that about 700 species of herbal shrubs and NTFPs are found in the region and they are very important natural resources for human beings and for environmental balance. However, these vital and life supporting plants are in threats from deforestation, degradation, overuse and misuse. Unsustainable harvesting, improper storing, unfair trading, common property mismanagement, and policy environments have combined caused such valuable plants to vanish rapidly. The present paper based on empirical evidences points out that without people's participation in resource development, conservation and management it is difficult to enhance the production of locally available resources on one hand, and not possible to reduce the rate of poverty and environmental deterioration on the other. Moreover, the findings of the study emphasize on the need of integrated conservation and development activities through watershed management in order to promote the sustainable livelihoods of people in the region.