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The Annapurna Conservation (ACA) is spread over 7,629 sq. km.
of Kaski, Myagdi, Parbat and Manang districts in northwest Nepal. Established
in 1986, the conservation area is surrounded by high mountains and
deep valleys. A mosaic of ethnic groups has carved lifestyle out
of its steep terraces and barren plateaus. The conservation area
is also home to 1,226 species of plants, 38 species of orchids,
9 species of Rhododendrons, 101 species of mammals, 478 species
of birds, 39 species reptiles and 22 species of amphibians Annapurna
Conservation Area is a major trekking destination in Nepal.
More
than 40,000 tourists annually visit the conservation area. Ghandruk
and Lwang are typical Gurung villages with scenic splendours. The
King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC), a leading non-profit
and non-governmental environmental organization in Nepal, launched
the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in 1986. ACAP’s grassroots
philosophy involves local people in all aspects on conservation
and development. The project aims to improve the socio-economic
condition of the local people by integrating conservation and development.
It encourages local people’s participatory involvement in the management
of natural resources and community development activities.
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