By 2022, the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) plans to help Nepal double its wild tiger population, and to help finance the effort, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has awarded the organization a grant of $3 million.
The money will be spent on strengthening anti-poaching patrols, protecting core areas for tiger breeding, and on electronic equipment that will allow for the tiger populations to be continuously monitored.
As a result of previous grants made by the DiCaprio foundation, the number of tigers in Terai’s Bardia National Park has gone up from 18 to 50.
“Time is running out for the world’s remaining 3,200 tigers, largely the result of habitat destruction and escalating illegal poaching,” said DiCaprio, who is also a WWF Board member. “WWF, the government of Nepal, and local communities are on the front lines of this battle and I am hopeful this grant will help them exceed the goal of doubling the number of these noble creatures in the wild.”;
“Leonardo DiCaprio defies expectations in leveraging his voice and influence to restore tigers and their habitat in one of the most hopeful places on Earth,” said Carter Roberts, CEO of the WWF. “His foundation is all about delivering real results for conservation on the ground and empowering local communities; nowhere is that more evident than in Nepal. The numbers speak for themselves and we are grateful for our partnership.”
