This project was initiated in Gwalek Village Development Committee (VDC) of Baitadi district in December 1999. The district lies in the remote Far-western Region of the country. Gwalek, ?the major watershed? of the district headquarters and adjacent settlements in the area is facing tremendous resource degradation and that has led to disturbances in the mountain watershed ecosystem. The project is initiating activities to reduce the high pressure of exploitation of watershed resources through social mobilisation approach. One of the best alternatives to minimise the pressure is to efficiently manage the demands of the natural resources products.

The Project maintains a good relation with the local institutions. The local government has committed to support the project by co-funding the project activities and by providing necessary support in carrying out the project activities. SGP Project facilitates the local communities by providing them technical support in managing the watershed biodiversity through participatory approaches that also integrates livelihood activities. A major percentage of the grant fund has been allocated for the Community Environment Trust (CET) Fund. The Project aims at conservation and utilisation of watershed biodiversity for sustainable livelihoods. The Project also ensures effective watershed management, preservation of ecosystem and control of soil erosion. While the project will also explore the prospect of eco-tourism development in the area.