Kathmandu, Nepal –With the theme of snow leopard’s conservation and a call to protect the Himalayas, the 7th National Conservation Day was marked on Monday in Kathmandu.
On the occasion, president Dr. Ram Baran Yadav said that the mountain ecosystem was under threat from the pervasive impacts of climate change.
Dr. Yadav also stressed the need to protect Nepal’s natural riches including key species such as snow leopards and tigers.
National Conservation Day provides a platform to recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations in conservation while also helping motivate a new generation of conservationists.
A special screening of a video on snow leopards, its population and status, threats and conservation interventions, which was developed by the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists, was also showed on the occasion.
Similarly, WWF Nepal felicitated an organization and five individuals through the Abraham Conservation Awards, Matthew Preece & Yeshi Choden Lama Young Conservation Leader Award, WWF Media in Conservation Award and a Special Conservation Award.
The award carries a purse of NRs. 25,000 for individuals and NRs. 50,000 for organizations.
WWF Nepal also announced scholarships to four students under the Chandra Gurung Memorial Scholarship, Jill Bowling Schlaepfer Memorial Scholarship and Jennifer Headley Memorial Scholarships to help them pursue higher education in forestry.
On the occasion, Bird Conservation Nepal provided a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Hari Sharan Nepali for his outstanding contribution in the field of bird conservation. Jatayu Scholarships were also provided by Bird Conservation Nepal to two students to support their research in vulture conservation.
Likewise, Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park and Kathmandu were felicitated for their seamless efforts in supporting curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Likewise, a biography on Late Dr Tirtha Man Maskey “Tiger Warden” published by Wildlife Watch Group was also launched at the ceremony.
In an effort to highlight sarus crane conservation and build awareness on the key threats to the species, a special drama was presented by sixteen Eco Club students of Lumbini, a project site of WWF Nepal in partnership with Lumbini Development Trust.
The Government of Nepal declared Asoj 7 (23 September) as National Conservation Day in 2008 in memory of the Conservation Heroes who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident on 23 September 2006 at Ghunsa, Kangchenjunga.
National Conservation Day is led by a Conservation Consortium comprising WWF Nepal, Bird Conservation Nepal, Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, IUCN–the World Conservation Union, Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Nepal, and Wildlife Watch Group under the leadership of the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation.
