Taplejung: The biodiversity monitoring has begun with the installation of camera traps and GPS devices in Taplejung. In collaboration with the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC) and Samriddha Pahad, UNESCO initiated the installation of these modern scientific tools within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA).
According to National News Agency Nepal, these installations are taking place from July 16 to 19 in Tapethok, Hellok, and Lelep. The initiative aims to integrate modern scientific methods with indigenous knowledge to enhance information collection on biodiversity and support real-time ecological monitoring, as stated in a press release issued by UNESCO Nepal.
Prior to the installation of cameras and GPS devices, a two-day capacity-building training was conducted in Lelep on July 14-15. This workshop focused on encouraging the participation of local communities and enhancing their involvement in environmental supervision within the KCA. Additionally, it aimed to improve the skills of local indigenous people and communities, including school students and other stakeholders, in biodiversity conservation.
Participants gained practical experience in handling and setting up modern scientific devices. Khagendra Phembu Limbu, Chairperson of the KCAMC, emphasized their goal to identify biodiversity hotspots and potential conservation areas. He mentioned that there is an interest in designating the area as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and conducting local awareness programs to promote its significance. Limbu expressed hope for international recognition, which would play a vital role in the protection and sustainable conservation of this unique area.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the concept of a Biosphere Reserve. This session raised awareness about its importance, objectives, nomination process, and the potential benefits of KCA receiving a Biosphere Reserve designation under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
The Biosphere Reserves serve as living laboratories where conservation, sustainable development, and scientific research are integrated to create a harmonious relationship, balancing biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use by local communities.
Prof Dr Hari Prasad Aryal, UNESCO MAB committee member, highlighted the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific tools to address biodiversity challenges in high-altitude ecosystems like KCA. He noted the strong participation of indigenous communities and their commitment to protecting wildlife, soil integrity, and water resources as exemplary models for sustainability.
This initiative supports KCA’s long-term vision of securing international recognition through the IUCN Green List, a global campaign for successful nature conservation and eventual designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This aligns with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to achieve a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
“For UNESCO, the ongoing initiatives at Kanchenjunga are not merely about protecting nature. It is about valuing local people, their indigenous knowledge, and their sustainable livelihoods,” said Jaco Du Toit, UNESCO Representative to Nepal. The activities are part of the ‘Strengthening Community Engagement for Biodiversity Conservation in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area’ project, funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF).
This collaborative effort emphasizes the shared commitment to preserving the unique biodiversity of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area for future generations. By fostering a synergy between modern technology and invaluable local knowledge, this initiative sets an example for community-led conservation, paving the way for sustainable futures for similar ecosystems in Nepal. It highlights the transformative potential of combining global expertise with local dedication and knowledge to address current environmental challenges.