Tansen: Bird conservationists have raised alarms over the urgent need for protecting rare bird species that are on the brink of extinction. The concerns stem from the adverse impacts of human activities such as rampant environmental exploitation, climate change, the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture, and pollution in both water and air.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a national workshop was recently held in Tansen, Palpa, where bird conservationists from all seven provinces gathered to engage in discussions with stakeholders about the current state of bird conservation. The workshop served as a platform for highlighting the existential crises faced by birds due to anthropogenic reasons and the need for concerted human efforts in their conservation.
During the event, Mohan Prasad Shrestha, a senior forest officer at the Division Forest Office, expressed optimism about the role of the workshop in protecting the environment and forests. He emphasized the importance of raising public awareness within communities to support bird conservation initiatives.
Laxmi Gyawali, Secretary of the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal, Palpa Chapter, underscored the immediate need for conserving birds and wildlife. Similarly, Ram Chandra Rayamajhi, Secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), stressed the symbiotic relationship between birds, the environment, and humans, warning that the disappearance of birds poses a risk to human life.
Rayamajhi suggested the implementation of awareness programs at the community and school levels and called for collaboration between the Bird Conservation Society Nepal and local government bodies. Ishana Thapa, the Chief Executive Officer of Bird Conservation Nepal, provided insights into important bird habitats and outlined upcoming conservation programs and strategies.
The workshop also featured presentations by Shambhu Bhattarai and Navaraj Pokhrel, officers of bird conservation projects, who discussed the challenges faced by bird species in Gulmi. Kiran Gosai, a senior research officer at BCN, presented on the status and challenges of the Black-necked Crane in Namkha Rural Municipality, Humla.
Loknath Ghimire, chairman of the Adheri Chharchhare Community Forest Users Committee, remarked that all participating agencies pledged to collaborate for the conservation of endangered birds. Chhaya Prakash Pangeni, chairman of the Khaireni Community Forest Users Committee, pointed out that habitat loss further complicates bird conservation efforts in Palpa. Niranjan Bhusal, advisor of the Chharchhare Forestry Users Committee, affirmed the continuation of discussions and awareness programs on bird conservation in the future.