Palpa, Dec 4: Bird conservationists have raised serious concerns about the protection of rare bird species, warning that many are on the verge of disappearance due to rampant exploitation of natural resources, climate change, excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and increasing water and air pollution.
Their concerns were highlighted through workshops, discussions, and field studies aimed at drawing the attention of stakeholders towards urgent conservation efforts.
A national workshop on bird conservation was held in Tansen, Palpa, on Wednesday, with participation from bird conservationists representing all seven provinces. The event focused on the current status of bird conservation and the challenges facing vulnerable species.
Participants emphasized that disappearing bird populations require coordinated efforts from all sectors. They noted that many species are facing an existential crisis primarily due to human activities, and called for stronger human intervention to protect them.
Mohan Prasad Shrestha, Senior Forest Officer at the Division Forest Office, said he was confident that the workshop would play a crucial role in protecting forests and the environment. He stressed the need for wider community awareness to ensure effective bird conservation.
Laxmi Gyawali, Secretary of the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal, Palpa Chapter, said that conserving birds and wildlife is an urgent priority and that the organization is actively working in this field.
Ram Chandra Rayamajhi, Secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), underscored the symbiotic relationship between birds, the environment, and humans. He warned that the disappearance of birds poses risks to human life itself, calling for community- and school-level awareness programmes. He added that the Bird Conservation Society Nepal should work in coordination with local governments.
At the programme, Ishana Thapa, Chief Executive Officer of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), shared information about the organization, key bird habitats, upcoming programmes, and ongoing species-level conservation efforts.
Presentations were also delivered by Shambhu Bhattarai, officer of the Bird Conservation and Livelihood Support Project in Gulmi; Navaraj Pokhrel, project officer of Resunga, Madane, Thaple Satyawati Forest Conservation Area, Gulmi; and Kiran Gosai, senior research officer at BCN, who spoke about 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, noted that participating agencies expressed commitment to working together for the conservation of endangered birds.
Similarly, Chhaya Prakash Pangeni, Chairman of the Khaireni Community Forest Users Committee, said that habitat loss has created additional challenges for bird conservation in Palpa.
Niranjan Bhusal, Advisor to the Chharchhare Forestry Users Committee, said they would continue holding discussions, interactions, and awareness programmes aimed at strengthening bird conservation efforts. #nepal #bird rrs
