For Environment, Democracy and Livelihoods
It has been imperative to discuss and identify challenges and opportunities of biodiversity conservation in Nepal and seek ways on how conserving biodiversity in managed forest complements in achieving wider biodiversity goals while supporting local livelihood. Blending expert presentations and views along with innovative ideas of aspiring students, ForestAction in collaboration with Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL) and Institute of Science and Technology (IOST) organized an interaction program to discuss the significance and needs of biodiversity conservation in natural managed forest. Students were provided with the opportunity to present their project work on various issues of biodiversity conservation in anthropogenic landscapes, followed by discussion.
The Director General (DG) of DNPWC, Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal, Dr Srijana Baral and Dr. Lila Nath Sharma from ForestAction were among the speakers in the program. Professor Emeritus Dr RP Chaudhary delivered his remarks on the need for biodiversity conservation and urged young professionals to take the lead in the conservation field. Likewise, Prof Dr Bharat Babu Shrestha commented on students’ project work and shed light on integrating conservation and production on managed forest.
Over 110 Masters Student and early career researchers from 12 different institutions were present during the program. The program was part of Darwin Initiative UK funded project “Linking Science to Management: Restoring Community Forests in Nepal”.
