Pokhara, Nepal: Pokhara Bird Society, in collaboration with Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward No. 33, has successfully conducted a local-level awareness campaign on vulture conservation, focusing on the Slender-billed Vulture, one of the world’s Critically Endangered vulture species.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of vultures in the ecosystem, their rapidly declining population, and the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts at the local and government levels.
Addressing the program, Hemant Dhakal, Secretary of Pokhara Bird Society, shared detailed information on the overall status of vultures, ongoing research activities, and studies related to the Slender-billed Vulture. He highlighted the ecological role of vultures and the importance of scientific research in guiding conservation actions.
Special Guest of the program and President of Pokhara Bird Society, Manshanta Ghimire, shed light on the current situation of vultures in Nepal, major causes of their decline, and ongoing conservation initiatives. He also discussed the role of Bird Conservation Nepal & Pokhara Bird Society, policy measures required from local and central governments, and provided an overview of the Gandaki–Lumbini Vulture Safe Zone. An interactive session followed, where local residents shared their concerns, suggestions, and questions regarding vulture conservation.
Chief Guest Ramchandra Adhikari, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 33, stated that the ward office has consistently remained committed to wildlife conservation. He emphasized the need for strong coordination, necessary permissions, and continuous awareness programs to ensure effective protection of vultures and other wildlife species.
The workshop was attended by ward members Durga KC Thapa, Leela Nepali, Prakash Karki, and Binod Babu Bhandari; Suryalal Paudel, Chairperson of Thulo DhungaCommunity Forest User Group; Rishimaya Lamichhane, Chairperson of Samaj Sudhar AamaSamuha; and Kalpana Lamichhane, Chairperson of Baladevi Aama Samuha.
Held at Baladevi Tole, the program was chaired by Tole Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Paudeland facilitated by Hari Prasad Paudel, Chairperson of Machhapuchhre Tole Development Committee. The event witnessed strong participation from ward residents, representatives of various tole development committees, members of Pokhara Bird Society, and media personnel.
The workshop was supported through research and conservation funding from the Rufford Foundation, United Kingdom.