The three-day Ornithological Training for Tourism Professionals held in June 2025 at Tharu Community Lodge, Nawalpur, marked a significant milestone in promoting birdwatching tourism and conservation awareness in Gandaki Province. Organized by the Pokhara Bird Society (PBS) in collaboration with the Nature Guide Association-Nawalpur, and generously supported by the Nepal Tourism Board – Gandaki Province, and Birds Nepal Nawalpur, the training successfully equipped 40 nature guides and tourism professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance eco-tourism in Nepal.
A Vision for Bird-Based Eco-Tourism
Set against the serene backdrop of the Narayani River near Chitwan National Park, the program brought together an exceptional group of experts, guides, and conservationists. The initiative focused on building capacity in bird identification, ecology, field practices, conservation ethics, and the practical integration of birdwatching into sustainable tourism offerings. From theoretical sessions to immersive field excursions, the training aimed to empower participants to become bird ambassadors and conservation advocates.
Knowledge Meets Nature
The training began with a formal inauguration attended by dignitaries from the Nepal Tourism Board and conservation organizations. Mr. Yub Raj Gurung, Senior Officer at NTB Gandaki Province, emphasized the need for professionally trained bird guides to position Gandaki as a premier birdwatching destination. Mr. Manshanta Ghimire, President of PBS, reiterated the society’s vision of fusing bird research with eco-tourism to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Participants dove into ornithological foundations with presentations from experts like Mr. Ghimire, who covered bird biology, classification, and rescue protocols. Hemanta Dhakal explored the ecological roles of birds as bio-indicators and seed dispersers, while Mr. Hathan Ram Mahato offered practical insights into bird identification through physical traits, vocalizations, and migration patterns.
Real-World Learning in the Field
Two extensive field excursions into the Amaltari, Namuna, and Krishnasar Community Forests provided participants with hands-on experience in bird observation and tour guiding. Led by senior guides and ornithologists, these sessions enabled trainees to use field equipment like binoculars and scopes, identify local species, and discuss habitat dynamics.
The safaris not only deepened knowledge but also emphasized the role of community-managed forests in supporting both biodiversity and tourism. These immersive experiences were complemented by discussions and presentations from participants, fostering peer learning and collaboration.
Thematic Sessions that Inspired
A wide range of sessions over the three days provided holistic training. Topics included:
- Nepal’s Protected Areas and Conservation History – Mr. Laxman Poudyal provided an overview of Nepal’s protected area network and the importance of community-managed buffer zones.
- Key Bird Species of Gandaki – Mr. Seejan Gyawali introduced species like the Spiny Babbler and Sarus Crane, linking their ecology to tourism potential.
- Vulture Conservation and Eco-Tourism – Mr. Rajendra Gurung highlighted how Nepal’s vulture restaurants can be both conservation tools and tourism attractions.
- Leadership and Client Management – Mr. Govinda Shrestha emphasized soft skills, guiding ethics, and visitor engagement.
- Ecotourism and Conservation Ethics – Dr. Ganesh Pant stressed that tourism should support, not disturb, ecosystems, and called for ethical practices and community participation.
Each session was designed to balance ecological science with the practical realities of working in tourism and guiding.
Tangible Outcomes and Broader Impact
The training’s outcomes extended well beyond knowledge transfer:
- Enhanced Bird Tourism Skills: All 40 participants acquired practical birdwatching and guiding capabilities, positioning them to deliver high-quality experiences for domestic and international tourists.
- Sustainable Tourism Practices: Emphasis on conservation ethics, responsible behavior, and eco-friendly practices will help mitigate tourism’s environmental impact.
- Community Empowerment: By training local youth and involving homestay operators and community leaders, the program ensured that tourism benefits stay local.
- Economic Diversification: New birding trails, such as the Devchuli and Boating Trails, offer fresh revenue opportunities for Nawalpur’s tourism ecosystem.
- Research and Data Collection: Trainees were encouraged to contribute to citizen science by logging bird data, enriching Nepal’s biodiversity databases.
Closing Ceremony and Commitment to the Future
The program concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony attended by conservation officers, local government representatives, army officials, and tourism stakeholders. Speakers underscored the importance of applying the training in real-world guiding and reaffirmed support for expanding bird-based tourism in rural areas like Nawalpur.
Farewell lunch offered time to reflect on friendships formed, knowledge gained, and the path forward. The Pokhara Bird Society committed to continuing support, mentorship, and collaboration with its growing network of trained guides.
Looking Ahead
The success of this training underscores the potential of birdwatching to serve as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Nepal. With Gandaki Province boasting rich avian biodiversity, empowered local professionals, and strong institutional backing, the future of ornithological tourism looks bright.
The Ornithological Training for Tourism Professionals has set a high bar for capacity-building initiatives in eco-tourism. It demonstrated that with the right knowledge, field skills, and ethical framework, bird tourism can thrive—bringing benefits to people and birds alike.
