Conservation Awareness Program – Biodiversity Conservation Society Nepal

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) are well known for the records of wetland birds. Out of 20 protected areas of Nepal, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) is the first Ramsar Site declared in 1987 by the Convention on Wetland of International Importance. The reserve provide habitat for ducks, geese, Anatidae, ibises, herons, egrets, shorebirds and storks (Bird Conservation Nepal 2006). All together, 485 species of bird have so far been recorded from KTWR. Koshi River itself, Koshi Barrage, Lakes, and Paddy Field form mosaic of wetland habitats where wetland birds are heavily dependent. Actually, the reserve acts as both staging and wintering areas for birds flying over Central Asian Flyway and consequently maintaining global population of wetland birds. At the same time, local people are residing around the reserve since many years. Knowingly or unknowingly, they have posed threats to wetland birdsvarious ways such as, poaching, use of chemical fertilizer, hunting. Many threats could be controlled, if local people would be aware frequently on conservation value.

Student teaching by visiting class to class, class follow up bird watching program and quiz contest were the programs specially designed for students. With these programs, students were aware on wildlife of Nepal, value of conservation, wetland and wetlands birds, and bird watching techniques. Total 743 students participated on core program and 45% of 743 have been influenced towards conservation by this program. As publication of poster and display of hoarding board is another part of this project. Total 1000 copies of posters were published and distributed to participants, schools, other community based, government and non-governmental organizations. Hoarding board was displayed in 6 sites including schools and offices. World Wetland Day 2013 was celebrated jointly with other organizations such as Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Himalayan Nature. The main activities of the wetland day were quiz contest, cultural shows and football tournament. Training com workshop followed by excursion was organized to enhance the capacity of influential people. Furthermore, KBO is only one bird observatory in Nepal and was newly built. Hence, KBO was upgraded in different aspects such as, information, decoration, naming of plants.

Last but not the least, Mallaha people whose livelihoods mostly dependent on wetland were also the target of this program. Door to door visit program, group discussion and training on wiring were conducted to sensitize these tribal people regarding wetland birds conservation.

The FM Radio Program; Simsar (Wetland) was broadcasted from Saptakoshi FM to convey the message of conservation of wetland birds and their habitat among public around KTWR. One episode was broadcasted once in week and short message regarding wetland bird conservation were broadcasted before and after news and musical program.

Project tried to aware people extensively towards wetland bird conservation. Participants of the project promise with project team that they will act for the protection of wetland and its creatures. Based on interaction with participants, survey and field observation, following recommendations have been pointed out for organizations working in conservations.

Attitude of people keeps changing and short-term awareness program influence people temporarily. Hence, awareness program should be continued.
Environment Education has been already included in the course of schools from grade three. However, these courses are lacking practical sessions. Hence, students should be involved in practical activities regarding to environment protection and teachers should be trained regularly.
People depends on nature for their basic requirements means people of the region are poor. Similarly, tribes are depending enormously on wetlands for their livelihood. Therefore, training on income generating activities should be conducted frequently and at the same time, implementation mechanism of training should be developed.
Chemical Farming should be replaced by Organic Farming at least in and around wetlands. Moreover, the organic farming should be extended to watershed level.
Picture speaks itself and remains in mind for long term. Hence,poster publications and distribution should be continued.