KATHMANDU, MAY 20
WWF Nepal marked its 32nd anniversary with a formal event held at The Malla Hotel in Kathmandu on Monday, celebrating more than three decades of dedicated work in conserving Nepal's rich biodiversity.
The event highlighted major milestones since the organization's establishment in 1993 and recognized outstanding contributions to conservation efforts.
The ceremony was attended by more than 150 guests, including Chief Guest Minister of Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, along with high-level government officials, ambassadors, development partners, media representatives, and other distinguished attendees.
The event began with the launch of a new video series documenting WWF Nepal's achievements across various conservation sectors. The first chapter of the series was screened at the program, while subsequent chapters will be released on WWF Nepal's official YouTube channel in the coming weeks. The celebration also featured the presentation of the WWF Nepal Conservation Awards to three individuals: Arjun Kumar Karki, recognized for his commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflict; Doma Paudel, awarded for her dedication to eco-tourism; and Gobinda Bahadur Singh, honored for his ongoing efforts in animal welfare and habitat protection, according to the press release issued by the WWF Nepal.
Since the inception of the WWF Nepal Conservation Awards in 1995, a total of 190 individuals and organizations have received this recognition for their grassroots-level contributions, the WWF Nepal said.
In addition, nine students were awarded Memorial Scholarships this year. These scholarships were established in 2007 to honor the legacy of 24 conservation heroes who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in 2006. The scholarships support students pursuing Bachelor's and Master's degrees in fields related to conservation. Over the years, more than 142 students have benefited from the initiative.
Foreign dignitaries and senior government officials present at the event also spoke about the urgent need for collaborative action in the face of growing environmental challenges. Speakers included New Zealand Honorary Consul to Nepal Lisa Choegyal; Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Benjamin Seidel; British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn; Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Leann Johnston; and Shiva Kumar Wagle, Division Head at the Planning and Monitoring Division of Nepal's Ministry of Forests and Environment. They emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships to address global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, congratulated all awardees and scholarship recipients in his remarks. "Despite the multitude of challenges over the years-including the tragic loss of our conservation leaders in 2006, political fluidity, the global pandemic, and more- we have made it through. We've emerged stronger and more resilient because of the continued support from the government, our partners, donors, and communities, and their unwavering belief in the cause of people living in harmony with nature," he noted.
Dr. Gurung reaffirmed WWF Nepal's commitment to addressing pressing conservation and development issues, including managing the human-wildlife interface, mitigating the effects of climate change, integrated river basin and watershed management, and promoting climate-smart, wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
Speaking as chief guest, Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri praised WWF Nepal for its consistent support to the government and emphasized the urgent need for united efforts in the conservation sector. He said that Nepal is increasingly bearing the impacts of climate change and pointed to the recently concluded Sagarmatha Sambaad as a call to action. "In the coming days, we have to double down on our efforts, and I am confident WWF Nepal will continue to support the government through the challenges ahead," he said.
The event concluded on a high note, with renewed commitment from all stakeholders to continue building on three decades of success and to ensure Nepal's natural heritage is protected for generations to come.
