Annual Report

National Trust for Nature Conservation 2014 MISSION STATEMENT

“To conserve, manage and promote nature in all its diversity balancing human needs with the environment on a sustainable basis for posterity-ensuring maximum community participation with due cognizance of the linkages between economics, environment and ethics through a process in which people are both the principal actors and beneficiaries.”

The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) was established in 1982 by a legislative act as an autonomous and not-for-profit organization, mandated to work in the field of nature conservation in . The Trust, in past 3 decades, has successfully implemented various projects to fulfill the need and demands of communities on nature and wildlife conservation, biodiversity as well as cultural heritage protection, ecotourism, alternative energy promotion, gender empowerment, agriculture and livestock support and community based health services for sustainable development of the communities. The Trust’s experience over the years has shown that conservation efforts in low income economies such as Nepal cannot be successful, and sustainable, unless the needs and welfare of the local people are addressed. Holistic and integrated conservation and development programs with active people’s participation aimed at promoting local guardianship is the focus of all the Trust activities.

Geographically, the Trust activities have spread from the sub-tropical plains of Chitwan, Bardia, Kanchanpur and Parsa in the lowlands to the , Manaslu and Gaurishankar region of the high , including the trans-Himalaya region of Upper Mustang and . Currently, the Projects of Trust are divided into three geographical areas - the lowland, the mid hills ( Valley) and the high mountains. The Trust’s activities in the lowlands are based in and around Chitwan National Park, Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Bardia National Park, Banke National Park and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve located in the central, western and far-western development regions of Nepal, through the Biodiversity Conservation Center (BCC) and Parsa Conservation Program (PCP) in Chitwan and Parsa, the Bardia Conservation Program (BCP) in Bardia/Banke and the Shuklaphanta Conservation Program (SCP) in Kanchanpur. Similarly, the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), the Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) are the three protected areas managed by the Trust in the mountain region. The Central Zoo is the only project managed by the Trust in Kathmandu Valley. Annual Report 2014 (Fiscal Year 2013/2014)

NTNC Annual Report 2014 I Published by: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal PO Box 3712, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : +977-1-5526571, 5526573 Fax : +977-1-5526570 E-mail : [email protected] URL : www.ntnc.org.np

Editorial Board: Mr. Ganga Jang Thapa Mr. Binod Basnet Mr. Numraj Khanal Ms. Sikshya Adhikary Rana Mr. Shyam Kumar Thapa

Photo credits: ACAP, BCC, BCP, Central Zoo, MCAP, SCP, GCAP, Cover Photo: Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) . © Om Bahadur Gurung, NTNC Back cover photo: Tilicho Lake, Manang, Nepal. © Madhusudan Thapa

© NTNC 2014 (FY 2013/14)

Printed at: Sigma General Offset Press Sanepa, Lalitpur-2, Nepal

II NTNC Annual Report 2014 The co-existence of all living creatures in the nature is only possible by respecting each other’s existence. Each of FOREWORD the species depends upon others as they all are bound in the chain of ecosystem as a habitat or prey or in other role in the way of life. Each and every flora and fauna are closely tied up in their relationship for continuation of their next generation in the planet. Therefore, it is essential to promote harmony among all living creatures. However, population growth and urbanization, encroachment of wildlife habitats, unsustainable extraction of resources, illegal poaching and trading, and the encroachment of non-native invasive alien species are the major threats for maintaining sustainable harmony with the nature. The holistic approach of managing all, not only the flora and fauna but also the different landscapes environment and people can ensure sustainability and enhance performances of ecological services. National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) is dedicated towards ensuring the healthy environment, mitigating the threats to biodiversity and harmonizing the relationship of people with the environment. The Trust’s focus on lowland protected areas is primarily on wildlife research and monitoring which also includes habitat management, biodiversity conservation, community mobilization, anti-poaching and illegal trade control. In the mountain region, NTNC is engaged in an integrated conservation and development program approach. NTNC’s involvement in the field of nature conservation for three decades has shown that the conservation efforts in low income economies, cannot be successful, much less sustainable, unless the needs and welfare of the local people are addressed. Thus, the Trust’s activities are focused in community development and livelihood enhancement addressing the needs of the communities with their active and meaningful participation recognizing them as the actors rather only as beneficiaries. This report is the snapshot of our focus and accomplishments in fiscal year 2013/14. Success achieved is owed to the hard work and dedication of the Trust family, notably the secretariat, the projects, and the Board of Trustees. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our partner agencies and local communities for their support and inspiration. We anticipate your continuous support in the future and also welcome comments and feedback from all our well-wishers and valued readers. Thank you,

Govinda Gajurel Member Secretary

NTNC Annual Report 2014 III IV NTNC Annual Report 2014 ACRONYMS

ABC Annapurna Base Camp CFUG Community Forest Users Group ACA Annapurna Conservation Area CGI Corrugated Galvanized Iron ACAP Annapurna Conservation Area Project CNP Chitwan National Park ACO Assistant Conservation Officer CSO Civil Society Organization ADBN Agricultural Development Bank of Nepal DAO District Administration Office AIDS Acute Immune Deficiency Syndrome DDC District Development Committee APU Anti-poaching Unit DFO District Forest Office ARI Acute Respiratory Infection DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation AsRSG Asian Rhino Specialist Group DoF Department of Forest BaNP Banke National Park DRR Disaster Risk Reduction BCC Biodiversity Conservation Center DSP Deputy Superintendent of Police BCF Barandabhar Corridor Forest DWS Drinking Water Scheme BCN Bird Conservation Nepal E-mail Electronic mail BCP Bardia Conservation Program EBC Elephant Breeding Center BNP Bardia National Park FoZ Friends of Zoo BZCFUG Buffer Zone Community Forest Users Group FMsC Forest Management Sub-Committee BZMC Buffer Zone Management Committee GBC Gharial Breeding Center BZUG Buffer Zone User Group GCA Gaurishankar Conservation Area CA Conservation Area GCAP Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project CAMC Conservation Area Management Committee GESI Gender and Social Inclusion CAMR Conservation Area Management Regulation GFC Green Force Club CAPA Community Adaptation Plan of Action GIS Geographical Information System CDO Chief District Officer GoN Government of Nepal CBAPU Community Based Anti-poaching Unit GPS Geographical Positioning System CBO Community Based Organization HDPE High Denstity Polyethylene CE Conservation Education HH Household

NTNC Annual Report 2014 V HWC Human Wildlife Conflict NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation IAS Invasive Alien Species ODF Open Deification Free ICDP Integrated Conservation and Development Program PCP Parsa Conservation Program ICS Improved Cooking Stove PRC Peoples’ Republic of IDA International Development Assistance PWR Parsa Wildlife Reserve IEF International Elephant Foundation RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete IG Income Generation REDD Reducing Emission from Degradation and Forest Degradation IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature RMB Renminbi Km Kilometer RSPB Royal Society of the Protection of Birds Kw Kilo Watt SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation LDO Local Development Officer SCP Shuklaphanta Conservation Program LHW Livestock Health Worker SLC Snow Leopard Conservancy LRP Local Resource Person SRCWPA Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Wildlife Protection in Asia Ltd Limited STD Sexually Transmitted Disease M Meter SWR Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve MCA Manaslu Conservation Area TAR Tibetan Autonomous Region MCAP Manaslu Conservation Area Project TMsC Tourism Management Sub-Committee MICS Metallic Improved Cooking Stove UC Users Committee MIST Management Information System Technology UCO Unit Conservation Office MM Millimeter UK United Kingdom MoFsc Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation USA United States of America MoU Memorandum of Understanding USAID United States Agency for International Development MSFP Multi Stakeholders’ Forestry Program UTI Urinary Tract Infection NCRTC Nepal Conservation Research and Training Center VCBC Vulture Conservation and Breeding Center NGO Non-Governmental Organization VDC Village Development Committee NP National Park WR Wildlife Reserve NRM Natural Resource Management WWF World Wildlife Fund NTFP Non-Timber Forest Product ZSL Zoological Society of London

VI NTNC Annual Report 2014 Newsline NTNC Chairman Nominated 1 Iciasm Urged Global Coordination for IAS Management 1 Nepal Celebrates Zero Rhino Poaching -365 Days 2 Table of Zoo Networking Meeting 2 Conservation Workshop for Miss Nepal 2014 Contestants 3 NTNC and DoF Sign MoU for Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation 4 Content NTNC and Dnpwc Sign MoU 4 Handover Ceremony of China-Aided Office Equipment to NTNC 5 Junior Wildlife Technician Training 5

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Key Interventions and Achievements 1. Natural Resource Conservation Program 8 2. Alternative Energy Promotion Program 11 3. Conservation Education Extension Program 12 4. Tourism Development Program 14 5. Destination, Promotion and Development 16 6. Community Infrastruciure Development Program 16 7. Women Empowerment 19 8. Agriculture and Livestock Development Program 20 9. Health Service Support Program 22 10. Heritage Conservation Program 23 11. Research, Survey and Documentation 23

Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) Key Interventions and Achievements 1. Natural Resource Conservation Program 26 2. Alternative Energy Promotion Program 27 3. Conservation Education and Extension Program 27 4. Community Infrastructure Development Program 28 5. Tourism Management Program 28 6. Women Development Program 30

NTNC Annual Report 2014 VII 7. Agriculture Development Program 30 8. Heritage Conservation Program 31 9. Research, Survey and Documentation 31 10. Capacity Building 31

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project (GCAP) Key Interventions and Achievements 1. Natural Resource Conservation Program 34 2. Alternative Energy Promotion Program 35 3. Conservation and Extension Program 35 4. Livelihood Improvement Program 36 5. Tourism Management Program 37 6. Capacity Development Program 38 7. Research, Survey and Study Program 39 8. Piloting Climate Smart Conservation Approach 39 9. Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade 40 10. Market Development Program 41

Biodiversity Conservation Centre (BCC) Key Interventions and Achievements 1. Wildlife Research and Monitoring Program 44 2. Community Based Anti-Poaching Initiatives 44 3. Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation 44 4. Landscape Level Natural Resource Management 45 5. Livelihood Enhancement Interventions 46 6. Sustainable Landscape 46 7. Climate Change Adaptation 46 8. GESI and Governance 47 9. Training and Capacity Building 47 10. Animal Rescue and Captive Mangement 48 11. Species Conservation and Breeding Program 48 12. Wildlife Display and Information Centre 49

VIII NTNC Annual Report 2014 Bardia Conservation Program (BCP) Key Interventions and Achievements 1. Natural Resource Conservation Program 52 2. Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation 53 3. Alternative Energy Promotion Program 53 4. Conservation Education Program 54 5. Gesi, Governance and Livelihood Support Program 55 6. Community Health Service Program 56 7. Sustainable Tourism Development Program 56 8. Wildlife Research and Monitoring Program 57

Shuklaphanta Conservation Program (SCP) Key Interventions and Achievements 1. Natural Resource Conservation Program 60 2. Wildlife Research and Monitoring 60 3. Alternative Energy Promotion Program 61 4. Conservation Education and Extension Program 62 5. Community Development Program 62 6. GESI And Governance 63

Central Zoo Key Interventions and Achievements 1 Conservation Education 66 2. Special Events 68 3. Animal Management 69 5. Participation, Visits and Capacity Building 70 4. Infrastructure Development 71 6. Other Activities 71

Financial Reports 1. Statement of Financial Position 74 2. Statement of Comprehensive Income 75 3. Statement of Cash Flows 76

NTNC Annual Report 2014 IX UTTERAKHANDA Protected Areas of Nepal () & Z Api Nampa CA TIBET (CHINA) Projects/Programs of NTNC

Rara NP Khaptad NP She Phoksundo NP SUKLAPHANTA CONSERVATION .!PROGRAM (SCP) Suklaphanta WR BARDIA CONSERVATION ANNAPURNA CONSERVATION PROGRAM (BCP) AREA PROJECT (ACAP) .! Bardia .! .!MANASLU CONSERVATION NP Dhorpatan HR AREA PROJECT (MCAP)

Banke NP UTTER PRADESH (INDIA) Blackbuck CA TIBET (CHINA) Langtang NP Sagarmatha NP SCALE HEAD OFFICE GAURISHANKAR CONSERVATION SATDOBATO, LALITPUR Sivapuri NP .! 1:3,500,000 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION .! AREA PROJECT Makalu Barun Kanchanjungha CENTER, CHITWAN (BCC) .! CENTRAL ZOO NP CA 0 50 100 200 JAWALAKHEL, LALITPUR km Chitwan NP

Parsa .!PARSA CONSERVATION Legend WR PROGRAM (PCP) .! Projects/programs of NTNC Protected Areas Conservation Area PAs with NTNC projects National Park Buffer Zone Koshi Tappu WR National boundary Wildlife Reserve BIHAR (INDIA) District Boundary Hunting Reserve

X NTNC Annual Report 2014 ICIASM urged Global Coordination for IAS Management

Recognizing the detrimental impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on ecology, environment and socio-economic status, participants of the International Conference NewsLine on IAS Management held on 25-27, March, 2014 are in agreement to join hands for the control and management of non-native invasive species around the world.

NTNC Chairman Nominated They raised voices to encourage support for regional and global level coordination against the IAS while helping to build the capacity of all stakeholders in IAS management. The conference was organized by the NTNC at BCC, Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal and was participated by the researchers and experts from , India, Nepal, , South Africa, UK and USA. The conference declaration,“Chitwan Declaration” emphasized on the urgent need of comprehensive national strategies to prevent new incursions of invasive alien species and to manage their negative impacts. IAS are running riot with dire consequences not only for agriculture, livestock productivity, forests, wetlands, and water scarcity but also for fisheries, wildlife conservation and human health.

Right Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Sushil Koirala in the capacity of the Patron of the NTNC appointed Honorable Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation, Mr. Mahesh Acharya, as the Chairperson of the governing board of the Trust on February 28, 2014. The Chairman was appointed as per the provision of article 5 (Ka) of NTNC Act 1982.

Similarly, Mr. Govinda Gajurel was appointed as the Member Secretary of the Trust and started his tenure from November 14, 2013. Mr. Gajurel was nominated by the Chairperson of the Trust according to the article 5 (Cha) of NTNC Act 1982.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 1 The declaration also emphasized the establishment of partnership among government, security personnel and the community. This was the second year of zero poaching of conservation and development partners, non-government and community-based the Greater One-horned rhinoceros in Nepal. Buffer zone community, security personnel, organizations, private sector, academicians and the general public, at local, national rhino bearing protected areas (CNP, BNP and SWR), conservation partners (NTNC, WWF and international levels for developing and implementing IAS management strategies. Nepal) were felicitated for their efforts to curb the rhino poaching.

The conference requested national, regional and international research and development agencies to make resources available to coordinate activities to prevent new incursions Zoo Networking Meeting of IAS, to build capacity of developing countries to fight the threats posed by IAS and to develop and/or review national strategies, policies and action plans for biodiversity In order to share information on the common issues of zoo management with mini zoos, conservation. the NTNC - Central Zoo organized the Zoo Networking Meeting on May 25, 2014 in its office premises, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur.

Nepal Celebrates Zero Rhino Poaching - 365 days The meeting was chaired by Mr. Govinda Gajurel, Member Secretary, NTNC. Mr. Bishan Singh Bonal, Member Secretary, Central Zoo Authority, India showed his gracious Nepal celebrated the Zero Rhino Poaching - 365 days on the occasion of World Wildlife presence as a Chief Guest, highlighted the necessity of standard guildeline for the Day at special ceremony organized jointly by DNPWC, DoF, NTNC, and WWF Nepal on establishment of zoo and also shared examples of various enclosure designs and the March 3, 2014. food enrichment required for the zoo animals in India. The meeting was attended by representatives from various mini Zoos and animal facilities of Nepal along with the The Chief Guest, Honorable Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Mahesh Acharya government officials from DNPWC. in his remarks appreciated the joint effort of the government, conservation partners,

2 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Conservation Workshop for Miss Nepal 2014 Contestants During the session, Mr. Govinda Gajurel, Member Secretary of NTNC, provided some tips on personality development. Mr. Ganga Jang Thapa, Executive Director of NTNC NTNC hosted two days Conservation Workshop for Fanta Miss Nepal 2014 finalists imparted information on NTNC objectives and activities being carried out in the at NTNC’s BCC, Sauraha Chitwan on 12–13 April 2014. The main objective of the conservation sector. Dr. Chiranjibi Prasad Pokharel shared his experience on rhino workshop was to impart knowledge on biodiversity conservation, issues/challenges and translocation and tiger census across Nepal. Likewise, other NTNC officials shared their efforts made by GoN, NTNC and other conservation partners in the field of biodiversity three decades long implementations and achivements done in the sector of biodiversity conservation. The organizer of the beauty pageant is The Hidden Treasure. conservation for development.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 3 NTNC and DNPWC sign MoU for Biodiversity Assessment in BaNP

NTNC and DNPWC signed MoU on December 6, 2013 to carry out the "Strengthening Banke National Park for the Effective Management of its Biodiversity Project” in Banke National Park (BaNP) under the SRCWPA project. Mr. Govinda Gajurel, Member Secretary of NTNC and Mr. Megh Bahadur Pandey, Director General of DNPWC signed MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

Under the MoU, two agencies agreed to work together to update and revise the baseline information on physical, biological and socio-economic status of the park; to train the park staffs on species conservation and on community mobilization; to strengthen the anti-poaching units to effectively control illegal activities in the park; to generate awareness among the local communities on importance of biodiversity conservation and to facilitate in ecotourism planning, development and promotion.

NTNC and DoF sign MoU for Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation

NTNC and DoF signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on February 5, 2014 to carry out the project entitled "Problematic Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation in and around Kathmandu Valley.” Mr. Govinda Gajurel, Member Secretary of NTNC and Mr. Bishwa Nath Oli, Director General of DoF signed MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.

Both parties agreed to implement the project under the SRCWPA Project in accordance with the procedures agreed with the World Bank under IDA. The main objective of the project is to reduce human-wildlife interface with particular emphasis on rescue and rehabilitation of problematic wild animals in Kathmandu Valley and adjoining districts by controlling and rescuing problem wild animals. The DFO Kathmandu implements the project activities in close coordination and collaboration with NTNC-Central Zoo and other stakeholders. The duration of the project is 2 years from February 2014.

4 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Junior Wildlife Technician Training

NTNC with financial support of USAID funded Hariyo Ban Program, conducted two week training program to impart knowledge and skills related to wildlife capturing and handling to the young technicians. As the continuation of the training conducted in 2010 with the support of WWF Nepal, the training was provided to 14 young youths to produce next generation of wildlife technicians.

The training dealt on wildlife capturing and handling (both in-situ and ex-situ), laws and rules related to biodiversity conservation and knowledge on monitoring of wildlife including use of GPS and wildlife monitoring formats.

Handover Ceremony of China-aided Office Equipment to NTNC

The office equipment provided by the Government of People's Republic of China (PRC) was handed over on January 8, 2014 to the Conservation and Research Centre of the NTNC.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the PRC to Nepal, His Excellency Mr. Wu Chuntai handed over the equipment to Mr. Govinda Gajurel, Member Secretary of the Trust in the presence of Honorable Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation and the Chairperson of the Trust Mr. Tek Bahadur Thapa Gharti. On the occasion, "Certificate of Delivery and Acceptance of the Goods” was signed by His Excellency Mr. Chuntai on behalf of the PRC and Mr. Gajurel on behalf of recipient of the GoN. The office equipment support was worth RMB Yuan 800,000.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 5 6 NTNC Annual Report 2014 ANNAPURNA CONSERVATION AREA PROJECT (ACAP)

Introduction ACAP was initiated in 1986 from village as a pilot project integrating nature conservation and community development. ACA is the first initiative in conservation history of Nepal where local communities were directly involved in the management of the protected area. It is the ACA, where NTNC developed and tested Integrated Conservation and Development Program (ICDP) model of conservation, which has now become the role model both at national and international level. ACA was designated as “conservation area” by Government of Nepal in 1992. Since then, NTNC is managing the area focusing on ICDP approach. ACA is the largest protected area covering 7,629 sq. km. in Nepal and spreads over 57 VDCs in five districts. It is home to around 100,000 people belonging to different ethnic, cultural and linguistic groups. The cultural diversity of ACA is rivaled by its biodiversity, which is a treasure house of 1,226 flowering plants, 102 mammals, 485 birds, 41 reptiles and 23 amphibian species. The area is one of the most popular trekking destinations for visitors from all over the world. For management purpose, ACA is divided into seven Unit onservation Offices: Ghandruk, Lwang, Sikles, , Manang, Jomsom and Lo-Manthang for its management. ACAP has been integrating natural resource management with alternative energy, ecotourism, gender development, and other community development programs. Recognizing that local participation is a fundamental aspect of environmental conservation, ACAP has been integrating local communities in all stages of development: from planning to implementation and monitoring.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 7 Patrolling are conducted regularly in collaboration with local community and government authorities especially Nepal Police. Following the primary information, UCOs conduct patrolling, inspections and primary investigation for illegal cases and report to ACAP headquarters for further proceeding. Cases of illegal ‘Tusa’ collection and transportation; Key interventions and dead body of common leopard and illegal collection of Yarshagumba were reported achievements during the year. Nursery Operation

Natural RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM ACAP has been supporting the operation of community, private and project nurseries in different parts of ACA. Three community nurseries at Birethanti, Paudwar and Gadpar Strengthening CAMC in Ghandruk sector are functioning well. In total 19,248 seedlings were produced and According to the provision of Conservation Area Management Regulation 1996, and distributed from the nurseries. Similarly, the project purchased and distributed 1,850 Conservation Area Management Directive 1999, Conservation Area Management seedlings of different species in Shikha VDC for plantation. Seedlings of different Committee (CAMC) and their subcommittees like Forest Management Subcommittees species were produced and distributed; 1,528 in Lwang, 6,309 in Sikles, 2,421 in (FMsCs) were reformed in regular basis after their tenure expired. In total 6 CAMCs and Bhujung, 3,245 in Manang and 8,070 seedlings in Jomsom sector. During the year, 31 FMsCs were reformed by this FY and administrative support was provided to CAMCs. support were provided to private forest nurseries in Rivan, Sikles and Bhujung. In total Similarly, the project granted cash support to 19 FMsCs for office operation. Honorarium of 2,842 different species of seedlings were distributed from Rivan nursery whereas of all CAMC Secretaries and 61 forests guards was deposited to their respective bank 4,585 seedlings were distributed in Sikles and 9,412 seedlings in Bhujung. account. The project supported for auditing of all CAMCs, FMsCs and micro hydro Aforestration projects to ensure governance and transparency within the local institutions. UCO, Jomsom and Lo-manthang conducted one day account and administrative training for all The project supported for the construction of 120 m long stone wall at Devithan and CAMC chairpersons and secretaries. UCO Ghandruk organized a knowledge sharing and Chihan Danda of VDC for plantation of 475 bamboos and other seedlings. awareness program to the newly formed CAMC members. CAMCs and FMsCs were supported for plantation, construction of stone wall and fencing in Narchyang, Shikha and Dangsing VDCs in Kaski; and Tilche in Manang. In Lo- Good Governance Training manthang, schools, clubs, mother groups, Gompa, Saving Credit Groups jointly planted Under the Hariyo Ban Program, UCO Sikles conducted good governance training at 8,671 stump cuttings of Populus ciliate. Similarly, fencing materials (45 m barbed wire Sildijure, , and VDCs with and aim to enhance good and iron gate) were provided to the plantation site at Tolka Community Health Post. UCO model of community based conservation by introducing good governance practices Bhujung supported 782 m stone wall construction in 13 places and also planted 4,250 in conservation areas. A total of 100 participants were benefitted. Similar training at seedlings of local species at various locations. Lo-manthang and Bhujung sectors were conducted with the participation of 55 and 95 Anti-Poaching CAMC members respectively. Similarly, participatory governance assessment (PGA) was carried out in 20 CAMCs (7 in Sikles sector, 8 in Bhujung sector and 5 in Lo-manthang Forest patrolling in close collaboration with community people and Nepal Police is one sector). of the regular activity to control poaching and deforestations in the area. All UCOs are Legal Case Handling undertaking patrols in regular basis. Community based anti-poaching unit (CBAPU) and Green Hill Youth Club jointly organized a patrol in Lwang area. During the year, patrolling Controlling illegal activities within ACA is one of the major responsibilities of ACAP. team seized satuwa (19 kg), bikh (300 kg), some trapping nylon ropes and also dismantled

8 NTNC Annual Report 2014 ACAP

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation

With an aim to reduce HWC, the project supported for 700 m field wall construction. Similarly, livestock depredation is another major issue in ACA. To address the problem related to livestock depredation, the project has initiated compensation program according to the Government’s policy and compensation (quick relief) is being provided to the victims on a regular basis. During the year, 25 HWC cases were recorded and compenstions were given to 7 victims in Ghandruk, 11 in Lo-manthang and 17 in Lwang sector. UCO Sikles provided cash compensation for crops damage. Similarly, the HWC victims were also provided with medical treatments.

Awareness Camp

Forest fire is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss. To control forest fire, the project has been conducting forest fire awareness camps on a regular basis. A day long forest fire control and climate change awareness camp was conducted at different VDCs of Bhujung, Ghandruk and Jomsom. Forest fire control methods, legal provision to

more than 50 musk deer snares and Himalayan black bear long range traps in Bhujung. Considering the vital role of community in conservation, UCO Lo-manthang organized a training to CBAPU members in 5 VDCs. Participants were imparted information on issues related to wildlife crime and control, possible activities on wildlife based crime, duty and responsibilities of CBAPUs. Under Hariyo Ban Program, UCO Sikles organized anti-poaching control trainings at Parche & Thumakodanda VDCs. Under the Hariyo Ban Program, the project supported for the formation of 8 CBAPUs (4 at Sikles, 3 at Bhujung and 1 at Lo-manthang sector). Training cum orientation and operation support was also provided.

Anti-poaching Awareness Workshop

In order to control illegal NTFP collection, anti-poaching sub-committees including local youths were mobilized. UCO Bhujung organized coordination meeting and formed a networking committee involving chairpersons of all CAMCs. One day anti-poaching coordination workshop was also conducted by UCO Jomsom. Anti-poaching awareness camps for local people were conducted at 7 VDCs in Upper Mustang. A workshop for Yak herders was also organized at lower Mustang to aware them about anti-poaching activities. NTNC Annual Report 2014 9 control intentional forest fire, use of fire control tools were the major themes that were for upcoming fiscal year and review of the program progress and its effectiveness. To imparted to locals through awareness camps. Similarly awareness messages were also ensure regular coordination among CAMCs, sub-committees and other stakeholders, broadcasted through local radio stations to control forest fire. coordination and networking meeting were organized with government agencies like, District Forest Offices, unit offices and police posts. During the meeting, different issues Livestock Insurance related to illegal trade, NRM and rights of communities were also discussed.

In order to compensate the damages of livestock by wildlife, UCO Bhujung conducted Capacity Building livestock insurance on a trial basis. According to the norms of “Pasudhan Surakshan Bima Niyamawli” of ADBN, Sunaulo Mahila Bikash Samati -3, Lamjung has In order to enhance the capacity of local communities and to bring them in mainstream deposited the certain amount in the bank and ACAP also added equal matching grant of development, all seven UCOs successfully completed leadership development and amount to their deposit. The bank also committed to deposit the matching fund in management trainings planned for this fiscal year. UCO Ghandruk organized a leadership coming fiscal year. Similarly, in Manang sector, livestock insurance grant was deposited development and management training on February at Birethanti. Several capacity to the respective snow leopard conservation subcommittees of 10 VDCs. building programs were organized at Dangsing, Shikha, Narchyang, , Bhujung, Manang and Lo-manthang. Wildlife Rescue and Release

A musk deer female lamb was rescued from Kali near Chhuksang and a yearling of blue sheep was rescued from Tsarang Kholaon. The blue sheep was released in its natural habitat.

Soil and Water Conservation

Gabion boxes were provided to the Dangsing (23), Lumle (13) and Ghandruk (22) to stabilize river bank. Similarly, 48 gabion boxes were provided to Dhampus, Lwangghalel, , , Rivan, and Lahachowk CAMCs as per their demand. Cash grant was provided to Machhapuchre CAMC to protect Seti watershed under Hariyo Ban Program. Sikles sector also provided 40 gabion boxes. In total 164 bamboo cuttings were purchased and distributed to local people. UCO Bhujung provided 3 units of supports with 7 sets of gabion box and cash grant for its installation whereas UCO Jomsom provided 170 gabion boxes to the community. UCO Lo-manthang purchased and distributed 255 gabion boxes in the fiscal year. Similarly, UCO Jomsom provided cash grant for the improvement and habitat restoration of Titi Lake in Kunjo VDC. To control the landslides, bio-engineering methods are also being employed in ACA.

CAMC Planning Workshop

According to the ACAP approach, all the conservation and development activities are planned, implemented and monitored through CAMCs in their respective VDCs. All 7 UCOs organize CAMC planning workshops annually. The workshop focus on planning

10 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Silviculture Operation Training

Silvicultural operation and forest management training was conducted at 5 VDCs of Bhujung sector with an aim to create healthy forest and increase its productivity. Technical methods and silvicultural practices were used to collect the fuel woods in the area. Thinning, pruning, weeding, singling, plantation are also carried out regularly. Silvicultural trainings were also conducted in , Namarjung and CAMC.

Yarsagumba Management Meeting

In Manang sector, 4 Yarsagumba management meetings were organized. A brief review about Yarsagumba management was made. Chhod Purjee for the collection of Yarsagumba, applied for the first time in last year was found to be very effective. The meeting has recommended ACAP to allow permission for collection and export of Yarsagumba from March to June.

Workshop on Snow Leopard Conservation

UCO Manang organized snow leopard conservation workshop targeted to yak herders, local livestock grazers and community people. Altogether 20 CAMC members participated in the workshop. Participants also shared their ideas, views and experiences related to snow leopard and also demanded the amendment of compensation scheme according to the current livestock price. Microhydro Feasibility Study

Alternative Energy PrOMOTION PROGRAM A technical team of the project jointly studied the feasibility of Modikhola Deurali micro hydropower project in January, 2014. The report shows that a micro hydropower scheme Inauguration of Pasgaon Microhydro with capacity of 60 KW is feasible at Deurali VDC.

Pasgaon micro hydro power plant was inaugurated by Honorable Minister for MoFSC Improved COoking Stove (ICS) Support and the chairperson of NTNC, Mr. Tek Bahadur Thapa Gharti on December 12, 2013. In this auspicious occasion Mr, Prithivi Subba Gurung, Former Minister of Tourism and Civil The project has been providing 50% subsidy in metallic improved cooking stove to Aviation, Mr. Govinda Gajurel, Member Secretary, NTNC and other officials attended minimize the fuel wood consumption and improve community’s health. UCO Ghandruk the program. Pasgaon microhydro power plant is as the capacity of 65 KW had started and Bhujung supported for installation of 141 improved cooking stoves (ICS) to 45 to generate electricity from September 2013 and 214 HHs of ward no 5-9 of Pasgaon households in Shikha, Ghara and Narchyang VDC of Ghandruk sector and 96 households VDC is benefitted. in Bhujung, Taghring , & Bhoje DVCs of Bhujung sector.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 11 each of micro-hydros in Upper Mustang, namely Tsarang and Lo-manthang micro hydro schemes for their maintenance. UCO Sikles provided 10 MS poles with 7m in Sikles, Parche and Khilang. The support helps to maintain proper pole distance as well as degree of safety in distribution line by replacing wooden poles. Similarly, support was provided to repair headrace canal in Tangting. The existing canal was replaced by 35 meter HDPE pipe of size 315 mm.

Electrification Support

The project supported to purchase iron electric poles in Ghalegaon of Uttarkanya VDC to replace the damaged wooden poles.

CONSERVATION EDUCATION EXTENSION PROGRAM Conservation Education Classes

A course book named ‘Prakritiko Sandesh’ part 1, 2 & 3 were developed for grade 6, 7 and 8. The project has provided honorarium to CE teachers, stationery and prizes Biogas/Solar Energy Support to the 89 schools offering this Prakritiko Sandesh as one of the major course to offer conservation education on a regular basis. Supports were also provided to schools to UCO Lwang, under Hariyo Ban Program supported cash grant of NRs. 5,000/- to each of reward students securing first, second and third position in the annual examination of CE the 116 biogas plants as a subsidy. A total of 116 plants were installed during the period course. CE books are provided free of cost to the students and in total of 5,735 students at Machhapuchhre, Lwangghalel, Dhampus, Rivan, Sardikhola Ghachok and were benefitted from the support. VDCs. In Bhujung sector, 22 plants were installed at Ghanpokhara & Simpani VDCs. The support has complemented with the plan of DDC to declare the VDC open defication free Stipend Support (ODF) in 2014. In order to bring the poor and marginalized communities in conservation mainstreaming Similarly, UCO Ghandruk, Manang and Lo-manthang have been providing regular and to uplift their livelihood, the project has been supporting children of poor and technical assistance for installation and maintenance of solar energy. UCO Manang marginalized communities for continuation of their study. During the period 185 students provided technical support for installation and repair of back boiler/solar water heaters. (30 from Ghandruk, 31 from Lwang, 22 from Sikles, 45 from Bhujung, 48 from Jomsom UCO Lo-manthang also supported 19 solar batteries to replace old batteries in Upper and 19 from Lo-manthang sector) were provided. Support was provided to 30 students Mustang area for schools, monasteries and police check-posts. Similarly, support was in Ghandruk, 31 in Lwang, 22 in Sikles, 45 in Bhujung, 48 in Jomsom and 19 students in provided to establish a gas depot in Lo-manthang. Lo-manthang.

Microhydro Support Special Events/Day Celebrations

UCO Ghandruk has supported for the repair of fore bay tank of Bhichuk Micro Hydro. To In order to aware the local communities in conservation issues and to disseminate prevent possible damages from lightning, earthing system has been installed in Sondha the message in wider range, conservation days were celebrated in all UCOs. The 27th Micro-hydro plant with 15 KW capacitie. UCO Lo-manthang granted NRs one lakh to Anniversary of ACAP & Conservation day was celebrated across all UCOs with different

12 NTNC Annual Report 2014 activities like clean-up campaign, poem competetion, agricultural product and handicraft Youth Club Support exhibition, conservation songs and dance competition, speech on the conservation The project has been supporting local youth clubs in various aspects to motivate them issues etc. World Environment Day was marked in all UCOs by organizing different in the nature conservation and preserving traditional culture. Annapurna youth club of programs on June 5. Similarly, Wildlife Week was celebrated for seven days in first week Kimche, Ghandruk was supported to mark the anniversary. The Bankot club was supported of Nepali year. On the occasion, clean-up campaign, quiz contest, essay competition, to disseminate conservation message during Tij Mela. UCO sikles supported 7 youth drawing competition, wildlife art competition, photo exhibition and wildlife related quiz clubs with a cash grant. UCO Jomsom supported Thak Sports & Cultural Development competition were organized. International Women’s Day was celebrated with various Program and Soaltees Youth Club of Ghasa to organize sport competition. In Bhujung programs on March 8. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the project organized Miteri Youth Club and Divyajyoti Youth Club were supported. UCO Lo-manthang provided various activities to create awareness among the community. TMsCs welcomed first sport materials and furniture to three youth clubs of Upper Mustang. arrival tourist group at Ghalegaon by offering khada and Nepali topi. Under Hariyo Ban Program, International Mountain Day was celebrated jointly by ACAP, DFO Kaski, Green Force Club (GFC) Formation and Western Regional Forest Office on December 11. GFCs are formed in school to develop leadership skills of students through extracurricular Street Drama activities. In total of 9 GFCs were formed in Ghandruk sector. In Lwang sector, GFCs has been working in 15 schools. Regular operational support was provided to each GFCs to A street drama on snow leopard conservation was shown at Raipauwa, Muktinath carry out the activities. In addition, UCO Lwang provided 4 green soft boards to local during “Yartung” festival. During the drama, Green Force Club (GFC) students and CE schools and UCO Jomsom provided stationary materials to 11 schools. UCO Manang, teachers performed drama and dances. Ghandruk and Lwang organized the GFC workshops.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 13 CE Teacher Workshop

In order to update the CE teachers about the recent developments and to review the progress, all of the UCOs organized CE teacher workshop in regular basis. During the workshop, teachers suggested to conduct exposure visits and demanded for the increment of remuneration. 14 teachers from Lwang were involved in excursion trip and workshop held at Sauraha Chitwan. Textbook of “Prakritiko Sandesh” part 1, 2 & 3 for grade 6, 7 & 8 was printed and prior to this, demand collection was done.

Conservation Art Tour

Under the SLC program, ‘Conservation Art Tour-2071’ was organized at Muktinath VDC. The main aim of the tour was to create awareness on conservation, natural, cultural & livelihood assests which was depicted through art.

Climate Change Sensitization

Under Hariyo Ban Program, 3 climate sensitization workshop was organized at Lo- manthang and Bhujung with an aim to disseminate ideas on climate change issues and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in schools and community. Altogether 28 local people and 80 students were sensitized through workshops.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Sign Posting Entry Permit Counter cum Check Posts Upgrading Sign posts are posted along the trekking trail to guide the tourists to their trekking ACA is one of the popular trekking destinations in the world. In order to disseminate destination. UCO Ghandruk managed to install 40 sign posts along the trekking route. In information to the international visitors and local people, check-posts and visitors Lwang sector, 16 new sign posts were placed in Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre Model, information centers were established and upgraded at various locations. A check-post Eco and Annapurna base camp (ABC) routes. UCO Bhujung placed a location map in was established in Pothana and Bhurjung khola. In Sikles sector, information centers Syange. UCO Jomsom install 28 sign posts along Muktinath-Kunjo route. UCO Manang were established in Sabi & Yangjakot. Entry permit counter, Besishahar was upgraded placed a profile board of Tilicho Lake and alert board in the landslide prone areas at and an information centre at Ghalegaon was upgraded. The check post at Kagbeni was Thorong phedi. UCO Lo-manthang has placed 10 trail signs in Chhoser, Lo-manthang & also upgraded. along the main trekking trail at Tsarang & Shyangbochen. Sign posts were also placed at Thumakodada, Yangjakot, Sildujure and Thak. Similarly, tourist information center at Muktinath and check post at Ghansa was upgraded. Essential stationaries and publications are regularly provided to all check Similarly, UCO Ghandruk placed two location boards in Narchayang and Dangsing. UCO posts and information centers. Sikles placed boards near home stay area. UCO Bhujung repainted and repaired 2 boards

14 NTNC Annual Report 2014 of minimum impact code at Ghalegaon. Some boards were established in Khudi, entry point of Annapurna trek. Two boards of hotel location and minimum impact code were repainted. Two welcome boards were also placed in Ghalegaon and Khudi.

Waste Management

In order to maintain sanitation in the villages and trekking routes, the project conducted clean-up campaigns regularly. In coordination with CAMCs and TMsCs cleanup campaigns were conducted in all UCOs. Three incinerators were constructed at Ghandruk, Lumle and Dangsing villages to manage the waste properly. CAMC Machapuchre was supported to construct two incinerators. Five incinerators were supported in Bhujung, Pasgaon and Taghring of Bhujung sector. Two incinerators were constructed at Bhimtang and in Manang sector.

Kagbeni check post collects the waste produced by trekkers and managed it by reusing, burning, dumping and selling to the waste collectors. UCO Lo-manthang provided remuneration to sweepers to keep the area clean. Clean-up campaigns were carried out and collected wastes were transported on tractor land fill site on each Saturday. To Porter Shelter Construction manage the non-biodegradable wastes like broken bottles, tin can, batteries, etc., 10 dumping pits were built at Chhoser, Tsarang, Surkhang and Ghami villages. A porter shelter was constructed at Lalka Danda of Machhapuchhre Model route to ease the stay of porters while trekking. In Upper mustang a shelter house was constructed in Trekking Trail Repair and Construction between the Tangya- Chhuksang route.

UCO Ghandruk provided support to improve the trekking trails along Landruk to Siuli, Jatayu Restaurant Support Dansing, Khopra to Tadapani via Dhadkharka route, Meshram Barah Temple area at The project provided a cash grant to construct stone wall fence, two iron gates and a Kotgaon and Dandagaon to Bhaisiklharka of Ghandruk trails. UCO Jomsom provided drinking water pond for cattle at Jatayu restaurant Bhalaboot at Ghachok VDC. support for the construction and improvement of alternative trekking trail and also upgraded visitor tower along trail at Muktinath VDC. Support was also provided Alternative Trekking Trail Development to construct a new trail at Lubra and Kunjo VDCs. UCO Ghandruk supported CAMC As the old trekking routes are displacing due to the development and access of roadways Narchyang for railing construction in high cliff area along the trail from Narchyang in the ACA region, the project has been focusing on the exploration of new trekking Bensigaon to Lekgaon. Similarly, another support was provided to CAMC Dangsing, for routes to maintain its image as one of the best trekking destinations in the world. CAMC railing construction at Bhaleodhar, Ulleri in Dangsing VDC. Some parts of the local trail Kobang and Lete upgraded the trail in Kobang and Lete VDCs with the support of UCO in Sikles area was repaired. Jomsom. Similarly, local people of Lete constructed 1,800 meters alternative trekking Eco-Park Development trail between Ghansa and Kalopani. The project also monitored Sikles to Timang route which can be one of the best routes for both domestic and international visitors which The project provided cash grant for infrastructure development to increase facilities at has some of the majestic sceneries and views like Kori, Thulo-Lake, Falneh, Thurchu, Dr. Harka, Dr. Chandra and Mingma Eco-Park in Dhampus. Namun-la pass, Dafe kharkha etc.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 15 A total of 618 meter new trails were constructed from Naisimakharka to Kyuparakharka Tourism Promotion (577 m) and from Kheewoo to Khudiche (41 m). Likewise, 359 meter trail was also constructed from Thurchu Phant to Myardi Khola. Several traditional routes were also TMsCs under the CAMCs are responsible to conduct tourism related activities in the repaired during the year. UCO Lo-manthang supported two sites at Surkhang VDC, villages. To capacitate them for better tourism management, 2 days tourism awareness between Ghara & Chhujung Gompa and at Dadunkha, Lo-manthang and Dhee section. camp was organized at Sikles and Taghring VDCs focusing on sanitation, hospitality and Support was also provided to TMsC Taghring for the construction of trail to Syange home stay management. UCO Lwang organized a tourist guide training to 7 local youths waterfall. ACAP, through 7 UCOs provided support for the construction and maintenance to create self-employment opportunities within their village. Similarly, 2 days training on of 6,700 meter trekking trails in this fiscal year. home stay management was also organized for 21 participants. UCO Lwang and Sikles organized 5 days long advanced cooking & baking training for 16 home stay owners to provide quality & hygienic food to the visitors. An observation tour was organized for DESTINATION, PROMOTION and DEVELOPMENT 18 home stay owners of Parche, Namarjung & Thumkodanda VDCs. They were taken to Ghalegaon and Bhujung. Tourism Management Plan CCMC/TMsCs Workshop Destination promotion is one of the major components of the project. Cash support was provided to DDC Mustang for the preparation of tourism master plan for the district. Tourism workshop cum menu standardization workshop was organized at home stay at Narchyang VDC. During the workshop, roles and responsibilities of home stay owners, Festival Support hoteliers and TMsCs were discussed. Existing menu was also reviewed and amended Mahila Sanjal Sardikhola and Lalupate Youth Club were supported to celebrate Teej according to the market prices. UCO Sikles organized a workshop for community camp festival. Nischal Jharna Youth Club, Lumre and Jana-Jagriti Youth Family, Humdi were site management sub-committee (CCMC) to aware them on their roles in managing new supported to organize mela. Similarly, Green Hill Youth Club and Bauddha Sirjan eco route. Similarly, TMsC workshop was organized at Ghalegaon where the field based Youth Club were supported to celebrate Chaite Dashain mela and the Green Force Youth tourism issues were discussed. Club Sardikhola to organize New Year’s festival with various cultural and sports program.

Museum Support COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

UCO Bhujung provided support to Gurung museum at Ghalegaon, a popular SAARC Community/CAMC Building and Furniture Support model village. The museum exihibit traditional Gurung culture and rituals and is also the CAMC Bhraka and Thonche was supported to construct a office building with two major attraction for visitors. rooms. Dharapani, CAMC was also supported to construst office building. UCO Jomsom Homestay Upgrading supported CAMC Jhong for building maintenance. UCO Bhujung provided cash grant to each CAMCs for purchasing furniture. Similarly, UCO Bhujung and Jomsom supported The project supported for the promotion of home stay at Bhujung Village in Lamjung and women groups to construct kitchen house at Bhuje and Lete VDCs. In Manang, day care at Odar Village in Manang. In total of 20 households were supported in Bhujung while 15 center was constructed at VDC. In Lwang sector, 8 community buildings households in Manang materials such as Dunlop, bed sheet, quilt, pillow, etc. A two-day at Lwang, Sankhu, Takro, Rivan, Sardikhola, Siding, Dhampus and Rumja have supported long home stay management training was accomplished at Tangting of Namarjung VDC. and a school building in Machapuchhre VDC was repaired in Lwangghalel VDC which The training was provided to home stay (17 households) to upgrade its quality which benefitted 509 HHs. Similar support was provided to CAMC Tukche to construct toilet at was established in 2007 by some British individuals. women group office.

16 NTNC Annual Report 2014 School Support Pokhari at Warchok. The ground can offer the standard size of basketball court as well as volleyball court. The project provided corrudated galvanized iron (CGI) colored plate to Bhuwani Primary School Ghara of Myagdi; cash support for the construction of day care centre at Shikha; Drinking Water Supply (DWS) and Repair furniture and educational material support to a school at Lekhgaon of Narchyang; railing construction support to school at Tikhyan; and for the maintenance of the building of The project supported to repair the existing DWS schemes of Syange and Marke village Himalayan Danfe Primary School at Machhapuchhre VDC. Cash grant was also provided at Thumakodanda VDC. Seven collection chambers and two intakes were constructed to CAMC Shikha to construct a Day care centre with 2 rooms. UCO Sikles provided at the source and 1,380 m of different size HDPE pipe line has been laid to improve the supported 3 local schools at Khilang, Tarkang and Thak to purchase furniture and water supply system in Syange and three distribution lines were replaced and seven furnishing materials. tap-stands were constructed at Marke. Similarly, Purano Bhachok DWS scheme was supported with 300 m. HDPE pipe. UCO Sikles provided support to repair kitchen and dining hall in hostel of Himalaya Milan Secondary School at Tangting. One room was constructed with a purpose to Safe Drinking Water Installation establish library as well as computer class in Mahendrodaya Lower Secondary School at A set of Safe Drinking Water plant has been installed at Ghandruk. The project was Namarjung. Similarly, school compound was constructed by erecting gabion wire mess accomplished with financial support of Nepal Pariwar (founder Mr. Ja Laan) and Women fencing with angle iron pole at Dhanubas Kalika Secondary School at Sildijure. A class group of Ghandruk and with technical support of Lotus Energy Kathmandu. Another old room was constructed at Pargyu for those children who are pre-aged to go to formal school due to far distance. The project supported to operate preprimary class as a part safe drinking water plant at Pishang was repaired. of Siddha Primary School at Poshi. Community Building Construction Support Magar Museum Building Construction To provide hot shower facility to local users & tourists, UCO Lo-manthang in cordination In order to conserve the historical and traditional culture of Magar community and to with CAMC Chhoser (which lies at the altitude of 3,900 meters) constructed community attract tourists by demonstrating Magar culture, the project supported to construct shower building with 2 rooms. In Lwang sector, eight community building and one Magar Museum at Narchyang. school buildings were supported and community building with toilet at Chimang was constructed. Health Post Maintenance Support Trail Construction and Repair Support UCO Sikles provided support to Bhachowk health-post for roof maintenance with new CGI sheets and Parche health-post for purchasing furniture. Trails were constructed and repaired at various locations with in ACA. A total of 1,410 m trail was improved at Dandagau-7 and Charayam-2 of Rivan VDC. The project Computer Support supported for the trail at Chhoser & Ghar of Lo-manthang sector, Khangsar & Phoo UCO Ghandruk provided 2 sets of computers to local schools with an aim to educate of Manang sector and Simpani of Bhujung sector. A total of 610 m trekking trail was students on computer and improve education system in the rural areas. repaired at Tsarang of Surkhang VDC. CAMC Lumle was supported with cash grant to repair the drainage at Majhgaon. Similarly, support was provided to Rivan VDC to Youth Club Support improve trails. In Manang, 67 m trail was repaired by paving flagstone and providing In order to bring the local youths in the mainstream of conservation, cash support was dry stone masonry at Nar Village. Around 1,660 m pastureland trail was constructed provided to Lamtari Satya Youth Club to construct a playground at the side of Sita at Kunjo and Lete VDCs.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 17 Bridge Construction Support

Project also provided supports to construct reinforced cement concrete (RCC) bridges in trekking trails and local routes. UCO Ghandruk provided support to construct a RCC bridge at Kyume along Birethati-Syauli-Chomrong along ABC route and at Ghyago along Ghadruk-Tadapani trekking route. UCO Lwang provided cash grant to repair wooden bridge at Tadikhola. A suspension bridge with 25 m. span was repaired at Chhonup and Chhoser VDC. 6 m long and 1.5 m wide T-beam RCC Bridge was constructed at Ghattekhola which is expected to provide safe and easy access to the people of Taprang village.

implemented small drinking water supply project at Birethanti and Chimrung. UCO Lwang provided support to repair pipeline along the main supply line at Lahachowk. CAMC Dhampus repaired existing water supply scheme. Similarly, support was provided to Bhurjungkhola drinking water supply scheme for construction of sedimentation tank near the reservoir. At Sardikhola, 900 m HDPE pipe was added in the existing scheme. Khoramukh drinking water system was repaired by adding 1,100 liter capacity reservoir tank, 6 tap stands and an intake cum chamber. Drinking water scheme repair and maintenance work was conducted at Sildhunga village with construction of RCC distribution tank. At Fulmu village, Bhujung sector, a water storage tank and a distribution chamber was constructed. Existing drinking water scheme (DWS) was repaired with 1,025 m HDPE pipe. Similarly, the drinking water scheme was constructed and repaired at Surya Jyoti Primary School, Bhoje.

Irrigation Support

CAMC Ghara constructed irrigation scheme at the tea plantation area at Khibang. 15 m HDPE pipe was supported to Ghachok irrigation canal as it was swept away by landslide last year. At Lahachowk 80 m irrigation canal was repaired by stone masonry lining and HDPE pipe. At Dhampus 120 m irrigation canal was repaired by cement wall and 59 m in Drinking Water Supply Lwangghalel. In total 437 m irrigation canal was repaired. At Lumle 39 meter irrigation UCO Ghandruk provided support to repair drinking water supply at Hallekharka which canal was repaired by stone masonry wall with cement mortar. In Machapuchre VDC was not functioning due to damaged pipe. High density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe was branch canal of length 93 meter was constructed by RCC work in wall and foundation. replaced and the drinking water supply is made functional. At Lumle, Ferro-cement UCO Lo-manthang provided support to construct irrigation canal at Khambas. At Ghemi, tank cover was repaired and some section of pipeline was replaced. CAMC Dangsing 200 meters canal was also repaired.

18 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Toilet Construction Support

UCO Ghandruk provided supports to 13 HHs of Dalit communities at Ghara, Shikha and Narchyang VDCs to purchase the materials and skilled labors for the construction of toilet. UCO Jomsom provided support to construct a toilet at Jomsom Jeep Park for easy access to the trekkers & locals. Chimang women group also constructed a toilet at Chimang. This support provided by UCO Jomsom has benefitted 33 HHs of Chimang & 462 HHs of Jomsom respectively. At Phuwa of Chhonup VDC, a community toilet was also constructed. Cash support was provided to 622 households of Bhujung, Pasgaon and Ghanapokhara VDCs to compliment the plan of District Drinking Water and Sanitation Coordination Committee, Lamjung of declaring district ODF. The project also supported respective VDCs for ODF declaration events too. In total 97 toilets HHs were supported in Marpha, Kagbeni, Jhong and Muktinath VDCs. In Manang, 30 HHs were supported for market materials, labor and transportation cost. UCO Lo-manthang also provided cash grant to DDC Mustang for the ODF declaration event.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT tooth brush bags. UCO Jomsom also organized a sewing and cutting training for 8 Dalit women at Kunjo VDC. UCO Bhujung organized a bamboo stool making training to 25 local Day Care Centre Support women from Khudi & Taghring VDCs. Dhoop making training was organized for women from Narchayang, Ghara and Shikha VDCs. Noodle making training was organized for 15 A total of 180 children are in 4 day care centers at Sikles (103), Bhujung (19), Lwang (35) women from Ghandruk, Lumle and Dansing VDCs. and Ghandruk (23). The centre works as a pre school orientation to the children which helps in providing free time to their parents to engage in income generation activities. Capacity Building of Women Groups The project has been bearing the salary of teachers of day care centres. Women groups are formed to enhance their capacity in decision-making and income Women Group Support generation activities. UCO Sikles organized account keeping training for members from In order to motivate women in conservation and to provide assistance in their need, the 5 cooperative run by mother groups. Knowledge on financial record keeping systems project has been providing various support to women groups in the area. Women group were imparted in the training. Three days long knowledge sharing tour was organized at Lhachok and Ghachok were supported for peanut farming and cash grant was provided by UCO Lwang with an aim to impart knowledge on village tourism management of to Women group Dhampus for vegetable farming. Mother group at Lo-manthang were Ghalegaon and Bhujung. UCO Manang organized knowledge sharing workshop with the supported to upgrade local handicraft shop. participation of 33 members of local mother groups. Leadership training was conducted at Gairibang of Dangsing VDC and Ghopte and Singdi of Bhujung sector. In total 29 Income Generation Training and 52 participants took part in the training respectively. During the training, they UCO Manang organized plastic handicraft making training to 12 participants from were educated on the different aspects of leadership management. Account training mother groups to enhance their skill of re-using waste plastics. UCO Bhujung conducted for saving & credit group management was conducted in Ghandruk to upgrade the sewing and cutting training involving 8 participants from 6 CAMCs. The trainees were knowledge of saving credit group. During training session, participants were trained on able to prepare handicraft bags, small bags and other stuffs such as mobile covers and record keeping, account/group management and operation, filing system.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 19 AGRICULTURE and LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Conservation Farmer Support

UCO Lwang provided different seeds and materials to conservation farmers. In total 3.27 kg of 9 varieties of vegetable seeds and 32.1 kg plastic sheets and 24.5 kg poly- pots were supported. In addition, 20 iron ploughs were provided to each Machapuchre and Lahachok VDCs. In Sikles sector, 27 different varieties of vegetable seeds were supported to 20 conservation farmers. A total of 67.645 kg and 262 packets of vegetable seeds and 378,545 seedlings were distributed to the conservation farmers. UCO Bhujung has formed 6 farmer groups and technical assistance on modern farming was provided. UCO Lwang provided 71.07 kg of vegetable seeds to conservation farmers in 30% subsidy. The same subsidy is provided to group farming and agriculture cooperatives. 136 farmers of 7 VDCs were supported with various agriculture tools like watering cane, PVC lining pipe, sprinkle, sprayer and improved plough on 50% subsidy. UCO Lo-manthang supported sheet poling plastic green house of 14m long and 8 wide for Gender Governance and Advocacy conservation farmers in Upper Mustang.

Gender and advocacy training was organized at Kuibang and Sardikhola VDCs. UCO Lo-manthang conducted good governance training for the member of mother groups of Upper Mustang with the participation of 55 members from Charang, Lo-manthang, Choser and Chonup VDCs.

Materials Support

UCO Jomsom provided a septic tank cleaning motor to Thini women group as materials support which was used for septic tank cleaning of 12 HHs of Thini village. UCO Sikles deposited a cash grant to Janakalyan Saving and Credit Cooperative Ltd, Sildujure and Sabupokhari Small Peasant’s Agri. Cooperative Ltd, Mijuredanda for office furniture.

Health Awareness Camp

UCO Bhujung organized a health awareness camp on sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV/AIDS at Kamagaon. Since most of the young people from this region go to foreign countries for employment the training was necessary to aware them on the possible communicable diseases and its prevention. They were sensitized on reproductive health: family planning, safe motherhood and infertility.

20 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Agricultural Nursery Operation

UCO Ghandruk has been operating an agriculture nursery and demonstration plot with varieties of vegetable in order to demonstrate and distribute the seedlings to local farmers. UCO Bhujung has been operating agriculture demonstration plot to encourage local people to cultivate fresh vegetables in their own garden. Off season vegetables were demonstrated as per the demand of the local people. One agriculture demonstration project nursery in Lo-manthang is in operation.

Tea Nursery Establishment

UCO Ghardruk produced and distributed 8,500 tea plants to community from tea nursery at Dangsing. Two private tea nurseries. 4,050 cuttings of tea seedlings and 13 shed materials were also provided at Sikles. Under the green enterprise promotion program of Hariyo Ban Program, 19,575 seedlings of tea cuttings were purchased and distributed to 38 local farmers for private plantation at Bhujung. The project is promoting tea ease urine collection, the project provided cash support for shed improvement after the cultivation in Bhujung and also exporting the organic orthodox tea. technical supervision of project staff. During this fiscal year, 30 households Lwang and Livestock Support Bhujung sector were supported.

UCO Ghandruk supported four chopper machine to Nilgiri Cattle Farming Group at Ghara NTFP Seed and Seedling Support and 1 set of Travis was supported to the Haijung Farmers Group. UCO Bhujung provided 20 local farmers from Taghring VDC were selected and provided NTFP seeds of cash support to 5 farmers of Bhoje VDC for goat farming. Each family was supported asparagus and seedling of ‘Dalchini’. Under the Hariyo Ban Program, cash support was to buy two she-goats and a he-goat for a community. 2 days long goat farming training also provided to farmers for the fencing of NTFP plantation sites. was organized in Pasgaon and 20 farmers were participated in the training. In total 143 mineral blocks and some basic medicines were also supported to the farmers through Cash Crop Support Livestock Health Workers (LHWs) in Bhujung sector. The project through local LHWs supported for drenching and vaccination against the parasites and other diseases to The project distributed 2,670 coffee, 4,005 tea, and 57,470 cardamom seedlings to CAMCs. UCO Sikles supported 18 kg of white clover seed to the local farmers free of interseted farmers in Sikles sector. At Bhujung, 25,850 tea, 12,000 cardamom, and cost. 10,000 broom grass seedlings were distributed. UCO Lwang provided tea cuttings and necessary nursery net to nursery owners and in return the nurseries provided seedlings Under the Snow Leopard Conservancy Program, predator proof corral was provided to 7 in 50% subsidy to the local farmers. During the year, 8,730 Tea, 22,500 broom grass HHs at Chhonup, Ghemi & Lo-manthang VDCs. Predator proof corrals helps to scare and rhizome and 25,380 cardamom seedlings were distributed to the farmers. The A grade drive the predators away. 40 HHs in Chhoser, Chhonup & Ghemi VDCs were provided tea produced by Annapurna tea cooperative is sold to Austrian Company in good price. with solar lights to install in corrals. The B and C grade area sold in local market. Support was also provided for green enterprises promotion by providing 37,467 tea seedings purchased from Ilam district at Shed Improvement Lwang (19,576 seedlings from Hariyo Ban Program and 17,891 seedlings from project). In In order to promote organic farming and to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, the addition, 27,500 cardamom and 20,000 broom grass seedlings were also distributed to project has been promoting to use cattle urine as substitute of chemical fertilizer. To the farmers. UCO Lo-manthang provided 22 varieties of vegetable seeds to conservation

NTNC Annual Report 2014 21 farmers. Vegetable seeds were distributed to all seven VDCs at Upper Mustang. UCO Ghandruk distributed 900 plants of orange and 275 plants of lemon to 63 farmers at Lumle, Shikha, Ghandruk and Dangsing VDCs.

The project, under Hariyo Ban Program supported 10 enthusiastic local farmers at Taghring VDC for off season vegetable farming. One silpaulin plastic, seeds of tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, bean, carrot, coriander, rayo marpha etc. were distributed to the farmers. Similarly, 30 local farmers were selected for vegetable and income generation (IG) crops farming at Taghring VDC. Likewise, 15 farmers received vegetable seeds of tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, bean, carrot, coriander, spinach palak, rayo marpha etc. They are producing fresh vegetable for their domestic consumption as well as selling vegetables in the local market.

Material Support

Different farming tools and materials have provided to 20 conservation farmers at Sikles to facilitate their nursery activity. Likewise, 5 water tanks were provided to conservation farmers at 50% subsidy. Spray machine and metallic coffee pulper machine were supported to Mijuredanda CAMC. Supports were provided to 9 conservation farmers at Conservation Farmers’ Workshop Chhuksang, Ghami, Surkhang, Lo-manthang, and Chhonhup to construct a green house. Cash support was provided to 2 conservation farmers for NTFP cultivation at Manang. UCO Ghandruk, Lwang, Sikles, Bhujung and Lo-manthang conducted conservation farmer UCO Ghandruk supported special plastic sheets for greenhouse to 30 households at workshop to conservation farmers. The major objectives of the program were to provide Lumle, Dangsing, Shikha Ghara and Narchayang VDCs. basic skills of fresh vegetable production techniques and at the same time motivate local people for conservation. UCO Lwang provided support for plastic tunnel at 50% subsidy to 75 local farmers (13 at Sardikhola, 15 at Ghachowk, 9 at Dhampus, 9 at Rivan, 18 at Lahachowk and 11 Local Health Worker (LHW) Interaction Workshop households at Lwangghalel VDCs). LHW are the key persons for the livestock and cattle treatment. UCO Sikles and Bhujung Bee Keeping Support organized LHWs’ workshop to share ideas and experiences among them. They also discussed on challenges related to livestock farming in the area. The training was Pasgaon, Ghanapokhara, Bhoje, Simpani and Utterkanya VDCs are potential for bee organized in co-ordination with district Livestock Health Office. farming. In this fiscal year, the project distributed 52 bee hives, 3 bee capturing bags, 7 and 15 queen gates to farmers. Out of these, 8 bee hives were provided to Fulmrung at Utterkanya, 9 hives at Simpani VDC and 35 hives, 3 bee capturing bags, 7 caps and HEALTH SERVICE SUPPORT PROGRAM 15 queen gates at Singdi and Pasgaon at Pasgaon VDC. UCO Ghandruk organized a bee General and Emergency Health Service keeping training where 15 farmers took part and acquired knowledge on the farming and harvesting techniques. Similarly, UCO Bhujung conducted 2 units of bee keeping training The project has been providing general, emergency and mobile health camp services to at Pasgaon and Singdi village of Pasgaon VDCs. the local people. At Upper Mustang, general health service was provided to 2,563 and

22 NTNC Annual Report 2014 emergency service to 89 patients. UCO Manang provided general health service to 2,344 Infrastructural Support to Heritage Sites patients. UCO Lo-manthang upgraded general health service center at Lo-manthang with medicines and other equipment. UCO Lo-manthang supported for a NTFP medicinal A two roomed sanitary toilet was constructed to improve sanitation at the Gompa area plant demonstration plot where Amchi (traditional healer) Ghyacho Bista was appointed at village. The Diki Kalsyang Gompa at was repaired with 3 toilets as a nursery operator and Ms Pema Bista as an Amchi for the Amchi clinic. and a bathroom. Compound wall was constructed at “Urgen Thekcho Chholing Gumba” of village. Support was provided to CAMC Kobang to construct Gursangbo Mobile Health Clinic Monastery’s gate.

In order to provide general health checkups and to aware local people on health and sanitation, communicable diseases, UCO Manang conducted 13 units of mobile health RESEARCH, SURVEY and DOCUMENTATION camps at 8 different villages of Lower Manang and Nar village. Altogether 348 patients were benefited during the camp and most of the common diseases treated were gastritis, Herbal Plant Nursery Demonstration Plot acute respiratory infections (ARI), joint diseases, dermatitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), Mr. Amchi Ghyacho Bista, working at Lo-Kunfen Ayurvedic Medicinal (Sewa Rikpa in worm infection, hypotension and diarrhea. Similarly, UCO Lo-manthang provided the Tibetan Language) School at Lo-manthang, prepares ayurvedic medicine and provide services to 700 patients during the mobile health camps. The lab service established treatment with traditional Tibetan system. UCO Lo-manthang supported him to operate since 2011 at Lo-manthang is operating well and has been providing pathology service the clinic since last 2 years and this year he was also supported for herbal plant to the local communities. The first aid services during the local cultural fairs are also nursery demonstration plot. With the support, he constructed wall around the demo being provided regularly. plot, cultivated Padamchal and Kuthki and purchased some important NTFP from other districts. Because of lack of modern allopathic treatment system Tibetan traditional HERITAGE CONSERVATION PROGRAM medicine treatment system is popular in the area. Festival Support Camera Trapping

Festival support is one of the regular activities that have been continued under the Under the Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) program, with an aim to study the abundance heritage conservation program. Small cash grants were provided for the celebrations of and movement of snow leopards, the project placed 3 cameras at Lo-manthang, Chhoser local festivals like Maghe Sankranti Mela in Sikles, Chaite Dashain Mela, Buddhajayanti and Tsarang VDCs. The study also helped to count single leopards on basis of patterns Mela and Lohsar Mela. Various events like- ghatu dance, krishna charitra dance and found on their body. Apart from snow leopard, other wild animal such as wolves, blue lhosar were celebrated. Support was provided to Taghring VDC for Tamu Lhosar sheep, fox and bird species were also captured. celebration, Bhujung for Sati Ghantu Mahotsav. During Lamjung Mahotsab from Magh Research Grant Support 10 to Magh 19, 2071 BS stalls and cultural shows were performed. UCO Lo-manthang supported CAMC Lo-manthang for the management of festival on 25th-27th May 2014. NTNC research grant was provided to 2 students for MSc and BSc to carry out their Support was also provided to celebrate Yartung, the horse race festival which falls in academic research in ACA. The grant was provided to students for their research at August. Kaski and Lamjung.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 23 Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

24 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

Introduction Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA), declared on 28 December 1998, is the third conservation area in Nepal and second conservation area under the management of NTNC. The Government of Nepal entrusted the management responsibility to the Trust up to 2018 after the expiry of first 10 years in 2008. MCA spreads over in an area of 1,663 sq. km covering 7 VDCs of north Gorkha. Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of the People’s Republic of China borders MCA to the north and east, parts of Gorkha district to the south, and Manang and Lamjung districts to the west. The area broadly categorized into 3 geographical areas based upon the natural setting and ethnicity. The northwestern Sama, Lho and Prok VDCs is called Nubri valley, and the middle area incorporating Bihi and Sridivas VDCs is Kutang valley. The northeastern area covers two VDCs viz. Chumchet and Chhekampar is known as Tsum valley. MCA has its own significance in terms of socio-cultural, biological and geo-morphological features. Economically, the people of the region rely on agriculture and animal husbandry. They are also dependent on natural resources for firewood, timber and medicinal plants. They are also running trade and tourism related enterprises for their subsistence as secondary occupation. Agricultural production is very limited due to limited agriculture land, lack of irrigation, low temperature for long periods and low rainfall. Ecologically MCA has a diverse range of habitats which boasts many rare flora and fauna such as snow leopard, lynx, musk deer, red fox, jackal, brown bear and their prey species such as blue sheep, Himalayan thar, Himalayan serow, wooly hare and Himalayan marmot. Likewise, varieties of birds like snow partridge, Tibetan snowcock, chukor partridge, Himalayan griffon, golden eagle etc. are recored in MCA. MCAP is working for the conservation and management of natural resources in close coordination with CAMCs. The area is being managed by holistic and integrated conservation and development program (ICDP) approach which emphasizes on natural resource management, sustainability and people’s participation. NTNC Annual Report 2014 25 CAMC members on REDD+ and motivate them to conserve forest for its additional future benefits, REDD+ sensitization workshop for 21 CAMC members of the 7 VDCSwas organized on February. Similarly, the project also organized 8 units of climate change Key interventions and sensitization workshop for media, teachers, local institutions i.e. mother groups, youth clubs, FMsCs & TMsCs and local communities. Another awareness camp was organized achievements on Climate Change and DRR management for 57 local people of Sirdibas VDC. Power Fence Support

After poaching, human wildlife conflict (HWC) is one of the major threats to biodiversity Natural RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM conservation in the region. Crop raiding, livestock depredation, human casualties have been observed frequently due to which may lead to retaliatory killing. According to the Anti-poaching Support project’s study in 2013, Himalayan Black Bear has created very severe threat at Pork VDC. Thus, to minimize crop depredation, the project with the support from Hario Ban Anti-poaching units and sub-committees are working against the wildlife poaching, Program installed 3.4 km power fence at Prok. The fence helped to secure settlement illegal NTFPs collection and illegal trade. This year, 6 units of anti-poaching units were and agriculture field. supported for forest patrolling through which 28 numbers of nylon and wire made traps laid for trapping wild animal were removed and destroyed. Patrolling team found the Nursery Operation old skin of Himalayan tahr, Satuwa and Ban lasun from a sheep herd shelter belongs to Mansur Gurung. The project has been supporting CAMCs by providing funds for Throughout the year, altogether 7,626 seedlings of fodder, timber and ornamental patrolling every year. Similarly, financial audit of CAMCs and APUs was carried out to species including bakaino, uttis, bains, pine, bamboo, amala and buttle brush were maintain financial transparency. produced for private and community plantation. Chiraito (Swertia chiraita) is the native medicinal plant which has been harvested for many generations from natural forest. Handling Legal Cases Farmers are interested on cultivation of Chiraito and after assessing the potentiality of chiraito farming, two local farmers of Sirdibas were supported for the establishment of Two units of legal cases including hotel construction in public land and wildlife parts Chiraito nursery from Hariyo Ban Program. trade were registered at MCA Liaison Office. The Liaison Office decided to seize the hotel properties and cash penalty to the hotel owners. Similarly, Mingyur Dhorje Lama involved in wildlife parts trade was penalized for 7 years inprisonment and cash penalties. Iron Pole Support

Altogether 301 iron poles for prayer flag were supported to households at Lho, Bihi and Chhekampar VDCs aiming to reduce the pressure on forests as the pine saplings were used for flag stands in the region. Awareness Camp

Forest fire is one of the major threats to forest conservation. Two units of forest fire management training were conducted at Pati and Aanga of Sirdibas VDC. The project also organized 7 units of governance training in all CAMCs. Altogether 157 members of CAMC, CBAPU, MFsC and TMsC took part in the training. Similarly, participatory governance assessment (PGA) was done in all CAMCs. With an objective to sensitize

26 NTNC Annual Report 2014 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROMOTION PROGRAM CONSERVATION EDUCATION AND EXTENSION PROGRAM MICS Support Furniture Support

The main source of fuel for cooking in MCA is firewood which is collected from nearby To improve physical infrastructure of schools in the area, the project provided 20 sets forests and private lands. Thus, to minimize its use and thereby to reduce the pressure of iron framed desk and benches to Buddha Primary School at Laar (10), Philim Primary on forest, project has provided 163 units of metallic improved cooking stove (MICS) to School at Sano Philim (5) and Pansing Primary School (5) at Pansing. 163 local households (35 hhs at Samagaun, 35 hhs at Lho, 35 hhs at Prok, 18 hhs at Chumchet and 40 hhs at Sirdibas VDCs). Scholarship Distribution Solar Water Heater Support Out of 27 public schools within MCA, 26 are primary level and only one is secondary level school. Due to remoteness and poverty, majority of student dropped out. To encourage All the tea shops and hotels along the trekking trail in MCA rely on firewood for cooking them for better excess to education and minimize the dropout rate, the project provided and for heating water. With the suport from Hariyo Ban Progam the project provided grant scholarship to 36 students to give continuity to their study. The scholarship rate for for transportation of solar water heater to 5 private hotels in the region. In consultation primary, lower secondary and higher education is NPR. 2,500/-, 3,000/-, 3,500/- and with CAMC, 4 hotels at Sirdibas and a hotel in Chumchet were supported. These five 18,000/- respectively. hotels installed solar water heater and providing facilities to tourists with hot water. CE Class in School

NTNC has introduced separate curriculum on conservation education for school level students. A course book, Prakritiko Sandesh part 1, 2, 3 for class 6, 7 and 8 respectively is published and is being taught in the schools in MCA. The regular CE class was initiated in Budhha Secondary School, Philim since last year. The project provided support to the school for the remuneration of teacher and stationary supports. Altogether 107 students have benefited. Special Day Celebrations

To create conservation awareness among the large number of people, conservation related days were marked with various programs. The project provided support to mark national and international days like international women day, wildlife week and world environment day. In addition, support was provided to declare open defecation free zone at Sirdibas VDC. To improve the sanitation and to minimize health hazard impacts at local level, the VDC was declared as ODF on October 29. Similarly, different conservation days were marked in participation of CAMCs, Mother Groups, Anti-Poaching Units, school teachers and students, community leaders and community people. Supports were provided to mark 58th Manaslu Day on May 9 with the theme “let’s go to Manaslu (Jaun hai Manaslu)” in Kathmandu. During the celebration, a rally was organized from Lainchaur to Thamel.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 27 Conservation Awareness Camp the project supported Mr. Ganjen Gurung of Sirdibas-7 with a set of iron grinder machine and HDPE pipe for water mill construction. Success of conservation depends on the level of people’s participation. Participation can be ensured by upgrading level of awareness in community. With an aim to create Toilet Support awareness among the community 2 units of conservation awareness camps were conducted at Bihi and Sirdibas VDCs. Importance of wildlife and forest, wildlife of To improve the sanitation of local community, project has been supporting for MCA, protected species, legal provisions, role of community were the major theme construction and improvement of private and community toilets. The project supported discussed where 99 people participated. Wildlife related videos were also presented 6 bags of cement, toilet pan and 30kg TS bar to improve the toilets at Namrung of in the sessions. Prok VDC. Similarly, 170 bags of cement were supported at Chhekampar VDC. MCAP also supported both VDCs for the declaration of ODF zone. DDC Gorkha has planned to Coordination Meeting declare the entire district as ODF zone by 2014.

In order to bring the stakeholders in the mainstream of conservation and to inform Building Construction Support the governmental and nongovernmental agencies on the recent developments, 2 units The project supported 45 cement bags to Police check post at Sirdibas for office building of coordination meeting were organized at Gorkha Bazar and Sirdibas respectively. construction. Mainly the meetings focused on the need of coordination and cooperation in curbing wildlife trade and crime in the region. The meeting also formed a district level wildlife crime control bureau in Gorkha. Similarly, another meeting at Sirdibas was focused on Tourism Management Program combating wildlife crime and illegal collection of NTFPs. Check Post Upgrading Publications and Distribution The project has been operating tourist check post cum information centers at Jagat and Manaslu Serephero, a newsletter of MCAP was published and distributed during the Sama to keep record of the tourists and to provide information about MCA. Both check th 4 quarter of the year. Similarly, different posters and pamphlets on snow leopard posts have been upgraded. During the FY 2070/71, 5,331 tourists visited MCA. conservation, protected species of the Himalaya, wildlife trade were published and distributed and information boards were also placed at different locations in the Board Placement region. FM radio program was broadcasted through Kalika FM Chitwan to disseminate conservation information to the wider mass. Four different location map boards were designed and placed at Samdo, Chhekampar, Jagat and Bihiphedi incorporating major settlement within the main trail, land use type, wild animals sighting areas and information about services like hotel, Gompa, health COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM post, check post etc. Similarly, 24 carved wooden planks were prepared and placed to provide the information about the place, altitude, direction to the destination and Drinking Water Repair upcoming settlements along the main trekking trail.

Support was provided to repair drinking water scheme at Shyao village of Lho VDC. The Media Mobilization project supported 3,000 meter long HDPE pipe to collect water from source to reservoir In order to highlight the attractions of MCA and for tourism promotion through mass tank. Local materials and labor costs were managed by the community. Altogether 45 media, the project initiated 10 days trek for the local journalists of Gorkha affiliated hhs were benefitted by the support. to different national, regional media. They trekked along the main trail from Soti to Water Mill Improvement Larke pass following the Kaal Tal and Nubri valley. During their visit, observed tourism destination like Kaal Tal, Birendra Tal as well as the programs that were implemented Major crops of the MCA are maize, wheat, buckwheat, millet and naked barley. To by the project. The team interacted with local communities. Similarly, to highlight promote the efficiency of water mills and to reduce the time spent in traditional mills, the tourism potentiality of Tsum valley where killing animal is strictly prohibited and

28 NTNC Annual Report 2014 declared as blood free zone in 2012, the project has supported Tsum Welfare Committee to produce documentary on the cultural heritage and natural treasure of the area. Waste Management Support

There are no proper waste management systems in most of the settlements along the main trekking trail in MCA. Thus, to manage the waste and to keep environment clean, dumping pits and incinerator plants were planned to install at Jagat, Philim, Namrung, Sama and Chhekam settlements. After the series of community meetings, site selection and committee has been formed. Materials required for the construction have been purchased and transported to the site. The waste management plants are under construction. New Destination Identification

To explore alternative trekking trail within MCA, the project has assessed a trail following Sipchet-Gumbalungtang-Ganesh Himal Base Camp - Chhekampar/ Rajen Gumba which can be the potential alternative trekking route to Tsum valley. The field survey was done in the month of June, 2014. Potential camping, sign posting sites and locations of trail needed for improvements based on the field experience were idntified. Panoramic scenic view of Ganesh Himal, Buddha Himal, Sringi Himal, Churke, Chhyosin Himal and dense pine, rhododendron and betula mixed forest are the major attraction of the trekking trail. The surrounding of trail is rich with avifauna like. Himalayan monal & wide varieties of small birds and wild animals like, Himalayan ghoral, Himalayan serrow & Himalayan tahr. Nature Guide Training

The project organized nature guide training with an aim to promote tourism and to provide guide service to visitors. This year, 7 youth were trained on nature guide at NTNC’s BCC Sauraha, Chitwan with the support from Hariyo Ban Program. Trail Improvement

Beside the main trekking trails, Larke La trek and Tsum trek can be other alternate trekking trails like Chumchet to Bihi and Rubinala to Nyak, from which trekkers can experience pristine natural beauty. This year local community of Chumchet worked on 2100 m trail improvement along high pass and rocky mountain at Chumchet VDC with the involvement of 65 local people. Similarly, the project also improved the Rubinala trek with marking pole installation along the trail. Around 97 fallen trees were removed between the trail segment of Nyak to Meme Khara while 2,450 km trail improvement has been done around the area of Modhe, Rakrunk Kharka, Simsyang Kharka and Topkum Kharka at Sirdibas VDC.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 29 Women Development Program Strengthening Mother Group

Women development program aims to mainstream local and marginalized women by involving them in conservation as well as providing support for their income generation and exposure in the community. Two mother groups were formed at Diyol and Pati of Sirdibas VDC. They were also oriented about the general norms to be followed by groups. Cash support was provided for their formation and operation. Office operation cost was provided to mother groups at Sirdibas, Prok, Lho and Samagaun VDCs. Similarly, support was provided to mother group, Chhekam for roofing of their newly constructed building. Clean-up Campaign

Women groups at Chhekampar VDC, one of the tourist destinations with rich natural and cultural heritage were mobilized in clean-up campaign. They were mobilized in and round the settlements of Chhekam, Jhong, Nyaku-leru, Lama Gau, Bhurji, Lar, Chhule & Nile to keep the village clean. Home Stay Training Juice Making Training The concept of home stay is considered to be the best service in family environment and linking local livelihood with tourism. Through home stay, the guest not only receives Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), a medium-sized, hardy, deciduous shrub that opportunities to experience local culture and tradition but also become a means to grows 2 to 6 meter in height harvested in September to November, is found abundantly in improve their living standard. The project organized home stay training at Philim MCA especially at Prok, Lho and Chhekampar VDCs. For the purpose of commercializing and Prok, as both villages have the potentiality of home stay. In total 49 households’ the juice of Seabuckthron, the project organized a juice making training at Namrung, Prok members including mother group’s members participated in the training. Similarly, 3 VDC. 11 mother group members including 3 local hoteliers participated in the training. units of hospitality and good governance trainings were accomplished at Chhekampar, GESI Orientation Prok and Sirdibas VDCs. Altogether 71 people representing from hotel, teashop and camping site and TMsC were benefited from the training in which 36 were female. To orient mother groups on gender equality and social inclusion, the project organized These programs were carried out with the support of Hariyo Ban Program. an orientation program. Altogether 25 representatives from 8 mother groups at Sirdibas VDC participated in the orientation. They were orientated about the concept and need Menu Standardization of gender equality and social inclusion, strategies and role of women groups can play to Three years ago there was a standard menu for hotels at Sirdibas, Bihi and Prok VDCs reduce social exclusion and inequality. which was prepared through the workshop organized at Gap. Due to fluctuation of the market prices, transportation rates and due to lack of its periodical amendment and unhealthy competition, hotels are using their own menu. Thus project conducted two AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM days workshop for menu standardization at Philim in which 24 representatives of CAMC, Vegetable Seed Distribution TMsC and hotel owners from Jagat to Samagaun and Tsum valley participated. They, themselves finalized the standard menu. At present hotels in MCA are using standard To promote organic farming both for household consumption and commercial purpose, menu. the project has distributed vegetable seeds to farmers in the area. Altogether 20

30 NTNC Annual Report 2014 varieties of seeds were distributed to 611 households within MCA. Besides the seasonal status was largely unknown. Thus, this study was focused to identify their demographic vegetable, seedlings of off seasonal vegetable like Chilly-capsicum, Chilly-khursani and characteristics, food preference and assessment of human-wolf/snow leopard conflict. Tomato were also distributed to 37 local farmers. MCAP has planned to establish a For the study, 22 permanent blocks; 15 in ACA, 6 in MCA and 1 in Bhimthang of Manang, green house to promote off seasonal vegetable farming. with 5x5 sq. km were laid on the potential habitats in both conservation area using ArcGIS 3.2. Based on the geographical accessibility, 0.7 km to 2.75 km long transects Apple Seedling Distribution survey were also carried out within permanent blocks at upper Mustang and Manaslu The major settlement at Chhekampar, Sirdibas, Bihi, Prok and Lho VDCs is favorable region. In addition, questionnaire surveys with herders were also done to assess human- for apple farming. Thus, looking towards the potential of apple farming in the region wolf/snow leopard conflict in the area. In order to assess the human-gray wolf conflict so and to raise local economy through income generation, 1940 apple seedlings were far 471 households have been surveyed in Annapurna-Manaslu Landscape. During the purchased from Jumla and distributed to 65 local farmers with the support from Hariyo transact survey scats were collected and samples were preserved for genetic analysis Ban Program. for individual identification. The studies were conducted with the financial support of Hariyo Ban Program. Apple Cutting Training

Most of the households at Chhekam, Nyak, Anga, Bihi, Prok and Lho villages have apple trees in their garden but due to lack of knowledge and technique on apple farming they Capacity Building are not getting proper production. Thus, technical knowledge on apple cutting training In order to build capacity of CAMC, its sub-committees and other stakeholders in was provided to these communities at Prok VDC with technical support from District different issues of resource management and conservation and to sensitize and train Agriculture Development Office, Gorkha. Participants were oriented on importance of local community leaders towards curbing illegal wildlife crime, the project has organized apple orchard, varieties of apple, techniques of apple cutting, disease and its control various training and capacity development programs during the fiscal year. The project measures, preparation and use of Bordomixture and Bordopest. organized training for staffs, security personnel and custom officials to familiarize them about the wildlife. Realizing that the routes of upper Gorkha in MCA are often used Heritage Conservation Program for NTFPs trade, training program was initiated at Philim for security personnel and custom officials deployed in MCA region. Similarly, to build capacity of CAMC, APU MCA has appealing rich cultural heritage along with rich biodiversity. In order to promote members and local leaders against illegal wildlife crime, a similar type of training was cultural heritage, support to traditional cultural institutions is necessary as they also also organized where 21 community people participated. play crucial role in conservation. The project has been supporting for conservation of cultural monuments and tradition including Gumba, Mane and Chhorten preservation Training was organized for school teachers as they are the role model and the agents and renovation. In this fiscal year, roofing support was provided to Prache Gumba at for social change in rural community. Altogether 36 teachers participated in the training. Chumchet VDC. MCA provides healthy habitats for different flora and fauna. Globally threatened and endangered species such as snow leopard, Himalayan brown beer, grey wolf, musk deer, red panda, and Himalayan monal are found in the area. Local people in Manaslu largely Research, Survey and Documentation depend on agriculture, pasture husbandry and forest products for their subsistence In order to access the status of important species of wild animal and NTFPs and to but depredation of livestock and crop by wildlife often escalate the human wildlife explore the cause of human-wildlife conflict and find the ways to minimize them, the conflict in the region. Realizing the needs of strengthening local communities against project has initiated various studies in the region. This year, the project conducted a illegal poaching and trade, project has conducted 3 units of anti-poaching training research on the status of snow leopard in MCA and in adjoining part of ACA. Snow to the members of community based anti-poaching unit covering all seven VDCs of leopard and gray wolf are found in MCA and ACA’s upper Himalayan region but their conservation area at Philim, Chhekam and Gap.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 31 Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

32 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project (GCAP)

Introduction Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) was declared by the historic Cabinet meeting of the Government of Nepal held at Kala Patthar on 04 December 2009. The meeting itself was a special and historic to draw world’s attention on the effects of climate change on the Himalayas and to demonstrate Nepal’s commitment to fight against climate change.

GCA covers an area of 2,179 square km and encompasses 22 VDC of 3 districts; Dolakha Ramechhap and Sindhupalchowk. GCA is not only rich in bio- diversity but also acts as crucial biological corridor connecting two protected areas of the country, Sagarmatha National Park and Langtang National Park. GCA comprises 18 forest types and 695 types of flora species. 71 species of mammals, 27 species of reptiles, 24 species of fishes, 12 species of amphibians, and 252 species of birds are found in GCA.

The region is rich in water resources and is catchment of Khimti, Bhotekoshi, Sunkoshi, and Tamakoshi rivers which are source of water for some major hydro-power projects. The region is also famous for glacial lakes, particularly the Tso Rolpa.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 33 Nursery Operation and Plantation

The project supported to establish private agro-forestry nursery at involving local Key interventions and people. In total 239,300 seedlings were produced by the nursery and distributed to all 22 achievements VDCs for plantation in 23.93 ha. Consultation Meeting

The project organized two consultation meetings at Charikot and Singati to discuss on planning process, implementation and monitoring of conservation and development 1. Natural RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM activities. The meeting was organized with district level participation of government Conservation Area Operational Plan (CAOP) Preparation and Review authorities like DAO, DFO and Nepal Police at Charikot, the district headquarter of Dolakha and other was organized at Singati. According to the provision of Conservation Area Management Regulation (CAMR), GCAP had formed CAMCs in 21 VDCs out of 22 except Gumba VDC at Sindupalchok. Orientation cum awareness program was conducted to all CAMCs to aware them on rules and regulations provisioned on CAMR. Another major aim of the program was to prepare the conservation area operational plan of newly formed CAMCs. An educational exposure tour was organized for CAMC members to ACA to impart knowledge on tourism and natural resource management.

CAMC Support

The project provided support to CAMCs , Kalinchok, Gumdel for construction of CAMC offices. Furniture was provided to CAMC Chilankha and Ghorthali.

Legal Case Handling

In total 9 legal cases were reported during the year and were sorted out according to the nature of the case. The cases include 5 from Dolakha and 4 from Sindhupalchowk district. During the year, 4 ghorals were reported to dead from Laduk and area and were buried after detail investigation. Another one goral rescued from Tamakoshi which was left in its natural habitat after primary treatment. UCO Sindupalchok confiscated wildlife parts that were on the way to China. Nepal Police and custom Border Police Liping at Tatopani captured the offenders with illegal animal parts like turtle shell, sea horse, tiger teeth and dead body of deer on different dates and submitted to GCAP for further legal action.

34 NTNC Annual Report 2014 CAMC Office Management and line extension. During the year, the project supported 20 electric poles to CAMC Bigu, 45 electric poles to CAMC in Dolakha and electric wire to link the power During the period the project had formed 3 new CAMCs in , and Khare house to national grid to CAMC Ghorthali in Sindupalchok. Altogether 150 HHs directly VDCs and they were provided support for required stationaries, and official accessories. benefitted by the support. The project also supported stationeries and meeting expenses, forest guard and LRP incentives to 13 previously formed CAMCs of Kalinchok, Bigu, Alampu, Chilankha, Laduk, , Orang, Lamabagar, Gaurishankar, Suri, Listikot, Shyama and Gumdel. Conservation and Extension Program Forest Patrolling Conservation Education Classes

In order to monitor and control the illegal wildlife trade and other illegal activities in The Project has been promoting conservation education at schools to enhance the GCA, the project conducted 14 units of forest patrolling at Alampu, Kalinchok, Suri, students' understanding towards conservation as they are the future leaders of Lamabagar, Orang, Bulung, Chankhu, Marming, Phulpingkatti, Ghorthali, Gumdel, conservation. During the fiscal year, conservation classes were conducted in 6 schools Marbu, Listikot and Laduk VDCs. CAMCs, police force and other stakeholders took part at Laduk, Bulung, Chilankha, Suri, Lamabagar and Bigu VDC. The book entitled Prakritiko in the patrolling. During the forest patrolling many illegal logs from different VDCs were Sandesh part-1, 2 & 3 for grade 6, 7 & 8 was printed and distributed. Subject teachers captured and the required legal action is ongoing. Similarly, 4 youth groups of Kalinchok, were also trained by organizing training. Suri, Marbu, Chankhu VDCs were supported for their mobilization in conservation activities.

Conservation Guard Training

In order to control and monitor illegal activities in the GCA and to mobilize local people in conservation, CAMCs appointed forest guard in each of their VDCs with the support. To capacitate forest guards, the project also organizes a training for them.

Alternative Energy Promotion Program ICS Support

Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) have direct and indirect benefits such as increased thermal efficiency, reduction in firewood consumption, reduction in women's labor, indoor air pollution reduction and prevention of fire hazards, and reduction of cooking time etc. ICSs were distributed to 685 HHs at 8 VDCs namely, Marbu, Laduk, Oramg, Listikot, Ghorthali, Marming, Gumdel and Chuchure. In addition to that, 8 LP gas stoves and cylinders were distributed to 18 HHs at Phulpingkatti VDC.

Electrification and Microhydro Promotion

GCAP has been supporting for the promotion of micro hydro schemes in the region. Mainly, the support was provided to rural micro hydro schemes for their maintenance

NTNC Annual Report 2014 35 Green Force Club Support

GCA has been engaging school students in conservation activities by organizing different extracurricular activities in schools. The project formed Green Force Clubs in school for extracurricular activities like, cleanup campaign, sports competition, plantation and other conservation activities. During the year, support was provided to GFCs in 8 schools at Chilankha, Alampu, Bigu, Suri, Lamabagar, Bulung, Laduk and Chankhu VDCs through their respective CAMCs.

Conservation Awareness Campaign

Conservation awareness campaign was conducted as an extension tool to aware local people towards protected area management system, biodiversity conservation and conservation area management system. During the period, the project organized conservation campaign at 11 VDCs namely, Kalinchok, Suri, Marbu, Chankhu, Shyama, Gumdel, Listikot, Marming, Tatopani, Ghorthali, and Phulpingkatti in Dolakha, Sindupalchok and Ramechhap districts.

Stipend for Girls and Dalit Students

In order to ensure the continuation of school education of the children of poor and leadership in conservation". Awardees were Radhika Shrestha, Vaya Tamang, Hom marginalized communities, stipend support was provided to 120 students of Laduk, Kumari Khadka, Hem Kumari Gurung and Krsari Maya Karki. Bulung, Chilankha, Lamabagar, Suri, Bigu VDCs. The support was provided to those students from dalit, ethnic, poor and marginalized, conflict affected families and for girls Fire Awareness Program and brilliant students. To make people aware about forest fire, its prevention and mitigation measures, the Special Events/Days Celebrations project organized a forest fire awareness camp at Khare VDC of .

Conservation related days were celebrated by organizing special events on respective days. World Environment Day was marked by organizing demonstrations, cleaning Livelihood improvement program campaigns at Suri, Laduk, Listikot, Phulpingkatti and Chuchure. The main aim of the Health and Sanitation Program program was to aware local people on the theme of the year, 'Raise your voice not the Sea Level.' Similarly, wildlife week was marked by organizing rally and interaction The project supported CAMC Chalinkha for purchasing medicines to health post to program with the slogan "Water and Wild Life; Mountain to Sea" at Chuchure and fulfill the requirement of medicines and for the construction of health post building. The Phulpingkatti VDCs. support was provided through CAMC.

Women’s day was celebrated by awarding the best female leadership in conservation Conservation Farmer Support on the occasion of International Women's' Day on March 8. With the financial support of Hariyo Ban Program, GCAP awarded 5 local women with the title of "best female GCAP provided seeds of different vegetables to 24conservation farmers of Kalinchok, Laduk, Khare, , Orang, Chankhu, Bulung, Suri and Phulpingkatti VDCs to produce

36 NTNC Annual Report 2014 seasonal vegetables. Seeds of cauliflower, radish and cabbage were supported to those farmers along with technical assistance.

Sanitary Model Toilet Construction Support

The project supported for the constriction of sanitary model toilets at Aalampu, Kalinchok, Lamabagar, Orang, Bulung, Laduk, Khare, Chankhu, Tatopani, Phulpingkatti and Shyama VDCs. During the year, in total 326 households were supported with 3 pieces of Zink plate, toilet pan, a cement bag and HDPE pipe. The support is to complement DDC plan of declaring the district as ODF zone.

School Support Program

According to the concept of ICDP model, schools are also prime stakeholder of the conservation as it provides quality education to the students. To improve the infrastructure of schools the project provided supports to 3 schools. The Balodaya Secondary School of Kalinchok was supported with 16 sets of desk/bench, Mahalangur Higher Secondary School, Gumdel with 34 sets of desk/bench, Balding Primary School, Gumdel with 16 sets of Desk and bench and Jatteswari Higher Secondary School, Chuchure was supported with a revolving chair, 10 computer tables, office table and other office equipment. Tourism Management Program Cash Crop Seedling Distribution Trekking Route Exploration and Upgrading In order to enhance the income status of local farmers farming, on slope and barren During the fiscal year, GCAP upgraded 3 trekking routes in GCA. The trekking route from lands over 2 lakh 6 thousand and 4 hundred seedlings of different species of cash Godar to Danda, Khanigaun to Nisting and Dolangsha to Thingsang were upgraded with crops were distributed to local farmers of 14 VDCs in Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk and maintenance work. In addition to this, local people of Gumdel explored new trekking Ramechhap districts. route of about 5 km from Chhewar to Namche and repaired it. Conservation Farmer Training Waste Management and Cleanup Campaign To enhance the capacity of farmers, the project has conducted conservation farmer The project provided incinerators to 11 CAMCs in Dolakha district, 4 CAMCs in training for 24 farmers. On the occasion seeds of Radish, Tomato, Cauliflower (Snow Sindupalchok and 2 CAMCs in Ramechhap to manage the waste and keeping the area mastic), Coriander, Pea, Cucumber, Pumpkin (Jukeni), Bitter gourd, Cauliflower (white clean. CAMC Alampu prepared 10 wire baskets for waste collection. During cleanup top), Cabbage, Chilly, Radish (all season) and farming equipment like Spring call, Tape, campaign, 13 dustbins, 33 incinerators and 10 wire baskets were constructed and Water sprayer, Garden Pipe were provided to the farmers. placed at different villages.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 37 Home Stay Promotion Flag Stand Post and Gumba Rehabilitation

During the fiscal year, the project has supported for home stay promotion in Laduk, Bigu Under the heritage conservation program, activities are geared to preserve the existing and Gaurishankar and Tatopani VDCs. Sign boards and menu were provided to the home culture arid heritage of the region. The activities include supporting local level traditions stays and rubbish bins were also distributed. To promote eco-cultural tourism, one home and festivals, repair and maintenance of religious shrines such as monasteries, temples stay management committee has been formed in Yarmasingh of Tatopani VDC. In total and support for the operation of monastric schools. Supports were provided for metal of 14 homes at Laduk and 10 each at Bigu, Simagaon and Duganagadi are providing prayer flag stand at Bigu, Laduk, Phulpingkatti and Ghorthali CAMC’s to reduce the home stay services. pressure on forest since every household needs a pole sized tree for flag stand every year. In total 130 flag stands were supported during the period. Support was also Destination Promotion provided for the maintenance of Thulo Kuwa Setidevi Temple.

In order to attract the tourists in GCA and to make it one of the renowned tourism Tourism Management Workshop destinations, the project in the fiscal year placed two information boards at Marbu and Chankhu. 300 m foot trail from Tutwan to Kalinchok Temple and 100 m for trail from Surel GCAP organized two units of tourism management training at Jagat and Shivalaya to settlement to Bhumethan were constructed. Similarly, to facilitate the trekkers, 9 sign enhance the capacity of hotel entrepreneurs towards sustainable eco-tourism. General post, way points and information boards were placed Chilankha, Alampu, Kalinchok, objective of the training was to maximize the involvement of local people in tourism Suri, Lamabagar, Bulung, Laduk, Khare, Marbu VDC. promotion by institutionalizing them and strengthening their capacity. 50 people took part in the training. Two units of lodge management training were organized for hoteliers Check Post Upgrading at Jagat and Tatopani to upgrade the quality lodging and fooding for trekkers.

Check post at Singati was upgraded by the construction of an additional room with toilet To enhance the quality of foods, cook training was organized for hoteliers and home- which will benefit the visitors and tourists. Various updated information, pamphlets and stay owners at Tatopani. Cook training was given in two units, first one was provided brochures were also dispalyed. to hotel owners of Tatopani to 20 participants. The second training was for Home-stay committee members to 20 participants.

Capacity Development Program GCA Staffs Training

To increase management effectiveness, the project designed and conducted day long capacity-building program for project staffs and CAMC chairpersons/secretaries.

Exposure and Familiarization Tour

The study/exposure tour for the community members, CAMC members and political leaders was organized to Annapurna conservation Area to provide them with first hand information on conservation initiatives, sustainability, participation etc. In total 67 CAMC members visited and studied the conservation modality of ACA. CAMC member of Chankhu and Marbu visited in the first phase and second phase was for Tatopani and Listikot.

38 NTNC Annual Report 2014 GESI Workshop Piloting Climate Smart Conservation Approach Two units of GESI workshop for local women and social activists was organized at Singati Piloting Climate Smart Conservation Approach in Gaurishankar VDC to aware on the importance and role of women in conservation of natural resources. The support from MSFP targeted only the Gaurishankar VDC which is highly vulnerable Conservation Youth Group Workshop in terms of climate vulnerability as it encompasses Tsho Rolpa Lake which lies under Rolwaling River Watershed and range of mountain peaks of above 6000 m height. During To increase the involvement of youth in conservation and mobilise them for safeguarding the period, activities such as project inception workshop, climate change sensitization the rich biodiversity of GCA, the project conducted youth group workshop at Singati. In workshop, and plantation were conducted as well as materials were purchased for low total 25 youths participated on the workshop. cost toilet support. Project inception workshop on “Piloting Climate Smart Conservation Forest Management Workshop Approach in Gaurishankar VDC of Gaurishankar Conservation Area” was held at Singati to share and disseminate project information to the concerned stakeholders. The GCA is rich in forest resources. In order to aware the local people on forest resource workshop was attended by 71 participants representing various institutions and local management and to impart the knowledge to community, the project organized forest community like CDO, LDO, and representatives from VDC, DNPWC, District Police Office, management workshop at Ghorthali, Listi & Marming VDC. Participants were briefed on CAMCs and local people. Chaired by Mr. Ang Dorje Sherpa, Chairperson of CAMC, their role on management of conservation area and the different provisions of rules and the workshop was inaugurated by the chief guest Honorable Parbat Gurung, Member, regulations. Constituent Assembly. During the workshop, the participants discussed the project objectives and expected results, project management arrangements, implementation Research, Survey and Study Program mechanism, deliverables, timeframe and role of the project partners. Research Grant

GCAP provided research grant to Mr. Balram Awasthi, Department of Zoology to undertake field research on “Human-Wildlife Conflict in Gaurishankar Conservation Area”. The major objectives of the study was to explore impact of human-wildlife conflict in GCA and recommend mitigate measures, to find out the current situation of HWC in GCA, to quantify the livestock depredation and crop damage by wild animals and to prepare conflict hotspot map within study area.

Faunal/Foral Study

GCA with the support of Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC) program conducted preliminary survey of snow leopard occurrence in the high Himalayan region at Phulpingkatti, Tatopani and Gumba VDC of Sindhupalchok based on pugmarks and scats of snow leopards, Similarly, UCO Phulpingkatti facilitated in the preliminary survey for identifying areas of Taxus baccata (Lauthsalla) in Phulpingkatti. Mr. Birendra Malla member of NTNC management Board and Mr. Dhurba Gauchan identified pocket areas of Lauth Salla in the region.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 39 Under the project, 10 HHs were selected and supported for home stay promotion at also supported for joint patrolling at Bigu and Lamabagar area. In total 4 guns and timber Simagaun that lies within the major trekking route in GCA, with high potential for smugglers were captured on the spot. Police arrested the offenders and seized the guns. tourism development. Considering the fact that the proper waste management and sanitation are pre-requisites for tourism promotion, low cost toilet support was provided Coordination Meeting to 30 HHs. In order to disseminate conservation message and to aware them on impacts GCA lies within Sacred Himalayan Landscape and bordering China in the North. Tatopani of climate change, 2 units of climate change sensitization campaigns were conducted at of Sindhupalchok, Thinsang of Dolakha and Deurali/Serding of Ramechhap are believed Tasinam and Simigaun. The main objectives of the workshop was to impart knowledge vibrant underground trade routes for commodities including musk pods, bear bile, leopard and information on climate change and climate induced issues, and to strengthen skin and bones, leopard parts, live animals and medicinal plants. In order to strengthen adaptive capacity to address the adverse impacts of climate change. A total of 68 people the district level coordination, advocacy, training, intelligence gathering and informants’ participated in the workshops. Two information boards were prepared and placed at two networks, the project organized coordination meeting with district level stakeholders in strategic locations along the trail at Simigaun and Tasinam. Dolakha. CDO, DSP, LDO, DFO, and other concerned stakeholders showed their presence With an aim to provide seedlings for public and private plantations, a nursery at Singati in the meeting. was improved along with the expansion of existing area. Required materials were Conservation Awareness purchased and essential work for the operation and management was also conducted. To address the issues of land degradation occuring through different human induced Since there was no awareness material available on protected animals, their activities, plantation was done for the restoration of degraded land in Tasinam covering conservation status and legal provisions, the project initiated for mass education and 5 ha of land. Total of 2,200 seedlings of various plants were supported. awareness program campaign by publishing 4,000 pieces of awareness materials to aware community people. The materials are being used to educate community people on animal and plant species. Similarly, weekly radio program was conducted through Curbing illegal wildlife trade in GCA Capacity Enhancement

With the support of WWF Nepal, the project has been implementing activities to curbe wildlife trade program in GCA. Under the program, training for security personnel, CAMCs members, custom officials and GCAP staffs with an aim to control illegal wildlife trade along Araniko highway. Participants were trained on the identification of the wildlife parts and NTFPs. This effort helps in curbing iilgal wildlife trade and also strengthen joint coordination among stakeholders. Similarly, GCAP organized training for youth groups at Singati in order to mobilize them in controlling wildlife trade. Similar trainings were organized to the CAMCs, LRPs and conservation guards too.

Community Mobilization

CAMCs member, Conservation guard, youth groups along with the Nepal police have been conducting joint patrols randomly in the suspected areas. During the period, CAMCs of Phulpingkatti and Marming VDCs of Sindhupalchok were effectively involved in the joint patrolling. District Police Office, Dolakha and Ilaka Police Office Singati were

40 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Bhimeshor FM of Dolakha to disseminate the wildlife trade control messages and other of extra room with toilet and another check post at Shivalaya was also repaired and all conservation message to wider audience. the required accessories such as white board, communication materials, display board, information board, furniture, and brochure and information materials had been setup. Community based conservation awareness camps were organized at Shyama, hulpingkatti, Alampu and Rolwaling areas in GCA. The main aim of the program Tourism Management Training was to deliver conservation message to all levels of the community. Similarly, photo exhibition program was organized jointly with Media Center of Charikot on June 5, GCA is a new emerging tourist destination where the numbers of tourists are increasing 2014 in Charikot. Inaugurated by the CDO of Dolakha, the exhibition was visited by each year. Tourism management training was launched in three areas (Shivalaya, line agencies and officials, political party’s leaders, schools and journalists. Over thirty Tatopani and Jagat) which are the prime potential tourism spots and trekking routes. photos of GCA were exhibited where 861 participated in the program. Information on the The training focused on the various aspects of tourism management like hospitality, protected species and provision and consequences of illegal trade is important for local sanitation, and waste management. Similarly, basic cook training was conducted at communities as well as visitors as it helps to prevent and/or minimize such activities. Singati, Kalinchok and Tatopani. Several information boards are prepared and displayed at strategic locations within In total 62 local lodge owners including local people from Home stay at Bigu, Simigaun GCA. took part in the training. Nature guide training was also organized in which 21 local youths representing all 3 districts participated and gain knowledge in nature guide. Market Development program Similarly, basic english language training was organized with an aim to mitigate communication barriers with the international visitors. In total 27 participants were Safe Drinking Water Station Establishment benefitted from the training.

Safe drinking water stations were planned for construct to provide safe drinking water to the trekkers and also to minimize the use of plastic bottles to minimize pollution. Two safe drinking water stations are planned at Simigaun and Singati VDCs and the procurement process is in the process.

Information Board Placement

Information boards were placed along trekking route in GCA. The board contains conservation messages, trekking routes and information about the local place and culture. 50 signposts were placed in trekking routes in GCA mainly at Rolwaling and Kalinchok area which has high volume of visitors. While additional 20 others in cheese circuit (Shivalaya) were repaired and placed.

Establishment of Tourist Check Post and Information Center

With the financial support of the Samarth Nepal Market Development Program, 2 check post cum information center were established at Chhetchhet in Dolakha and Phulpingkatti in Sindupalchok district. Office operation materials such as laptop, desktop computer, printer, white board, display board, information board, and furniture were purchased. Similarly, existing check post at Singati was upgraded with addition

NTNC Annual Report 2014 41 Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

42 NTNC Annual Report 2014 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION CENTRE (BCC)

Introduction BCC was established in 1989 as the Nepal Conservation Research and Training Centre (NCRTC) with an aim to conduct biological research and monitoring together with building capacity of field staff of DNPWC and buffer zone community. It is one of the largest undertakings of the Trust. BCC has been working in numerous thematic areas since its establishment for reserach and monitoring and bringing local communities in the conservation in and around CNP and PWR focusing to biodiversity conservation.

Majority of community engagement programs are focused at eastern buffer zone and Barandabhar corridor forest (BCF) in Chitwan district. Over 80,000 local communities are direct beneficiaries of the project. BCC implements its project activities in close collaboration and coordination with CNP, buffer zone management committee, user committees, community forest user groups, local government bodies and NGOs. BCC staffs with the support of domestic elephants are working in the wildlife research and monitoring, captive breeding program and community engagement programs.

Parsa Conservation Program (PCP), under the BCC is a newly launched pilot conservation program of the Trust to assist the conservation initiatives in and around PWR. As little has been known about the biodiversity of PWR, the PCP was started in May 2010. PCP has initiated various biodiversity related surveys and is also working with the local communities at the buffer zone to improve their living conditions, mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and motivate locals in anti-poaching activities. Main objective of the PCP is to conduct biodiversity research and monitoring in and around PWR and support local communities for livelihood and bring them in mainstream of conservation.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 43 and habitat of the individual rhinos. Now, with the support of Hariyo Ban Program, BCC has given continuity to the program. Till date BCC has prepared ID profile of 172 rhinos. Key interventions and Study on Invasive Species - Mikania

The project has been experimenting with control measures for Mikania mikrantha, the achievements primary invasive species in and around CNP, which is spreading rapidly and posing a threat to native flora and fauna. Experimental plots were designed at Icherny and Padampur and are being tested. Regular assessment is being done to document the effects. WILDLIFE RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROGRAM Study of Tiger and Common Leopard ID based Rhino Monitoring Regular monitoring of tigers and their prey is important to understand the functionality Intensive ID based rhino monitoring, one of the flagship program of the Trust in of the corridor. This year, under the Hariyo Ban Program, camera trapping survey was Terai region was, initiated in 2009 in close collaboration with DNPWC, WWF Nepal carried out in BCF by fitting 88 grids of cameras in 1x1 km2. Similarly, preybase population and Darwin Initiative/ZSL. An ID is made and given to each rhino and database are estimates were obtained using distance sampling both by foot and from the elephant maintained along with photographs and other distinct features. Such profiling is a back. Six individual tigers including four males and two females were recorded from 29 valuable tool for long-term monitoring of rhinos and also helps to track the movement cameras. Prey density is found to be slightly higher (78.48 animals/km2) than the overall estimates for CNP (73.63 animals / km2) in 2013.

COMMUNITY BASED ANTI-POACHING INITIATIVES CBAPU Strengthening

CBAPU, a conservation initiative aims to motivate and engage local youths in conservation, plays a crucial role in controlling illegal activities. Regular training and capacity enhancement programs are important to mobilize them effectively in wildlife conservation. Realizing this, 5 units of trainings were conducted for CBAPU members organized in the periphery of CNP and PWR. Altogether 122 participants were trained on rules and regulations on wildlife conservation, effective monitoring and human resource mobilization techniques. Best experience of BNP on CBAPU mobilization and success stories were shared. Strengthening and mobilization support has been provided to 5 CBAPUs including 4 from BCF and one from Manahari UC of PWR.

HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT MITIGATION Power Fencing for HWC Mitigation

Human wildlife conflict (HWC) is emerging as one of the major threats for wildlife

44 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Removal of Invasive Species

Mikania is the primary invasive species in Chitwan which covers, and kills native plants including plants important for herbivore. There is no clear solution for the invasive species but careful removal can substantially reduce the invasion. Thus, by mobilizing local community, Mikania was removed manually from ca. 25 ha area in BCF at Tikauli BZCF. Wetland Restoration

Wetlands of BCF play very important role by providing water to animals during dry season. BCC supported Chaturmukhi community forest to restore one of the important wetland site known as Gaida Tal. Gainda Tal was the source of irrigation in surrounding village. After the Government's decision to establish Mirgakunja in the area villagers were evacuated and the Gainda Tal eventually dried out. The Tal had enough water till a decade ago but after the resettlement of the Padampur village, Tal dried out due to deforestation, habitat destruction, and may be due to climate change. Chaturmukhi is also planning to pump underground water using electricity/solar power for regular water source in the Tal. 56 feet deep bore has been made to harness water from the ground. The restored Gaida Tal is 300 m in length and 40 m width. conservation. Crop raiding, livestock depredation, human casualties have been observed frequently especially near to the protected areas. As the problem is becoming more serious in recent years, BCC is working with 3 strategies to reduce such conflicts; avoid conflict by stopping animal, rescue and timely control of problem animal, and support wildlife victims or family. Electric fence has been considered very effective to stop large mammals like rhinos and elephants if maintained properly. This year, with the support of Hariyo Ban Program, total 7.83 km of new electric fence was installed and maintenance was done for 2.9 km at Bhimwali, Jagatpur and Siddhiganesh. 5 LRPs and 13 forest guards were trained and were mobilized for monitoring and maintenance of the fence.

LANDSCAPE LEVEL NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT School Greenery Program

BCC, since last 10 years has been supporting for the healthy and greenery environment in the school premises. This year, the project supported Gawai secondary school-Kumroj, Bhanu secondary school at Parvatipur and Bhramha Kali lower secondary school at Ramauli Pratappur to maintain the school premises green promoting plantation and gardening.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 45 LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT INTERVENTIONS was declared as the First Model Biogas VDC of Nepal in 2013. This year, the project provided supports for 570 units (50 at Panchakanya Community Forst, 50 at Manahari Green Enterprise Promotion Support UC, 39 at Sonakhari UC, 5 at Nirmal UC, 49 at Amleshwor UC and 377 at Thangkhola CF). Altogether 193 biogas plants were installed and 377 are in progress. Community Adaptation Plan of Action (CAPA) was prepared and implemented in Thangkhola community forest at Padampur VDC. Communities at Padampur VDCs are Forestry Nursery Operation resettled following evacuation from CNP. Due to dryness livelihood is complicated in Padampur. BCC under the Hariyo Ban Program supported Thangkhola Community Forst to Plantation and restoration of degraded forest is NTNC's priority program. As a part of promote cow farming in the area. 30 HHs were supported to buy cow as revolving fund this, a nursery is regularly producing 20 to 30 thousand seedlings of different species and which will be reimbursed after 45 months at nominal interest rate. including fodder, fruit, medicinal and ornamental species. In this fiscal year, about 25 thousand seedlings were produced and distributed free of cost for plantation in private Livelihood Support and public lands. Providing economic opportunities for women is important for their empowerment as Skill Training well to involve them in conservation. Wool spinning and weaving is one of the attractive income generating activities for women at Padampur area. Supports were provided to House wiring training was provided to 5 local from Padampur and Jutpani of Thangkhola 50 marginalized households in coordination with local cooperative under Thangkhola CF. One month training was conducted at Shree Kalika College of Technology, Bharatpur. Community Forest. Vermi-compost and Organic Farming Support Ecotourism Promotion Vermi compost and organic farming support program was initiated by BCC in Sitalpaani Gyaneshowr forest block, comprising 4 community forests, is one of the highly potential at Jagatpur VDC. The farmers of Sitalpaani realized the negative impact of chemical sites for ecotourism. BCC initiated series of meetings for mainstreaming ecotourism fertilizers and pesticides and were trying to adapt in organic farming. Thus, BCC in the area and they also organized interaction workshop with hoteliers at Sauraha. supported them for some efficient dynamic package of organic farming technologies Local community initiated rafting program from Narayanghat to Gyaneshwor and did by composting the decomposable organic wastes using earthworms naturally present successful piloting on May 2014. This added an attraction to the visitors. in the soil. Nature Guide Training Support for Tharu Culture Promotion

‘Nature guide’ in Chitwan is a fast growing green sector job with good incentive/ With an aim of preserving Tharu culture and tradition, the project has provided partial exposure, thus, became an attraction for local youths. It also engages the local youths support to the Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Centre Bachauli-6 for infrastructure in conservation and builds local guardianship. Nature guide training, One of the regular development and maintenance of the museum. In addition to this, BCC is providing program of BCC has trained more than 700 youths mostly from buffer zone of which regular technical support to the museum. about 250 are working as professional. Under the Hariyo Ban Program BCC organized 7 days training on June. Out of 27 participants 7 were from MCA. These trained youth were provided ID card and licence to work as nature guide by CNP. CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION Eco Teachers Training Related to CCA

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE With an aim to train teachers and disseminate message to thousands of students, one Biogas Plant Support day eco teachers training and interaction program was conducted at BCC. Altogether 59 teachers representing different eco-clubs participated the training. Climate change BCC from the very beginning has been promoting biogas technology in the working adaptation techniques and climate change issues were discussed and field visits were areas. Under the financial support of Hariyo Ban Program and other donors, Kumroj VDC also done.

46 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Eco Club/ Green Force Club Support TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING The project under the Hariyo Ban Program supported 55 schools eco club/green force Trainings clubs for their operation. The essay competition was also conducted on climate change adaptation in each school. Government of Nepal is implementing Strengthening Regional Co-operation for Wildlife Protection in Asia Project from the financial support of the World Bank as a part of Special Events/Days Celebrations International Development Assistance (IDA). Various trainings were done on wildlife conservation and protection aspects at BCC. The major trainings includes tiger and prey BCC provided partial support for 10th international elephant race festival organized by base monitoring, basic GIS, wildlife crime control, scene of crime and wildlife forensics Regional Hotel Association Nepal, Chitwan on last week of December. Elephant race, and wildlife stockpile management training were carried out during the year. BCC Elephant football, Ox Cart race, Horse race etc. were the major programs organized organized EMMP and LIP preparation training for the community members where Hariyo during the festival. 104th International Women’s Day on 8th March was marked with Ban Program activities are being implemented. 2 different programs. The project felicitated 7 women who have contributed in conservation and women's empowerment with cash incentive and certificates. Another Minnesota University – Nepal Semester support was provided to Budhi Rapti UC to celebrate a day at Kumroj in collaboration In collaboration with University of Minnesota, a Nepal semester program was conducted with Synergy FM. 19th wildlife week was marked for a week in the first week of Nepali in BCC from January to May. 13 students, 2 professors and 2 teaching assistants from the New Year. Sanitation program in BCF, bird watching program, crocodile counting in Rapti university came to Chitwan. BCC supported in running classes and facilitated practical River were main programs conducted. Honorable Forest minister and the Chairman of sessions in the field. Along with the theoretical classes, the students were involved in NTNC Mr. Mahesh Acharya was the chief guest of the closing session. different research and community engagement programs including forest observation, camping, bird/wildlife/plants identification, surveys of wild animals and plants etc. GESI and Governance GESI Training

GESI sensitization program to BCC staffs was conducted on 27 August 2013 at BCC. The program was targeted to both senior and junior level staffs of BCC. Concept on gender and social inclusion, barriers for women and marginalized group in leadership and GESI best practices and challenges were discussed during the program. The program helped in internalizing the importance of GESI mainstreaming in organizational level.

Orientation of Hariyo Ban GESI mainstreaming strategy to BZMC members was also conducted with an objective to raise awareness on Hariyo Ban GESI mainstreaming strategy in Hariyo Ban working area and to promote a favorable institutional and policy environment for mainstreaming GESI.

Governance Training

Training on Governance in buffer zone and community forest was held on April 10, 2014 at BCC to establish a common understanding of governance in CF and BZCFs. The participants for the training were the users group, president, treasurers and secretaries of the community forests and buffer zone community forests including women, men and marginalized groups.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 47 Griffith University - PPBIO treatment, the tiger gradually resumed eating. Another tiger was caught on December- 2013 as it was killing domestic animals. This tiger released into the jungle on April after Under the Program for Planned Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Program (PPBIO), treatment in captivity. Several pythons, lizards and other species were also rescued and undergraduate students from Griffith University, Australia as well as graduate students released back into the wild. from Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University visited CNP from November 29 to December 11 and worked on the existing permanent plots for ecological research and Ronaldo, a wild bull elephant is visiting EBC, Khorsor and NTNC-BCC to mate with data collection. Altogether 43 (24 students and 7 staff/professors along with 12 from captive females. The bull was immobilized for the purpose of study through satellite Nepal) were involved in the research. BCC supported in establishing plots and data based positioning. Immobilization performed on 10th January, samples were collected, collection by providing technicians, elephants and accommodation. 5x5 Km permanent minor wounds were treated and a satellite collar was placed on its neck. Unfortunately, grid was set for the purpose and wide range of data on different components of the it took out its collar the next day. Ronaldo after several days of roaming around BCC biodiversity were collected. premises, took Prakriti kali with him breaking the fence and successful mating was observed twice.

A problematic bull elephant which was creating trouble in Jan and Feb 2014 at Amiliya, ANIMAL RESCUE AND CAPTIVE MANGEMENT Madi sector was immobilized and fixed satellite collar with an aim to mitigate the th Interaction between wild and domestic animals as well as humans is serious subject elephant-human conflict. After several days of follow up, on 15 Feb, the elephant was of concern and needs proper management. Several operations are always being carried successfully darted but unfortunately could not recover from anesthesia and died within out including rescue operations, medical care and attention, immobilization, release 20 minutes. operations etc. Similarly, the project is supporting CNP for management of vulture, gharial and elephant conservation and breeding centers. The major activities related to animal rescue, wildlife disease, veterinary care and captive management related SPECIES CONSERVATION AND BREEDING PROGRAM activities. Vulture Conservation and Breeding Center (VCBC) Cattle Vaccination VCBC was established at Kasara of CNP covering 6,375 M2 area with an aim to ensure To prevent spreading diseases, BCC supported for the vaccination in Padampur area. A long term survival of Slender billed vulture Gyps tenuirortris and Oriental White-rumped total of 2,950 cattle were vaccinated against Charchare, Bhyagute and Khoret diseases vulture Gyps bengalensis. The project is a joint undertaking of DNPWC, NTNC, BCN, with an aim to control and prevent spreading these diseases in nearby animals of ZSL and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The crucial part is to ensure community forest. 2,900 households were benefited by the support. that the diet (food) given to the captive vultures is safe and free from Diclofenac as well as other chemical and biological contamination. Considering all these aspects, Wild Animals Rescue and Treatment animals brought from the village were kept under supervision of VCBC staff for more than 10 days. Vultures were fed mainly with buffalo meat along with skin and bones. BCC rescued a male baby rhino of about 5-6 months from Syalbas area and was given Annual health check-up was carried out regularly. The highest number of pairs and eggs veterinary care. The baby rhino with broken leg was recovered after intensive veterinary laid was recorded this year. Out of eleven pairs observed, nine pairs laid egg and one care. After 4 month treatment, the baby rhino leg has healed and has started to walk, was successfully hatched. Several un-hatched eggs of previous years were also hatched graze and eat normally. Another sub-adult rhino, accidently escaped from its habitat successfully. A new better resolution and zoom capacity dome camera was also placed was rescued from Makawanpur ca. 100 km from Sauraha. It suffered nail crack, pad loss for observation inside the aviary and the birds. and extreme exhaustion when attempts were carried out to push it back to CNP. After veterinary treatment the rhino was translocated to Sauraha on 22nd April. Elephant Breeding Center (EBC)

A problematic tiger was rescued from Shitalpur Madi on December, 2013 and held The EBC was established by the government at Khorsor in 1986 to breed elephants that captive at Kasara. The treatment was began from January 2014 with remote drug are necessary to carry out patrolling and research inside national parks. Since last 11 injection in which antibiotic and vitamins were injected through dart syringe. After years, the centre has been an attraction for many national and international visitors and

48 NTNC Annual Report 2014 also serving as an educational/recreational centre. Donation amount collected from the in Nawalparasi and a VDC at jointly with the Mahabharat Bio-diversity centre was used for the management of EBC which is being collected and managed by Conservation Concerned Society (MBCCS). District level and local level interactive BCC. program was organized at Dhaubadi, Naram, Ruchang, Deurali and Hupsekot in Nawalprasi and Jhirubas in Palpa. After series of field survey and consultation with Gharial Breeding Center (GBC) government and local communities, potential habitat of goral has been identified. In addition, natural resource management sub–committees at VDC level have been formed GBC was established at Kasara of CNP in 1978 to address the sharp decline of the gharial to mobilize the local youth and communities for active participation in goral conservation. crocodile from the rivers of Nepal and to ensure the long term survival of the gharial During the baseline survey, 5 gorals were observed at Hurhure dada of Dhaubadi. crocodile by captive breeding. The centre has been a place for research, education and recreation to the Nepalese as well as international visitors. WILDLIFE DISPLAY AND INFORMATION CENTRE Goral Conservation Initiative Wildlife Display and Information Centre was established in BCC. There are more than Community-based goral conservation initiative project has been initiated with the aim 250 specimens of animals along with skeleton, skin, bones and fecal matters of many to ensure the long term survival of Gorals in their Natural habitats in the Mahabharat animals on display with description. It has been one of the attractive destinations for range. BCC has initiated the project with the support of Hariyo Ban Program at 5 VDCs both national and international tourists.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 49 Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP)

50 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Bardia Conservation Program (BCP)

Introduction Bardia National Park (BNP) with area of 968 sq. km. is the largest national park in the Terai region of Nepal. BNP is famous for its rich floral and faunal biodiversity; its mosaic landscape of forest, grassland, and river provides suitable habitats for a wide range of wildlife species. An area of 507 sq. km., around the park is buffer zone. NTNC initiated its activities in the BNP and its adjoining areas with the translocation of first batch of rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) from CNP in 1986. First few years were focused on monitoring of translocated rhinoceros and in 1994 BCP was launched as a regular project of the Trust. BCP has given priority to biodiversity conservation through research and monitoring together with sustainable community development and livelihood support programs. Besides this, the project has been assisting national and international students to conduct field research on biodiversity, protected area management and socio-economic disciplines.

All the activities of BCP are concentrated in the park and buffer zone.Activities related to income generation, human wildlife conflicts and community development are being carried out by BCP. Over 45,000 local population are benefiting from its activities. The project implements its activities in close coordination and collaboration with BNP, buffer zone management committee (BZMC), buffer zone user committees (BZUC), buffer zone user groups (BZUG), buffer zone community forest users groups (BZCFUG), community based organizations (CBOs), local government institutions and other conservation partners.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 51 Hariyo Ban Program to remove of lantana in corridor forest. Lantana was manually removed from more than 150 hectare and each CFUG has prepared 5 hectare plots for its Key interventions and regular monitoring in order to see the control rate of invasive species. BZUC Institutional Support

achievements One laptop was handover to Thakurbaba BZUC for the database management and for other official work. One day orientation workshop was organized for 40 participants of UC, UG, CBAPU, ETDF and eco clubs members of Thakurdwara, Suryapatuwa, Shivapur, Neulapur BZUCs and staffs of BNP and BCP. The workshop focused on allocated program, 1. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION PROGRAM challenges, issues and working strategy. Similar workshop was organized targeted to 10 community leaders of northern buffer zone. Forest Management Support Strengthening CBAPU and IGA Support BCP has been managing 2 forest nurseries at Betahani since 1993 and at Banjariya since 1996. From these two forest nurseries, 27,800 poly bag and 42,600 bare root seedlings BCP in collaboration with BNP has provided supports to CBAPU including CBAPU statute of 17 species were produced and distributed in this fiscal year. In order to ensure social preparation and registration, proposal and report writing training to CBAPU members, and environmental safeguards, only native tree species are planted in BZCFs. Similarly, vocational skill based training. In order to motivate CBAPU different income generating 24,000 seedlings of multipurpose tree saplings were distributed to 9 VDCs for the activities targeted to youth, women and men were supported to 37 CBAPU members. private and community plantation and 41 ha enrichment plantation and restoration was Management Information System Technology (MIST) done during the period. MIST is under operation in 31 posts (out of 33 posts) of BNP. BCP has been providing Forest Fire Control technical and financial supports for database management in Park headquarters and patrolling activities in and around BNP. Forest fire is one of the major drivers for deforestation. To protect forest from fire, the existing fire lines were cleaned in 15 BZCFs at Suryapatuwa and Thakurdwara VDCs. A total of 91.83 km fire line was upgraded by mobilizing 2,294 HHs. Grazing Control

To control uncontrolled grazing and to discourage rearing of unproductive cattle, 6 units of awareness campaigns were conducted at 9 BZCFs after series of BZUC consultation meeting with the support from Hariyo Ban Program. As a result, 6 BZCFs were declared as grazing control zone. Hoarding boards were placed at 7 places to display message. BZUC has planned to introduce productive cattle with stall feeding in order to increase the income and restoration of forest. Monitoring and Control of Invasive Species

Banmara (Lantana camera), an invasive species has spread over the Karnali flood plain of BNP since last 10 years. The Khayer-sissoo forest and grassland are being replaced with lantana. For the control of this invasive species 6 BZCFs were supported through

52 NTNC Annual Report 2014 CAPA Implementation Electric Fence Management Support

In order to meet the challenges created by climate change and to adapt to the impacts of In order to maintain the electric fence and to increase its effectiveness, 5 additional climate change locally, the project under the Hariyo Ban Program facilitated to formulate power back up with energizer were installed at Ishwarigunj, Bhatera, Motipur, Betahani CAPA of Godana community in Neulapur. In this fiscal year, the project supported to and Gobrella with the support of International Elephant Foundation (IEF), Hariyo Ban implement the activities as per CAPA document. Hoarding board placement, bamboo Program and AWELY France. Similarly, supports were provided to replace existing and broom grasses plantation, off season vegetable farming training, plastic tunnel old energizer at Geruwa & Gola and 10 fence guards were mobilized in 5 BZCFUGs. construction, awareness program, fire line cleanup, removing invasive species, improve AWELY Red Nepal has distributed 55 units of torch lights to different electric fence cooking stove distribution, construction of low cost toilet, irrigation system, seasonal maintenance groups in sever conflict areas of BNP which was successful in chasing wild and off season vegetable farming, community meeting cum shelter house construction elephants at night. and river control works were implemented. Similarly, climate change and biodiversity conservation training was organized for protected area manager of western and far Watch Tower Repair and Maintenance western region to introduce climate smart management system in the protected areas. The project organized climate change awareness class to local journalists of Bardia. Watch towers which were in use in BNP for the surveillance of wild animals were upgraded. A total of 15 watch towers were repaired in this fiscal year.

Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Support for Wildlife Victims and Family BCP has been providing certain relief fund to wildlife victim. Monthly allowances of Predator Proof Corral House NRs 1,500 was provided to 14 single women and 6 disable persons. The project also To minimize livestock damage from predator, the project has supported to make 250 supported for the treatment of 5 wildlife victims in the year. On the occasion of 17th units of predator proof corral house in Thakurdwara, Suryaptuwa and Shivapur VDCs. Wildlife week, Orphan education support was given to 29 students. 26 female and male students were supported with NRs. 2,400 each for school level education and 3 were supported with NRs. 6,000 for higher education.

Promotion of Alternative Crops

AWELY Red Cap Nepal Program supported 200 HHs to cultivate alternative crops in 12 hectare land. The alternative crops supported in the HWC prone community are not palatable to wildlife and have high economic value. Crops like turmeric, mentha, lemongrass and chamomile are being provided as one of the mitigating strategies to reduce the level of impact and lessen the damage of wildlife.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROMOTION PROGRAM Biogas Support

BCP with the support of Hariyo Ban Program had installed 413 biogas plants at 10 VDCs of buffer zone area. Patabhar BZUC declared Bhatera village as the first biogas model village in Buffer Zone of BNP on 5 June 2014 with the support of Hariyo Ban Program. A total of 58 HHs (out of 72 HHs) at Bhatera village has installed biogas. Rests of the HHs are in process of installing biogas to be benefitted from an alternative energy source.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 53 Park Visit Program

Park visit program was organized by BCP in participation with 20 CBAPUs, 21 local schools, university groups, eco club teachers and 22 community groups including nature guides and journalists. The main objective of the park visit program was to disseminate the importance of park, its benefit to both people and wildlife, sustainable management of the park among different level of participants. Street Drama Support

Bardia Conservation Drama Group, established in 2010 by the eco club members of Shree Nepal Rastriya Lower Secondary school, Thakurdwara performed more than 30 dramas in park areas with an aim to motivate local people in wildlife conservation, to engage school students in wildlife conservation, to engage school students in wildlife conservation and to conserve the threatened wildlife of Bardiya.

School awareness program like human wildlife conflict mitigation measures were Improved Cooking Stove organized in 6 schools at Patabhar VDC to aware school students for the minimization of conflict as these areas are severely suffering from the crop damage, property damage To minimize the fuel wood consumption and deforestation in Churai hill in Northern and human causalities from wild elephants. 315 school students took part in the sessions buffer zone of BNP, the project supported to install 99 Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) in and 2,000 copies of conservation promotional material were distributed among school 4 settlements of northern buffer zone made of Iron Sheet. The ICS support has improved students and eco clubs. the living standard of forest dependent community people in rural areas promoting the use of renewable energy technology for protecting the energy.

CONSERVATION EDUCATION PROGRAM Conservation Educational Tour

Women users groups of Betani and Bhatkaiya, were taken to Sukhlaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR) to show the conservation initiatives done in SWR and the best practices of SWR in conservation. Community Conservation Education

Altogether, 29 community conservation education programs were conducted at Neulapur and Taranga VDCs. Documentary shown on human wildlife conflict mitigation measures were shown among community members. Large number (998) of women, men and marginalized groups from community were participated in the conservation education which helped them to increase their interest in conservation.

54 NTNC Annual Report 2014 for mainstreaming GESI Similarly, GESI sensitization for CBAPU members was also organized. Overall the objectives of the GESI sensitization and trainings remained in mainstreaming gender and social inclusion in natural resources management. Governance Training

In order to raise awareness on existing laws, rules and to introduce terms and the concept of good governance in BZCF management, the project organized governance training for members of the BZCFUG and other stakeholders. Altogether 25 individuals were benefited from the training. Account Keeping Training

To enhance the capacity of BZUCs and co-operatives, in collaboration with MSFP and Co- Act Nepal, the project organized 5 days long account keeping training at BCP. Participants were oriented on double book keeping, mobilizing saving and credits and record keeping system. Similarly, account keeping training was organized at Taranga-1, Gainekanda for mother groups. Account book keeping training enhanced the capacity Special Day Celebration of community people especially women about detailed-book keeping. Another account keeping workshop was also organized to enhance the capacity of women users' group Global Tiger Day, Wildlife Week, World Wetland Day International Women’s Day All that BCP has been facilitating for saving and credit programs. the day were marked and celebrated in participation of local stakeholders, Government bodies, CSOs to acknowledge the importance of biodiversity conservation and contribution of community people in conservation, FM Radio Program

BCP has been broadcasting a 15 minutes radio program in collaboration with Bheri FM, a popular radio station in northern sector since August 2012. The program continued this year and covered conservation highlights, description of a particular endangered wildlife, talk show of local conservationist and conservation quiz.

GESI, GOVERNANCE AND LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT PROGRAM GESI Training

BCP staffs were trained in a day long gender sensitization workshop. The main objective of the workshop was to aware on gender and social inclusion as well to bring women and socially excluded group in the mainstream of conservation and development. Similarly, a day long Hariyo Ban GESI mainstreaming strategy training for BCP, BNP staffs and the members of BZUC and WESCT was organized. The main objective of the training was to raise awareness on Hariyo Ban GESI mainstreaming strategy in Hariyo Ban Program working area, promote a favorable institutional and policy environment

NTNC Annual Report 2014 55 Sewing and Tailoring Training

To support the local livelihood, 6 months sewing and tailoring training was conducted at Shivapur-5, Bakuwa. A total of 21 women of Janajati communities took part in the training and shown their commitment to establish tailoring shop in the village. Micro Enterprise Support

BCP has supported a differently able local youth for the establishment of a bicycle repairing center as a micro enterprise support with an aim to encourage local youths of local community to involve in income generating activities and has started earning his living and created job for few local youths in Bardiya.

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE PROGRAM Health Center Management Support

For the sustainable management of this center, NTNC-BCP has established an Cooking Training endowment fund in the bank. To cover the day to day operational cost, BCP has granted BCP conducted a week long cooking training to avail the trained cooks in the region. 25 NPR 120,000 to cover the deficit management cost of health center. During the period existing cooks (of which 11 female) of the local hotels were participated and trained 2,958 patients were treated at the center. on different types of continental, Indian, Chinese and Nepali foods. The participants Snake Bite Treatment Center initiated introducing new cuisine in their hotel to expand their business and satisfy customers of different taste. With an initiation of Bagnaha BZUC, BNP and, Narsingdal Gan a snake bite treatment center was build at Sainwar. BCP provided financial support for the construction of Nature Guide Training building. The local community people of Baridya are expected to benefit from the service Two units of basic nature guide training were organized jointly organized. Altogether provided by the treatment center. The center will be managed by Narsinghdal Gan. 61 local youths were trained on basic course of plants and wildlife, habitat, birds, park rules and regulations, first aid, code of conducts of a nature guide and guest hospitality SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM including practical sessions. BNP provided ID card and lisence to these trained youth. Canoeing Tourism Promotion Tharu Cultural Museum Management

Shivpur Bandahawa CFUG of Thakurbaba BZUC initiated canoeing and recreation at the Tharu Cultural Museum located in BNP is under management of NTNC-BCP and has Hattisar area. To attract tourists for in canoeing, cleanliness of the area is of equal been regularly supporting for its maintenance. Altogether 28,685 visitors visited Tharu importance and realizing this, BCP provided partial support for toilet construction and Cultural Museum and crocodile breeding center located at the Museum premises of sanitation management. which 18,128 are Nepali, 575 are foreigners and 9,932 are students.

56 NTNC Annual Report 2014 southern part and also crop raiding. In order to minimize the crop damages and to enhance the income generation of local people, BCP in support of AWELY Red Cap Nepal program has been promoting alternative crops to minimize the damage of crops in the community. Research Grant for University Students

Student thesis grants were provided to M.Sc. Wildlife Biology student (male) from Kota University, India for the study on Population and basking pattern of python bivittatus (Kuhl, 1820) in Bardia National Park and Chandrama Khadak, Msc Forestry student from KAFCOL for the study on habitat evaluation and suitability modeling of tiger (panthera tigris tigris) using geospatial approach in Bardia National Park. Similarly, logistic and technical support was provided to M.Sc. student (female) from Khwpa College, Bhaktapur for human wildlife conflict assessment in Betahani Buffer Zone Community Forest. Otter Survey WILDLIFE RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROGRAM The field survey was carried out in 5-13 June, 2014 to find out the status and distribution of oriental small clawed otter and other otter species. The field surveyed was organized ID based Rhino Monitoring in Karnali, Geruwa and Khauraha rivers. No otters were recorded in Karnali and Geruwa while organizing the survey using the raft. Maximum number of smooth coated ID based rhino monitoring is regular activity of BCP. At present, Master ID files of 32 otter's foot print and spirants and 6 smooth coated otters were recorded in Khauraha rhinos are prepared in BNP of which ID 1, 11 and 12 are not seen since 2009. Intensive ID whereas there is no any evidence of oriental small clawed otter in Karnali. The study based Rhino monitoring helped to track rhinos based on its distinct physical appearance has generated baseline information on habitats and distribution of smooth coated otter and also helped to maintain database of their movement. (Lutrogale perspicillata) for developing effective research priorities and implementing Bird Survey at Khata and Karnali Corridor conservation and management of otters in the Karnali River and the further study on oriental small clawed otter. Bird survey in Khata and Karnali forest corridor s were carried out in summer and winter. The survey was done following natural trails and using boats. A total of 153 species of Dolphin Monitoring birds with forty families and 12 orders were recorded, out of which 137 were found in In order to track and monitoring the Dolphin population in Karnali river, Dolphin Khata and 86 species in Karnali. The globally threatened bird, Great Slaty Woodpecker monitoring was done in November, 2013. During monitoring, 9 dolphins were sighted Mulleripicus pulverulentus and White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis were recorded in the Indian side. Similarly, 3 dolphins were recorded on December 2013; 1dolphin was in Karnali corridor and Black Stork Ciconia nigra was recorded in Khata corridor. sighted on January and May 2014. Human Wildlife Conflict Assessment

BCP deployed technical staff for the assessment of human wildlife conflict.The assessment has shown number of livestock predation has increased (190 cases) in

NTNC Annual Report 2014 57 58 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Shuklaphanta Conservation Program (SCP)

Introduction Suklaphanta Conservation Program (SCP) is implemented in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (SWR) in Kanchanpur District. NTNC started its conservation activities related to wildlife research and monitoring, in the SWR in 1999. Regular activities are being carried out since 2002 while the project office was established at Majhgaon in 2003. The main objective of the SCP is to monitor and conduct research on the natural resources of the Reserve.

The project fosters environmental stewardship, promotes social equity, supports livelihood through various income generating activities and capacity building at the local level to safeguard endangered flagship species and their habitats in and around SWR. Given the inherent challenge in biodiversity conservation, the project has identified three major working areas: biodiversity research, livelihood improvement, and sustainable community development. These programs are implemented through community participation. Moreover, the project extends financial and technical assistance to SWR office in conserving its unique biodiversity through various research activities. To achieve the objective of the project, it works closely with SWR officials, as well as local government institutions, community-based organizations, and conservation partners.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 59 Key interventions and achievements

Natural Resource Conservation Program Honorarium Support

For self-sustainability of forest and to control illegal activities in buffer zone forest, SCP has supported honorarium for 3 forest guards of BZCFs of buffer zone of SWR as a reward. Nursery Management

SCP in support of Hariyo Ban Program and AWELY Green Cap Project has been CAPA Implementation operating nursery in its office premises at Chadmari and produced 50,368 forest seedlings of various native species (Eucalyptus, Tanki, Sissoo, Bakino, Khamari, Bans, In order to reduce the impact and promote locally available adaptation techniques, Gliricidia, Amala, Epilepil etc.). Basically, fodder plant species were prioritized for community adaptation plan of action (CAPA) was formulated and implemented at plantation in private and public land. Under the AWELY Green Cap, 10,000 perennial Simalphanta of Jhalari VDC to address the differential impact of women, men and grasses seedlings were provided to 358 users of 9 user groups. marginalized groups. Support was provided for 100 m river embankment planned in CAPA. The embankment was accomplished with active participation of local community. Strengthening CBAPU

In order to build the capacity of CBAPU members, 41 CBAPU members were trained. For institutional strengthening, 6 newly formed CBAPUs and community based anti- poaching sub-committees were granted.

Wildlife Research and Monitoring ID base Rhino Monitoring

Intensive ID based rhino monitoring was conducted in SWR in order to track rhinos and maintain database of their movement. ID based rhino monitoring was carried out in technical support of SCP in SWR and succeed to track 9 rhinos in SWR in this fiscal year.

60 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Reintroduced Blackbuck Management

The government of Nepal decided to establish a viable sub-population of blackbuck in SWR. According to the decision, NTNC reintroduced 28 blackbucks from Central Zoo, Jawalakhel and Nepalgunj Mini-Zoo in 2012. Reintroduced animals were released inside a predator proof fence area of 7.5 ha in Hirapurphanta. Till the end of May 2014, there are 29 births and 21 deaths and present population is 36. SCP is continuously monitoring the health status of the animal and also managing habitats inside the enclosure.

Alternative Energy PROMOTION Program Biogas Support

NTNC, from its very beginning has been promoting biogas technology as alternative sources of fuel aiming to improve the health of community people especially women and reduce pressure on forest resources. SCP in support of Hariyo Ban Program and AWELY France has installed the biogas plants in the buffer zone of SWR. In total,70 biogas plants were supported at Hirapurphanta, which is a resettled and relocated settlement Tiger Monitoring during Reserve's expansion.

Tiger monitoring is one of the regular program of SCP and is being carried out in close coordination with SWR. In this fiscal year, camera trapping was done from February to March 2014 by dividing whole 305 sq.km. of reserve into 81 grids of 2x2 sq.km. A pair of camera was deployed in a grid for 15 days. Individual tigers were identified through rigorous examination of the unique stripe patterns on the flanks, limbs etc. A total of 825 person-days and 1,215 camera trap nights were spent for the camera trapping operation in SWR. Tiger monitoring in 2014 estimated a total of 17 tigers in SWR which is similar to the result of 2013. Ecological Study of Swamp Deer

NTNC initiated long-term ecological study (2013–016) on swamp deer Rucervusduva uceliduvauceli in SWR under the partial grant support of Hariyo Ban Program. As a part of capacity building program, the Trust provided opportunity to Mr. Hemanta Kumar Yadav, Conservation Officer of the Trust to use generated data for his Ph.D. Radio coloring is planned first time in Nepal into 25 swamp deer to find out their population dynamics, spacing behavior, seasonal habitat use and nutritional ecology. As part of the study, barasingha count was also conducted by using direct count method on April where 2,301 individuals (777male, 1,390 female and 134 fawns) were recorded.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 61 ICS Support Special Day Celebrations

To reduce pressure on natural forest resources and to improve the health and reduce The project marked several national and international conservation related days with workload of local women in the community, 191 improved cooking stoves were special events. Global Tiger Day, International Women’s Day, World Environment Day distributed to Rauteli-Bichuwa, Jhilmila & Jhalari areas. were celebrated in participation with local stakeholders, government, CSOs to show commitment to work together in conservation. Conservation Education and Extension program Community Development Program Conservation Awareness Program School Management Support SCP conducted 2 conservation awareness programs in 4 BZUCs of SWR. Officials from As one of the community development program, computer accessories were supported to SWR, SCP, Nepal Army and BZMC facilitated the programs and highlighted on major 2 schools in buffer zone. During the year, a set of computer, printer and accessories were challenges seen and faced by women and marginalized groups in conservation sector. supported to Siddhanath Lower Secondary School, Baghphanta under Shuklaphanta UC Similarly, AWELY Green Cap Program has conducted regular meeting with user groups and Ganesh Higher Secondary School, Ratuli Bicchuwa under Bageshwori UC. Altogether to raise conservation awareness. With an aim to aware, educate and disseminate 1,100 students and 35 teachers directly benefited by the support. conservation education among school children, SCP in support of AWLEY Green Cap Program has organized school conservation education program in buffer zone of SWR Low-cost Toilet Support and 781 students were benefitted from the awareness program. In order to reduce human wildlife conflicts caused due to open toilet habits of local people in close area of wildlife reserve and to improve the health of community people, SCP supported to construct 20 units of low-cost toilets at Pipriya and Gobraiya of Bhimdutta municipality and Imalia of Ratauli Bachuwa VDC. Ginger and Turmeric Farming Training

In order to make local people self-sustained in terms of their basic needs through income generation activities and to motivate them in conservation, SCP organized ginger and turmeric farming training to 6 members of Janaki User Group under Shuklaphanta UC. Organized under the AWELY Green Cap Project, the training was conducted in coordination of District Agriculture Office, Kanchanpur. Seeds of the ginger and turmeric were distributed to farmers. Advanced Sewing and Tailoring Training

SCP organized 3 months long tailoring and sewing training to 20 women from 3 UCs of the buffer zone of SWR. After the training, tailoring centers was initiated in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur which also generated job for local women.

62 NTNC Annual Report 2014 GESI and Governance GESI Mainstreaming Training

With an aim to sensitize staff on GESI and to create common understanding on gender and social inclusion, GESI sensitization workshop for SCP staffs was organized in SCP. The facilitation was done by GESI Officer of NTNC. In order to develop a common understanding of GESI and its significance in controlling illegal trade and poaching, a day long GESI sensitization training was conducted for CBAPU members. Altogether 20 members from different units participated the training. With the support of Hariyo Ban Program, orientation program on Hariyo Ban GESI mainstreaming strategy was organized for BZUC and BZMC members. Governance

With the support of Hariyo Ban program, governance training was organized for BZCFs to establish a common understanding of governance in CF and in BZCFs. Executive committee members of CF and BZCF showed their active participation in the training.

Artificial Insemination Program

The Project also supported for artificial insemination in local domestic cows for their timely breeding. During the fiscal year, artificial insemination was done in 15 cows of Bhumdutta municipality. Grass Seed Support

Open grazing is one of the main threats of SWR. The quality of tiger habitat is declining in the fringe area. In order to minimize open grazing in SWR, AWELY Green Cap Program through SCP has supported summer millet (Bajara) grass seed to 399 households of Shuklaphanta, Kalkitch and Bageshowri UCs. This grass seed support has targeted to reduce biodiversity threats. Cattle Feeder Support

To encourage stall feeding in buffer zone, in support of Hariyo Ban Program, SCP supported cattle feeder to 26 households of Aiia women user group in Bhimdutta municipality area. Cattle feeder support helped to reduce the forest pressure by controlling open grazing in buffer zone of SWR.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 63 64 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Central Zoo

Introduction The Central Zoo located at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur was established by Late Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shamser in 1932 as a private Zoo for the purpose of providing recreation and entertainment for his family and close friends. After the political changes in 1950, the ownership of this Zoo came under the GoN. Public access to the Zoo began in 1956. Over the years, the management of the Zoo remained under various departments of the Nepal Government. Management responsibility of the Zoo was formally handed over to the NTNC for 30 years on December 29, 1995.

The main objective of the Zoo is to develop it as a center for recreation, conservation education and wildlife research within the given ideology of modern zoo philosophy. The Zoo is also a site of historical and cultural significance for multi-ethnic communities where about a million visitors visit the Zoo annually the highest number per day reaches over 30,000 during Bhoto Jatra festival. With a total area of about 6 ha the Zoo at present houses about 880 individual animals representing 116 different species. Among these, tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), elephant (Elephus maximus), rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), siamang (Hylobates syndactylus), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) and Himalayan black bear (Melurus thibetanus) are the major attraction to the visitors. Varieties of attractive birds, such as impeyean pheasant (Lophophorusimpejanus), sarus crane (Grus antigone), lorikeet (Domicelladomicella), ostrich (Struthiocamelus), Himalayan griffon (Gyps Himalayansis) etc. attract visitors to a greater extent. Similarly, reptile house and aquarium are also the major attraction for visitors.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 65 FOZ Coordinator Interaction Meeting

The FOZ Coordinator Interaction meeting was held on 21st March, 2014. Altogether 36 Key interventions and FOZ coordinators participated in the meeting with a purpose to discuss and get the feedback on annual educational program and the FOZ coordinators gave their valuable achievements input and suggestions regarding the yearly educational program of zoo. Inter-School FOZ Tournament

As one of the recreational activities targeted to FOZ students, open badminton Conservation Education tournament was organized on 6th December in which girls and boys from 12 different schools participated. Zoo Visit for Differently Able Students Days Celebrations As one of the good initiative, Zoo visit program was organized on 27th March, 2014 and 28th April, 2014 for differently able students with an objective to provide opportunity Global tiger Day was celebrated on 29th July. Central Zoo conducted various program for to visit Zoo and aware them about ex-situ conservation and its importance. Total FOZ members and visitors by doing talk program on tiger. Different information about 20 disabled students and 8 teachers from Patan Community Based Rehabilitation tiger, its habitat and conservation efforts was delivered to the students. Also students Organization (Patan CBR) and 15 children from Creative Hands of Deaf Women (CHWD) showed their great involvement in celebration by coloring, drawing and preparing tiger visited the Zoo. masks. International Vulture Awareness Day was celebrated on 7th September, 2013 FOZ Membership & Support

Five different public schools: Shree Mahalaxmi Lower Secondary School, Nakhipot; Shree Bishnu Devi ShikshaSadan, Satungal; Shree Bishwa Mitra Ganesh Madyamik Vidyalaya, Lubu; Shree Adarsha SaulaYubak Higher Secondary school, Bugmati and Shree Chundavi Madyamik Vidyalaya, Thankot were encouraged to participate in conservation education program throughout the year. Various sports and educational materials were provided to 3 public schools on the occasion of World Environment Day. FOZ Club Meeting and Program

FOZ club meeting which was organized in The Excelsior School on 8th August, 2013, has won the best club for the year 2012. Altogether 37 representatives from 21 schools have attended the program and FOZ club members shared their experiences and gave demonstration of their activities. Moreover, FOZ club members conducted a cleanup campaingn inside the Zoo premises. Altogether 100 FOZ Club member from 15 different schools participated in the campaign which helped to create awareness among visitors and school students about the required hygiene, sanitation and surroundings of the captive animals.

66 NTNC Annual Report 2014 to create awareness on protection of vanishing vultures. More than 150 FOZ members from different schools participated in the program and involved in different activities like signature campaign, talk program and coloring.

World Wetland day was celebrated on 2nd February, 2014 by undertaking activities like presentation, signature campaign and Zoo Clean up camp to raise public awareness over the value and importance of wetland benefits and for the conservation of wetlands. Held under the theme ‘Wetland and Agriculture: Partner for Growth’ it sought to highlight the many ways in which we can contribute to their conservation and restoration. International Biodiversity day was celebrated on 22nd May, to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity conservation among all. Active participation of FOZ members in drawing competition organized for the particular day on the theme "Mountain Biodiversity" made the International Biodiversity Day a grand success. Altogether 42 students from 21 different schools participated in the competition and won different prizes. Night Guided Tour

Night Guided Tour for FOZ Members was organized on December 2013 and January Earth -2013 and IUCN representatives along with FOZ members participated in the 2014. A total of 1,334 students from 20 schools were participated in tour program with program and involved in preparing food for captive animals to experience their feeding full enthusiasm to learn about the behavior of captive nocturnal animals. behavior. More than 1,300 FOZ students from 20 different students have participated in this program. Wildlife Essay Competition FOZ Coordinator Educational Tour Wildlife Essay competition was organized on 22nd December, 2013 in Zoo for FOZ junior and senior members on the topic “Red Panda and Its Habitat" with an aim to aware and The educational tour for 17 FOZ coordinators was organized to Bhujung of ACA on educate FZO members about the protection of endangered species and its habitat. February 4- 7, 2014 to acquaint them with one of the best ICDP approach. An interaction program of FOZ coordinators with NTNC officials based in Bhujung was arranged to give FOZ Member Educational Tour overview on ICDP Model of ACAP and its tireless effort in conservation for development in the community. An Educational tour was organized for senior FOZ Members from grade 8-10 to ACAP-Ghandruk on 21st January to 23rd January, 2014 to explore the natural resource Visit to National Botanical Garden management of protected areas and its different income generating activities. Similarly, th another educational tour to Chitwan Nationla Park was organized for junior FOZ members Excursion Trip to National Botanical garden, Godavari was organized on 17 February st from grade 5-7 from 27th to 29th January, 2014 to know about the most prevalent issue of and 21 February, 2014 for public and private schools. Total 90 FOZ members participated HWC inside national park and buffer zone. Altogether, 59 students were benefited from from public and private schools with an objective to generate ideas on ex-situ and in-situ this educational tour. conservation and to aware FOZ members to identify and conserve medicinal, exotic and prohibited plants diversity so that they could deliver this knowledge to others. Animal Feeding Program Solid Waste Management Training The most popular and highly appreciated educational program of the zoo, animal feeding program has been opened for the FOZ members from July 16. Ms Rojisa K.C, Miss Nepal A day long Solid waste management training was organized on 28th February, 2014. Total 51 FOZ member students participated and trained on solid waste management,

NTNC Annual Report 2014 67 increase ‘Climate Literacy’, address the impact of global warming, encourages changes in their attitudes and behavior and helps them adapt to climate change. Total 85 FOZ members from 42 different schools participated.

Special Events Zoo Anniversary Celebration

NTNC - Central Zoo celebrated its 18th anniversary on 29th December 2013. Different activities were held on the occasion of zoo anniversary like Senior Art Workshop, drawing competition on topic "Red Panda and its Habitat”, Friendly football match between FOZ coordinators and zoo staffs and on the spot banner competition. The main attraction of the anniversary was the Senior Art workshop, where 22 senior artist of Nepal participated and performed paintings on theme ‘biodiversity, nature conservation and its importance’ which helped in sensitizing people about nature conservation.

A formal ceremony with prize distribution program was organized at the zoo premises. responsibility in its management and the storage and removal of solid waste. Waste Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi, the secretary of MoFSC showed his gracious presence as the chief management site of zoo was visited by students during training. guest released a book entitled “Conservation Biology” and also distributed prizes to the FOZ wildlife Quiz Contest winners of the different competetion. The program was chaired by Mr. Govinda Gajurel, the Member Secretary of the Trust and Ms. Sarita Jnawali, Manager of the Central Zoo th Inter–school FOZ wildlife quiz contest was organized on 7 March, 2014 to keep informed welcomed the participants. about the animal history, wildlife science and its updates. Total 67 FOZ members were participated in the contest. A Day with Vet Program

Friends of Zoo (FOZ) members spent a day with a vet by taking tips on general health check up of captive animals. The talk program as well as practical session provided an opportunity for FOZ members to learn about the medical care of captive animals, animal handling and treatment. One of the FOZ members was awarded for submitting the best report based on his Vet day experience. Prashanta Acharya of Gyanodaya Bal Batika School, Lalitpur bagged the award for submitting the best report. Climate Change Awareness Program

Realizing a fact that education is an essential and visible part of global response to climate change, climate change awareness program was organized for FOZ members. Different activities like training, documentary, quiz and group work was conducted to help young people like FOZ members to understand the impact of global warming,

68 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Animal Management

Animal Collection

Different species of animal were collected from different sources. Among them four horned antelope, rhino, ostrich, aquarium fishes, rhesus macaque, Asiatic Rock python, Barking deer, pangolin, Jackle. Four horned antelope is new species added in zoo collection and was brought from Banke NP. Rescued Rhinoceros calf named ‘Bire’ has found its new home at the Central Zoo. Bire was rescued from CNP and was taken to the zoo after primary treatment in NTNC-BCC is now enjoying his new resident and has partially recovered from his wound.

Similarly, the zoo resident ostrich (Struthio camelus) has found a new companion after a pair of ostrich of was brought to the zoo from Rupendehi on October, 2013. The resident ostrich has settled with the new pair and is enjoying her new companion. Ostrich is flightless birds native to Africa. The two male Four horned antelopeTetracerus ( quadricornis) rescued by the Banke NP was brought to the zoo in July 2013. Both of World Environment Day Celebration them are tentatively 6 and two month of age and are good in health. The four-horned antelope, or chousingha, is a smallest antelope standing only 55 to 64 cm (22 to 25 in) NTNC-Central Zoo along with other partner organizations; Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan at the shoulder. City, IUCN, WWF Nepal and BCN marked the World Environment Day on 5th June 2014 with the theme "Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level". Government of Nepal officially translated the theme as "Himal Bachaun, Batabaran Jogaun" in order to make it more relevant to Nepal as she is a landlocked country.

A rally with a decorated elephant and thousands of participants along with traditional Dhime Baja rallied around Lalitpur city to spread the conservation message in accordance with the theme. The school children and teachers of FOZ took part in the rally. Similarly, representatives from government and non-government organizations enthusiastically participated in the ceremony. Another attraction of the ceremony was the presence of Miss Nepal World 2014 - Ms. Subin Limbu, the Biodiversity Conservation Ambassador of NTNC, Miss Nepal Earth 2014 - Ms. Prinsha Shrestha and Miss Nepal International 2014 Sonie Rajbhandar.

The Chief Guest Honorable Member of the National Planning Commission Prof. Dr. Govinda Nepal highlighted the impacts of climate change and emphasized the need of national plans to ensure adaptation activities are geared to save the environment. Member Secretary of NTNC, Mr. Govinda Gajurel welcomed the participants and Project Manager of NTNC-Central Zoo, Ms Sarita Jnawali delivered vote of thanks.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 69 2014.The main objective of the tour was to learn about overall zoo management and animal handling . Training to Zoo keepers

Three Zoo keepers of Central Zoo attended the training on “Management of wild animals in captivity with special reference to enrichment of animal enclosures” held in Kanpur Zoological Park, Kanpur, U.P, India from September 1- 15, 2013. The training was fruitful for Zoo keepers which helped them to enhance their knowledge on animal management. Talk Program for Animal Management staffs

Talk program for Zoo keepers was organized on February 9, 2014 which was facilitatedby Dr. Balaram Thapa, Chief Consultant Surgeon and discussed on different precautions to be taken while handling animals. Training to Zoo Staff

Central Zoo organized “Training for High Performance” to its staff where 75 staffs A pair of Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae which was rescued in April 2012 has hatched participated in the program. The training helped to discover the importance of 6 chicks last year now the couple is expanding its family, this year again after 58 days communicating ideas and experiences among the staffs to accomplish goals. of incubation 6 eggs were hatched now their family has expanded to 10. The chicks are in good health and are being reared by their father which is a particular feature of these Sir John’s Visit birds. Similarly, chicks of Nepali Kaliz, golden, lady amherst pheasant, black headed ibis, sulphur crested cocktoo have also been successfully hatched following a prudent care Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, Chairman of UK Trust for Nature Conservation in Nepal and management. visited the Central Zoo and observed ongoing infrastructure development of the Zoo. Sir John appreciated the work initiated by the Zoo. He also observed the conservation Wildlife Rescue Operation education activities.

The Central Zoo has rescued various types of mammals, birds and reptiles with the Likewise Dr. Nic Masters veterinarian from Zoological Society of London, UK visited the request from DNPWC, DOF, Nepal Police and local community. These animals includes Zoo, Dr. Masters delivered the talk program related with pheasant breeding and general very small from passerine bird to very large Common Leopard. During this fiscal year a health care and disease to the animal management and Zoo keepers. total of 494 wild animals which includes 61 mammals, 15 reptiles and 418 birds were rescued. Some of them were kept in Zoo and others were released in different natural Visit of Zoo Keepers from Denver Zoo, Colorado, USA habitat. A team of 16 Zoo Keepers from Denver Zoo, Colorado, USA visited the Central Zoo. The team was led by Mr. Dave Johnson. Mr. Johnson is a pachyderm zookeeper in Denver, Participation, Visits and Capacity Building Colorado, USA. On the occasion Mr. Johnson introduced his book Narayani the unicorn of Nepal ‘A Rhino tale’. The representatives from the team gave presentation on various Zoo Visit aspects of animal food and structural enrichment. Later they visited the Zoo and gave their inputs on food enrichment for the Central Zoo animals. A team of 10 staff comprising animal management and administration staff visited the Padmaja Naidu Himlayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling India from 12 March to 17 March,

70 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Infrastructure Development Enclosures for animal

Small mammals: cats and porcupine, common leopard, Aviary, Langur and Ghoral were shifted to new enclosure for more space and extra enrichment. Similarly, new enclosure for Red panda was prepared which was inaugurated jointly by Miss Nepal World Subin Limbu along with Miss Nepal Earth Prinsa Shrestha and Miss Nepal International Sonie Rajbhandari. Pond beautification

With the plantation of various trees and ornamental plants gardens are established in the west and north side of big pond of the Central zoo to beautify the surroundings. Added Attractions

Helicopter ride has been added at the children park, the ride which has sound similar to the Helicopter has become a fun and amusement among the visitors specially children.

Other Activities Health Camps

Two health camps: free eye check up and kidney check up, were organized in zoo premises to check the health status of staffs. Staffs from central office and the central zoo checked up eye and kidney during respective camps. The main objective of these camps were to provide free treatment for staffs; aware about the importance of eye donation and to encourage staffs to maintain the habit of regular health check besides their busy schedule. Research Grant Support

Small grants were awarded for 3 undergraduate Nepalese students for their dissertation on different conservation related topics. Parwati Devi Sharma, Dhiroj Prasad Koirala and Pushpa Rana Magar were given research grant for their dissertation.

NTNC Annual Report 2014 71 72 NTNC Annual Report 2014 Financial Reports

NTNC Annual Report 2014 73 NATIONAL TRUST FOR NATURE CONSERVATION KHUMALTAR, LALITPUR, NEPAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at Ashad 32, 2071 (July 16, 2014) Amount in NPR. Current year Previous year Particulars As at Ashad 32, 2071 As at Ashad 31, 2070 (July 16 , 2014) (July 15 , 2013) Assets : Non Current (Fixed Assets ) 438,579,375.12 440,276,320.30 Investments 622,917,014.55 597,231,893.85 Current Assets: 273,008,262.76 251,610,850.11 Cash and Bank Balances 201,212,298.37 190,575,173.82 Advances 14,589,071.22 2,557,159.10 Accounts Receivable 57,206,893.17 58,478,517.19 TOTAL 1,334,504,652.43 1,289,119,064.26 Fund & Donations Endowment Fund 68,230,000.00 68,230,000.00 Capital Assets Fund 400,194,267.46 401,564,458.37 Exchange Equalization Reserve 162,985,878.38 160,380,942.65 Restricted Fund Balance 155,421,960.91 119,337,314.58 Balance upto Last Year 119,337,314.58 114,724,178.75 Add/(Less): Current Year Balance 36,084,646.33 4,613,135.83 Accumulated Surplus: 248,822,717.67 256,174,061.82 Surplus upto Last Year 256,174,061.82 240,212,904.60 Less: Deficit adjusted in Current Year (77,936,154.08) - Add: Current Year Surplus/(Deficit) 70,584,809.93 15,961,157.22 Liabilities 298,849,828.01 283,432,286.84 Current Liabilities 80,493,579.99 77,007,534.45 Non Current Liabilities (Long Term Liabilities) 218,356,248.02 206,424,752.39 TOTAL 1,334,504,652.43 1,289,119,064.25

Significant accounting policies and notes to accounts form integral part of this statements. As per our report of even date.

(Sd) (Sd) (Sd) ------JITENDRA RAJ ONTA GOVINDA GAJUREL MAHADATTA TIMILSINA DIRECTOR - FINANCE MEMBER SECRETARY DEPUTY AUDITOR GENERAL, NEPAL

74 NTNC Annual Report 2014 NATIONAL TRUST FOR NATURE CONSERVATION KHUMALTAR, LALITPUR, NEPAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the year ended Ashad 32, 2071 (July 16, 2014)

Amount in NPR. Current year Previous Year Particulars for the year ended for the year ended Ashad 32, 2071 Ashad 31, 2070 (July 16, 2014) (July 15, 2013) INCOME : External Sources 396,754,794.15 219,325,779.32 Internal Sources 470,950,022.04 391,412,825.63 Total Income 867,704,816.19 610,738,604.95 Expenditure Project Expenditure (Restricted) 360,670,147.82 219,325,779.32 Sub Total 360,670,147.82 219,325,779.32 General Management (Internal) Personal Cost 95,660,238.99 100,061,390.02 Project Cost and Support 198,698,879.60 177,348,985.78 General Management (Administrative Support) 106,006,093.52 98,041,292.61 Sub Total 400,365,212.11 375,451,668.41 Total Expenditure 761,035,359.93 594,777,447.73 Internal Fund Surplus / (Deficit) Transfer to Balance Sheet 70,584,809.93 15,961,157.22 Extrnal Fund Surplus / (deposit) Transfer to Balance Sheet 36,084,646.33 -

(Sd) (Sd) (Sd) ------JITENDRA RAJ ONTA GOVINDA GAJUREL MAHADATTA TIMILSINA DIRECTOR - FINANCE MEMBER SECRETARY DEPUTY AUDITOR GENERAL, NEPAL

NTNC Annual Report 2014 75 NATIONAL TRUST FOR NATURE CONSERVATION KHUMALTAR, LALITPUR, NEPAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended Ashad 32, 2071 (July 16, 2014) Amount in NPR. Current Year Previous Year Particulars for the year ended Ashad 32, 2071 (July 16, 2014) for the year ended Ashad 31, 2070 (July 15, 2013) A. Cash Flows from Operating Activities Surplus 70,584,809.93 15,961,157.22 Deficit adjusted in Current Year - - Adjustment for: Add : Depreciation on Fixed Assets 6,773,423.14 7,061,129.59 Disposal of Capital Assets (Write Off) - - Less : Income from Investment (28,464,708.46) (22,635,793.59) Other Income / Accumulated Surplus Transfer (112,075,602.36) (33,138,853.80) Operating Surplus before Working Capital Changes (63,182,077.75) (32,752,360.58) Adjustment for Working Capital Changes: Advances (12,031,912.12) (242,690.58) Accounts Receivable 1,271,624.02 1,935,584.83 Accounts Payable 15,417,541.19 58,454,297.34 Net Cash from Operating Activities (A) (58,524,824.66) 27,394,831.01 B. Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Less : Additions to Fixed Assets 1,696,945.14 12,280,801.03 Depreciation on Fixed Assets (6,773,423.14) (7,061,129.59) Increase in Investment (25,685,120.70) (29,023,439.88) Add : Interest received from Investment 28,464,708.46 22,635,793.59 Disposal of Capital Assets (Write Off) - - Other Income 34,139,448.28 33,138,853.80 Net Cash used in Investing Activities (B) 31,842,558.04 31,970,878.95 C. Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Restricted Fund Balance 36,084,646.32 4,613,135.84 Endowment Fund - - Capital Assets Fund (1,370,190.89) (15,405,609.41) Exchange Equalization Reserve 2,604,935.73 32,276,419.40 Payments: Loans - - Net Cash used in Financing Activities (C) 37,319,391.16 21,483,945.83 D. Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents (A+B+C) 10,637,124.54 80,849,655.79 E. Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of period 190,575,173.82 109,725,518.04 F. Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of period (D+E) 201,212,298.37 190,575,173.82 Cash comprises of Bank and Cash Balances Cash in Hand 3,214,889.03 1,088,769.89 Cash at Bank 197,722,649.34 189,211,643.94 Gold and Silver Coins 274,760.00 274,760.00

(Sd) (Sd) (Sd) ------JITENDRA RAJ ONTA GOVINDA GAJUREL MAHADATTA TIMILSINA DIRECTOR - FINANCE MEMBER SECRETARY DEPUTY AUDITOR GENERAL, NEPAL

76 NTNC Annual Report 2014 NATIONAL TRUST FOR NATURE CONSERVATION Governing Board of Trustees

Patron Mr. Sushil Koirala Rt. Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal Chairperson Mr. Mahesh Acharya Hon. Minister - Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

Members

Mr. Shankar Prasad Adhikari Prof. Dr. Ram Prasad Chaudhary Secretary – Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Botany Kritipur, Kathmandu Dr. Krishna Chandra Paudel Secretary – Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment Mr. Birendra Malla Ghettekulo - 32, Kathmandu Mr. Suman Prasad Sharma Secretary – Ministry of Finance Mr. Jon Gangdal Norway Mr. Yam Bahadur Bam Tikapur-4, Kailali Prof. Sang Ho Jun Department of Environmental Science, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon Mr. Udaya Bahadur Bohara National University Tribeni-7, Luham, Salyan Prof. Dr. Per Wegge Dr. Mahabir Pun University of Life Sciences, Department of Biology Nagi, Myagdi Mr Govinda Gajurel Mr. Satya Narayan Chaudhary Member and Secretary Hattimudha VDC - 7, Morang

NTNC Annual Report 2014 77

National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: +977-1-5526571, 5526573 Fax: +911-1-5526570 Email: [email protected], URL: www.ntnc.org.np