Annual Report 2017 - 18 BIRD CONSERVATION II ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Contents Foreword 1 Bird Conservation Nepal 2 Acknowledgements Published in 2018 by Bird Conservation Nepal, 4 Kathmandu, Nepal Highlights 5 Any reproduction in full or in part must mention the Organizational Capacity Enhancement 7 title and credit the above-mentioned publisher as the Saving Species copyright owner. 13 Saving Sites and Habitat © Text 2018 BCN, All rights reserve 17 Ecosystem Services and Livelihood Cover Photo: Great Hornbill©Utsav Jung Thapa 21 Back Cover Photo: Ibisbill©Chungba Sherpa Awareness and Publications 25 Financial Updates Design & Printed by: 29 Print Communication, 4241355, 4244148 Membership Updates 31 Annexes 32 Blue-winged Laughingthrush©Rajendra Gurung Acronyms

AGM Annual General Meeting BCN Bird Conservation Nepal BES Bird Education Society BDES Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services BNHS Bombay Natural History Society BNCC Bardiya Nature Conservation Club CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CEO Chief Executive Officer CF Community Forest CFUGs Community Forest User Groups CISU Civil Society in Development CRCs Community Resource Centers DFZ Diclofenac Free Zone DFRS Department of Forest Research and Survey DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation DoFSC Department of Forest and Soil Conservation DOF Dansk Ornitologisk Forening DPR Department of Plant Resources EC Executive Council FECOFUN Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal GoN Government of Nepal GTS Globally Threatened Species GIS Geographical Information System IBA Important Bird and Biodiversity Area ICBP International Centre for Birds of Prey IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature LCG Local Conservation Group MoFE Ministry of Forest and Environment MPF Madane Protected Forest NGAS Nature Guide Association Shuklaphanta NEVLA Nepal Para Veterinary and Livestock Association NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation NSAIDs Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs OPs Operational Plan PBS Pokhara Bird Society RCF Ranibari Community Forest RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds SAVE Saving Asian’s Vulture from Extinction SBI Subsidiary Body on Implementation SMCRF Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation USAID United States Aid for International Development VCBC Vulture Conservation and Breeding Center VDC Village Development Committee VSZ Vulture Safe Zone WWF World Wildlife Fund ZSL Zoological Society of London Himalayan Monal©RameshHimalayan Shrestha BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 Foreword

The year 2018 is the centennial IBA has provided us yet another of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, bigger opportunity to continue the most powerful and important the phase II program (2018- bird-protection law ever passed 2021) including an additional and in honor of this milestone, site Madane protected forest. BCN joined with nature lovers BCN’s policy intervention project, around the world to celebrate 2018 “Mainstreaming Biodiversity as the “Year of the Bird”. One of and Ecosystem Services into our outstanding commitments Community Forestry in Nepal” has to protect birds is our critically been successfully piloted and is endangered vulture release work now in a process to be included in through which we successfully government policy and program. released the captive bred birds first ever in the world. Our Vulture and The entire long journey for conservation work conservation of birds and was also strongly demonstrated biodiversity which has now reached in the Global Flyway Summit to 36 years would not have been this year. Our focus on advocacy Rajendra Gurung possible without trust and support President was also better with publication from government line agencies, of “Globally Threatened Birds especially Ministry of Forest of Nepal” booklet and “Birds of and Environment, Department Nepal: an Official Checklist 2018”. of National Parks and Wildlife The Important Bird and Biodiversity Conservation, Department of Areas (IBAs) in Nepal have been Forest and Soil Conservation, updated from 27 sites to 37 sites National Parks and Wildlife now and the updated publication Reserve Offices, Department of is coming in early 2019. We have Drug Administration, Department also launched “Connecting People of Livestock Services and District with Nature through Bird and Livestock Offices along with other Biodiversity Learning Centre at conservation partners. Ranibari Community Forest” as a We are indebted to the trust our mega urban environment education Ishana Thapa members, volunteers, staffs and program. CEO partners have put on our mission Our successful completion of and expect the same in our future the People Partner with Nature endeavors. phase I program on participatory Thank you! management of Reshunga Forest BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 Bird Conservation Nepal

Established in 1982, Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) is the leading organization in VISION Nepal to focus on the conservation of birds, “Birds and their habitats and sites. It seeks to promote interest in birds among the general public, biodiversity encourages research on birds, and identifies thriving in Nepal major threats to birds’ continued survival. As a and benefiting result, BCN is the foremost scientific authority providing accurate data and information on people” birds and their habitats throughout Nepal. The organization also provides scientific data and expertise on birds for the Government MISSION of Nepal (GoN) through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation “Bird Conservation (DNPWC) and works closely on birds and Nepal is dedicated biodiversity conservation throughout the to conserve birds country. and biodiversity It is imperative to note that BCN is a while benefiting membership-based organization with a founding President, advisors, patrons, life people” members, ordinary members, friends of BCN and active supporters. The membership provides strength to the society and is drawn GOAL from people of all walks of life from students, “Contribute to bird volunteers, professionals and conservationists. and biodiversity BCN is also part of the BirdLife International conservation in Partnership, a network of 120 organizations around the world, working on a worldwide collaboration with agenda to conserve the world’s birds and their people” habitats. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF BCN BCN has established and abides by the following principles:

• Conservation of birds, their habitats and overall biodiversity. • People’s participation in conservation and benefiting the people themselves. • Institutional learning and innovation in the area of conservation. • Participatory planning process for formulating periodic policy to guide the organization. • Building national and international networks to increase effectiveness in bird and biodiversity conservation. Water fowls©Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri Jyu fowls©Jyotendra Water Acknowledgements

Bird Conservation Nepal would like of Forests and Environment thankful to Mr Deepak Raj Joshi to express deepest appreciation for their support. Man Bahadur and Mr Krishna Aryal from NTB for the continuous support of Khadka, Gopal Prakash Bhattarai, for their continued support in valuable Patrons, Advisors and Laxman Prasad Paudyal, Kamal bird tourism promotion. BCN also Executive Council members. We Jung Kunwar, Ramesh Thapa, Uba offers the sincere appreciation to are equally grateful to BirdLife Raj Regmi, Bed Kumar Dhakal, National Conservation Consortium International, Royal Society for Ram Chandra Kandel, Shyam partners WWF Nepal, IUCN Nepal, Protection of Birds (RSPB), UK Shaha, Lal Bahadur Bhandari ICIMOD, Wildlife Conservation Government’s Darwin Initiative, and Bed Bahadur Khadka of the Nepal (WCN), Environmental BirdLife Young Conservation Department of National Parks and Camps for Conservation Leadership program, International Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) Awareness (ECCA), Wildlife Watch Center for Birds of Prey (ICBP), helped us to implement various Group (WWG), Nepal Forum of Norwegian Ornithological Society activities at the field level. We are Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), (NOF), Dansk Ornitologisk Society grateful to Krishna Prasad Acharya, Federation of Community Forest (DOF), Norwegian Agency for Dr. Anuja Sharma, Prakash Lamsal Users Nepal (FECOFUN) and Development (NORAD), CISU/ from Department of Forests other partners Nepal Tourism Danida, Taiwan Forestry Bureau, for their tireless support. Ms. Board (NTB) and Trekking Agency Oriental Bird Club and AusAid. Radha Wagle and Nabin Prakash Association of Nepal (TAAN) for Upadhyaya from Central Forest conservation collaboration. We sincerely thank for the support Training and Extension Centre to our international friends, are also thankful for their support Finally, our deepest appreciation especially Particia Zurita, Ian in implementing Forest Officers goes to the instrumental Barber, Vinayagan Dharmarajah, training under the Darwin project. organizations, Ministry of Nonie Coulthard, Billy Fairburn, We would also like to thank Forests and Environment, Toby Galigan, Chris Bowden, Ganesh Karki and Thakur Bhandari Department of National Parks Jemmima Parry Jones, Nick from FECOFUN; Dr. Ghana and Wildlife Conservation, Masters, Paul Donald, Mike Shyam Gurung and Dr Shant Raj Department of Forests and Soil Crosby, Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp, Jnawali of WWF Nepal Program; Conservation, Department of Marcus Cotton, Kjetil Slovokan, Dr Prahlad Thapa from IUCN; Dr. Drug Administration, Department Frode Falkenberg, Thomas Nakul Chettri and Kamal Aryal of Livestock Services and Lehmberg, Charlotte Mathiassen, from ICIMOD and Dr. Hem Sagar Nepal Veterinary Council. We Lars Earmark, Dr. Hum Bahadur Baral and Dr Bhagwan Raj Dahal would also like to thank the Gurung and the Birdlife Family from ZSL for their support. Our local conservation groups, local across the globe. special note of thanks also goes conservation partners, numerous to Govinda Gajurel, Dr. Siddartha volunteers and local communities Bajra Bajracharya, Sarita Jnawali, BCN takes this opportunity to for their continued cooperation Dr. Chiranjivi Pokharel, and Dr. express its gratitude to Dr. Bishwo and engagement in birds and Naresh Subedi of National Trust Nath Oli, Secretary and Joint biodiversity conservation of Nepal. for Nature Conservation for Secretaries Mr. Sagar Rimal and Dr. collaborating with us. We are also Maheshwar Dhakal from Ministry Bird Conservation Nepal BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 5 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Highlights

Organizational Capacity Enhancement Capacity building strengthen the abilities of individuals, organizations and systems to perform sustainably, and to continue to improve and develop over the course of time. Strengthening Civil Society Capacity to advocate for mainstreaming biodiversity project was completed and BCN got opportunities to participate in CBD COP 14. The second phase of program “Integrating Livelihoods and Conservation -People Partner with Nature for Sustainable Living” has been funded by CISU/ Danida to implement in additional site Madane Forest in Gulmi. BCN has also secured small grant from Australian Embassy-Direct Aid Fund for “Ranibari Education Program”, designed to provide education to school students in natural setting of Ranibari Community Forest, Kathmandu.

Saving Species Saving Sites and Habitat Nepal has been declared diclofenac free zones. For further strengthening BCN is focused on habitat BCN is executing various programs of sites and habitat conservation protection, restoration, and in collaboration with around 60 in Nepal, BCN now also initiated management of specific Local Conservation Groups (LCGs) to mainstream biodiversity and threatened bird species and at 37 IBAs of Nepal. Mobilizing ecosystem services in OPs of regular monitoring. A total of LCGs for conservation action at Community Forests. six chicks were successfully IBAs and other sites has accelerated hatched at Vulture Conservation efficiency for effective awareness Breeding Center (VCBC), Chitwan impact on conserving birds and Ecosystem Services and showing years of effort in their habitat. “NBCN Grant” has Livelihoods conservation breeding on critically been established to motivate LCGs BCN has been working on endangered White-rumped to work on conservation of birds sustainable management of forest by Vulture in partnership with the and biodiversity and this year. improving, restoring and protecting Nepal Government and National “Pokhara Bird Society”, Kaski and forest through sustainable use of Trust for Nature Conservation Jatayu Restaurant Management natural resources and simultaneously (NTNC). BCN’s capacity on species Committee, Gaidatal Rupandehi building capacity and enhancing conservation has strengthened were awarded with NRs One the livelihood of community for through experience of research on Lakh each for their commendable their greater participation in other threatened species such as efforts in conservation of bird and Conservation. Nature-based income Bengal Florican, Yellow-breasted biodiversity in local level. With the generation program in Bardia, Bunting, Demoiselle Crane and efforts of BCN staff and partner Kailali, Gulmi and Mugu Districts has Great Slaty Woodpecker. organization 68 districts covering supported for conservation of birds/ 1,27,577 square kilometers in IBAs and livelihood promotion. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 6 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 7 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Organizational Capacity Enhancement

Capacity enhancement is KEY ACHIEVEMENTS a driving force to access n People Partner with Nature Phase II (2018-2021) Program Funded and utilize knowledge n Representation in High Level International Forum and resources to achieve strategic goal of an organisation. It is strongly National and District mainstreaming biodiversity in important for BCN to Dialogue Program economic sectors where such mainstreaming would really develop and implement BCN hosted National dialogue matter. A total of 42 participants on 17 September 2017 at Malla programs that strengthen representing over 26 organizations, Hotel, Kathmandu and District capacity of its staff, including governmental, non- dialogue on 8 April 2018 at members, volunteers and governmental, business sector, Butwal, Rupandehi on “Biodiversity various stakeholders. academic institution and media Mainstreaming into Sectors of participated in national dialogue Economy”. This Program was Program while 67 participants supported by Dansk Ornitologisk People Partner with from 12 districts representing Forening (DOF), DANIDA/Civil Nature – Second Phase District Forest Office, District Society in Development (CISU) and Program in Reshunga and Agriculture Development Office, UK Government, Darwin Initiative Madane of Gulmi District Coordination Committee, fund. Integrating Livelihood and Municipality, District Chamber of Conservation: People Partner with The main aim of the Program Commerce, FECOFUN, District Nature for Sustainability' project was to develop a framework for Livestock Services Office, District implemented by BCN in Gulmi identifying the opportunities of Soil Conservation Office and media district as a pilot Program for three years ended in 30 March 2018. Subsequently, second phase of the Program for four years (2018 to 2021) has been supported by DANIDA/ CISU and is being implemented in partnership with Dansk Ornitologisk Forening (DOF) in Resunga and Madane of Gulmi district.

The overall objective of the Program is to reduce the destruction of forested IBAs and contribute to the realization of best participatory forest management practices for the benefit of all. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

person participated in the district meeting, the inter-government the importance of GIS and IT dialogue Program. Regional Steering Committee (RSC) for conservation. Staff shared meeting was also held in Dhaka their goal and annual work plan Representation in on 23rd November 2017. The RSC on the second day. Annual Staff International Forum meeting was an important updating meeting also provided opportunity Asian Bird Fair session for the Governments. Ms. to discuss on the new five year Ishana Thapa, Director from BCN strategy plan of BCN. Mr. Hathan Ram Mahato, Mr. presented the country update from Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri, Mr. Rajendra Nepal. Gurung and Mr. Yubraj Basnet World Urban Forum th participated in 8th Asia Bird Fair Mr. Krishna Bhusal attended 9 from 17-24 November 2017. Annual Staff Meeting at session of the World Urban Forum Nagarkot at Malaysia from 7-13 February Mr. Rajendra Gurung participated BCN’s annual staff meeting was 2018. It was a useful platform to in 12th Philippine Bird festival from organized at Hotel Country Villa, learn about nature friendly urban 10-12 May 2018. Nagarkot on 17-18 December development and also share our 2017. The Meeting was attended work on urban bird and biodiversity RSC and SAVE Meeting on by all 23 staff of BCN head office conservation. Vulture, Bangladesh and field offices. Ms. Ishana Thapa, Director Global Flyway Summit Staff received training on how and Mr. Krishna Bhusal, Vulture BCN staff Ms. Ishana Thapa, Mr. NGO’s should comply with central Conservation Program Officer Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri and Mr. and federal authorities after the from BCN participated in 7th SAVE Krishna Bhusal participated in country has become Federal meeting from 19-22 November Global Flyway Summit convened Democratic Republic facilitated 2017 at Dhaka, Bangladesh. by BirdLife International and by Mr Raj Kumar Rai, Executive Krishna Bhusal presented very hosted by International Fund Council Member of BCN. The promising progress on the Vulture for Houbara Conservation in session also included fun oriented Safe Zone, partial recovery of Abu Dhabi from 23 to 26 April team building exercises on its population trend of Gyps vulture 2018. BCN mainly contributed in first day. Mr. Bhusan Raj Shrestha, and release of captive vultures in implementing the CMS Vulture Advisor of BCN presented about to the wild. Linked to the SAVE Multi-species Action Plan (MsAP) BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 9 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

and Bustard conservation: status, vulture in Nepal” followed by for his contributions to site and trends, progress and achievements the presentation on “Common species conservation. The BirdLife sessions. Also participated and bird Monitoring in Kathmandu International provides Nature contributed in Central Asian Flyway Valley and Update of Demoiselle Heroes Award to Community group meeting. Crane Migration” by Jyotendra groups and individual volunteers Jyu Thakuri, Senior Program for the outstanding conservation The 35th Annual General Officer. Mr. Sandesh Gurung and work done locally. Meeting Dheeraj Chaudhary were honored BCN 35th Annual General Meeting with certificate of appreciation for The second and closed session (AGM) was held on 3 March 2018 at recording Steppe Grey Shrike, new was chaired by President, Mr. Hotel Moonlight, Kathmandu. The bird species for Nepal. Likewise, Yuba Raj Basnet and included the inaugural program was chaired Mr. Anish Timsina and Mr. Dilk presentation on Annual Progress by President, Mr. Yubraj Basnet Bahadur Magar were also honored of the organization and Annual and Founder President, Mr. Hari for recording Sooty Tern, a new Finance Report by Mr. Rajendra Sharan Nepali ‘Kazi’ was the Chief bird species for Nepal. Similarly, Gurung, General Secretary and Guest. Patrons, advisors, members, BCN introduced Nepal Bird Mr. Ashok Bahadur Malla, Treasurer, supporters and representative of Conservation Network (NBCN) respectively. Eventually, the floor various organizations attended the grant with an aim to honour and was opened to the participants program. motivate Local Conservation for the discussion on current Groups (LCGs) and awarded progress and future endeavors of EC member of BCN, Ms. Sabina Rs. One Lakh each to Pokhara the organization. Then the session Koirala Sharma initiated the Bird Society from Pokhara and entered on New Executive Council meeting with welcome remarks. Jatayu Restaurant Management election that takes place in every Mr. Krishna Bhusal, Vulture Committee from Rupandehi. BCN three years. Senior Advocate Mr. Conservation Program Officer also honored Mr. DB Chaudhary Hom Raj Nepal, Election Officer delivered presentation on (Coordinator of Jatayu Restaurant announced the names of the “Captive Vulture Release into the Management Committee) with unanimously elected members. The wild and telemetry tag study on BirdLife’s Nature Heroes Award new members of the EC are: BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 10 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

President Mr. Rajendra Gurung n Mr. Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri participated in EDGE training Immediate Past President Mr. Yubraj Basnet at UK from 29 August- 8 Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah Vice President September 2017. Mr. Vimal Thapa General Secretary n Mr. Devendra Chapagain, Joint Secretary Mr. Sarita Jnawali Mr. Ankit Bilash Joshi and Mr. Treasurer Mr. Ashok Bahadur Malla Ishwari Chaudhary participated Members Mr. Raj Kumar Rai in the theoretical and practical Dr. Prem Bahadur Budha sessions in Anaesthesia, Clinical Examination and Post Mr. Umang Jung Thapa Mortem Examination in 10-11 Mr. Ramesh Chaudhary September 2017 at Central Mr. Sudarshan Karki Zoo Kathmandu. Ms. Sabina Koirala Sharma n Ms. Ishana Thapa, Mr. Mitra Pandey and Mr. Parbat CBD SBI 2 Meeting Raj Thani participated in Staff Capacity mainstreaming biodiversity Ms. Ishana Thapa, CEO Enhancement capacity building training participated in CBD SBI 2 meeting workshop at Singapore from in Montreal, Canada from 7-13 n Mr. Niraj Dahal, Mr. Bharat 10-14 October 2017. July 2018 and presented on BCN’s Panthi and Ms. Kriti Nepal mainstreaming biodiversity work participated in Communication n Mr. Devendra Chapagain, in the side event organized by Workshop at Denmark from Mr. Ankit Bilash Joshi and BirdLife Secretariat. 28-31 August 2017. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 11 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Mr. Ishwari Chaudhary participated in the basic GIS Training and data analysis in 14-20 November 2017 at Pithauli, Nawalparasi. n Ms. Ishana Thapa attended Evaluation and Lesson Sharing Meeting at UK from 14-17 May 2018 n Mr. Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri participated in Economic Tools for Conservation training at Berkley University, California from 2-13 July 2018. n Mr. Devendra Chapagain participated in Young Conservation Leader Training at Indonesia from 13-29 July 2018.

Staff Appointment Mr. Shambhu Bhattarai has been appointed as Project Field Officer for People Partner with Nature second phase project in Madane, Gulmi from 15 June 2018. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 12 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 Whit-rumped©Ankit Bilash Joshi BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 13 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Saving Species

According to recently updated “Birds of Nepal-An KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Official Checklist-2018”, 886 n Release of Captive Bred Vultures species of birds have been n GTS Book Published recorded in Nepal which is n Yellow-breasted Bunting Survey about 9 % of the total bird species found worldwide. Among them 43 species are globally threatened and 35 globally near threatened. Further, 167 species are nationally threatened. BCN’s major priority is to work on conservation of threatened species. Currently it is also closely working with DNPWC and conservation consortium partners in preparing comprehensive “Pheasant Conservation Action Plan”.

Release of Critically Nepal appreciated participation Himachal Pradesh in January, Endangered White- of community and multi- came all the way back to the area rumped Vultures stakeholder efforts to bring about of Nepal in February, but has now this important day. returned again through western The Government of Nepal, Nepal, Uttarakhand, Himachal National and International Pradesh (a very similar route to conservation organizations released Monitoring of Satellite previously) and gone on further critically endangered White- Tagged Captive west to Jammu and Kashmir and rumped Vultures Gyps bengalensis, Released and Wild close to the Pakistan border. This in the first event of its kind in South White-rumped Vulture is about 1100km far away from Asia on 9 November 2017. Seventeen free-ranging White- rumped Vultures (11 wild and 6 the release site; Pithauli, Nepal. Most of the vultures spend their The Secretary of the Ministry of releases) were fitted with satellite time in provisional vulture safe Forests and Soil Conservation, the transmitters providing valuable zone west from the release site Director General of the Department data on their movements and but interestingly, one individual of National Parks and Wildlife favorite locations. Eleven tagged travelled about 185km east and Conservation and a small group of wild birds are still alive and returned back to release site. One officials, scientists and community several are breeding locally and key finding from this work is the leaders observed five of six vultures up to 100km from the trapping number of locations of birds across exiting from a pre-release aviary at site. Non breeding wild tagged the border in Uttar Pradesh (UP), the Jatayu Restaurant in Pithauli, birds are regularly crossing India, and this has prompted some Nawalparasi. Mr. Yubak Dhoj G. C., into India visiting their favored excellent transboundary linkages, Secretary, Ministry of Forest and foraging sites and returning back, with locations being visited by the Soil Conservation, Government of but one adult wanderer visited BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 14 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and UP Forest Department teams, Six Chicks Hatched in and discovering new feeding sites and potential breeding sites that were Vulture Conservation and not previously known from the area. Within Nepal, the ground truthing team discovered some new breeding colonies and important foraging sites Breeding Center (VCBC) while following these tagged vultures. The VCBC at established in 2008 is bringing Nation-wide Vulture Nest Monitoring a good result in conservation breeding of White rumped Vultures Monitoring of nest and breeding biology of different resident vulture in Nepal. This is the 3rd year of species was conducted nationwide in the breeding season 2017. successful hatching of chicks in the VCBC and this year a total of six chicks were hatched in the centre. Species Total Successful Failure Breeding Nest Nest Nest Success (%) This has shown that Nepal has White-rumped Vulture 351 227 92 64.67 also built capacity in conservation breeding of vultures. Slender-billed Vulture 6 5 1 83.33 Monitoring of Great- Egyptian Vulture 6 5 1 83.33 slaty Woodpecker in Red-headed Vulture 2 1 0 50.00 Bardiya National Park and Ghodaghodi Lake IBA Bearded Vulture 4 0 0 0.00 Nest monitoring of Great-slaty Woodpecker was conducted for Himalayan Griffon 55 32 23 58.18 7 days from 15-22 August 2017 at upper site of Ghodaghodi lake TOTAL 424 270 117 63.68 Area and Lathuwa Community Forest. The main objective of 14th Annual Vulture Survey the monitoring was to better 14th annual road count survey of vultures was conducted from 4-18 May understand the ecology of nesting 2018 across the lowland following east-west highway covering 1030 in order to protect and make km from Kakadbhitta, Jhapa to Gaddachowki of Kanchanpur. A total of 115 environment for safe breeding in White-rumped vultures were recorded that shows the partial recovery on future. Few destroyed nests were the population of species in Nepal after 2011. recorded. 1.0 1.2 0.8 Index 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.0 2003 2008 2013 Year BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 15 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Likewise, survey in BardiyaNational vulture conservation awareness Total 7088 birds belonging to Park from 9 September to 6 events were conducted for the 87 species and 6974 belonging October 2018 by BardiyaNature school students and community to 81 species were recorded on Conservation Club has recorded 23 forest user groups. January and June respectively. 90 Great Slaty Woodpecker. birdwatchers in May and 124 in Bird and Biodiversity January contributed voluntarily. Bird Identification and Survey in Madane Monitoring Training Bird and biodiversity survey was Yellow-breasted Bunting Two days training was organized carried out at Madane Protected Survey on 6-7 July 2018 at Sukhad Kailali Forest (MPF) in Gulmi from 8-16 Survey of Critically Endangered and 12-13 July at Pahalmanpur, March 2018. A total of 106 species Yellow-breasted Bunting was Kailali. The main objective of the of plants, 184 bird species, 12 conducted at Pokhara Valley on training was to buildup knowledge species of butterfly, 8 species 15-18 February 2018. Total 502 about birds and biodiversity to of fish were recorded. Similarly, individuals were counted from 10 Forest Guards and Focal teachers. among herpeto-fauna 7 species transects of 1 km each. A total of 40 forest guards and 14 of amphibian, 8 species of lizard focal teachers participated in the and 11 species of snake were also Demoiselle Crane training. recorded. Migration Migration of Demoiselle Crane Vulture Conservation in Urban Bird Count was monitored from Samar, Upper Reshunga Annual urban bird count was Mustang from 25 September Reshunga Conservation Committee conducted in Kathmandu valley to 23 October 2017. Total 8166 of Gulmi has been supported by in winter (6-13 January 2018) and individuals were counted from 16 BCN to manage cow-shed located breeding season (12-19 May 2018). days’ migration from 28 September at Reshunga forest during year The bird count was conducted to 19 October 2017. 2017. An additional shed was in 24 predetermined transects constructed in March 2018 for distributed in urban, sub-urban and Bird Survey in the increasing number of cows. rural gradients in north, south, east Ghodaghodi Lake IBA Similarly, dead-cow disposal site and west. Bird survey was conducted in was identified as the safe feeding Ghodaghodi Lake Area on 28 site for Vultures. Additionally, January -12 February 2018 and 28 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 16 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 17 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 Saving Sites and Habitat

While the whole globe is facing the imminent threat KEY ACHIEVEMENTS of climate change, Nepal n DFZ Expanded to 63 Districts is equally vulnerable to n Grassland Management for Bengal Florican significant environment n Community Forests Operation Plan incorporated with Biodiversity degradation. Habitat loss and Ecosystem Services Chapter is among the greatest threats to conserve species diversity. BCN has Identified 37 IBAs within and outside the protected areas which are lifeline for birds and other species. Therefore, BCN has been working on IBA conservation in close coordination with government, LCGs and concerned stakeholders.

Declaration of Diclofenac conducted in close coordination Free Zone covering 1,27,577 Free Zones with District Livestock Services square kilometers. Seven more districts: Sarlahi, and DFZ declaration workshops Mahottari, Sindhupalchok, were conducted in each district Incorporation of Vulture Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Siraha and on the stewardship of district Conservation Activities Sindhuli were declared as DFZ. government authorities. This in Community Forest Preliminary NSAIDs survey was makes 63 districts the Diclofenac Operational Plan. Milan Community Forest, N Rupandehi incorporated the chapter of Vulture Conservation activities on their operational plan by their General Assembly Meeting on 27 January 2018. The CF is one of the nesting sites of Critically Endangered White-rumped Vulture.

Rasuwa This encourages and guides the community for the habitat Nuwakot management and conservation of Kavreplanchowk vulture. Sindhuli

Mahottari Sarlahi Siraha Jhapa Communities Strengthen Saptari for the Vulture Habitat Legend Conservation. DFZ districts: 63 Diclofenace Free Districts Area Coverage: 127,577 sq.km BCN jointly with District Forest July 2018 Office and Community Forest User Groups organized communities BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 18 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

strengthen program for the vulture Mainstreamed Biodiversity on 4-5 January 2018 at Amaltari, habitat conservation in Milan and Ecosystem Services Nawalparasi with an aim to Community Forest and Sukhaura into Operational Plan enhance the capacity of field based Community Forest, Rupandehi on vulture conservation partners, of Community Forests 11 October 2017 and 13 October Biodiversity and Ecosystem caretakers of vulture safe feeding 2017 respectively and in Rajapani Services (BDES) components with sites and youths monitoring nest. Community Forest, Kapilvastu its management action plan was Altogether 24 LCG representatives on 15 October 2017. The main successfully incorporated into OPs from 17 districts participated in the purpose of the program was to of 28-community forests. In each Program. aware community forest users on selected CF, three days meeting vulture conservation, its habitat was organized in order to sensitize The training session included management and incorporation committee members and user the presentations on “Vulture of vulture conservation activities groups about the biodiversity Conservation efforts and success on their respective community and ecosystem services and of soft and wild release of vulture forest operation plan. These sites incorporated to operation plan of by Krishna Bhusal, Vulture Program are a part of newly identified respective CFUGs. Further, 15 of Officer, “Introduction of BCN Important Bird and Biodiversity the CF were supported financially and its organizational strategy by Area of Nepal. Executive member and technically for implementing Niraj Dahal and “Annual progress of community forest user groups, those activities that were included made on vulture conservation” representative from Local in action plan regarding BDES. by LCG representatives. The Government bodies’ and District training provided the opportunity Forest Office, Local Political Vulture Safe Zone for participant to learn about nest Parties’ leaders, Journalists, Youth Management Training monitoring, Vulture identification, clubs, Women groups and local A two-days training on “Vulture successful efforts on soft and wild community people participated in conservation and Vulture Safe release in 2017. the program. Zone management” was organized BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 19 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Monitoring Visit to sites along with monitoring and Socio-economic Survey at Vulture Safe Feeding Site also submitted report to Nepal Madane Vulture Recovery Committee. Monitoring team lead by Laxman Socio-economic survey was carried Prasad Poudyal, Ecologist, out at Madane, a potential IBA, DNPWC with team member Rishi Grassland Management of situated in Gulmi district, from Ranabhat, Assistant Ecologist, Bengal Florican 5-15 July 2018. Out of 11 VDCs DNPWC and Krishna Bhusal, Grassland management for of Madane Protected Forest, the Vulture Conservation Program Bengal Florican was conducted at study was carried out only in 8 Officer, BCN visited four out of lowland protected areas of Nepal VDCs namely Aglung, Arkhabang, seven Vulture Safe Feeding Sites during non-breeding season. Baanjkateri, Chhaphile, Ghamir, (Jatayu Restaurants) to assess their Total 35-hectare; 10 hectare at Hwangdi, Marhbhung, and Sirseni. management and implementing Harrabasa in Chitwan National status of Five Year Management Park, 12 hectare at Shuklaphanta The main objective was to identify Plan 2016-2020 in the month of in Shuklaphanta National Park the area to implement the Program December 2017 and January 2018. and 13 hectare at Lamkauli and based on background information The four Vulture Safe Feeding Sites Baghaura in BardiyaNational Park about the target communities, that were visited by the monitoring was managed by cutting the grass, mainly on demographics, social team are VSFS, Kawasoti, uprooting the newly emerged tree profiles of the population, gender, Nawalparasi, VSFS, Lalmatiya and saplings and burning. subsistence activities, forest VSFS Bijauri, Dang and VSFS, activities, household economics, Gaidatal, Rupandehi. The team economic opportunities, civil discussed with local community and society and decision-making stakeholders on these respective structures. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 20 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 21 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 Ecosystem Services & Livelihood

Local communities residing in IBAs and protected areas KEY ACHIEVEMENTS are guardians and frontiers n Revolving Fund Established in the field of environment n Alternative Energy Promotion conservation. Ensuring sustainable livelihood through ecosystem services can uplift their living standards while keeping natural habitat intact. BCN through its programs such as mainstreaming biodiversity and ecosystem services and Integrating Livelihood and Conservation has been engaging LCGs around the IBAs in ecosystem management and livelihood benefit. Alternative Energy Promotion at Bardiya pump, and also materials required Revolving Fund for CFUGs National Park to construct the pond to enhance BCN had supported NRs: 50,000 Thirty households of Kareliya User the daily lives of community group to each of the six community forest Committee were supported to for fish farming and easy access of user groups of Reshunga in order install biogas and toilet facility. water for wildlife and birds. to improve the livelihood of the The biogas supporting program poor and marginalized members is helping to reduce the use of Upgraded the Facility of of the community forest user firewood, improve people’s health. Sarus Bel Juice Enterprise groups. The members have used Till date, total 120 households in 3 Koldada Milijuli User Committee those funds for rearing cattle and different communities (Asaregadi of Thumni was supported with one growing vegetables. The fund will CFUGs, Karelia CFUGs, Bhada more filling tank for their Sarus revolve among the members in CFUGs) have been supported for bel juice enterprise in September each specific interval time so that biogas installation. 2017. The group was previously everyone gets benefit. supported with the equipment and Solar pump Installation training for making Bel Juice. The Forest-fire Control Tools and Pond Construction at additional facility has supported for CFUGs Kareliya, Bardiya the community to increase their A set of forest-fire extinguishing BCN supported the group of production by 12.5% and run the tools were provided to four Kareliya User Committee with solar enterprise more efficiently. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 22 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

community forest user groups Community Resource Regional Trainings on (Jagrit CFUG, Jhankripani Centers Established Mainstreaming Biodiversity Bhujelmara CFUG, Tamghas Sthan Two community resource centers and Ecosystem Services CFUG and Bajyan Salleri CFUG) of were established by Kalika Youth Five days long training was Reshunga on February 2018 with a Club in July 2017 and Nawa organized at Dhangadi, Far-western view to control forest fire during the Janbikash Yuwa Pariwar in March development region/Province 7 dry season. 2018 to enhance knowledge and from 25 February to 1 March 2018, skill of the local community people Pokhara and Palpa, Western region Establishment of Chiuri on biodiversity conservation and development region /Province 3 Mill in Reshunga climate change. The main aim and Province 5 from 21-25 March With recognition of commercial of the resource center is to help 2018, Tarhara, Eastern development value of Chiuri tree (Butter tree), people to understand the cause region /Province 1 from 3-7 April BCN jointly with District Forest of climate change and loss of and Dhulikhel Central development Office of Gulmi established biodiversity and encourage them region/Province 3 from 3-7 May. Chiuri Mill at Balithum on January to take necessary action to mitigate 2018. The locals have started and adapt to such changes. The main objective of the program producing ghee and BCN also CRCs were supported with many was to enhance capacity of supported to expand the market informative posters, books and are forest professionals and make linkage between the producer and fully equipped with furniture and them aware about incorporating business person from Kathmandu. necessary office materials. biodiversity and ecosystem services Flowering plants and butter trees component into the operational lies in the conservation priority after plan of community forest on the the promotion of bee-keeping and basis of recently prepared training chiuri ghee extraction. manual. Altogether 27 participant representing 13 district from Far- western development region, 28 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 23 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

participant representing 11 district from Western development region, 27 participant representing 13 district from Eastern development region and 29 participant representing 15 district from Central development region attended the training.

Special Coaching Class for Community Forest User Groups A three months’ coaching class was organized in Paralmi and Balithum of Gulmi district for the members of community forest user groups with an aim to raise awareness on biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, A book entitled 'Hamro Prayas' was developed as a teaching material. A total of 25 participants participated in a coaching class. The class was inaugurated by the chairperson of respective CFUGs on 29 August 2017. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 24 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 25 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Awareness and Publication

Exclusive Charity Dinner and Screening Exclusive Charity Dinner & Screening was organized to raise fund and support BCN’s effort to keep common birds “Common” on 11 August 2017 at Cine De Chef, CTC Mall, Sundhara. The event was attended by people from different corporations, conservation organizations and BCN members.

Participants watched critically acclaimed documentary on environment conservation, “Before the Flood” and enjoyed the dinner Network, Bardiya Nature Rotract Club of Mid Down Town, afterwards. The event was designed Conservation Club (BNCC), BCN Thapathali to organize various to help people from all walk of lives field office, Gulmi/Nawa Jana awareness raising program. come together, learn and contribute Bikash Yuva Pariwar, Environmental for the conservation of birds, Sustainable Development and Different awareness raising events biodiversity and nature. Research Center (ESDRC), such as Vulture Festival in Vulture Dang, Environmental and Rural Safe Feeding Sites, Local cultural International Vulture Development Center (ENRUDEC), song and dance performance Awareness Day Banke, EARTH, Kailali, Green Youth regarding vulture conservation, 9th International Vulture Awareness of Lumbini, Nepal, Garta Khahare, stake holder interaction, trans Day was celebrated in Nepal on 2 Khahare Khola Community Forest, boundary dialogue, community September 2017. The week-long and Garlam Government Forest, awareness, school awareness, mass programs primarily focused on Arghakhanchi, Jatayu Restaurant rally, photo exhibition, vulture spread awareness amongst the Management Committee, watching and identification in 15 wider communities and influencing Gaidatal, Jatayu Restaurant vulture range districts of Nepal. stakeholders and agencies in Management Committee, positioning the vulture range Lalamatiya, Jatayu Restaurant Walk for Bird at Nagarkot districts as the Vulture Safe Zone. Management Committee, Khutiya BCN organized a half day long , Jatayu Restaurant Management nature walk “Walk for Bird” at BCN supported different 20 Committee, Ghachok, Kaski, Nagarkot on 16 December 2017. organizations namely Adheri Nature Guide Association The main objective was to raise Chharchhare Community Forest, Shuklaphanta (NGAS), Kanchanpur, awareness about the importance Madanpokhara, Palpa Bird Nepal Para veterinary and Livestock of greenery around the Kathmandu Education Society (BES), Chitwan, Association, (NEVLA) Kapilvastu, valley for the conservation of birds Bird Conservation Nepal and Pokhara Bird Society (PBS), and biodiversity. The 12 km long Vulture Conservation Movement Pokhara and BCN Pokhara branch, hike ended at Peaceful Cottage, BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 26 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Café De Munt in about 3 and half Biological Diversity; Safeguarding and stakeholders celebrated the hours. More than 100 people took life on Earth with the theme “25 World Environment Day 2018 in part in this event supported by Dish years of action for biodiversity”. Mr. Nawalparasi, Lumbini, and Kailali. Home and Yuktee Management. Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Honorable Similarly, sanitation and bird Minister, Ministry of Forest and watching program was organized World Wetland Day 2018 Environment inaugurated the in Badaiya Lake in Bardiya to mark BCN along with other consortium program was chaired by Dr. the day. partner celebrated World Bishwanath Oli, Secretary, Ministry Wetland Day 2018 with the theme of Forest and Environment. The Awareness on Birds and “Wetlands for a Sustainable member of consortium partner Biodiversity in Bardiya Urban Future” on 2 February includes DNPWC, DoFSC, DFRS, BCN jointly with local partners in Kathmandu. BCN lead a bird DPR, DSCWM, USAID, BCN, conducted awareness raising watching event at Taudaha Lake WWF, NTNC, ZSL, SMCRF, and events on birds and biodiversity in Kathmandu and at Jagdishpur IUCN under leadership of MoFE. conservation. The program was in Kapilvastu as one of the prior BCN also organized Bird watching helpful to encourage the focal events to celebrate “World on the occasion to celebrate groups to gain knowledge on Wetlands Day”. biodiversity day in Kapilvastu. birds and biodiversity. Around 437 peoples (122 form IGA group, 210 BCN Day Celebration World Environment Day Eco-club students from 5 schools, Bird watching and a talk program 2018 40 forest guards and 65 staffs was organized to celebrate BCN 46th World Environment Day with from Bardiya National Park) were Day on 24 April 2018 at RCF- the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution: aware for protection of birds and Biodiversity Conservation Learning if you can’t reuse it, refuse it” was biodiversity. Center, Lazimpat Kathmandu. The celebrated with other Consortium event was attended by Members, Partner on 5 June in Kathmandu. Bird Fair at Pokhara Valley Patrons, Advisors, BCN Executive To show the commitment on With support of Nepal Tourism Council Members, Staffs, and environment conservation Board and Bird Conservation students representing different and efforts to reduce plastic Nepal, Pokhara Bird Society colleges. consumption, PM announced organized three days long "Pokhara “g]kfn :jR5 jftfj/0f Bird Fair" in Pokhara, Kaski Nepal Mr. Ian Barber, Senior Partner dxfcleofg–@)&%” and lead the on 3 July 2018. The fair was Development Officer-Asia from conservation protection oath attended by diverse professionals RSPB highlighted the "RSPB's Role with participants. BCN organized involved in tourism, environment on Global Bird and Biodiversity Nature Walk and Bird Watching conservation, students, BCN Conservation" where he shared Program at Ranibari Community members and others. how RSPB and BCN have been Forest, Kathmandu. BCN in working together in conservation partnership with local conservation The highlights of the event of different species of birds such partners, government authorities included various informative and as Vultures and Bengal Florican. On the same day, names of BCN’s Raffle 2018 winners was announced. The winners were 1. Niva Singh (1st) 2. Samikshya Chaudhary (2nd) 3. Rukmagat Subedi (3rd)

25th Biodiversity Day 2018 MoFE in coordination with its consortium partners celebrated Biodiversity Day on 22 May 2018 to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Convention on BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 27 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

entertaining program such as "Bird for Prosperity” was celebrated focusing students was organized Watching Training for Tourism with various activities from 14-20 in Kathmandu, Nawalparasi, Professional", “Photo Exhibition”, April 2018. BCN organized a bird Rupandehi, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, “Bird Race” and “Seminar” where watching event at Godavari on Dang, Kailali and Kaski districts. ornithologist and tourism experts 14th April. Around 130 participants Altogether, students from13 representing various organizations representing various government schools and colleges participated shared their knowledge on organizations, Conservation in the program. conservation of birds, biodiversity organizations and students from and importance of people different colleges participated on Fortnightly Bird Watching participation on conservation. this event. BCN conducted 17 birdwatching trips this year and around 340 Conservation Awareness Similarly, bird watching program members actively participated. for Globally Threatened was organized to raise awareness Every year the Program runs from Bird Species in protecting birds and their habitat November till July across 13 sites at Ghodaghodi area. Forest guard Awareness program on Great within Kathmandu. A total of 202 and Bandevi community forest user hornbill conservation in (Hariyali, bird species were recorded from group participated in the program. Deukaliya and Maghi) CFUGs was the birdwatching trips. BCN also facilitated the Rally and organized on 8 February 2018. awareness program organized by The program primarily focused CFCC Bhajani and Bandevi CFUG. on spreading awareness amongst the wider communities. Similarly, bird conservation campaign was Awareness Activities on organized on 22 July 2017 at Vulture Conservation Lathuwa community forest with Stakeholder interaction program a view to raise awareness for on vulture conservation was conservation of birds especially organized in Gorusinge, Kapilvastu Great Slaty Woodpecker and Great on 29 May 2018. Community forest Hornbill. Altogether 265 people user groups, local government from different CFUGs, NPG, Eco- bodies, veterinary professionals, clubs, ex-poacher’s committee farmers, local CBOs and journalist participated in the program. actively participated in the program. The chief guest of 23rd Wildlife Week the program Mr. Keshav Kumar Celebration Shrestha, Mayor of Buddhabhumi DNPWC with conservation Municipality appreciated the work consortium partners has been done on vulture conservation celebrating first week of Nepali and committed to support for year as Wildlife Week. 23rd Wildlife conservation activities in the area. Week - “Wildlife Conservation Similarly, awareness program BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 28 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Conservation Documentary Video Produced BCN has produced a documentary video "Conservation brings a change in society" from Reshunga, Gulmi. It has included a number of activities implemented BCN in order to uplift the livelihood status of the local people and promote biodiversity conservation in Reshunga forest IBA. The documentary video was broadcasted through local Television (Resunga TV) and also distributed to community resource center of Paralmi and Balithum. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 29 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Financial Update

Annual Budget Vs Expenditure from July 2017 to July 2018 SN Particulars Expenditure till date % Expenditure

1 Organisational Capacity Enhancement 4,084,483.07 8

2 Saving Species 9,053,186.23 17

3 Saving Sites and Habitats 13,874,135.03 26

4 Ecosystem Services and Livelihoods 21,713,523.43 39

5 Administrative Cost 5,413,925.31 10 Total 54,139,253.07

Income Vs Expenditure Trend for 2013-2018

S.N. Period Income Expenditure 1 2012/13 30,686,563.53 30,096,089.00 2 2013/14 38,313,468.00 33,582,800.00 3 2014/15 43,683,342.94 37,996,012.46 4 2015/16 42,226,478.74 45,435,751.01 5 2016/17 52,711,053.37 45,224,375.17 6 2017/18 72,186,754.26 54,214,943.01 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 30 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Expenditure till date

10% 8% Organisational Capacity 17% Enhancement

Saving sites and habitats

Saving species

Ecosystem Services 39% and Livelihoods

26% Administrative cost

Program Vs Administrative Cost

10%

Program Cost

Administrative Cost

90% BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 31 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Membership Update

Being a membership-based Every year new members with BCN’s member part of a global organization, BCN has continued their interest in birds and their network of 121 countries working along its path of growth. This conservation from diverse field in partnership with BirdLife year 55 new Life members and join BCN who are conservationist, International, a scientific authority 449 new general members joined students, tourism entrepreneur on birdlife worldwide. Figure below BCN. Including all the categories etc. BCN is a partner of BirdLife provides membership detail for this year we have 1129 members. International which makes fiscal year 2017/18.

PATRON GENERAL 26 MEMBER 565

NBCN MEMBER TOTAL 115 LIFE 1129 MEMBER 375 FRIENDS OF BCN CORPORATE 39 MEMBER 9 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 32 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

ANNEX I: BCN Framework

PATRONS ADVISORY BOARD 1. Karna Shakya Nepal 1. Dr. Hem Sagar Baral 2. Rajendra Lal Shrestha Nepal 2. Dr. Shanta Raj Jnwali 3. Michie Kashiwabara Japan 3. Dr. Tirtha Bahadur Shrestha 4. Shyam Khatri UK 4. Dr. Bhusan Raj Shrestha 5. Sir John Chapple UK 5. Mr. Top Bahadur Khatri 6. Nicole Nooren Netherlands 6. Mr. Shyam Sundar Bajimaya 7. Yozo Koshiyama Japan 7. Mr. Harish Chandra Rai 8. Lalit J. Lalchan Nepal 8. Mr. Marcus Cotton 9. Bishwo Tuladhar Nepal 9. Mr. Arend Van Riessen 10. Tara P Lama USA 10. Mr. Tika Ram Adhikari 11. Krishna Karki Germany 11. Mr. Rajan Kumar Pokharel 12. Uttam Raj Kayastha Nepal 12. Ms. Dibya Gurung 13. Sarbendra Pachhai Nepal 14. Deepak K Chhetri Nepal STAFFS 15. Dr. Joel T Heinen USA CEO 16. Loknath Wosti Japan Ishana Thapa 17. Rajendra Gurung Nepal 18. Shyam Krishna Prasai Nepal Finance & Admin Head 19. Ganga Jung Thapa Nepal Pratikcha Srivastava 20. Prof. David Simmons New Zealand 21. Dr. Guy Castley Australia Senior Program Officer 22. Dr. Jean-Marc Hero Australia Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri 23. Bikram Rai Nepal 24. Shanta Raj Jnawali Nepal Communication Marketing Officer 25. Chungba Sherpa Nepal Niraj Dahal 26. Umang Jung Thapa Nepal Vulture Conservation Program Officer FOUNDER PRESIDENT Krishna Bhusal Hari Saran Nepali ‘Kazi” Finance & Admin Assistant EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Samir Maharjan President Mr. Rajendra Gurung Accountant Immediate Past President Mr. Yubraj Basnet Muna Munikar Vice President Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah General Secretary Mr. Vimal Thapa Senior Project Officer Joint Secretary Mr. Sarita Jnawali Prashid Kandel Treasurer Mr. Ashok Bahadur Malla Members Mr. Raj Kumar Rai Project Officer Dr. Prem Bahadur Budha Parbat Raj Thani Mr. Umang Jung Thapa Mr. Ramesh Chaudhary Senior Project Officer Mr. Sudarshan Karki Mitra Pandey Ms. Sabina Koirala Sharma

BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 33 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

P o l i c y A d v o c a c y O f fi c e r LIFE MEMBERS 48 Lt. Col.(Retd) Gerry Birch Kriti Nepal 1 Bharat Prasad Parajuli 49 Philip McGowan 2 Douglas James 50 Richard Grimmett Assistant Project Officer 3 Linda Griffith 51 Lynne Carpenter Bharat Panthi 4 Rajendra N. Suwal 52 Kaj Halberg 53 James D. Bland Project Field Officer 5 Sunil Shakya 54 Suman Basnet Shambhu Bhattarai 6 Takeshi Seki 7 Marcus A.C. Cotton 55 Suchit Basnet Project Officer 8 Tim Inskipp 56 Richard John Bhupal Nepali 9 Carol Inskipp 57 Dr Ingrid Juettner 10 Hem Sagar Baral 58 Shambhu Ghimire Project Officer 11 David Mills 59 Aaron Ofner Devendra Chapagain 12 John B. Halliday 60 Krishna Subedi 13 Chris Murphy 61 Loknath Wosti Field Biologist 14 Malcom/Siobhan Ausden 62 Ananta Bhattrai Ankit Bilash Joshi 15 Subechhya Basnet 63 Dr. Frans Arentz 16 Prabigya Basnet 64 Lorraine Limothe Vulture Field Technician 65 Lakpa Nurbu Sherpa Ishwari Chaudhary 17 Margaret MacNaughton 18 Jennifer Jones 66 Debbie Pain 67 Andrew A. Cunningham Project Assistant 19 Peter Brendt Hirulal Dangaura 20 Jack Cox Jr. 68 Peter Widman 21 Mark/Janice Hollingworth 69 Steve Parr Project Assistant 22 Tim/Irene Loseby 70 Raksha Baral Puja Gurung 23 Badri Pudasaini 71 Munir Z. Virani 24 Noritaka chida 72 Siddhartha Pachhai Field Mobiliser 25 Peter Hampton 73 Dipesh Prasad Kafle Thanishwar Khanal 26 Ben King 74 Bhesh Raj Ghimire 27 Nicholas B.Pett 75 Dr. Norbert Winding Support Staff 28 Paul Holt 76 Ben Vickers Sabitri Pandit 29 Esther Lev 77 Klaus Dychuff 78 Dan Welch Driver 30 Aasheesh Pittie 79 Dharmendra Raj Shakya Ram Krishna Maharjan 31 R. Perkins 32 S. Perkins 80 Nabin Gyawali 33 Roland Anges Charnwick 81 Nabin Baral 34 A. M. Bennett 82 Nigel Mathews 35 Hathan Choudhary 83 Som GC 36 Tika Giri 84 Badri Chaudhary 37 Lynda Cambum 85 Haris C Rai 38 David Cottridge 86 Ramesh J Rayamajhi 39 Avril McLeod 87 Frank Y.A Saris 40 Linda R. Macaulay 88 Bishnu Bdr Chhetri 41 Ltd Gen (retd) P.B. Limbu 89 Mark Mallalieu 42 Seb Buckton 90 Stephen Biggs 43 Krys Kazmierczak 91 Rainer Stoll 44 Denis Chandler 92 Bimal Guragain 45 Hilary Nash 93 Brain H. Williams 46 Richard Seargent 94 Sarita Jnawali 47 Kalu Ram Tamang 95 Yubraj Basnet BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 34 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

96 Ramji Gautam 144 Khadga Jeet Baral 193 Mohan Chandra Bishwakarma 97 Basu Dev Parajuli 145 David J Middleton 194 Sudarson Karki 98 Chrinjivi Pokhrel 146 Raja Ram Regmi 195 Dyabin Gurung 99 Laxman Poudayal 147 Chandra Kumar Golchha 196 Bhagwan Raj Dahal 100 Rajeev Tiwari 148 Suresh Sapkota 197 Bimal Chapagain 101 Jeet Bahadur Giri 149 Om Prakash Gurung 198 Siling W Ghale 102 Nilesh Timilsina 150 Ram Kumar Aryal 199 Phurkel Sherpa 103 Bijay Tamang 151 Dr. Hum B. Gurung 200 Govinda Shrestha 104 Mohan Lamsal 152 Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung 201 Kul Bahadur Limbu 105 Deepak Kumar Singh 153 Gautam Sapkota 202 Shes Kanta Sharma 106 Deepak Prasad Dahal 154 Sushma Shrestha 203 Krishna Raj Gurung 107 Umesh Kumar Chaudhary 155 Deependra Joshi 204 Shankar Tiwari 108 Sakas Bahadur G.C 156 Scott Mason 205 Kunda Mani Dixit 109 Babar Singh Kathayat 157 Roop Bahadur Gurung 206 Ramesh Prasad Bhushal 110 Dr. Mathew Denny 158 Dr. Hira Mana Pradhan 207 Prem Thapa 111 Karan Bdr Shah 159 Gyan Chand Dugar 208 Bishnu Bahadur Thapa 112 Jhamak Raj Chaudhary 160 Keshav Paudel 209 Deepak Shrestha 113 Hari Bahadur Pariyar 161 Ravi Shanker Pandit 210 Ram Mani Sapkota 114 Hari Bhakta Adhikari 162 Bhupal Nepali 211 Sunita Gurung 115 Dibya Devi Gurung 163 Dr. Surya Paudel 212 Hem Bahadur Gurung 116 Dr. Rameshwar P. Singh 164 Ishwori Prasad Chaudhary 213 Anil Prajapati 117 Deepak Prasai 165 Puja Gurung 214 Ajay Gurung 118 Daya Ram Chaudhary 166 Khadananda Paudel 215 Deepak Raj Joshi 119 Sanjay Khetan 167 Mana Krishna Shrestha 216 Dr. Bhushan Raj Shrestha 120 Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary 168 Suraj Kumar Gurung 217 Sushila Chatterjee Nepali 121 Shyam Kumar Shah 169 Mitra Pandey 218 Surya Prakash Tiwari 122 Michael Dooher 170 Jyotendra Jyu Thakuri 219 Jaya N Bhandari 123 Celeus Baral 171 Raju Tamang 220 Kurban Man Suri 124 Hari KC 172 Pratikchha Srivastava 221 Abinash Nepali 125 Aadhip Dev Ghimire 173 Menuka Basnyat 222 Anod Thulung Rai 126 Pushpa Raj Sedhai 174 Marianne Heredge 223 Babu Ram Yadav 127 Sharad Singh 175 Ishana Thapa 224 Krishna Mani Baral 128 Rabindra Shrestha 176 Sunil Bantawa 225 Bhogendra Rajamaijhi 129 Surendra Kumar Paudel 177 Ang Phuri Sherpa 226 Damodhar Bhakta Thapa 130 Dr. Shanta Raj Jnawali 178 Dinesh Giri 227 Braj Kishor Yadav 131 Manoj Sharma 179 Shree Ram Subedi 228 Bed Khadka 132 Radha Wagle 180 Preeti Shrish Thapa 229 Hari Dhoj Tulachan 133 Achyut Guragain 181 Krishna Gurung 230 Ram Babu Bastakoti 134 Angnima Tamang 182 Anand Chaudhary 231 Ganga Bahadur Ghale 135 Nawaraj Chapagain 183 Molly Kim Goek Manison 232 Hari Marasini 136 Sanjan Bahadur Thapa 184 Krishna Thakali 233 Nava Ratna Pradhan 137 Krishna Tamrakar 185 Basanta Raj Kunwar 234 Krishna Bhushal 138 Vimal Thapa 186 Dr. Sagar Paudel 235 Ashok Ram 139 Zimba Zangbu Sherpa 187 Binay mBasnet 236 Daya Ram Thapa 140 Richard Cuthbert 188 Rajendra Khanal 237 Ashok Bahadur Malla 141 Dr. Suman Sumsher Thapa 189 Dr. Binay Shrestha 238 Tek Bahadur Gharti Magar 142 David Buckingham 190 Pramod Khatiwada 239 Amir Sadaula 143 Baikuntha Man Shrestha 191 Puran Bhakta Shrestha 240 Hari Krishna Laudari 192 Raj Kumar Rai 241 Romash Gautam BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 35 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

242 Manshanta Ghimire 289 Dr. Rajendra KC 337 Hari Basnet 243 Juddha Bahadur Gurung 290 Sunil Shrestha 338 Bijay Raj Karki 244 Dharma Raj Thapa 291 Devendra Chapagain 339 Sushil Chataut 245 Rishi Shah 292 Shailesh Lamichhane 340 Yadav Gurung 246 Pritisha Shrestha 293 Muna Munikar 341 Prashant Nepal 247 Raj Bdr Gurung 294 Dr. Bikash Dhaubanjar 342 Kumar Khadka 248 Hari Krishna Bhattarai 295 Him Lal Shrestha 343 Ram Chandra Karki 249 Devendra Basnyat 296 Govinda Bahadur Singh 344 Shyam Kumar Tamang Gole 250 Kalawati Chaudhary 297 Paban Shakya 345 Romnath Aryal 251 Umang Jung Thapa 298 Nima Wangchu Sherpa 346 Binod Joshi 252 Ramesh Chaudhary 299 Samridhi Lalchan 347 Bed Kumar Dhakal 253 Tara Prasad Shrestha 300 Niraj Dahal 348 Amar Raj Limbu 254 Tek Bdr Eingden 301 Hirulal Dangaura 349 Arjun Kurmi 255 Hiral Lal Dangol 302 Sudil Gopal Acharya 350 Birkha Bahadur Rokaya 256 Jhamak Karki 303 Samir Maharjan 351 Rasmi Kunwar 257 Hari Bhandari 304 Krishna Kaji Prajapati 352 Dilip Kumar Thapa 258 Sajan Ranabhat 305 Sanjay Tha Shrestha 353 Kapil Khanal 259 Man Kumari Giri 306 Dipak Bishwakarma 354 Samikshya Kumari Chaudhary 260 Bhuwan Bud thapa 307 Prakash Lamsal 355 Deepa Basnet 261 Siddha Raj Ojha 308 Kriti Nepal 356 Bhupendra Prasad Yadav 262 Raj Bahadur Shrestha 309 Ankit Bilash Joshi 357 Kripa Kumar Gurung 263 Narendra Man Babu Pradhan 310 Bikalpa Karki 358 Puskal Bahadur Bam 264 Raman Nepali 311 Shyam Sundar Bajimaya 359 Alina Chaudhary 265 Rabi Bhakta Thapa 312 Anushila Basnet 360 Buddhi Ram Mahato 266 Seejan Gyawali 313 Renu Basnet 361 Kewal Prasad Chaudhary 267 Deepak Rajbanshi 314 Arun Sharma Poudayal 362 Prem Lal Mahato 268 Ram Bahadur Shahi 315 Dr. Pem Kandel 363 Raju Mahato 269 Ramjan Chaudhary 316 Dhurba Basnet 364 Sudhan Lamsal 270 Ang Tenji Sherpa 317 Durga Lal Sapkota 365 Suraj Mahato 271 Dhan Bahadur Basnet 318 Rishi Baral 366 Nutan Jung Karki 272 Lt..Gen (Rtd) Toran Jung 319 Bishnu Raj Adhikari 367 Yam Bahadur Mahato Bahadur Singh 320 Purna Man Shrestha 368 Dr. Prem Bahadur Budha 273 Jasmine Rajbhandary 321 Chetan Oli 369 Dr. Sanjeev Uprety 274 Pradeep Khanal 322 Yadav Ghimire 370 Dr. Archana Thapa 275 Dr. Hemanta Mishra 323 Ram Raj Gurung 371 Dr. Anuja Raj Sharma 276 Hem Bahadur Katuwal 324 Raju Acharya 372 Prashid Kandel 277 Sanjay Adhikari 325 Master Prabik Shrestha 373 Thanishwor Khanal 278 Kamal Hari Bhandari 326 Bishal Ghimire 374 Shambhu Bhattarai 279 Bharat Panthi 327 Ganesh Sharma 375 Nabin Prakash Upadhyaya 280 Sabin Lamichhane 328 Yam Kumari Gurung 281 Parbat Raj Thani 329 Abdullah Miya 282 Bhuvan Keshar Sharma 330 Bhumika Sigdel 283 Thile Lama Sherpa 331 Chandra Kandel 284 Hemanta Dhakal 332 Utsav Jung Thapa 285 Sahaj Man Shrestha 333 Ganga Shah 286 Tek Raj Bhatt 334 Anu Ram Chaudhary 287 Kedar Neupane 335 Prem Prasad Khanal 288 Bhaskar Nath Bhattarai 336 Bishnu Shrestha ANNEX II: Financial Information BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 37 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 38 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 39 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 ANNEX III: FIVE YEAR PLAN (2017-2021)

Program 1. Organizational Capacity Enhancement

Objective 1: To increase the contribution of Strategy 1: Harmonized organizational engagement through local supporters, members, volunteers and awareness, participation and engagement and increase in mem- bird enthusiasts bership.

Strategy 2: Broaden organizational outreach through engaging members, volunteers and local supporters.

Objective 2: To enhance the capacity of Strategy 3: Execute the relevant capacity building program for members, volunteers and associated staff members, volunteers and staff.

Program 2. Saving Species Objective 3: To prevent extinction of Strategy 4: Effective implementation of species action plan for threatened species and other species endangered vultures, Bengal Florican and other threatened species and improve their status. Strategy 5: Increase research on threatened and common birds at landscape level focusing on environmental and climate change issues.

Strategy 6: Engage birdwatchers and LCGs to monitor threatened and common birds

Program 3. Saving Sites and Habitats Objective 4: To conserve, restore and Strategy 7: Identify and develop objectives and priority actions for 5 protect at least 5 IBAs/KBAs and other IBAs/KBAs and other critical habitats. critical habitats

Strategy 8: Strengthen partnership with supporters, relevant authorities and local users to conserve, restore and protect the selected 5 IBAs/KBAs and other critical habitats.

Strategy 9: Formulating and implementing comprehensive Monitoring plan to monitor IBA/KBAs and critical bird habitats.

Objective 5: To establish long term Strategy 10: Establish a network of LCGs in IBAs/KBAs and other community support for IBAs/KBAs and critical habitats other critical habitat. BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 41 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Program 4. Working with People

Objective 6: To maximize community Strategy 11: Formulate plan and project to link local engagement in bird and biodiversity community with bird and biodiversity conservation through conservation in five important IBAs/KBAs livelihood opportunity and ecosystem services

Strategy 12: Enhance role of local community in policy and advocacy for bird and biodiversity conservation.

Objective 7: To educate and raise awareness Strategy 13: Develop awareness strategy for the schools, among schools, colleges and general public colleges and general public on the importance of birds and on the importance of birds and biodiversity biodiversity. Objective 8: To enhance policy and advocacy Strategy 14. Building collaboration with lawmakers, media and on Birds and Biodiversity conservation in general public on issues of birds and biodiversity for policy and forestry and agriculture sector. advocacy improvement.

Strategy 15. Improved coordination and communication with relevant government authorities in forestry and agriculture sector

Program 5. Encourage Ecological Sustainability Objective 9: To strengthen linkage between Strategy 16: Develop comprehensive plan and projects, and birds, biodiversity and people’s well-being implement to link between birds, biodiversity and people’s well- through mainstreaming biodiversity and being ecosystem services

Objective 10: To develop institutional Strategy 17: Prepare capacity development action plan capacity on advocacy to engage with and and implement to strengthen LCGs, BCN and other relevant influence the government and key decision stakeholders to engage and influence the policy and decision makers makers of the related Government organization and key stakeholder particularly in ecological sustainability of IBAs/KBAs and other critical habitat.

Strategy 18: Build and strengthen networks of key stakeholders

Strategy 19: Develop and disseminate BCN position papers

Strategy 20: Regular progress monitoring BIRD CONSERVATION NEPAL 42 ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 Yellow-breasted Bunting©Manshanta Ghimire Bunting©Manshanta Yellow-breasted Himalayan Griffon©Raj Kumar Rai