WWF Staff Donate for Flood Victims HOT OFF THE PRESS

The Journey of Pani Prasad 2007, pp 44

In the book, Pani Prasad, a fictitious character takes the students on a journey to the world of water. The book gives a vivid knowledge of water cycle and importance of water to the readers in a simple and interesting manner.

WWF Nepal staff donated a sum of NRs. 100,775 (around US$ 1500) to assist the flood victims. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal Gift Of The Himalayas handed over the cheque on behalf of WWF staff to 2007, pp 44 Ganesh Agrawal, Managing Director of Kantipur Television on 6 September 2007. The amount was deposited in the Kantipur flood victim relief fund. The resource booklet contains brief Vol 43 NO. 7 April-September- 2007 Newsletter information on NTFPs found in the SHL, Nepal. The floods in Terai districts in the month of August have left many people displaced and distressed. n Message from the Country Remembering, Honouring and Celebrating the Life and Representative Achievements of Conservation Heroes

In their memory WWF Nepal, The International Centre for Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarships, Integrated Mountain Development, IUCN - Mingma Sherpa Memorial Scholarships, 23 September 2006 took away from us some of the finest The World Conservation Union, National Jillian Bowling Schlaepfer and Jennifer Hiu Chituwa TURN YOUR names in conservation. The void created by the mishap Trust for Nature Conservation, Wildlife Headley Memorial Scholarships were 2007, pp 30 is immeasurable but the immense courage and commitment RADIO ON! shown by everyone at WWF has proved that the work left Conservation Nepal, The Mountain Institute awarded to four meritorious students on the by them will be well taken care of. and Wildlife Watch Group jointly celebrated occasion. An anthology of poems on snow leopard We are the World: Hamro Sansaar Conservation Day in memory of the written by Achamma Singh Rai. Coming together of all conservation organizations to Conservation Heroes who lost their lives in Honouring the importance of the day, Ramsar Hamrai Haathma celebrate the life and achievements of the Conservation the tragic helicopter accident on 23 Convention Secretariat declared four high Thursday, 5-6PM on Hits FM 91.2 Heroes clearly denotes the commitment of the conservation September 2006 at Ghunsa, Kangchenjunga. altitude wetlands in Nepal as Ramsar Sites. community towards fulfilling the vision of the late leaders. Together we will follow the path paved by them and work The celebrations brought back the vivid Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Bhuparidhi in the Terai on Kalika FM towards conserving nature collectively. memories of the Conservation Heroes who Management Council (KCAMC) declared Bharatpur (Saturday7:15PM), Bageshwori FM had dedicated their lives to conservation. the crash site and surrounding area as (Sunday 7:45AM), Tinau FM (Sunday 8PM), We are confident that the scholarships and awards conferred in their honour will not only recognize the The programme started with lighting of lamps Sacred Natural Site. Chairperson of KCAMC, Jeevikoparjanka Upalabdhiharu and Radio Nepal RBS (Sunday 8:30PM) individuals and organizations dedicated towards by the family members and ended with a Tseten Dandu Sherpa announced the 2007, pp 30 conservation but will also prepare a young generation of strong commitment for conservation by eco declaration at the ceremony. future conservationists who will take up the challenges to club students. ensure Nepal's rich biodiversity. Tirtha Raj Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry The study details the different aspects of On the occasion Abraham Conservation of Forests and Soil Conservation, Carter community forestry users' livelihoods changes With heartfelt gratitude we would like to thank the family Awards, Matthew Preece and Yeshi Choden Roberts, the President and CEO of WWF-US, members, senior government officials, partner organizations Lama Young Conservation Leader Awards James Leape, the Director General of WWF especially in their assets, capacity, and international delegates for being with us to celebrate Communications & Marketing and WWF Media in Conservation Awards International, and family members addressed governance practices, resources allocation the life and achievements of the Conservation Heroes. WWF Nepal were awarded to individuals and the gathering, remembering and honouring and investments, institutional process, PO Box 7660, Baluwatar, Anil Manandhar organizations that played key roles in the life and achievements of the Conservation livelihoods issues, livelihoods strategy, Kathmandu, Nepal Country Representative conservation. Heroes. n policy implications. Email: [email protected] Web: www.wwfnepal.org, Conservation WWF-US President in Workshop on 'Tuberculosis in Elephants www.panda.org/nepal Awards 2007 2 Chitwan 3 - Diagnosis and Treatment' 4 12 Conservation Awards 2007 Conservation Scholarships 2007 Jillian Bowling Schlaepfer and

WWF Nepal honoured nine individuals and Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarships Jennifer Headley Memorial organizations dedicated to conservation with To honour the 24 individuals lost in the a Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarships Abraham Conservation Award, Matthew Preece dedication and passion for conservation displayed "Issues related to conservation transcend all tragic helicopter incident of 23 September Scholarship to a student who would like and Yeshi Choden Lama Young Conservation by a national park staff. boundaries and permeate all social sectors and In honour of Jillian Bowling has demonstrated Leaders Award and WWF Conservation in Media 2006 and their commitment to preserving to pursue a Technical Certificate Level thus the responsibility of safeguarding biodiversity Schlaepfer and Jennifer excellent academic Award, in a ceremony to celebrate the life and Matthew Preece and Yeshi Choden Lama Young Nepal's rich natural heritage, WWF has (TCL) in Forestry at the Institute of extends to all members of society," said Anil Headley and their life-long accomplishments by achievements of the Conservation Heroes. Conservation Leader Awards were awarded to established a memorial scholarship fund Forestry (IOF), Hetauda Campus. Karma Bhutia, Non-Timber Forest Products Officer Manandhar, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. commitment to being the female topper that will assist students who wish to Tseten Dandu Sherpa - Chairperson of from The Mountain Institute and Sadhana Thapa "This includes local communities, NGOs, the private conservation, WWF has at the Certificate Level Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Management a student from Kaushaltar. Starting this year the sector, and the international conservation pursue careers in conservation. Chandra Shekhar Badu is the recipient established a memorial studies at the Institute of Council, Bijay Raj Shrestha from Kailali, Akhanda award will recognize young individuals for their organizations of which WWF is an integral part. It Recognizing the tremendous loss of of the Nepal Conservation Memorial scholarship fund that will Forestry in Pokhara. Upadhyay from Dolpa, Devendra Subedi - dedicated and outstanding contribution to is our job to work together to conserve the rich leadership in conservation, through this Scholarship-2007. Chandra Shekhar provide financial Maryada will pursue a four Superintendent of Police, Kathmandu Metropolitan conservation. biodiversity of Nepal." fund WWF will help build a new passed his SLC exams from Shree assistance to students years Bachelors of Police Crime Division of Nepal Police, Samaj Kalyan generation of conservation leaders to Mahakali Secondary School in Shreepur, from Nepal who are Forestry studies at the User Group from Neulapur, and ECO-Nepal from Similarly, Subodh Gautam, a senior reporter with The awardees are nominated by individuals and ensure the future of nature in Nepal. Belouri in the Kanchanpur district with currently employed in or Institute of Forestry in Naxal received the Abraham Conservation Awards. national daily Kantipur received the WWF Media in intend to pursue careers Pokhara. Conservation Award. From this year onwards WWF organizations and the final recipients are selected first division marks. Chandra Shekhar will in nature conservation. Abraham Conservation Award was established in will annually recognize the transformational role of by an impartial, independent selection committee. To encourage bright and promising pursue his Certificate Levels Studies at Sher Bahadur Pariyar is 1995 through the generosity of Ms Nancy Abraham, media persons or organization in highlighting The committee had renowned names representing students from to pursue careers in nature the Institute of Forestry at the Hetauda Each year WWF will the recipient of the Jillian a WWF US Board member, who was struck by the conservation issues in Nepal, through this award. different sectors of the society. n conservation, each year WWF will award Campus. n award two scholarships, Bowling Schlaepfer one each in the name of Memorial Scholarship- Jillian Bowling Schlaepfer 2007. Sher Bahadur has Recipient Profile and Jennifer Headley, to passed the Certificate top students would like to Level studies from the Tseten Dandu Sherpa Devendra Subedi sped up Nepal. By developing improved techniques he has WWF-US President in Chitwan pursue a Bachelor of Institute of Forestry in successfully led the actions against illegal traders of motivated 2,500 farmers and herders to grow MAPs Science in Forestry Pokhara with excellent WWF-US President and Interaction programmes Terai Arc Landscape Kangchenjunga Conservation wildlife parts and formed a small in private land that has reduced pressure on wild Program at the Institute of scores. He belongs to the CEO, Carter Roberts with the biogas users Program, its activities in Area Management Council and team to look into the wildlife non timber forest products, reduced herd sizes Forestry (IOF). ethnic minority group of effectively implemented integrated biodiversity crimes in Kathmandu. Within a short span of time reducing pressure on grazing areas and provided together with the Vice and buffer zone users the field and major Nepal. Sher Bahadur will conservation and development projects in he has achieved good results of seizing tiger and a sustainable income source to the farmers. President, WWF-US were organized achievements were Maryada Shrestha is the pursue a four years Kangchenjunga Conservation Area after the leopard skins, shahtoosh shawls and musk pods and Country respectively at Biogas briefed by the Country recipient of the Jennifer Bachelors of Forestry handover of KCA management to the local and arrested eight persons involved in such illegal Representative of WWF Village, Bodreni and Representative of WWF Headley Memorial studies at the Institute of community. He also played a vital role in activities. Sadhana Thapa is a young Nepal visited Chitwan Mirgakunj buffer zone Nepal. He was briefed Scholarship-2007. She Forestry in Pokhara. n successfully implementing the Livestock Insurance leader dedicated to the National Park, its buffer user committee at on anti poaching Scheme, a novel way of conserving snow leopards Samaj Kalyan Women User conservation of Kenaf (locally zone and surroundings Chitwan. He also visited operations and other in the Himalayas. Group is the most active user called sunpat or patuwa in during 18-22 September the TAL (PABZ) office at activities supporting the Mingma Sherpa Memorial group among the 227 buffer Terai). She has established Green Kenaf Clubs in 2007. He inaugurated Sauraha, the park management Bijay Raj Shrestha is a zone user groups functioning several schools where students not only plant Scholarships the School Natural Communication Tower during the park visit. A conservationist from his heart in Bardia National Park and its buffer zone areas. Kenaf but also learn the value of green environment To honour late Mingma Sherpa's life-long commitment History Museum at Bal and Gharial Breeding three hour long and has played pivotal role in The group members patrol on regular basis in the and about the plants on the verge of vanishing. to help Nepal's rural poor to improve their livelihoods Kumari English School, Centre at Kasara. Two sweeping operation was nature conservation in and border of the national park. They played a vital role She has been organizing a series of community while living in harmony with nature, WWF has around Thapapur Village Development Committee. in controlling the illegal activities in and around projects including health awareness campaigns, Narayangarh, Gharial crocodiles were conducted at Bhimle established a memorial scholarship fund that will provide He owns the "Shrestha Private Forest" that houses BNP during the insurgency. educational projects and plantation programmes established with the released in the Narayani post area by the financial assistance to students from remote regions several birds and animals along with a "Dolphin through Rotaract Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town. support of WWF Nepal River during his visit to Chitwan National Park of Nepal who intend to pursue careers in nature

Conservation Centre". ECO-Nepal primarily deals with on 18 September 2007. Kasara. The concept of on 20 September 2007.n conservation. the issues of environment Subodh Gautam, senior reporter Akhanda Upadhyay, president protection, natural resources with Kantipur daily has been To encourage bright and promising students from of the Eco Club at his school in conservation, and spreading reporting on the issues of Nepal's rural mountain areas to pursue careers in nature Dunai, is a passionate young awareness on environment, sustainable environment and conservation conservation, each year WWF will award a Mingma development and disaster resilience. Through its for the past ten years. His reporting has been conservationist. Together with Sherpa Memorial Scholarship to a student to pursue monthly publication Paryawaran and Chetana - a instrumental in raising awareness among the local TCL and Bachelors level study at the Institute of Forestry. his friends, Akhanda has rescued several wildlife radio programme, it raises awareness about these people, user groups, and political parties. He is species. Despite lack of resources and hard physical issues. one of the key persons covering the issues on Bimala Lama is the recipient of the Mingma Sherpa Memorial terrain, Akhanda motivates the Eco Club to rhino poaching, early release of rhino poachers Scholarship-2007. Bimala has passed the Certificate Level participate in many important activities that has Karma Bhutia has pioneered from jail, transborder wildlife trade, smuggling studies from the Institute of Forestry, Hetauda Campus succeeded in winning the participation of local medicinal and aromatic plants sandalwood among others extensively and with high scores. She hails from an ethnic indigenous group.

communities. (MAPs) cultivation in eastern continuously. n She will pursue a four years Bachelors in Forestry at the

Institute of Forestry, Hetauda Campus. n 2 3 WWF-UK CEO Visits TAL Workshop on 'Tuberculosis in Mr. David Nussbaum, CEO, WWF-UK and Mr. Anil Manandhar, people lies in the way natural resources are managed in the Elephants - Diagnosis and Treatment' CR, WWF Nepal visited Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) from 9 June bottleneck." Mr. Ram Prasad Lamsal, Project Manger - TAL, Mr. to13 June 2007. On the last day of their trip, they paid a visit to Santosh Nepal, Director - WWF West Regional Office and Mr. Purna CHITWAN, Nepal - A workshop on "Disease Lamahi bottleneck in Dang. Earlier, the group observed the Kunwar, Sector Manager - TAL accompanied the visiting team and Diagnosis and Treatment of Elephants' was jointly conservation related activities in and around Chitwan National Park briefed on the achievements and challenges of the TAL program. organized by Tribhuvan University - Institute of and its buffer zone. Upon their arrival at Lamahi, Mr. Nussbaum Agriculture and Animal Sciences (IAAS), Department and Mr. Manandhar were welcomed by Narti Community Forest The team also visited WWF Western Regional Office at Nepalgunj of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Coordination Committee (CFCC) officials. Later they visited three before departing to Kathmandu. Mr. Santosh Nepal made a short WWF -Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy community forest user groups where they received a warm welcome presentation on the overall achievements of the TAL program over

(AREAS), National Trust for Nature Conservation from the huge community gathering. the period of the first phase. n Four High Altitude Wetlands Declared Ramsar Sites (NTNC), Elephant Care International and Tufts University at the Biodiversity Conservation Centre, Members of community as well as the CFCC briefed about the Four high altitude achievements of the forward in these areas." Chitwan on 28-29 July with an objective of developing different conservation and sustainable livelihoods related activities a standard protocol for treatment of infectious diseases wetlands in Nepal - Gokyo Conservation Heroes who WWF had supported the supported through the TAL program. Mr. Nussbaum observed the including tuberculosis in captive elephants in Nepal. and associated lakes, lost their lives in the tragic Government of Nepal for forest land restoration, private plantation, and community development Gosaikunda and helicopter crash in the inventory preparation activities carried out by the groups. He also inspected the biogas The workshop focused on the probability, incidence, plants, village irrigation infrastructure, and a mentha distillation plant. associated lakes, Ghunsha, Kangchenjunga and Ramsar assessment diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and other He was particularly impressed by the level of participation of the Phoksundo Lake and a year ago. of the high altitude infectious diseases in elephants in and around young people and women in the conservation work. Addressing the Rara Lake have been "We would like to dedicate wetlands in Nepal. "We Chitwan National Park and recommended urgent community gathering, Mr. Nussbaum said, "The future of the young designated new wetlands these high altitude had been working hard for confirmatory "re-testing" of the suspected elephants. of international Ramsar sites to our this recognition and with Some actions were proposed regarding health issues Workshop on Building the Capacity Live Earth - the Concerts for importance by the Conservation Heroes, the declaration, we have of the elephant handlers and local people. An intensive Switzerland based which will always remind already initiated our work discussion emphasized the implications of tuberculosis of WWF Nepal on Policy Engagements Climate Crisis on Hits FM 91.2 Ramsar Bureau. The us of their dedication and in Gokyo to address the spread in wild populations. A two-day workshop was 26 staff from WWF Nepal LIVE EARTH - a 5-hour long world class certificates of the four sites selfless contribution to climate change impacts," held on 29 - 30 July 2007 including the field staff worldwide event was broadcast on Hits FM 91.2. were handed over to the conserve biodiversity and said Ms. Neera Shrestha A total of 120 elephants have been tested for to analyze the conservation participated in the training. WWF Nepal is one of the sponsors of the tuberculosis in Chitwan since 2006-2007. As of now, policies of Nepal and to build Director General, a.i. of natural resources for a Pradhan, Program Experts from Human broadcast of the recorded version of the concerts 6 'high risk' elephants out of 25 suspected with the capacity of WWF Nepal Department of National living planet," said Mr. Anil Manager for WWF Nepal's Development Nepal in Kathmandu. More than 100 artists got together on policy engagements. The tuberculosis are being segregated from other Consultants Group for one cause - to save the living planet - and pressurize concerned Parks and Wildlife Manandhar, Country Freshwater Program. main objective of the elephants for observation. The workshop also (HDNCG) and Foundation organizations/governments while creating public awareness about global Conservation Mr. Shyam Representative of WWF With the declaration of workshop was to analyze recommended immediate and long term solutions to for Human Development warming. Bajimaya by Assistant Nepal. "With this four high altitude Ramsar the sectoral and cross- identify, treat and manage diseased elephants. (FHD) interacted with WWF The event took place simultaneously in cities Tokyo, New York, London, Advisor for Asia-Pacific, outstanding achievement, sites, Nepal will have eight sectoral policies having an impact on conservation, Nepal staff on the above Johannesburg, Rio De Janeiro, Sydney, Shanghai, Hamburg on 07.07.07. Ramsar Convention on we expect conservation Ramsar sites, out of which Dr. Susan Mikota-an expert on treating TB in elephants identify the gaps therein, mentioned issues and the Live Earth reached the worldwide audience through an unprecedented global Wetlands in a ceremony as well as sustainable four lie in the Terai (plain) from Elephant Care International of and to enhance the capacity recommendations from staff media architecture covering all media platforms - TV, radio, Internet and to celebrate the life and development to move region. n USA says "If tuberculosis is of WWF Nepal staff for were taken into wireless channels. Hits FM 91.2 had received the rights from Radio Express, diagnosed in time, there is policy and advocacy-related consideration for California, USA to broadcast the recorded version of the concerts in hope that we can cure the engagements. All together Website: http://wetlandinventory.org.np appropriate measures. n Kathmandu. n elephant." A working group with Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) Site Visit Working Session on Koshi River Global Climate Change and Energy Strategy Meeting representatives from the government, by USAID Staff Basin Management (KRBM) Sandeep Chamling Rai, Program Deal NI, the role of Least Developed scientists and Hannah Fairbank and Netra Sharma of USAID together with Drew Manager - Climate Change and Energy Countries (LDCs) and Small Island stakeholders has Crandall of WWF-US visited TAL site in the last week of July 2007. Water and Energy Commission and WWF Nepal for piloting Nepal Program, attended the Global Climate Development State (SIDS) were been formed that Secretariat (WECS) and WWF Water Plan 2005 in the area. The Nepal jointly organized a "working working session was held to form Change and Energy Strategy meeting reflected through this meeting. The will help Hannah congratulated WWF Nepal for the excellent integration with session on Koshi River Basin a working group and discuss on that took place in Brussels from 6 to meeting also decided to develop implement the communities and local institutions and proven methods for working with the target populations/areas through local institutional structures Management (KRBM)" for like- the possible thematic areas to be 8 August 2007. The meeting identified separate Energy NI and put forward recommendations (such as CFUGs, BZUGs, VDCs, CFCCs). She said that WWF minded organizations actively addressed by the KRBM. Another and discussed different areas/topics to the conservation committee. There of the workshop. n seems to be able to navigate, leverage and build/support local functioning in the Koshi basin on objective of the workshop was to to be included in the Global New Deal was common understanding that the governance structures effectively to achieve biodiversity conservation 9 August 2007. The workshop discuss about the partners' NI and overall global climate change adaptation should be reflected in all results along with improved governance and livelihood impacts was organized as a follow-up to interests and their integration in the MoU signed between WECS the initiative. n and energy strategy. In Global New the NI that network will endorse. n during challenging security and political contexts. n © Elephant Management Information Centre 4 5 Rainwater Harvesting Plant Inaugural Assessment of Radio Amidst the growing demand and crisis of drinking water supplies Programme Bhuparidhi in the capital city, Freshwater Program at WWF Nepal has taken Nepal Energy Journalists Group (NEJG) led a step forward in installing a rainwater harvesting plant at a by Raju Laudari has submitted the preliminary government school in Kathmandu. While the school faces much assessment report on Bhuparidhi radio pressure in providing its kids with potable water, rainwater programme. Bhuparidhi is WWF's radio harvesting has become a boon for them. The plant was installed programme broadcast in the TAL area through with the technical support from NGO forum, a coalition of non- three local FM stations and a regional station governmental organizations working on water issues. of Radio Nepal, the government owned radio. Conservation Ambassador for WWF Nepal, Miss Nepal 2007, WWF Nepal has been broadcasting the Sitashma Chand was the special guest of the ceremony. She also inaugurated the plant and released a book on water © WTLCP programme for the last four years. Only 31 Rhinos in Bardia National Park conservation for kids published by WWF Nepal. Sitashma gave The report has recommended to continue a motivating speech to the youth on importance of utilizing The Rhino Count 2007 in Bardia National 2000 found 37 rhinos in the Geruwa River Several additional posts have been reinstated the programme and extend it to other local nature's freely available resources. Various renowned names Park confirmed a sharp decline in the rhino floodplain and 30 in the Babai River floodplain. since the restoration of peace in April 2006. FMs as well. Other recommendations include in the water sector including the Secretary, Ministry of Education, population. Only 31 rhinos were counted The acute situation of the conflict in the past the localization of the programme to include honoured the function with their presence and encouraged during a 10-day survey from 17-27 May 2007 The census was supported by WWF Nepal rainwater harvesting for water conservation. WWF Nepal was few years greatly impacted conservation in more of local activities. n according to the national authority, the the area when the 15 existing security posts and National Trust for Nature Conservation. specially thanked for initiating this venture. n Department of National Parks and Wildlife "The results of the Rhino Count 2007 in Bardia were decreased to just six to cover an area Conservation. Five rhinos are believed to have National Park will not discourage our of 968 km2. "The Babai River floodplain, the migrated to Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary conservation efforts," said Anil Manandhar, Access to Genetic Resources and WWF Nepal honored by Government of Nepal main habitat of rhinos, saw no national park in India from the national park through the Country Representative of WWF Nepal. "If officials and security persons for a period of Benefit Sharing Workshop Khata forest corridor. anything, we should all redouble our efforts three years and during this period, a huge to save this endangered species from the WWF Nepal supported concerns regarding their number of wild animals were poached," stated Eighty three rhinos were translocated to Bardia threats of illegal wildlife trade and loss of a consultation workshop right and owenership on a press release from the Department of National Park from Chitwan to create a new habitat." n on draft bill of Access to biological and genetic viable population. The last rhino census in National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. Genetic Resources and resources; and to Benefit Sharing. The facilitate dialogue workshop was jointly between policy makers Gold Standard Biogas VERs Project organized by Nepal and stakeholders on 296 Gaurs in Chitwan National Park Dr. Ghana Shyam receives the award of honour from Hon. Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel Federation of Indigenous Access to Genetic A census of gaurs (Bos gaurus), the largest and most powerful of Climate Change and Energy Program organized a one-day Nationalities (NEFIN) Resources and Benefit The Government of Nepal conferred an (LSMC). Around 2,100 students from 30 and Environmental Environment and Development Honor schools participated in the rally jointly all wild cattle, in Nepal's Chitwan National Park has put their number stakeholder level consultation workshop on the implementation Sharing. at 296, showing an increase of 98 from the last count a decade of Gold Standard Biogas VERs Project (GSBVP) on 20 August Coalition of Indigenous 2007 on WWF Nepal in recognition to organized by WWF, IUCN, National Trust Nationalities (NECIN) on the contribution made in the conservation for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and ago. 2007 in Nepalgunj. The main objective of the workshop was to This bill is the key legal 25 September 2007. of natural resources and wildlife. LSMC. disseminate the information on the biogas project being instrument to implement The count was conducted from 17-18 April by park staff with support implemented by WWF Nepal and get the local level comments provisions of CBD in The major objectives of The award was presented to Dr. Ghana WWF's climate change activities were Nepal. This bill has been from the Terai Arc Landscape Program. More than 20 elephants and suggestions on developing the biogas project in Gold the workshop were to Shyam Gurung, Conservation Program exhibited in a stall at the exhibition drafted by Ministry of and 30 recorders participated in the count. Standard Biogas VERs project for emission trading and to sensitize the Members of Director of WWF Nepal, by the chief organized by the Ministry of Environment, develop a common understanding on GSBVP in TAL working Parliament (MP) on Forests and Soil guest Hon. Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel, Science and Technology. Similarly, a Conservation (MFSC). It Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, climate fair was organized by WWF and An adult gaur, also known as the Indian bison, weighs 650-1,000kg. area. WWF has been implementing this project in partnership issues of indigenous will be brought to the at the inauguration of the World Clean Energy Nepal, with the help of They live in herds of 2-40 with only one mature bull. Other adult with Biogas Sector Partnership (BSP) Nepal, Alternative Energy people's concerns on Environment Day 2007, amidst a students from different environment draft of Acess to Genetic parliament for discussion males may live singly or in bachelor groups. Gaurs prefer to eat Promotion Centre (AEPC) and community forest coordination gathering of dignitaries including the science colleges. The fair had activities Resources and Benefit and endorsement. green grass, but in its absence will eat coarse dry grass, forbs, and committee (CFCC). BSP-Nepal will provide overall technical UNEP Regional Director, the Director to disseminate information on different Sharing; to identify gaps, Therefore, it was an the leaves of some trees and creepers. assistance to install the biogas plants, AEPC will monitor the General of ICIMOD, the Minister for issues of climate change including loopholes and important initiative to Environment, Science and Technology, documentary shows, interaction project and ensure government subsidy as per the Rural Energy bring all stakeholders in shortcoming, and provide and other high-level government officials. programmes, games and other fun Gaurs are found in eastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Policy 2063 and CFCCs will implement the plants in their input for necessary discussion for providing activities. Also, a series of radio Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, southern China, and the Malay Peninsula. respective community forest users' committees through amendments in the draft input to MFSC for WWF was involved in several activities programmes focused on this year's theme It inhabits evergreen and deciduous forest hills and grassy clearings community based micro-finance institutions. This project will bill in order to address necessary amendments to mark the day. A student rally went were aired on different FM radios on the

up to 1,800m. n install 7,500 biogas plants in TAL area. n indigenous people's in the draft. n around the Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City occasion. n 6 7 Symposium to Save the Tiger Budgets and Programs Endorsed for FYO8

The Project Executive Committee (PEC ) budget proposed for next year. He added that Country Representative of WWF Nepal, meeting convened in Kathmandu on 26 July the past year was an extraordinary year in thanked the field staff and congratulated them The International Tiger Symposium (ITS) and 2007. The major agenda was the presentation the history of WWF, referring to the on the conservation achievements that were the fourth General Assembly of Global Tiger on programmatic and financial progress of Kangchenjunga tragedy. On the programmatic accomplished in the duration of eight months. Forum (GTF) was held in Kathmandu between FY07, endorsement of proposed programs side, the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area He added that the year was significant in 16 to 20 April 2007. and the budget for FY08 and endorsement of was handed over to the local community for terms of program performance and fundraising major decisions made by PCC. The PEC management, the Sacred Himalayan of US$ 4 million. He also commented on The ITS was inaugurated by the Honorable Speaker of the Legislative Parliament meeting was co-chaired by Dr Keshav Raj Landscape Strategic Plan and the Terai Arc WWF's diversified portfolio of partners within Billboard design that was displayed at three strategic locations in the city and as a banner at the GTF Mr Subash Nembang and the fourth General Kanel, Director General, Department of Landscape Strategic Plan and Implementation the government. Mr Shyam Bajimaya, Director Assembly was opened by the Honorable Forests and Mr Shyam Bajimaya, Director Plan were endorsed by the government. General, spoke of jointly addressing the Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation "A clear consensus emerged at the "Such a move could be a death sentence for General, Department of National Parks and emerging threats to biodiversity conservation and Chairperson of Global Tiger Forum symposium that poaching of tigers in the wild wild tigers, which will be poached even more Wildlife Conservation. The program and budget of NRs 187,216,485 and stressed the importance of producing Mr. Matrika Prasad Yadav. must be combated urgently and that it requires relentlessly if there's a legal market for was proposed for FY08. A grant amount of tangible results. Dr Keshav Kandel immediate, coordinated efforts both by smugglers to 'launder' wild tiger products Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung of WWF made a NRs 8,07,20,831 will be immediately provided congratulated the field staff and thanked WWF, Attendees of the Global Tiger Forum countries with tiger populations and countries through," said Steven Broad, executive director briefing on the outline of the presentations. to both the departments. Remaining budget adding that the young and energetic staff driving the black market demand for tiger of TRAFFIC International. International Tiger Symposium included The first part of the presentation focused on will be provided gradually based on the were a good example for the department.n parts," said Dr Susan Lieberman, director of delegates representing the governments of discussion on the progress of fiscal year 2007 availability of the fund at WWF. WWF's Global Species Programme and chair "We call on the Global Tiger Forum to send Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, China, and the second part on the activities and In the closing remarks, Mr Anil Manandhar, of the International Tiger Symposium. a clear message to China that the international Myanmar, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, community finds any reopening of tiger trade Vietnam, Thailand and the UK. "The world's remaining wild tigers can't wait. unacceptable." Governments were asked to give updates on The need for protecting them has never been WWF-UK Team in Kangchenjunga Interaction with Business and Industry their wild tiger populations and poaching, as more urgent." Other recommendations from the symposium Representatives well as data on recent seizures of tigers and included: investigating ways to reduce human- tiger parts in trade. One issue that dominated much of the tiger conflict across Asia and share lessons IUCN Nepal, Tara Management with B&I. Renowned discussion was whether China would lift its about methods to compensate communities Pvt. Ltd., and WWF Nepal jointly businessmen Rajendra Khaitan WWF and TRAFFIC urged delegates successful 14-year ban on trade of tiger bone for tiger depredation; convening a meeting of organized an interaction session and Hitesh Golchha, Bharat attending the symposium, sponsored by the and allow domestic sales of tiger products. A law enforcement experts to share advice and with the representatives of Thapa of Explore Nepal, Ang Global Tiger Forum, to take a strong position petition to overturn the ban is pending before approaches to halting illegal tiger trade; and business and industry sector on Tsering Sherpa of Nepal on promoting improved regional law the government by wealthy tiger farm investors, calling for the development of a global tiger 18 September 2007. Mountaineering Association and enforcement to protect the world's wild tigers who now have more than 4,000 semi-tame conservation strategy that would follow an representatives of other business and to oppose the re-opening of the tiger tigers in captivity and are hoping to profit from approach successfully used for African lion Prabhu Budhathoki from IUCN, houses interacted on the issues trade in China. sales of tiger products. conservation. n Prashant Singh from WWF Nepal of working together with the trio

WWF UK Team with Tara Gnyawali, members of mother group and chairperson of KCAMC and Siddha Raj Pant from Tara of IUCN, WWF Nepal and Tara

Management Pvt. Ltd. elucidated Management Pvt. Ltd. n Mr Dominique White, Head of Program Development and Ms Kate the importance of the partnership Studd, Socioeconomic Advisor, WWF-UK together with Livelihoods WWF signs Agreement with Nepal's Water Commission Secretariat Specialist Mr. Tara Prasad Gnyawali, visited Kangchenjunga from 30 March to 13 April 2007. The objective of the visit was to assess Recognizing the growing importance of freshwater resources, task that requires strong scientific knowledge, socio-economic common understanding of people perceived benefits from KCAP WWF Nepal has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding understanding and managerial skills that balance development Broadening our Horizons: MoEST project activities, conservation activities and opportunity that KCAP with the government's Water and Energy Commission Secretariat needs with sustainable use of natural resources. The participation induced during the last project period. The trip was also organized A Scope of Cooperation between WWF Nepal and the Ministry of on 22 June 2007, to sustainably manage the Koshi River basin. of local communities in formulating and implementing conservation to assess the capacity of different level Kangchenjunga Conservation Environment, Science and Technology (MoEST) was endorsed by activities in and around the basin will be essential to the success Under this new partnership, the two organizations will work together of the initiative, and the long-term sustainability of the river. Area Management Council (KCAMC) bodies for future visioning on the Hon Minister Mahantha Thakur on Wednesday, 20 June 2007. to optimize the basin's freshwater resources for socio-economic co-management taking in consideration the outsider (district line This five-year partnership will enable WWF Nepal to implement climate development while maintaining the ecological balance. The Koshi River originates in the mountains of Nepal and the agencies, partners ) and insider (users, community groups and change and energy projects in Nepal jointly with the ministry at key The Koshi River Basin Management is the first initiative of its kind Tibetan plateau and flows through northern India. It is a major people benefiting from KCAP activities) perspectives. locations in the country. This marks a diversification in our partnership to realize recommendations tabled in the country's 2005 National tributary of the Ganges River, a priority river basin for WWF. Overall, portfolio within the Government of Nepal. Since we lay great emphasis Water Plan. Nepal's rivers contribute to more than 45 per cent of the total flow The team met different district level partners at Taplejung and visited on the benefits of partnerships, the endorsement of the Scope of of the Ganges river basin and nearly 70 per cent of the Ganges KCAMC at Lelep, KCAP office, CAUC at Lelep, MG at three sites Cooperation is an important new direction for our climate change Management of the resources within a river basin is a complex flow in the dry-season. n in Lelep, Hellok and Tapethok, snow leopard conservation committee work. We are confident that this will bring about many positive

at Lelep and consulted with project staff at Lelep. n advantages. n 8 9 Lighting up the Mountains Briefing to Phu Khieo Wildlife Grant to Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) Sanctuary, Thailand Authorities for implementing Gold Standard Biogas CDM Project

A grant of more than USD 169,000 marks 2007 and will end in June 2008. The A team comprising of 25 participants from Phu Khieo Climate Change and Energy Program provided grant of USD 120,000 to Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) to implement Gold Standard Biogas CDM the first major funding received by the micro-hydro will promote renewable Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand, were briefed about TAL, Project. This Gold Standard Biogas CDM Project is the first gold standard CDM Saving the Prehistoric Reptilian, Kangchenjunga Conservation Area energy sources while enhancing the Wildlife Monitoring in TAL, and the concept of Buffer Project in Nepal. The grant provided to AEPC will be spent for the subsidy for Management Council (KCAMC) from technical and managerial capacities of Zone at Souraha on 11 May 2007 by Sector Manager, Gharial the 1163 biogas plants being implemented in Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) in this WWF Nepal, also funded by USAID local institutions. The community will take TAL (PABZ) and Secretary, Mirgakunj Buffer Zone User fiscal year. WWF Nepal has target to install 7,500 biogas plants in four years WWF Nepal, Wildlife Watch Group (WWG) and SOS Nepal. The "Micro-hydro Project for ownership of the project to increase Committee. and develop it as a Gold Standard Biogas CDM Project for carbon trading. n Crocodile France jointly organized a discussion session People and Biodiversity in KCA" grant income generation from enterprises that The main objective of the team's visit was to get first for its partners and stakeholders on concept paper for was signed by Mr Tseten Dandu Sherpa, benefit their livelihoods and conservation hand information on the activities, modality, issues, 12th Wildlife Week Celebrated Gharial Conservation in Nepal on 25 June 2007. Listed Chairperson of KCAMC and Mr Anil in the area. This project is critical in an threats, partnership, outcomes etc. at landscape level as Critically Endangered Species in the IUCN Red list, The 12th Wildlife Week, celebrated Sagarmatha National Park and buffer Manandhar, Country Representative of area where many households are unable conservation. They also got acquainted with different these beautiful creatures today exist in very small during 14-20 April 2007 with a slogan zone support project (SNPBZ SP) in WWF Nepal, on Thursday, 21 June 2007. to afford expensive alternative energy aspects like research design/methodology, coordination populations in the whole world. "rf/L] lzsf/Lsf ] ;fdgf, !@cf +} aGohGt ' ;Ktfxsf] coordination with Sagarmatha National technologies such as back-boilers and among the partners of the same interests, output sharing Park (SNP) celebrated the 12th Wildlife zesfdgf' " held various activities in and The local community is contributing nearly solar sets. mechanism, partnership with government for wildlife Week from 14 April to 20 April 2007 Nepal is one of the last remaining homes to Gharial in around Chitwan National Park. USD 16,000 through mechanisms like research and monitoring, concept of buffer zone, legal with the slogan, æhnjfo ' kl/jtg{ xfdf| ] ;/fsf/,] the northern part of the Indian sub-continent and Ghailaghari street drama team from :jR5 hn;Dkbf hLjgsf ] cfwf/Æ (literally - labour and local transportation. The 35 On 22 September 2006, the Government and livelihood issues and their link to the conservation conservation efforts to save these reptilians from the Jagatpur, Chitwan, conducted rhino "Climate change is our concern, kW project will light up 77 households in of Nepal made a landmark decision to in buffer zones. They visited Baghmara Community brink of extinction could be a very challenging task. The conservation street drama shows at freshwater is the basis of life"). Ghunsa and Phale, the last permanent hand over the Kangchenjunga Forest and Chitwan National Park, protected areas, proposed project aims at saving the last remaining gharial seven different strategic locations of Screening of a documentary, a heritage settled valley of the conservation area Conservation Area for management by corridor and bottlenecks in TAL Nepal and Dudhwa tour, cleanliness programme, a wildlife populations in partnership with local communities and Chitwan National Park and buffer zone at 3,360m. The project started in July KCAMC. n National Park under TAL India. n conservation rally, a tree plantation partners involved in the sustainable management of (CNPBZ) and national forest areas programme and painting competition, freshwater ecosystems. Efforts to accomplish this project shows to raise awareness. A and an oratory contest on the topic could realize and ensure the survival of this rare crocodile conservation rally was organized at climate change and wildlife conservation Inauguration of Mahadev Line as envisioned by the renowned conservationist and Phuksundo Conservation Festival New Padampur on the occasion. were organized to mark the week. n Extension Project gharial specialist of Nepal, Late Dr. Tirtha Man Maskey.n The first conservation festival of its kind to celebrate communities and conservation in Shey Phoksundo National Grassland Management Monitoring in Park took place on the shores of Phuksundo Lake from Shahtoosh Traders Arrested 13-14 May 2007. While this was a community-led initiative, Chitwan National Park WWF Nepal played a very important role in supporting and The Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Crime Division arrested three organizing the festival. People came from all over Dolpa Indian nationals involved in selling shahtoosh shawls made from the Grassland management is the key activity of species and that included officials from political parties and CARE endangered Tibetan antelope on 5 June 2007. conservation. TAL has regularly supported the grassland Nepal as well as popular celebrities Bimal Dangi and Suman A month-long undercover sting operation, known as Operation management in all of its four protected areas. Regular Buda. The success of the festival could be measured both Heritage, led to the arrest of three Indian nationals with 19 shahtoosh monitoring of grassland during intervention is one of in the high level of participation that was especially shawls. This is the first time that fully woven shahtoosh shawls, worth the key activities and scientific documentation of the commendable under the difficult field situation. over USD 35,000, were seized in such a large quantity in the Nepalese intervened grasslands is another important prerequisite The WWF team consisted of Dirgha Gandhari and Trishna capital. for future strategic decisions. Though the grassland Gurung. They were accompanied by a documentary team management in protected areas has been continued from NEFEJ's Aakhijhyal, student researchers, and a Studies have shown that Nepal is being used as a transit point for since 2001, after the inception of TAL, the focus was consultant working on the cultural significance of the lake smuggling shahtoosh shawls and other illegal wildlife parts to The Mahadev line extension project in Dolpa was European and other markets. concentrated only on the management of existing as a high altitude wetland. n inaugurated by Donald C Clark, Mission Director of International trade of the Tibetan antelope - native to the Tibetan grasslands. Considering the loss and degradation of grassland in Chitwan National Park (CNP) which has USAID Nepal, on 20 June 2007. The project that brought plateau including Tibet Autonomous Region in Qingai and Xinjiang USAID/Nepal Share Fair shrunk down to 4.7% from the 20% in the 1970s, the electricity to villages in one of Nepal's least developed provinces - is strictly prohibited according to its endangered status At the USAID/Nepal Share Fair on 5 June 2007, WWF Nepal's section featured grassland restoration initiatives have been initiated districts was funded by WWF and USAID. Local on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Appendix I of information on sustainable use of natural resources, alternative energy and since 2005 in CNP. The management of existing and communities contributed through labour and CITES. conservation-based livelihoods initiatives. Various products made by local communities restored grasslands is also being continued. In this in our project sites were on display and a few, like organic soap, Seabuckthorn and transportation charges. Also in the team were Naren Three Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) are killed to make regard, GPS points of the restored and managed Marmellous juice, were also on sale. A special section was set up to view conservation Chanmugam of USAID, Carla Bachechi of the US a single shawl of shahtoosh - Persian for "king of wools" - although grasslands of CNP have been taken by TAL with the documentaries. US Ambassador Moriarty visited the WWF stall where he was Embassy, Prashant Singh and Ugan Manandhar from dealers claim that they collect the tufts of hair that get caught in support of CNP and hired people. Area and location of presented with a special package consisting of a WWF t-shirt, a Save the Tiger mug, WWF Nepal and Gautam Paudyal from the Northern bushes as the animals brush past. In reality, the animal suffers days those grasslands will be interpreted with the support of agony in traps until poachers come to collect them. n and a few recent publications. n Mountains Conservation Project. n of GIS unit at WWF Nepal, Kathmandu. n 10 11