It is with much fulfillment that I convey to you about the completion of four decades since the establishment of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), an institution whose work continues to actively influence Nepal's nature conservation and sustainable development course. Here I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the elders who have had a role in bringing the Trust up to this moment. I am likewise grateful to all Nepali brothers and sisters who have directly or indirectly supported the Trust in every step of the way. In its journey of four decades, special appreciation must be given to the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Forests and Environment, various donor agencies and conservation partners, both at home and abroad for their untiring support.
The underlying theme of this year's anniversary is "Four Decades in Conservation: A Glorious History and the Way Forward". On the occasion of our Founding Day, it is a moment of pride for the Trust family to be able to be joined in the celebrations by the Prime Minister and the Patron of the Trust, the Rt. Hon'ble Sher Bahadur Deuba. To mark this special day, the "National Trust for Nature Conservation - Patron Conservation Award" has been established in the name of the Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister and the Patron of the Trust. A program where the Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister will recognize remarkable individuals and/or institutions working for conservation will be made on October 20, 2022 at the NTNC Auditorium.
Decision for the "National Trust for Nature Conservation - Patron Conservation Award" has been made in favor of Mr. Bishwa Nath Upreti, the founder Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, who has made invaluable contributions in the field of biodiversity conservation in Nepal, has been a pivotal figure in the establishment of country's national parks and wildlife reserves, and has made wide contributions in advancing Nepal's conservation profile globally. Through this the Trust believes that on the one hand, the living history of Nepal's protected area will be remembered and appreciated, and on the other hand, a positive message about the value of conservation will be conveyed to the next generation. The Patron Conservation Awardee will also be honored with a cash prize of NPR 125,000.
In its journey of four decades, the Trust has been managing the Annapurna Conservation Area, the Manaslu Conservation Area and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, all of which are prized mountain tourist destinations of the world today, and whose ecosystem health and biological diversity have far reaching consequences for the Himalayas and beyond. The Central Zoo at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur managed by the Trust continues to be a center for ex-situ conservation innovation and education, linking urban-wildlife needs better.
In the Tarai, the Biodiversity Conservation Center in Chitwan, the Bardia Conservation Program in Bardia and the Shuklaphanta Conservation Program in Kanchanpur have been making significant contributions in the field of ecosystem restoration, species recovery, habitat connectivity, and improved community benefits from conservation. Only last year, the Koshi Conservation Center in Sunsari district of eastern Nepal was established, further expanding the rescue capacity and protection of wild animals. Here I would like to appreciate from the bottom of my heart the continuous support, cooperation and assistance received by the Trust from the local communities both within and outside protected areas, including conservation area management committees, and their sub-committees, the buffer zone area management committees and various community user groups.
I would like to again express my sincere gratitude to each and all concerned for the continuous support, partnership and cooperation with the Trust. In its four-decade journey, the Trust has gained special competence, demonstrated unique capabilities and built lasting relations. Nepal has demonstrated to the world its ability and willingness to effectively manage its protected areas. We are determined to build on our strengths, learn from the past and grow into the future. The coming decade will require greater steps to address climate change challenges, build green development opportunities and pathways, and develop newer partnerships, incentives and capacities that promote science, academia and innovation. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary, on behalf of the Trust I would like to reaffirm my commitment to move together with a broader, forward-looking, long-term thinking. I look forward to enjoy your support and make progress together.
Sincerely yours,
Sharad Chandra Adhikari
Member Secretary
[Dated on October 19, 2022]
NB. Copy of the press release in Nepali is also attached with this communication.
