Celebration of World Migratory Bird Day and World Biodiversity Day

Four separate awareness and outreach events were organized to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and World Biodiversity Day 2008. An orientation program, wetland walk and discussion event were successfully performed among representatives of the Institute of Forestry, Biodiversity Conservation and Research Forum, Shelf Help Environment Awareness Club and Bird Conservation Nepal Pokhara Branch. Dr. Keshab D Awasthi - Dean of Institute of Forestry, Raj Kumar Koirala - As. Campus Chief of Institute of Forestry and Gandhiv Kafle briefed the importance of both conservation days. The wetland condition of Phewa Lake was assessed using a protocols developed by LI-BIRD and WFN. Similarly, the emerging issues in farming practices at watershed of Phewa lake, their impacts on terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity and possible conservation interventions were documented using the protocols based on field observation and community interaction. The importance of Phewa lake for migratory waterbirds was discussed and emerging threats to waterbirds were assessed. Moreover, three more events were organized among students and local community for generating awareness on importance of wetlands and waterbird conservation, ultimately the overall biodiversity conservation. These events were carried out between May 11-25, 2008 in Phewa, Begnas and Khaste lakes of Pokhara Valley.