Bird Conservation Nepal celebrated its 40th AGM successfully on 3rd December 2022 at Parelee Caters Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu. The event was chaired by Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah, President BCN Executive Council Board and Devesh Mani Tripathi, Director General (DG), Department of Forest and Soil Conservation graced the event as chief guest. Shyam Sundar Bajimaya former DG, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Karna Shakya, Patron BCN, Dr. Ghyan Shyam Gurung, Country Representative WWF Nepal, Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, Country Manager ZSL Nepal, were the guest of the event. Participation of Valuable Advisors, Patron Members, BCN's Executive Council Members, Life Members and General Members, Students and Media personnel made the event more meaningful and exciting.
During the event, Nepal Bird Conservation Network (NBCN) Grant Award worth Nrs. 1 Lakh was given to Vulture Conservation Management Committee, Ghachowk and Bardiya Nature Conservation Club, Thakurdwara, Bardiya for significant contributions in bird and biodiversity conservation. Likewise, Jatayu Research Scholarship worth Nrs. 30,000 was awarded to Ms. Binita Timilsina and Ms. Saru Thapa Pandey to assist university student in research of critically endangered vultures. BCN also welcomed Mr. Additya Shrestha as new Patron Members at the event. Also, the Birdlife Nature Hero award was awarded to Ram Shahi and Gobinda Singh for their continuous and effective dedication towards the bird conservation in Nepal.
The discussion session began with presentation on BCN’s Annual Progress Report from Mr. Ashok Bahadur Malla, General Secretary, BCN Executive Council Board followed by BCN’s Annual Financial Report from Mr. Raj Kumar Rai, Treasurer, BCN Executive Council Board. The queries on various issues raised by members were addressed by Ishana Thapa, CEO BCN. The closing remarks were made by Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah where he highlighted the importance of sustainable resource use. According to Prof. Shah, economics and biodiversity conservation must go side by side in order to ensure better livelihood of the people. As a take home message, Prof. Shah said that only government bodies alone cannot work towards biodiversity conservation hence, we as a responsible citizen we all need to do our part from what resource we have and from where we are.