On September 19, 2023, “Wild Bird Trade Control and Sensitization Program” took place at Department of Forest and Soil Conservation (DOFSC), Babarmahal, Kathmandu. The event was carried in collaboration with DOFSC with support from LUSH-FRESH HANDMADE COSMETICS. The program was hosted by Surendra Adhikari, Forest Officer, DOFSC. Mr. Shiva Wagle, Director General (DG), DOFSC was the chief guest of the program, while Mr. Dipak Jnawali, Deputy Director General (DDG), DOFSC chaired the program.

The program began with the brief overview about the birds and trade of birds in Nepal by Mrs. Ishana Thapa, Chief Executive Officer, BCN. Mr. Surendra Adhikari (DOFSC) provided insights into the CITES Act and Regulations-2019 and its implication in Nepal. Likewise, Mr. Mohan Bikram Shrestha (Senior Research Officer-BCN) presented on CITES listed birds of Nepal and Mr. Santosh Bajagain (Research Officer-BCN) provided overview on Illegal Bird Trade in Nepal. Divisional Forest Officer, Kathmandu, Mr. Badri Kumar Karki delivered a presentation on “Wild bird trade seizure, arrests and punishment” providing insights on Kathmandu Valley’s bird trade status and challenges. Representative from Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) gave talk on role of enforcement agencies in controlling the illegal bird trade.

The program concluded on an optimistic note, underscoring a shared dedication to preserving Nepal's avifauna from being traded. A total of 40 participants from DOFSC, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, CIB, BCN and forest officials from eight districts: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchowk, Nuwakot, Dhading, Makwanpur and Chitwan actively participated and shared their experience and knowledge regarding the program’s objective.