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Remembering Arend Van Riessen, Advisor of Bird Conservation Nepal: A tribute to his contributions
Remembering Arend Van Riessen, Advisor of Bird Conservation Nepal: A tribute to his contributions
10 Jul 2024

Mr. Arend Van Riessen, an esteemed advisor of Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN), and a stalwart in the field of avian conservation in Nepal, passed away on 7th July 2024 at the age of 69 years. Originally from the Netherlands, Arend Dai, as he was affectionately known, dedicated the last 42 years of his life wholeheartedly to the conservation and study of Nepal's avian species, residing in Nepal, establishing a lasting legacy.

Mr. Riessen’s passion for birdwatching brought him closer to BCN through our popular Saturday Birding events nearly two decades ago. Since then, he regularly engaged with our members through publishing articles in BCN’s Newsletter “Danphe” and in many birding trips together. As an Advisor, he has contributed in shaping BCN’s strategic plans. Many of his notable achievements particularly, his role as a planner and a leader of various bird monitoring events, studies, and conservation campaigns left an indelible impression among all of us. Among these, the "Chhimeki Chara" campaign, aimed at promoting neighborhood bird counts, along with the development of “Chhimeki Chara” app stands out as a testament to his innovative approach in engaging local communities and bird enthusiasts to motivate them to engage in conservation. Mr. Riessen also spearheaded initiatives to create bird-friendly neighborhoods, fostering environments where both humans and birds could thrive together. His contributions extended far beyond scientific research; he actively collaborated with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations to develop sustainable conservation strategies.

Mr. Riessen's contributions to bird conservation in Nepal are profound and multifaceted. His active involvement in establishing networks and connection provided opportunity to exchange among people of similar interest. He is the founder of Friends of Bird (FoB), a forum of birdwatchers. His leadership extended to coordinating the Nepal eBird Users Forum Review Committee, where he played a pivotal role in advancing citizen science and data collection initiatives crucial for bird conservation efforts.

Mr. Riessen's scholarly contributions are exemplified by his seminal work, “The Birds of the Bagmati and Taudaha Area, 2003-2016”, a comprehensive 13 years’ study documenting 263 bird species encountered in these regions. The publication not only chronicles the fluctuations and challenges faced by these species but also serves as a cornerstone of scientific research on Nepal’s avifauna.

Throughout his life, he embodied a deep-seated passion for birds and their habitats, leaving an indelible mark on conservation efforts in Nepal. His unwavering dedication and pioneering spirit have inspired countless individuals and organizations to continue the crucial work of protecting Nepal's rich birdlife.

As we mourn the loss of Arend Van Riessen, we also celebrate his enduring legacy. His contributions will continue to resonate within the realms of bird conservation and environmental stewardship, guiding future generations in their endeavors to safeguard Nepal's biodiversity.

In honoring Mr. Riessen's memory, Bird Conservation Nepal pledges to uphold his vision and continue the vital work he began, ensuring that his legacy remains a beacon of inspiration for all who strive to protect and conserve our planet's biodiversity.


In remembrance and tribute,

Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah

President, BCN

and the entire Bird Conservation Nepal family