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
