KATHMANDU, MAY 19 WWF Nepal marked its 33rd anniversary on Monday with a special programme in Kathmandu, reflecting on more than three decades of conservation efforts and unveiling its Strategic Plan 2027–2030. The event was attended by government officials, diplomats, development partners, conservation experts, civil society representatives and youth scholars. Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Dr Govinda Prasad Sharma, attended as the chief guest. Speaking at the programme, WWF Nepal Country Representative Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung highlighted the organisation's conservation journey since its establishment in 1993 and reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Nepal. 'As we celebrate 33 years of WWF Nepal, we honour the people and partnerships that have made conservation possible,' he said, stressing the need for innovation, collaboration and community partnership to address future environmental challenges. A commemorative video showcasing WWF Nepal's support for youth leadership and environmental stewardship was also launched during the event. On the occasion, WWF Nepal distributed 10 memorial scholarships to students pursuing higher education in conservation-related fields under five scholarship categories established in memory of conservationists killed in a helicopter crash in 2006. Since 2007, the organisation has awarded 151 such scholarships. The scholarships included the Chandra Gurung Memorial Fellowship, Jillian Bowling Schlaepfer Memorial Scholarship, Jennifer Headley Memorial Scholarship, Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholarship and Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship. WWF Nepal also launched its new Strategic Plan 2027–2030, outlining priorities including climate resilience, biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, youth engagement and innovative conservation partnerships.

Similarly, the organisation presented Conservation Awards 2026 to three individuals for their contributions to environmental protection and wildlife conservation. Manju Mahatara was honoured for community-based conservation initiatives near Bardia National Park and efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence. Suman Sapkota received the award for wildlife research and mentorship focused on threatened species. For the first time, WWF Nepal posthumously honoured the late Om Prakash Mahato for his role in opposing illegal riverbed mining activities in Dhanusha district. A minute of silence was observed in his memory. The organisation also presented a special recognition to the Nepal Army for its 50 years of partnership in wildlife conservation and protection of Nepal's protected areas and endangered species. Closing the programme, Secretary Sharma praised WWF Nepal's longstanding collaboration with government agencies, local communities and development partners in advancing Nepal's conservation efforts.