KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 7
An eight-month project aimed at establishing a community-led biodiversity monitoring system in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) has concluded, with stakeholders highlighting major gains in local participation and modern conservation tools.
The UNESCO-led Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) Project wrapped up its final workshops in Phungling, Taplejung, on November 2–3, followed by a dissemination event in Kathmandu on November 6. Representatives from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC), IUCN Nepal, and local communities took part.
The project trained Indigenous and local communities, including students and teachers, to use equipment such as trail cameras and GPS devices for real-time biodiversity tracking. According to the project team, the initiative has already begun generating data on key endangered species, including the snow leopard and red panda.
Officials said the integration of modern tools with Indigenous knowledge played a vital role. Community consultations helped identify wildlife movement zones, guiding the strategic placement of trail cameras across the conservation area.
The final workshop also validated species data and outlined recommendations to strengthen long-term conservation management in KCA, supporting efforts to pursue international standards such as the IUCN Green List.
Stakeholders said the project demonstrates the effectiveness of inclusive, community-driven conservation in safeguarding Nepal's biodiversity hotspots.
