Kathmandu, November 24:

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Nepal and Nepal Forum of Environment Journalists (NEFEJ) jointly organised a media sensitisation programme on landscape governance issues

on biodiversity conservation in Biratnagar today.

A press release issued by the IUCN states that the programme was participated by over 34 journalists of print and electronic media of the eastern Nepal.

“The dissemination in both the local and national media is expected to generate conservation awareness on the importance of landscape governance as a major strategic intervention in managing the critical ecosystems of Ilam Siwaliks and Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale areas of the eastern Nepal,” the release quoted Deependra Joshi, Programme Officer of the IUCN Nepal, as saying.

He added that the current situation highlights the need for engaging media in appropriately disseminating biodiversity conservation initiatives being implemented on the ground.

On the occasion, Mohan Bhandari and Dilip Kafle, members of NEFEJ, shed light on the issues, challenges and opportunities on environmental reporting in Nepal, and urged the mainstreram media for wider coverage of environmental news.