The Third Nepal Bird Festival, which began on Monday in Lumbini, has brought together ornithologists, conservationists, nature guides, and wildlife photographers from Nepal as well as from Bhutan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, India, and other countries. More than 200 bird researchers and conservation professionals from various districts across Nepal have arrived in Lumbini to participate in the festival.
During the festival, experts highlighted that out of the 903 bird species recorded in Nepal to date, 19 percent birds are currently endangered. Senior ornithologist Dr. Hem Sagar Baral stated that birds do not recognize political boundaries and seek only safe habitats, emphasizing the crucial role of local communities in bird conservation.
Jointly organized by Pokhara Bird Society and Lumbini Green Youth Club, the festival features research paper presentations, panel discussions, and seminars at the auditorium of Lumbini Buddhist University. In addition, bird photo exhibitions, conservation-focused information stalls, and a bird race (bird identification competition) are also being held to raise awareness about bird species, biodiversity, and habitat conservation.
On this occasion, Kantipur journalist Manoj Poudel was honored with the Excellence in Conservation Journalism Award for his more than a decade-long contribution to reporting on birds, wildlife, ecotourism, and environmental conservation. The award, which included a certificate, a cash prize, and a gift, was presented by Mr. Victor Yu, President of Ecotourism Taiwan and Executive of the Asian Bird Fair and the World Bird Fair Council. Likewise, Raman Shrestha was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for his contribution to designing the Pokhara Bird Society logo.
Mr. Man Shanta Ghimire, President of Pokhara Bird Society, expressed confidence that the festival would help establish Lumbini not only as a center of peace and spiritual tourism but also as one of Nepal’s leading destinations for birdwatching and ecotourism. Arjun Kurmi of Lumbini Green Youth Club shared his satisfaction that a community once indifferent to birds is gradually developing a positive and encouraging attitude toward bird conservation.
