Bird Conservation Awareness Program at Dhorpatan Janabadi Basic School

On November 9–10, 2025, a specialized bird conservation awareness program was successfully held at Dhorpatan Janabadi Basic School in Satghar Tole, Bobang. Situated at an elevation of 1,840 meters in Dhorpatan Municipality-8, the school hosted an enthusiastic group of 73 students from Grades 6 through 8 for an intensive training session. This cohort of young conservationists was composed of 31 boys and 42 girls, specifically including 27 students from Grade 6, 21 from Grade 7, and 25 from Grade 8. The program was designed to strengthen the capacity of the school’s Eco-club, providing these learners with a foundational understanding of avian biology and the vital ecological roles birds play—ranging from seed dispersal and pollination to natural pest control in local farmlands.

The curriculum transitioned from broad biological classifications of the animal kingdom to specific conservation challenges unique to the Baglung region. A major focus was placed on the cheer pheasant, a globally threatened species that calls this high-altitude landscape home. Students explored the bird's habitat requirements and the legal protections afforded to it, while also discussing the primary drivers of its decline, such as habitat loss, climate change, and illegal hunting. By examining the impact of over-exploitation and pesticide use, the participants gained a clearer perspective on the fragile balance between human activity and wildlife survival.

The training concluded with interactive discussions where students and teachers shared feedback on how the school community can take active responsibility for pheasant conservation. Through a combination of educational posters, fact-sharing on bird records in Nepal, and a focus on moral and cultural values, the program successfully transformed the students into informed advocates. These 73 young ambassadors are now better equipped to promote sustainable practices and safeguard the diverse bird species that define the natural heritage of the Dhorpatan area.

At the end, a conservation quiz competition was organized, and the following students participated in the program: