Recognition For Contribution
Abraham Conservation Award recognizes the contribution made by Nepalese working in the field of conservation
By KESHAB POUDEL
For Kamal Jung Kunwar, assistant conservation officer at Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), it is always a difficult task to go after the poachers who kill endangered species. Taking many risks and threats to his life, Kunwar has already arrested more than 50 poachers in less than three years.
With the intensification of insurgency and removal of security posts in the area, the burden has been added to conservation officers like Kunwar. Just a year ago, some officials like Kunwar were killed in a landmine blast in Parasa Wildlife Reserve next to Chitwan..
“I know there is danger in patrolling the park but I cannot remain confined to my office. If I can save the life of endangered animals like Rhinos and tigers, that is more satisfying for me,” said Kunwar.
A group of Tharu Women in Royal Bardia National Park (RBNP), too, have done exemplary works in the area of conservation. The group has been mobilizing communities to participate in literacy programs, install 15 biogas plants as alternative energy to reduce biotic pressure and deter wildlife crimes.
So it came as no surprise when Kunwar and the group were among the recipients of Abraham Award for Conservation this year. For Nepalese conservation officials, civil society members and experts working in different parts of the country, Abraham Conservation Awards is a medium to judge their performance.
Established in 1995 by Nancy Abraham, a WWF US board member, Abraham Conservation Award is annually distributed to conservation officials and civil society members and experts working in the area of conservation.
Along with eight regular awards for community user groups and wardens and other staffs of Department of National Park and Wildlife, this year for the first time Abraham Conservation Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to Dr. Tirtha Bahadur Shrestha- a well known expert on vegetation in Nepal .
Having written a number of books on the flora and vegetation of Nepal , Dr Shrestha offers his expert consultancy services to a number of national and international organizations on the environmental issues.
Babiro Dalit Didi-Bahni Samuha, Tripurakot Village Development Committee of Dolpa district received award for contribution to promote the community development in Shey Phoksundo National Park . The group started plantation on 1.5 hectares of community land, conducted a village sanitation campaign, operated a saving and credit scheme, contributed labor for the conservation of a school building, constructed three drinking water taps and improved a 600 meter long foot- trail.
Community Forest User Group Coordination Committee is another recipient of the award this year. The committee said to have played important role in mobilizing community forest user groups in Khata, a crucial biological corridor that links Royal Bardia National Park with India ’s Katarnighat Wildlife Sanctuary in the Terai Arc Landscape.
Balkumari Women’s Community Forest Users Group of Bhaktapur also received the award. The group is said to have achieved big success in managing the community forest. Buffer Zone Management Committee of Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Kachanpur received award for their active role in enhancing the capacity building of Eco-Clubs in the buffer zone.
Kalpana Women’s User Group, a group formed by indigenous Tharu women of Mohanapur in Bardia - also received the award for their contribution in the forest management as well as their role to deter the wildlife crime.
Kamal Jung Kunwar, assistant conservation officer at Royal Chitwan National Park Chitwan received the award for his role in the arrest of more than 50 poachers in less than three years. Apart from effectively leading mobile anti-poaching teams, Kunwar has successfully mobilized local communities to set up information gathering networks on wildlife crimes in tandem with concerned government agencies to deter poaching and illegal trade in wildlife products. Ms. Krishna Kumari Khadga of Dodhara Village Development Committee of Kanchanpur district, 550 miles far west of capital, also received the award.
Ranajit Gurung, forestry field supervisor of Sagarmatha National Park Solukhumbu, was awarded for his contribution to support the production of vegetation of seedlings and plants in Himalayan region.
The awards were conferred by different ambassadors of various countries and WWF Nepal Country Representative Dr. Chandra Gurung. “The Abraham Conservation Award was made possible through the generous support of Nancy Abraham, WWF US board member. We thank Ms Abraham for her vision and support without which this endeavor would not have been possible,” said Dr. Gurung. “In the past decade, 51 individuals and 25 institutions have received Abraham Conservation Award, serving as wonderful examples of what can be accomplished with courage and unity.”
With the aim to honor and recognize dedicated grassroots conservationists in Nepal , the Abraham Conservation Award serves as a means to increase awareness and motivation especially on the frontlines of bio-diversity conservation. At a time when Nepal ’s grass root conservationists have been working in the conflict situation sacrificing their own life, this award is the first of its kind dedicated to them. This kind of award will encourage those who have been working in difficult times.
“The Abraham Conservation Award has become a well regarded tradition that plays an important role in not only promoting motivation at the grassroots but also increasing public awareness across Nepal ,” said Dr. Gurung. This award has greatly encouraged park field staff, many of whom work in marginal conditions and face formidable challenges such as poaching of endangered species.
“I Salute and Thank Each of You From the Bottom of My heart”
By Nancy Abraham, founder of Abraham Conservation Award
I first visited Nepal more than 10 years ago and fell in love with the country and its people. My first stop was Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) where I was introduced to a baby rhinoceros named Babu that had lost its mother when it was three weeks old. Ram Prit Yadav, then chief warden of RCNP, had decided to do whatever was necessary to save the life of this baby. He asked late Mr. Khadga Bahadur Lohani, senior Game scout of RCNP, to raise the rhino and so Babu grew up following his surrogate mother like a puppy and at night, they slept side by side. I was deeply moved by the incredible dedication of the warden and park staff Lohani.
As I traveled through Nepal , I heard countless stories of heroism and commitment of individuals who, at times, risked their lives to protect the unique environment and wildlife of their country. Their actions protected the natural heritage of Nepal for future generations of both Nepalis and people like me who are lucky enough to visit and have our lives enriched as a result of their efforts.
These people deserved special thanks and recognition for their courage and dedication. I spoke to Mingma Sherpa of WWF and asked if there was a way in which I could express my thanks. He suggested the Abraham Conservation Award. This award is given each year to a group of outstanding people.
I salute and thank each of your from the bottom of my heart.
