National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Nepal

29/09/2026

Empowering Media to Combat Wildlife Crime

Wildlife crime is rapidly evolving, moving beyond traditional physical borders into complex digital spaces. To address these emerging challenges, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) hosted a collaborative workshop on 'Media Engagement and Public Awareness on Wildlife Crime Control' at its central office in Khumaltar, Lalitpur. Organized under the INL-funded 'Combat Wildlife Trafficking in Nepal' project, the program convened over 45 journalists, communicators, and conservationists dedicated to leveraging responsible storytelling for biodiversity protection.

The technical discussions provided valuable tools and perspectives for modern environmental journalism. NTNC Conservation and Information Officer Gobinda Prasad Pokharel led a session on reporting ethics and framing, highlighting how thoughtful headlines directly influence policy responses and community attitudes during sensitive human-wildlife encounters. Following this, Abhaya Joshi, Nepal Editor at Mongabay, guided participants through investigative strategies to track illegal trade online, offering solutions for handling scarce databases, verification hurdles, and ethical considerations.

NTNC Department Heads Bidur Prasad Pokharel (Finance), Rachana Shah (Species), and Dr. Madhu Chhetri (Protected Areas), alongside IUCN Regional Councillor Roshani Adhikari Pathak, shared vital insights on maintaining financial sustainability, safeguarding vulnerable species, managing protected areas, and strengthening cross-border cooperation against illicit networks and wildlife relief guideliness.

Wrapping up the event, Ashok Subedi, NTNC Senior Conservation Officer and Focal Person for Wildlife Crime Control, reiterated that fighting wildlife crime requires continuous collaboration, noting that open dialogue between media and conservationists is crucial for bridging frontline realities with public awareness.

During the program NTNC senior Conservation officer Bishnu Singh Thakuri gave overview of NTNC and its working areas to the particpants journaist. NTNC Head of climate change depertment Dr Manish Raj pandey shared his insights on wildlife crime control and the role of journalist can play in curbing wildlife crime through reporting and awareness. a

28/09/2026

To support the Government’s initiatives to address human–tiger conflict and promote long-term human–tiger coexistence, the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Nepal, and The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Colorado, USA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27 September 2026.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral, Member Secretary of NTNC, and Mr. Pat Craig, Executive Director of The Wild Animal Sanctuary, in Keenesburg, Colorado, USA. Ms. Prakriti Dhakal, Personal Under Secretary to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal, was also present at the signing ceremony.

The primary objective of the agreement is to establish a Tiger Sanctuary in Devnagar, Chitwan, Nepal and to provide safe & appropriate shelter for tigers involved in human–tiger conflict. The proposed sanctuary will serve as a dedicated facility for the care, protection, and management of conflict-affected tigers, contributing to both animal welfare and community safety.

The initiative aims to complement the Government of Nepal’s ongoing efforts to address human–tiger conflict by providing a long-term solution for the management of tigers that cannot safely return to the wild.Through this collaboration, NTNC and The Wild Animal Sanctuary seek to strengthen tiger conservation, enhance wildlife protection, and promote a balanced relationship between people and wildlife. The establishment of the sanctuary is expected to contribute to long-term human–tiger coexistence while supporting the safety and well-being of local communities.

Through this partnership, both organizations reaffirm their shared commitment to wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and sustainable coexistence between humans and nature.

26/09/2026

Throughout 21–25 September 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment (MoAFE) and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) convened a series of 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄-𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬-𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 to advance the implementation of the 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄-𝐀𝐑) in Nepal.

The consultations were facilitated with valuable contributions from representatives of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan, and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), bringing valuable regional and international perspectives on locally led adaptation and climate resilience.

The engagements brought together representatives from Government institutions, non-governmental organizations, national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, youth, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to build a shared understanding of LIFE-AR and explore practical pathways for locally led climate action in Nepal.

The process builds on the Tripartite Agreement signed in May 2026 among NTNC, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, IIED, and the LDC Chair, providing an important foundation for advancing LIFE-AR in Nepal.

The week-long mission focused on:
🔹 Understanding the LIFE-AR vision, objectives, and principles
🔹 Sharing Nepal's implementation approach and priorities
🔹 Advancing dialogue on locally led adaptation and climate resilience
🔹 Exchanging experiences and lessons from Nepal, Bhutan, and international partners
🔹 Identifying opportunities to strengthen national and local systems for effective climate action and climate finance

For Nepal, LIFE-AR presents an important opportunity to advance a country-owned, inclusive, and locally led approach to adaptation, connecting national climate priorities with local knowledge, institutions, communities, and accessible climate finance.

25/09/2026

A one-day workshop on 'Media Engagement and Awareness on Wildlife Crime Control in Sudurpaschhim Province, Nepal' was held in Dhangadhi, gathering 48 journalists reporting on nature conservation. Key presentations by NTNC’s National Trust for Nature Conservation, Shuklaphanta Conservation Program in-charge Laxmi Raj Joshi and Under-Secretary Bhoj Raj Pathak addressed biodiversity monitoring, ecological corridors, illegal wildlife trade (IWT), and human-wildlife conflict (HWC). A multi-stakeholder panel discussion was organized with provincial forestry officials, park authorities, local media and Community-Based Anti-Poaching Unit representatives in the region. Chaired by the FNJ Sudurpaschhim Chapter with Forest Director Hem Raj Bisht as Chief Guest, this provincial event focused on bridging communication gaps between conservation authorities and local medias.

24/09/2026

URGENT NOTICE
Based on weather forecasts, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in various parts of Nepal from 24 September to 28 September 2026 (8–12 Ashwin 2083 B.S.).

Therefore, as per the directive received, all concerned are requested not to issue Annapurna /Manaslu Conservation Area (ACA/MCA) Entry Permits from 24 September to 26 September 2026 (8–10 Ashwin 2083 B.S.) until further notice.

Thank you for your cooperation.

अत्यन्त जरुरी सूचना

मौसम पूर्वानुमानअनुसार २०८३ साल असोज ८ गतेदेखि १२ गतेसम्म नेपालका विभिन्न स्थानहरूमा भारी वर्षा हुने सम्भावना रहेको छ।

तसर्थ, प्राप्त निर्देशनअनुसार २०८३ साल असोज ८ गतेदेखि १० गतेसम्म अर्को सूचना जारी नभएसम्म अन्नपूर्ण संरक्षण क्षेत्र तथा मनास्लु संरक्षण क्षेत्रका प्रवेश अनुमति पत्र जारी नगर्नु हुन सम्बन्धित सबैलाई अनुरोध गरिन्छ।
सहयोगका लागि धन्यवाद।

24/09/2026

Marking the 20th National Conservation Day, the National Conservation Forum (NCF) 2026 was held at NTNC, Khumaltar, under the theme "Scaling Climate Finance for Biodiversity Conservation and Prosperous Nepal."
Hon. Minister Gita Chaudhary, Ministry of Agriculture, Forest, and Environment, and also serve as NTNC Chairperson, inaugurated the forum with a strong call for sustainable climate finance -urging stakeholders to safeguard our natural heritage and stand with frontline communities.
Dr. Manish Raj Pandey, Head of NTNC's Climate Change Department, delivered the keynote, titled "Why the Himalayas Cannot Wait" and urged a shift from short-term projects to long-term, resilient investment for the Himalayas, calling for reformed policy, locally-led investment, stronger community stewardship, and simplified access to funding.
Conservation leaders, policymakers, and partner organization united for one message: the time to act on Himalayan climate resilience is now.
As an organizing partner, NTNC reaffirms its commitment to driving real climate action on the ground.

21/09/2026

Today, a 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘-𝗔𝗥 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀-𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 was held at NTNC, Lalitpur, bringing together the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, NTNC, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan, and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) to advance the effective implementation of the 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘-𝗔𝗥) in Nepal. The discussions focused on future priorities, institutional and governance arrangements, climate finance opportunities, and strategic collaboration.

As a long-term initiative of the LDC Climate Change Group, LIFE-AR seeks to advance the LDC 2050 Vision for Climate Resilient People, Economies and Landscapes through locally led and inclusive adaptation.

𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦-𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘕𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘭.

19/09/2026

A two-day capacity building training in Bagmati Province has successfully completed in Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project with the formation of a new 11-member Community-Based Anti-Poaching Unit (CBAPU) across all Conservation Management Area committees of Ntnc-gcap

The training equipped participants with essential field gear and hands-on experiential learning focused on combatting wildlife crime. Expert sessions were led by NTNC-GCAP Project Chief Santosh Sherchan, DFO Dolakha Anil Regmi, GCAP Liaison Office Chief Pashupati Adhikari, NTNC Senior Conservation Officer Ashok Subedi, NTNC Conservation Officers Bidur Khadka and Gobinda Prasad Pokharel, NTNC-GCAP staff Prabesh Poudel and Shankar Thami, and Area Police Office Singati Incharge Inspector Bishnu Phuyal.

Through this program, an internal mechanism was also established to ensure the rapid, direct sharing of wildlife crime information with park and security authorities, significantly strengthening grassroots conservation efforts.

17/09/2026