The initiative started at the school level for snow leopard conservation has been effective. The “Snow Leopard Conservancy” group of Nepal, with financial and technical support from the group, and facilitation from the Himalayan Conservation Forum, has launched a snow leopard conservation campaign.
Since 2078 BS, education on snow leopard conservation has been provided in various schools across the district, informed Ramesh Rai, the program coordinator of the Himalayan Conservation Forum. According to him, the education is currently being imparted through the “Snow Leopard Conservation Education Reference” textbooks, parts 1, 2, and 3.
Schools in the Himalayan region have been teaching about snow leopards. Special priority has been given to this education in Ghunsa Basic School, Saraswati Secondary School, and Ravikala Secondary School in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality. Similarly, students from classes 6 to 8 in Samwa Secondary School and Balden Secondary School in Mikwhakhola Rural Municipality are also taught about snow leopard conservation. 378 students in six schools in Taplejung, including Saraswati Secondary School in Sirijangha Rural Municipality, are currently studying snow leopards.
Various programs for snow leopard conservation are being conducted under the facilitation of the Himalayan Conservation Forum. Programs like nature tours, radio program production and broadcasting, and snow leopard nature tours are helping raise awareness among students and communities about conservation, according to coordinator Rai. Rai further mentioned that discussions about the importance of snow leopards are held during community tea and coffee programs. Every year, special programs are organized on November 7th, the International Snow Leopard Day, with various activities targeted at students and communities.
According to Rajan Limbu, the chairman of Phaktanglung Rural Municipality, starting conservation education at the school level is a very positive step for preserving biodiversity. Deuprasad Tapmadhen, ward chairman of Municipality-5, said that this initiative has helped develop a sense of harmony and conservation regarding nature and wildlife among the children of Faktehanglung.
Secretary of the Himalayan Conservation Forum Vibhas Kedem mentioned that various activities have been organized to ensure direct community participation in the conservation campaign. According to Kedem, tea and coffee programs for open discussions with local residents on snow leopards have proven effective. Additionally, nature tours in schools allow students to observe biodiversity directly.
The Himalayan Conservation Forum stated that efforts are being made to raise awareness about the importance of snow leopards and their habitats among students and the community at the school level. This is contributing to the preservation of biodiversity by maintaining a balanced Himalayan ecosystem.
Stakeholders believe that developing a sense of conservation among students from an early age will make it easier to face future conservation challenges, which will, in turn, support biodiversity conservation in the Himalayan region.