In an effort to ensure the sustainable conservation of biodiversity, skill-based training has been provided to youths from buffer zones surrounding Chitwan National Park and Parsa National Park. A total of 100 individuals participated in the training program, which was conducted at a cost of approximately NPR 112 million.
Out of the 100 participants, 77 individuals received training in various vocational skills based on the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) courses. These included barista, cooking, bakery, beauty parlor, and AC/refrigerator mechanics. Meanwhile, 23 individuals underwent advanced-level nature guide training.
The nature guide trainees completed a 21-day residential course followed by a nine-day classroom session, culminating in a certification ceremony on Monday. Those trained in barista and other vocational skills completed a rigorous 790-hour course. A comprehensive profile of all 100 trainees has also been documented.
The initiative was made possible through financial and technical assistance from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Nepal and the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) program, in coordination with Chitwan and Parsa National Parks and the buffer zone communities.
Promoting Conservation and Employment Opportunities
Dr. Ghanshyam Gurung, Head of WWF Nepal, emphasized that the responsibility of conservation now lies with the younger generation. He noted that acquiring skills alone is not enough; the real challenge is utilizing those skills for sustainable livelihoods. “The presence of wildlife such as tigers and rhinos has led to the establishment of large resorts and homestays in buffer zones, creating employment opportunities. Tourism is for people, not for animals. If we lose our wildlife, what will remain? This awareness must reach the general public,” he remarked.
Former Chief of Chitwan National Park, Ramprit Yadav, highlighted the integral role of biodiversity in human life. “Conserving biodiversity ensures the survival of humanity itself. It is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in conservation. Nepal is rich in biodiversity, and it must be protected,” he said. He also emphasized that community involvement is crucial in controlling poaching and illegal activities.
Linking Youth to Conservation Through Skills
Prakash Dhungana, Chairperson of the Buffer Zone Management Committee, stressed the importance of skill-based training in conservation efforts. “Simply advocating for conservation is not enough. To engage youth in conservation, we must equip them with skills that enable self-employment. Once they acquire skills, they will realize that they can build a future within their own country,” he stated. He further assured that efforts would be made to support the trained individuals in becoming self-reliant.
Prem Poudel, Eastern Region In-Charge of the Terai Arc Landscape program, mentioned that a community-based anti-poaching youth awareness campaign is being implemented to ensure long-term conservation and youth participation. “Through this training program, we aim to provide skills to young individuals and use those skills to promote biodiversity conservation sustainably.”
The trained youths will assist in wildlife monitoring, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, and controlling poaching activities. “We have successfully trained these individuals with practical skills. Now, our focus will be on linking them with employment opportunities,” Poudel added. He also mentioned that many nature guide trainees have already started working.
The training was provided to 100 individuals from five buffer zone community groups, including Manahari in Parsa National Park and Mrigakunja, Lamichaur, Meghauli, and Panchpandav in Chitwan National Park.
Ensuring Sustainable Livelihoods and Conservation
Nishan KC, a representative of WWF Nepal’s Wildlife Crime Control and Youth Empowerment Project, explained that skill-based training was introduced to ensure long-term biodiversity conservation. “The goal is to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities so that these youths remain committed to conservation. That is why we focused on training for nature guides and baristas,” he stated.
Among the 23 trained nature guides, eight are from Mrigakunja, seven from Amaltari, five from Meghauli, and three from Panchpandav. Of them, 13 have already obtained nature guide licenses from Chitwan National Park. This initiative reflects a significant step toward integrating youth into conservation efforts by equipping them with marketable skills. It is expected that such programs will enhance employment prospects while strengthening the conservation of Nepal’s rich biodiversity.
