Nepal

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN)

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) is the BirdLife Partner Designate

Founded in: 1982
Members: 1,000
Staff: 24
Address: Bird Conservation Nepal, PO Box 12465, Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: bcn@mail.com.np
Web: http://www.birdlifenepal.org/

Mission of the organisation

BCN is dedicated to conserving birds, their habitats and overall biodiversity through people's participation, benefiting the people themselves.

Background

Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) is the largest and oldest civil society organisation dedicated to the interests of ornithologists, birdwatchers and conservationists in Nepal. It seeks to: promote an interest in birds among the general public; encourage research on bird biology and ecology; identify the major threats to birds and act to conserve birds and their habitats. It also provides the most authentic information on birds and their habitats across Nepal.

BCN is a membership organisation at present supported by a Founder President, 15 patrons, 93 life members and several ordinary members. The major strength of the organisation is the varied membership, which includes students, teachers, professionals, bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and the general public.

BCN recognizes the value of birds and promotes the participation of people as future stewards to attain long-term conservation goals. We do this through a variety of projects. If you would like to learn about what we are doing please visit our website.

BCN presently has 6 core staff and 4 project staff but relies on the invaluable work of volunteers and supporters. Bird Conservation Nepal would appreciate and welcome any kind of help that one can offer.

Key Activities

BCN is the authoritative body on bird status and conservation in Nepal. We provide the most up-to-date information on birds and their habitats all over Nepal. We are also committed to conservation education, educating the public on the value of birds, the relationship between birds and people and the importance of community involvement and stewardship.

Education and Awareness

Knowledge of birds and natural systems and their relationship to people is crucial to the protection of Nepal's natural resources. Knowledge encourages involvement and stewardship which result in the protection of birds and their habitats. BCN is committed to teaching people of all ages and group from all parts of Nepal about birds. We do this through a series of programmes, field trips and publications.

Research

Conservation programmes require an intimate knowledge of species and habitats in order to protect and enhance them. BCN conducts surveys and researches as well as coordinating with other groups doing research.

Conservation

Our conservation activities include on-the-ground restoration projects, the development of bird conservation policies, publication of research results and participation in the activities of national and international organisations and forums.

Recent Achievements

Published the State of Nepal's Birds (2004)
Published Birds of Nepal (Nepali version)
Published checklist of birds for various protected areas (Shivapuri , Rara, Sagarmatha, Chitwan, Koshi Tappu and Langtang)
Published Important Bird Areas of Nepal
Published Bird Conservation in Nepal: An Educational Kit
Published Birdwatcher's Guide to Kathmandu Valley
Published Kathmandu Bird Report (2004-2006)
Published posters on Globally Threatened bird species
Published Danphe (quarterly newsletter in English)
Published Munal (quarterly newsletter in Nepali)
Produced T-shirts, postcards, lapel pins, souvenirs, etc.
Studies on all globally threatened species identified by BirdLife International
Galliformes research and conservation
Published a bilingual field guide to the birds of the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Project
Identification of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) for Nepal Bird Species database
Participatory conservation programme of Phulchoki IBA Bagmati River Nature Park
BCN's Globally Threatened Species Poster is the most widely circulated conservation poster in Nepal. A total of 7,500 copies have been distributed to all the 75 districts of Nepal at various schools, institutions, protected areas, community forestry groups etc.