Narpa Bhumi unites for snow leopard conservation

By Yadu Prasad Bhatta,Manang, May 10: A workshop on anti-poaching control and a meeting of the Snow Leopard Conservation Sub-Committee held in Nar village of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality stressed the importance of wildlife conservation and the control of illegal hunting.

The programme also highlighted the need to protect valuable medicinal herbs, conserve snow leopards and strengthen the role of local communities in conservation campaigns.

Participants expressed commitment to further strengthening cooperation between local communities and conservation partners for biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. 

The workshop also included discussions on conservation challenges, human-wildlife conflict, livestock losses and community-based conservation measures for sustainable resource management.

Meanwhile, community-focused programmes have been launched in Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality, a key habitat of snow leopards, to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Snow leopards frequently attack livestock reared by local farmers, creating conflict between local residents and wildlife. As such incidents increase negative perceptions and the risk of retaliatory actions against snow leopards, conservation-friendly measures have been adopted.

With the objective to protect both snow leopard and livestock, 37 sets of solar lights were distributed to local residents of Phu village in Ward Nos. 4 and 5 of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality. The programme is expected not only to improve lighting facilities in remote settlements but also to encourage local communities to become more supportive of conservation efforts.

Locals said the distribution of solar lights would make daily life easier and also help reduce conflict with wildlife. Conservationists stressed that the long-term conservation of rare wildlife species such as the snow leopard would not be possible without the participation and support of local communities.