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Ecap Outreach program in Western Nepal

A team from WCN had conducted a month long (December 10 2007 to January 10 2008) ECAP Outreach program in the four districts of western terai namely Banke, Bardia, Kailali and Kanchhanpur. More than five thousand students living of different private and public school residing in the vicinity of the protected areas benefited from this outreach program. The outreach program in western Nepal was mainly focused on the conservation of mega-vertebrates and importance of biodiversity conservation. During programs students took part in mock court session in which they debated on various environmental problems and conflicts regarding wildlife mainly focusing on poaching and conservation of mega-vertebrates like rhinos, tigers and elephants. During the program different documentaries on wildlife trade and biodiversity of Nepal were also screened.

Scholarship program
WCN identified six outstanding students during its outreach program in western Nepal and presented them with its "Promising Student in Environment Conservation" award. The award was handed over to them in a program organized in Hotel Bardia Paradise in Thakurdwara, Bardia amidst National Park authorities, teachers, parents and students. This award has been initiated to usher a positive attitude in young individuals towards nature conservation and at the same time encourage them and others to do better academically and work for conservation.

WCN believes that in order to bring a lasting change in the conservation scenario the young generation must be motivated while they are in school, learning and they must be provided with proper mentorship. This award sponsors the awardees a year's tuition fee along with books and stationery.

Community awareness program
Local Tharu Community living in the vicinity of Bardia National Park participated in conservation program conducted by WCN that focused on livelihoods and conservation of rhino and tiger conservation. During the program importance of biodiversity, conservation values and various environmental issues were discussed. Different films on living in harmony with nature were also screened for the community members. The community members also shared their opinions on the status of wildlife crime in their area.

It is crucial to allow communities who reside near protected areas to voice their opinion and bring them to the mainstream of conservation by including them in all developmental processes. The program focused on advocating the benefits that can arise from wildlife conservation as most of the people of this region are extremely poor and their livelihood depends mainly on forest resources. WCN thus provided such a platform for the communities living close to BNP.