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The World Wetlands Day Celebration 2006 & 2nd Taudaha Jamboree
On 28 January 2006

Background

World Wetlands Day was celebrated by a collaboration of 9 organizations involved in conservation of environment and wildlife namely, Friends of Bagmati, Wildlife Conservation Nepal, Bird Conservation Nepal, Taudaha Youth Club, Nepal Cycling Club, Roots and Shoots and UEMS from 23 Jan to 2nd Feb 2005. The program was also supported by DNPWC, WWF, STN and several other organizations.

On January 23 2006 a Clean Up was conducted in Taudaha
On 28 January, 2nd Taudaha Jamboree was organized at Taudaha pond.

The objective of the Jamboree was to promote conservation of the ponds of Kathmandu Valley through public participation and to promote Taudaha as a wonderful destination for bird watching, nature hiking and cycling. The pressure from urbanization has been growing immensely on this natural pond over the last few years. An effort like this was made also to draw the attention of the concerned government agencies to take notice so that this ecologically important pond does not succumb to these pressures and dry up.

On the World Wetlands Day, February 2, 2006 as a follow up of the Jamboree WCN organized a workshop “Conservation of Ponds in Kathmandu Valley” with Friends of Bagmati at Nepal Tourism Board. There were 176 participants in the workshop from different conservational organizations, media houses, universities and colleges. There were two parallel workshop sessions in which deliberations on subjects like protecting biodiversity in wetlands, status and value of the ponds in Kathmandu Valley, role of media, communication, culture and education in conservation and success stories of local initiatives of two natural ponds Nagdaha and Taudaha of Kathmandu Valley were made.

Importance of Taudaha

Taudaha is one of the largest natural ponds of Bagmati Watershed area. It is situated in Ward no 15 of Kirtipur Municipality and covers an area of 4 hectare. Taudaha is one of the notable bird watching sites of Kathmandu Valley. About 20 species of birds migrate every winter to Taudaha making it an internationally important ecological site.

It also has religious importance with the belief that Karkotak Nag, the serpent king still resides at the bottom of the pond in his precious jewel studded palace and hundreds of pilgrims throng every year to Taudaha on Nag Panchami to worship him.

Taudaha Jamboree

On 28 January 2006 Taudaha Jamboree was organized with various innovative activities which more than 500 people came and enjoyed. Much care was taken so that these activities do not disturb the migratory birds in the pond.

WCN organized four events during the jamboree to promote Taudaha as a tourist destination. The four activities are as follows

1. NATURE HIKE RACE

Nature Hike Race was one of the main attractions of the Jamboree. Hundred and fifty participants raced against each other. The hike was organized on Boson Danda, a hill overlooking Taudaha Pond. The hike route was divided into three stages. At each stage the participants were registered in the logbook. Some participants decided to stop at those early stages while many continued with the hike. On reaching the peak, the hikers were felicitated and their pictures taken against the backdrop of the Taudaha pond. It was Mr. Dipendra who stood first in the race by completing the hike in 39 minutes. All hikers were provided with Crunchy Snicker Bars sponsored by United Marketing Inc. At each stage water and a first Aid kit was also provided.

This event was being conducted to promote Taudaha vicinity as a good nature hike route, in order to preserve the entire area in its natural form. Taudaha is surrounded by forested hills which could be used as a perfect getaway for a peaceful hike, just within a few minutes drive from Kathmandu city. Efforts like this should be made so that the area gets attention from nature lovers and this habitat for numerous birds is preserved.

2. MITHILA ART

WCN UWP conducted On the Spot Mithila Art Workshop to the Taudaha Jamboree participants. Two mithila artists oriented the participants about how one can practice mithila art. They also provided information about this art’s history and significance in our Nepali culture. They helped the participants to portray Taudaha in different aspects in the canvas through mithila art. At a time about 6 participants could participate in the class.

3. GREEN MAP

UWP facilitated 8 School students of Kathmandu Valley to make green maps from Balkhu to Taudaha pond. The map was an interpretation of young students about the state of trail leading up to the wetland. Two maps were made on the occasion. The first map depicted current status of the area while the other map showed how the entire area from Balkhu Chowk to Taudaha can be made greener and more environment friendly. The first map pointed out polluted spots, green zones while the second made recommendations to achieve environmental objectives. These maps are student friendly and do play a significant role in identifying the major environmental impacts in the area.

4. DNPWC On-the-Spot Art Competition

Eight students from the local schools of Taudaha, Bungamati and Khokana VDCs participated in the DNPWC On the Spot Art Competition. The students painted pictures of wetlands on the topic “In The Face Of Poverty… Wetlands Are Lifelines”. The competition was judged by two senior artists. Norbu Sherpa of Shree Yuba Prativa HS School of Khokana came first in the event while Anil Tamang and Rajesh Nagarkoti of Shree Yuba Prativa HS School, Khokana and Cardinal Intl. Boardinmg School of Pharping came second and third respectively. The winners were awarded during a ceremony organized at the NTB on 2nd Feb 2006, World Wetlands Day.

Bird watching was also conducted by BCN, cycle rally by NCC (from Bhrikuti mandap to Taudaha circling the ponds of Kathmandu like Kamal Pokhari, Nagpokhari). Food stalls featuring Nepali food, exhibition displaying art were also there.