The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has handed over essential field gears and equipment to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). This support is part of the ‘Combat Wildlife Trafficking Project in Nepal’ funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
A formal handover ceremony was held yesterday at NTNC’s Biodiversity Conservation Center in Chitwan, in the presence of the Director-General of DNPWC Dr. Ramchandra Kandel, together with the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Jason P. Meeks, and INL Regional Director for South Asia Ms. Marcy S. Brown.
In total 7120 field gears and equipment were handed over to DNPWC, which included medical kits, GPS units, binoculars, cameras, search lights, tactical pants, shirts, field shoes, bags, Swiss knives and headlamps.
DNPWC Director-General (center) officially receives field gear and equipment checklist from the NTNC Member-Secretary and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission
Field gear and equipment handover to the chief warden of Chitwan National Park
Field equipment handover to Mirgakunja community-based antipoaching unit of Chitwan
Field gear and equipment supplies for frontline staffs
Speaking at the event, the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Jason P. Meeks noted the importance of combatting wildlife crime in protecting Nepal’s rich biodiversity, and the continued commitment of the U.S. in strengthening these efforts.
Appreciating the support, the Director-General of DNPWC Dr. Ramchandra Kandel spoke about the added advantages this would have for the department’s frontline staffs, often working in difficult terrain and conditions.
NTNC Member-Secretary Dr. Naresh Subedi acknowledged the role of the U.S. foreign mission in Nepal, including the role of different U.S. agencies, highlighting their credible and long-lasting partnerships with NTNC.
NTNC Director Dr. Chiranjibi P. Pokheral briefed about NTNC’s overall programs, whereas Senior Conservation Officer Mr. Ambika P. Khatiwada focused on INL project activities implemented by NTNC – resulting in training and engaging 3175 government frontline staff to combat wildlife crime better.
In addition to the handover to DNPWC, a laptop, camera, GPS, binocular, search light, medical kit and a pair of walkie-talkies were handed over to the Mirgakunja community-based antipoaching unit of Chitwan.
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