Api Nampa Conservation area marks 15th anniversary with community-centered celebrations

Darchula: The Api Nampa Conservation Area Office in Darchula has celebrated its 15th establishment day with a series of programs promoting biodiversity, community participation, and environmental awareness.

The event was held under the slogan, “Community Participation in Conservation, Public Involvement for Sustainable Conservation and Utilization of Biodiversity.” Established on Asad 28, 2066 BS, the conservation area spans 1,903 square kilometers and was created with local involvement to safeguard the Himalayan region’s rich biodiversity.

Chief of the Conservation Area Office, Vinay Kumar, highlighted the significance of the region, which is home to towering peaks like Api (7,132 meters), Nampa (6,757 meters), and Byans (6,510 meters), and lies at the confluence of the Indian and Tibetan tectonic plates. These features make the area vital to Nepal’s ecological landscape.

To ensure grassroots participation, the conservation area has mobilized 27 user groups, 2 user committees, a women's group, a youth group, local representatives, schools, students, and religious organizations. Their collaborative efforts support conservation, sustainable forest use, tourism promotion, and environmental education.

Divided into five sub-geographical areas—Sip Sip, Syalegada, Selinadi, Jharnamaila, and Latin—the conservation zone includes key forested regions like Phopalser, Folekse, Chhagarikhet, and Tinbaniya. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including red pandas, snow leopards, musk deer, wolves, and bears, but faces cross-border challenges such as poaching and illegal trade due to its proximity to India and China.

On the occasion, five conservation workers were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their contributions. The Conservation Management Council also presented its annual progress report for fiscal year 2081/82.

Office Chief Kumar Jha shared that 386 women and men's tole committees under six municipalities have been restructured, with ward committees formed in 12 wards and additional council member selection underway.

Chief guest Mahadev Badu Kashyap from the District Coordination Committee, Deputy Chief of Mahakali Municipality, Chief District Officer Anil Poudel, Armed Police Battalion SP Devraj Joshi, District Police Chief Prakash Dahal, and other officials and stakeholders attended the celebration.

A minute of silence was held in memory of the late Nayab Subba Toyraj Joshi, a dedicated staff member who served for seven years. His family was honored with a dosalla during the event.

The day also featured public awareness campaigns, tree plantation, cleanup efforts, student involvement, and programs focused on biodiversity and forest resource conservation.