Strengthening Conservation Knowledge in the Pipar Pheasant Conservation Landscape
Teacher Training Workshop Report | 12 to 14 February 2025 | Ghachok, Kaski
The Pipar Pheasant Conservation Landscape is an important area for Himalayan pheasants and other wildlife within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The landscape supports Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Blood Pheasant and Kalij Pheasant, together with mammals such as musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Serow and Clouded Leopard. Long-term conservation in this landscape depends not only on research and patrolling, but also on the knowledge and participation of local schools and communities.
To strengthen conservation education in the Seti Valley, BIOCOS Nepal and the World Pheasant Association organised a three-day teacher training workshop from 12 to 14 February 2025 at Shree Sharada Secondary School, Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Ward 1, Kaski. Thirteen teachers representing 11 schools participated. The programme introduced local biodiversity, bird identification, conservation challenges, field-based learning and practical ways of using conservation topics in school education.
The first day began with registration, participant introductions and an overview of the training. Mr Pawan Rai introduced the Pipar Pheasant Conservation Landscape and explained the research, education and community-based conservation work supported by BIOCOS Nepal and WPA. Local representatives shared experiences from patrolling in Pipar and along the Khumai Danda route, including practical challenges faced in protecting forests and wildlife.
Mr Nabaraj Pokharel led a session on bird identification and the ecological importance of birds. Participants learned to observe body shape, colour, behaviour, habitat and calls when identifying species. The Junior Conservation Knowledge book was introduced as a teaching resource, with discussion on how its lessons could be used in the classroom. Mr Hemanta Dhakal also presented the importance of vultures and the need to protect them. Sessions on SMART patrolling and local conservation experience connected classroom learning with work already taking place in PPCL.
A classroom session introduces conservation topics and practical learning methods for teachers.
On the second day, participants discussed ways to integrate environmental education into regular school activities. The group then walked from Sharada Secondary School towards Saripakha and Tubu for practical bird identification. During the field visit, participants used binoculars, observed birds in different habitats and discussed plants, pollution and other environmental issues. A checklist of 34 bird species was prepared from the field observations, helping teachers understand how a simple nature walk can become an effective learning activity for students.
The final day focused on reviewing the field checklist and discussing possible school conservation programmes. Teachers considered activities such as birdwatching, awareness sessions, drawing and writing competitions, and the use of local biodiversity examples in lessons. Prizes from the inter-school drawing competition were presented, and participants received certificates at the closing session. Three teachers showed particular interest in continuing bird-related activities and were supported with bird reference materials and binoculars, with an understanding that they would share progress with BIOCOS Nepal.
Participants practice bird identification during the field walk from Ghachok towards Tubu.
The teacher training successfully combined classroom discussion with practical field learning. Participants gained useful knowledge of pheasants, other birds, patrolling, vultures and wider environmental issues. The field visit was especially valuable because teachers practised bird observation and identification in the landscape where they work and live. The programme should continue through school visits, refresher training and simple nature-based activities using the Junior Conservation Knowledge book. Continued cooperation among schools, local government, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, communities, WPA and BIOCOS Nepal will help build long-term stewardship of the Pipar Pheasant Conservation Landscape.