On December 29–30, 2025, we organized a two-day community conservation workshop at Central Campus of Technology in Dharan.
We were honored to have Dr. Teri Allendorf from Community Conservation Inc. join us as the lead trainer. With her decades of global experience in community-based conservation, she helped our participants see beyond the biology of animals to the social landscapes they live in.
Training Future Conservationists
The workshop was specifically designed for graduate and undergraduate students who are preparing to enter the field. A total of 9 dedicated students from B.Sc. 2nd to 4th year participated in the program.
The sessions weren’t just lectures; we kept things interactive with:
- Case Studies: Analyzing real-world community conservation scenarios in Nepal and the world.
- Role-Playing: Practicing how to communicate with local herders and community forest user groups (CFUGs).
- Conservation Planning: The participants developed their own projects during the workshop helping them understand the process of conservation planning.
Why It Matters
Many of these students have spent years studying the technical aspects of zoology and environmental science. However, this workshop gave them a chance to discuss why and how communities can and should be the leaders of conservation. The workshop also led the participant through different stages of community conservation, and real-world simulation of approaching and initiating dialogues with communities.
The energy in the room was fantastic. Students led great discussions on how they can apply these social tools in their own future research.
Looking Ahead
This workshop is part of our ongoing effort to build a network of community conservation champions across Eastern Nepal. By training these students today, we are ensuring that the future of Nepal’s biodiversity is in hands that know how to work with heart and science combined.
A big thank you to the Central Campus of Technology and Research Association Hattisar (RAH) for hosting us and to Dr. Teri Allendorf for her invaluable mentorship!
