Building the capacity of future conservation leaders.
Funded by:
Khotang district is home to the Critically Endangered Chinese pangolin, whose survival is threatened due to a lack of conservation activities in the area. Recognizing the potential of eco-clubs as impactful conservation agencies, we are aiming to establish of eco-clubs in both private and community schools across Khotang for Chinese Pangolin conservation.
The primary objective of our project is to
- Build the capacity of students and teachers in these schools to establish and run eco-clubs dedicated to pangolin and biodiversity conservation. By raising awareness about the Chinese pangolin among students, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment to its conservation.
- Additionally, we seek to encourage eco-clubs to independently implement their own conservation projects, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability.
Chinese Pangolins are vital for ecosystem balance as efficient termite controllers, but their existence is jeopardized by habitat loss, illegal trade, and inadequate conservation measures, placing them at high risk of extinction.
To achieve our objectives, we have outlined several key activities.
First, we will design and publish outreach posters on Chinese pangolin conservation in both English and Nepali languages. These posters will serve as educational tools and will be distributed during conservation camps and workshops.
We will contact potential schools in Khotang to gauge their interest in establishing eco-clubs. Conservation camps will be conducted in schools showing positive response, targeting students in grades 6-9. These camps will include multimedia presentations, interactive activities, and in-person meetings with school administrations.
Based on the enthusiasm and response received, we will select project schools and finalize training materials for conservation workshops. A two-day student conservation workshop will be conducted, focusing on the importance of Chinese pangolin conservation, field surveys, bird-watching sessions, and the planning and implementation of eco-club activities.
Furthermore, a conservation workshop for teachers will emphasize mentoring the eco-clubs in their respective schools. Following the workshops, eco-clubs will be formed, and seed grants will be provided to implement at least two projects per club. Regular bi-annual meetings will be held to provide updates, encourage the eco-clubs, and foster networking and collaboration among them.
The successful implementation of this project will not only contribute to the conservation of the Chinese pangolin in Khotang but also serve as a replicable model for other regions within its habitat range. By empowering students and teachers through eco-clubs, we believe this project will create a sustainable and efficient platform for Chinese pangolin conservation in the region.
