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

1. 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.
2. Additionally, we seek to encourage eco-clubs to independently implement their own conservation projects, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability.

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.

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We successfully conducted a pangolin awareness program in 14 schools across Khotang district. A total of 725 students participated in the program, which included:

• Interactive presentations: We presented on pangolin biology, their importance in the ecosystem, the threats they face, and the need for conservation.
• Quizzes and discussions: Students participated in quizzes to test their knowledge and engaged in discussions about pangolin conservation.
• Educational materials: We distributed educational materials, such as stickers, masks, and posters, to students.

The program was a great success, and students showed a strong interest in learning about pangolins and their importance. We believe that this program has helped to raise awareness and inspire students to become advocates for pangolin conservation.

Next Steps:

• Community Engagement: Work with local communities to raise awareness and support conservation initiatives.
• Establish Eco-Clubs: Plan to establish eco-clubs in selected schools to continue pangolin conservation efforts.

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The two-day Eco-club Workshop in Jalapa, Khotang, was successfully concluded on January 11-12, 2025, hopefully leaving a lasting impact on the young participants. The workshop aimed to equip students, teachers and school admins with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become active environmental stewards. The workshop was organized by our local partner, Shree Jalapa Higher Secondary School.

Key Highlights:

• Day 1: The workshop commenced with engaging icebreaker activities and a captivating Green School video. A comprehensive presentation on pangolins, including their ecology, threats, and conservation, provided valuable insights. The afternoon session focused on the fundamentals of Eco-club formation, including drafting mock Eco clubs, defining objectives, and designing logos by the students with focal teachers and headmaster of respective schools. The day concluded with a meaningful community service activity – cleaning Jalapa Bazaar, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility.
• Day 2: The second day began with a short nature hike, offering opportunities for birdwatching and an introduction to camera trapping techniques. A compelling pangolin video further deepened the students’ understanding of the endangered pangolins. A short but insightful presentation on popular article writing inspired the students to develop their communication skills. A creative drama depicting a pangolin encounter sparked lively discussions and critical thinking. The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Eco-club action plans by the students with the support of their teachers. These plans showcased innovative ideas for conservation initiatives, demonstrating the students’ creativity and commitment. The workshop concluded with a valuable networking session, fostering connections among the participants, and the distribution of informative booklets and engaging coloring activities.

Impact:

The workshop successfully empowered the young participants with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become active environmental stewards, and the teachers and school admins with capacity and motivation to encourage and facilitate Eco-club activities. The developed action plans demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation and the potential for significant positive impact within the community.

Moving Forward:

We will continue to support the Eco-clubs in implementing their action plans and provide ongoing guidance and resources. We believe that these young conservationists will play a crucial role in protecting the environment and creating a sustainable future for Khotang and beyond.

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We are excited to share inspiring updates from our Eco-Club for Chinese Pangolin Conservation project in Khotang! Three schools, Diktel English Secondary Boarding School (DESBS), Shree Jalapa Secondary School and Shree Sharada Secondary School, have taken remarkable steps to promote pangolin conservation and environmental stewardship.

DESBS Eco-Club Celebrates World Pangolin Day 2025

The DESBS Eco-Club celebrated World Pangolin Day 2025 with an engaging essay writing competition to raise awareness about pangolin conservation. The event aimed to educate students on the importance of protecting this endangered species and inspire their active participation in wildlife conservation efforts.

10 students participated, writing essays on the topic “Pangolin”, highlighting their ecological significance, the threats they face, and the urgent need for conservation.

After a thorough evaluation, the top three winners were:

1. Riteshna Karki
2. Anurag Katel
3. Swachchhata Rai

The winners recited their essays in front of 800 students, further amplifying the message of pangolin conservation.

This event, organized by the 27-member DESBS Eco-Club led by Vice Principal Lal Prasad Ghimire, showcased the club’s commitment to environmental conservation, promoting greenery, and fostering sustainable development within the school and the wider community.

Evergreen Eco-Club at Shree Sharada Secondary School

Shree Sharada Secondary School established the Evergreen Eco-Club, a 15-member team led by student leader Grisma Rai and supported by guardian teachers Headmaster Harka Bahadur Karki and Teacher Mohan Joshi.

The club celebrated World Pangolin Day 2025 with 35 students, organizing educational sessions, interactive activities, and community outreach to raise awareness about the critically endangered Chinese pangolin.

All students have joined as Green Volunteers, demonstrating their commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.

Jalapa Eco-Club at Shree Jalapa Secondary English School

Shree Jalapa Secondary English School’s Jalapa Eco-Club recently organized an engaging event to teach students about pangolins.

The event included a coloring activity where students learned about the unique features and ecological importance of pangolins. A video on pangolin conservation was shown to help students understand the challenges pangolins face and why they need protection. Additionally, five information boards about pangolins were set up, and 195 students viewed them to learn more about pangolins, their threats, and how we can help save them.

This event combined creativity and education to raise awareness about pangolins in a fun and interactive way. By participating in these activities, students were inspired to care about pangolins and wildlife conservation. The Jalapa Eco-Club plans to organize more such events to keep students engaged and encourage their active participation in conservation efforts.