Author: Ganesh Sah
Recently, we held a series of community and school-based workshops surrounding the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, focusing on raising awareness about the critically endangered Bengal florican. These efforts aimed to educate local stakeholders, youth, farmers, students, and women about the bird’s fragile habitat, the challenges it faces, and the crucial role they can play in its protection.
The first of two community workshops was held in Parkashpur, bringing together diverse participants, including local youth, women, political leaders, and community stakeholders. The enthusiasm of the attendees was palpable as they engaged in discussions about the importance of preserving the Bengal florican and its grassland habitat. The workshop emphasized how conservation is linked to sustainable development, highlighting this species’ ecological and cultural significance to the region.
In parallel, we conducted six school workshops targeting students from classes 6 to 9. These workshops aimed to foster a deeper connection between young minds and the natural world around them. One of the most engaging activities was a Bengal florican-themed painting competition, where students were given sketches of the bird to color. This creative exercise allowed the students to showcase their artistic skills and reinforced the significance of the species in their environment. One student from each school was awarded for their outstanding artwork, receiving a certificate and prize.
Furthermore, the program took a step towards long-term conservation by selecting one student from each school as a ‘bio-monitor.’ These bio-monitors were trained in bird identification, data collection, and observation techniques. Armed with resources like bird field guides, certificates, and specially designed posters on wetland and grassland birds, these students are now responsible for reporting their bird sightings, particularly any Bengal florican sightings in the surrounding grasslands or farmlands.
The program’s powerful outcome has been the engagement of these young conservationists. By involving students in monitoring their local biodiversity, we are cultivating a new generation of environmental stewards who will play a crucial role in conservation efforts in the future.
The experience of conducting these workshops has been deeply enriching for me. It has provided invaluable insights into effective community engagement, especially when working with diverse participants from students to local leaders. I have learned how to tailor conservation messages to different audiences, ensuring the urgency of protecting species like the Bengal florican resonates with everyone involved.
Moving forward, I feel confident in leading more initiatives that focus on educating communities and empowering them to take action. The lessons learned from these workshops will serve as a foundation for future conservation projects, especially those aimed at preserving the Bengal florican and its habitat for future generations.