Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) is the most important Ramsar Site (175 sq.km) in Nepal and one of the most important wetland in Asia (Baral and Inskipp 2005). Despite of its global significance and conservation concern, the numbers of wetland birds are declining (Baral and Inskipp 2004). Total 21 globally threatened species have been recorded from KTWR and Koshi Barrage. Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis, Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri, Pallas’s Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus, Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus and Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis are globally threatened wetland /wetland dependent bird found in Koshi Tappu. Additionally, 8 species of nationally threatened wetland birds; Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos),Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Painted Stork ( Mycteria leucocephala), Black headed Ibis ( Threskiornis melanocephalus),Asian Openbill ( Anastomus oscitans) Darter ( Anhinga melanogaster) Water Rail ( Rallus aquaticus) and Water cock ( Gallicrex cinerea) are found in the area (Baral and Inskipp 2005). Knowingly or unknowingly, people have been posing threats to wetland birds through Over-fishing, poisoning of water sources, use of chemical fertilizers and hunting. At the same time, they are threatening their livelihood. Many threats could be controlled, if local people would be aware frequently on conservation value.

This project will be focused on students, teachers and other influential people (member of Bufferzone committee, youths club and women groups), and wetland dependent tribe Mallaha for conservation of the threatened water birds and their habitats specifically and other rare fauna like Bengal Florican in general. Students will be involved in school teaching, bird watching, quiz contest and cycle rally. Conservation Awareness Workshop will be organized to involve teacher and other influential people. Mallaha people will be participated on this program through focused group discussion and training.

Additionally, general mass of people around KTWR will be aware through FM radio program, poster distribution and hoarding board. The value of Nepal’s first and single Bird Observatory will also be broadcasted and information at the observatory will be upgraded. Eventually, target groups of this project will understand the conservation value of wetland bird and their habitats. At the same time, they will know the ways that the birds and habitat can be conserved for the wellbeing of local people and future generation.