Nepal delegates visit Sikkim for Knowledge Exchange on Biosphere Reserve Conservation Gyalshing, May 23:A 23-member delegation from Nepal, including officials from UNESCO Nepal, the Nepal Forest Department, and local governance bodies of Taplejung District, conducted a three-day knowledge exchange visit to the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) in Sikkim, India, from May 20 to 22. The visit was aimed at understanding Sikkim’s successful conservation practices and exploring the processes involved in securing UNESCO recognition for protected natural areas. The initiative was jointly facilitated by UNESCO’s Regional Office for South Asia, New Delhi, and Nepal-based NGO Smrida Pahad, in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim. The visit was part of a collaborative effort to learn from Sikkim’s success in preserving the ecologically and culturally rich Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 and as a Biosphere Reserve in 2018. The initiative aimed to enable the Nepalese delegation to understand the processes, benefits, and challenges involved in obtaining UNESCO recognition for protected natural areas. Nepal is exploring the possibility of establishing a similar Biosphere Reserve on its side of the Kanchenjunga range, with aspirations of achieving UNESCO World Heritage Site status in the near future. Speaking about the visit, Programme Officer for Natural Sciences,Dr Neha Midha at UNESCO’s Regional Office in New Delhi, said, “This is a knowledge exchange visit of the Nepalese delegates to the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. The KBR received UNESCO designation in 2018. Currently, Nepal is working towards getting the Khangchendzonga Conservation Area on their side designated as a Biosphere Reserve as well.” She added, “Nepal is keen on creating a similar Biosphere Reserve and is aiming for World Heritage Site recognition. So this visit is very meaningful. It also demonstrates that Sikkim is excelling in conservation and sustainable tourism.” During the three-day programme, the delegates visited several parts of the reserve, interacted with field-level forest officials and staff and local communities engaged in eco-tourism, and studied the management and conservation practices in place. They also discussed how the Biosphere Reserve status has brought recognition, tourism, and a sense of responsibility to the area. On the third day, the delegates conducted a field visit and engaged in discussions with local stakeholders. An interaction session was organized at the Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) Interpretation Centre in Yuksam. During the session, the delegates learned about conservation measures directly from KNP officials and local stakeholders. Range Officer Mr Tenzing W Bhutia briefed the delegates on various aspects of KNP’s operations, including entry regulations, conservation methods, and the zero-waste initiative. The interaction session was attended by representatives from the Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (KCC), Yuksam Tourism Development Committee (YTDC), tourism stakeholders, and local NGOs. The visit also included trips to cultural sites within the Biosphere Reserve. These included the Norbugang Coronation Throne, Karthok Lake, and Khachoedpalri Lake—the first Ramsar Site of Sikkim, designated as a wetland of international importance. The delegates also visited the Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) in Yuksam to learn about solid waste management and the Sikkim Government's zero-waste initiative. Additionally, they participated in a plantation drive under the “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” initiative of state Government, aimed at linking environmental responsibility with generational legacy. The Nepalese delegation was accompanied and guided by senior forest department officials including DFO, KNP West Ms Bhumika Rai, DFO, KNP North Mr Karma Wangyal Lepcha, and Range Officer, KNP West Mr Tenzing W Bhutia. The three-day knowledge exchange visit by the Nepalese delegates to the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve concluded on May 22.