Posted on August, 18 2006

Honourable Mr Gopal Rai, Minister – Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation completed 3-day visit to Banke, Bardia, Kailai and Kanchanpur districts from 3-6 August 2006. The main objective was to gain an overview of the TAL project. The mission was lead by Regional Director of WWF Nepal Mr. Santosh Nepal. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Narayan Poudel, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Mr. Sharad Rai, Director General of the Department of Forests, as well as two senior government officers of forest department accompanied the mission.

On 3 August 2006, Minister Rai celebrated his 58th birthday at the new WWF Regional Office at Nepalgunj after which Mr. Santosh Nepal made a presentation on the TAL project, highlighting major achievements, issues and area for improvements. Minister Gopal Rai has appreciated the progress and also gave the specific suggestions for the effectiveness in between project and the people. During his visit, Minister Rai and the team also went to Bardia National Park, Ghodaghodi lake, and visited the two major forests based micro-enterprises run by Khata community forest users networking committee. He also visited Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and met different community forest users committees and local people.