Posted on May, 19 2026
Kathmandu, Nepal, 19 May 2026: WWF Nepal celebrated its 33rd anniversary today with a special commemorative event in Kathmandu, reflecting on over three decades of conservation impact while reaffirming its commitment to building a sustainable future for people and nature in Nepal.
The event was graced by Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, as Chief Guest, alongside ambassadors, development partners, conservation leaders, government officials, members of civil society, youth scholars, and WWF Nepal supporters.
The ceremony opened with the traditional lighting of the Panas by Dr. Sharma, joined by Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, who delivered opening remarks highlighting WWF Nepal’s journey since its establishment in 1993 and its enduring mission to safeguard Nepal’s extraordinary biodiversity while advancing sustainable development.
As we celebrate 33 years of WWF Nepal, we honor what has been achieved and also the people and partnerships that make conservation possible,” said Dr. Gurung. “The challenges ahead demand renewed innovation, collaboration, and courage. WWF Nepal remains committed to working alongside communities and partners under the leadership of the Government of Nepal to secure a future where both people and nature thrive”, he added.
A major highlight of the anniversary celebration was the launch of a commemorative video showcasing WWF Nepal’s longstanding investment in youth leadership and environmental stewardship.
Building on this legacy, WWF Nepal awarded 10 Memorial Scholarships to outstanding students pursuing higher education in conservation-related disciplines under five scholarship categories established in memory of conservation heroes lost in the tragic 2006 helicopter accident. Since 2007, WWF Nepal has awarded 151 memorial scholarships, nurturing a new generation of conservation professionals committed to carrying forward Nepal’s conservation legacy.
The scholarships presented included:
Chandra Gurung Memorial Fellowship
Jillian Bowling Schlaepfer Memorial Scholarship
Jennifer Headley Memorial Scholarship
Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholarship
Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship
The scholarships were presented by distinguished guests including diplomatic representatives from France, the European Union, Finland, and members of WWF Nepal’s advisory board.
The anniversary also marked the official launch of WWF Nepal’s Strategic Plan 2027–2030, ushering in a new chapter of conservation action following the successful completion of the Integrated Strategic Plan 2022–2026.
Presented by Dr. Kanchan Thapa, the new strategic framework outlines WWF Nepal’s renewed vision to deepen conservation impact through climate resilience, biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, youth engagement, and innovative partnerships.
WWF Nepal also presented its Conservation Awards 2026, honoring three individuals whose extraordinary contributions have strengthened conservation efforts across Nepal.
Ms. Manju Mahatara was recognized for grassroots conservation leadership near Bardia National Park and her efforts in promoting human-wildlife coexistence and environmental education. Mr Suman Sapkota was honored for pioneering wildlife research and mentorship focused on Nepal’s threatened and understudied species. For the first time in the history of WWF Nepal’s Conservation Awards, The Late Om Prakash Mahato was honoured posthumously as a symbol of courage and environmental justice for his selfless stand against illegal riverbed mining in Dhanusha. A minute of silence was observed in memory of Mahato, honoring his legacy as a frontline defender of nature.
Finally, WWF Nepal also presented a special token of recognition to the Nepal Army for 50 years of steadfast partnership in wildlife conservation, acknowledging its vital role in safeguarding Nepal’s protected areas, endangered species, and critical habitats for future generations.
The event ended with closing remarks from the Chief Guest, Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment.
“Nepal’s conservation success has always been rooted in partnership. As we reflect on 33 years of WWF Nepal’s remarkable journey, I commend its enduring collaboration with government institutions, communities, conservation professionals, and development partners in building a future where people and nature thrive together”, he remarked.
