KATHMANDU: A landmark conservation effort in the Kanchenjunga region has concluded with strong results, showcasing how community leadership can advance biodiversity protection in one of Nepal’s most important mountain ecosystems.

The UNESCO-led Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) Project completed its final workshops in Phungling on November 2–3 and held a concluding session in Kathmandu on November 6. The project focused on establishing a community-powered biodiversity monitoring system across the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), a region increasingly gaining attention among trekkers and conservation researchers.

Local communities, including teachers, students, and Indigenous groups, were trained to operate trail cameras, GPS devices, and other modern tools. These efforts have already begun generating real-time data on flagship species such as the snow leopard and red panda.

Project partners, including DNPWC, KCAMC, IUCN Nepal, and community representatives, praised the model for blending scientific methods with traditional knowledge. Community elders helped identify wildlife corridors, enabling the strategic installation of trail cameras.

The initiative also outlined recommendations for strengthening conservation governance in KCA, supporting long-term goals such as qualifying for the IUCN Green List—an achievement that could further boost the region’s global eco-tourism profile.

The project’s success, stakeholders noted, demonstrates how empowering local communities can create lasting conservation impact while enhancing the appeal of the Kanchenjunga region as a sustainable tourism destination.