Posted on June, 05 2007
The Government of Nepal conferred an Environment and Development Honor 2007 on WWF Nepal in recognition to the contribution made in the conservation of natural resources and wildlife.
The award was presented to Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung, Conservation Program Director of WWF Nepal, by the chief guest Hon. Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, at the inauguration of the World Environment Day 2007, amidst a gathering of dignitaries including the UNEP Regional Director, the Director General of ICIMOD, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, and other high-level government officials.
Addressing the central theme of “Melting Ice – a Hot Topic”, Minister Poudel said, “Climate change is of national importance and all Nepalis must take responsibility to address this burning issue.”
“WWF is honored to receive this commendation,” said Dr Gurung. “We have invested several decades of conservation work in Nepal and will continue to do in order to benefit both Nepal’s nature and people.”
Highlighting the importance of nature conservation, Hon. Mr. Mahantha Thakur, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, said, “Saving nature is saving ourselves.”
WWF was involved in several activities to mark the day. A student rally went around the Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City (LSMC). Around 2,100 students from 30 schools participated in the rally jointly organized by WWF, IUCN, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and LSMC.
WWF’s climate change activities were exhibited in a stall at the exhibition organized by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. Similarly, a climate fair was organized by WWF and Clean Energy Nepal, with the help of students from different environment science colleges. The fair had activities to disseminate information on different issues of climate change including documentary shows, interaction programmes, games and other fun activities. Also, a series of radio programmes focused on this year’s theme were aired on different FM radios on this occasion.
