6th Annual Field Course in Conservation Biology and Global Health Inaugurated at Nepal Engineering College

The 6th Annual Field Course in Conservation Biology & Global Health at the Human-Environment Interface was inaugurated on March 23, 2025, at Nepal Engineering College, Kathmandu. The inauguration session was chaired by Mr. Robert Dongol, Director of necCPS, while Mr. Durga Prasad Bhandari, Principal of Nepal Engineering College, graced the event as the chief guest. The chief trainer of the field course, Dr. Randall C. Kyes from the University of Washington, USA, addressed the inauguration session alongside Dr. Laxman Khanal and Dr. Narayan Prasad Koju from Nepal Engineering College. In their speeches, they highlighted the importance of conservation biology, global health, and the human-environment interface, emphasizing the significance of hands-on training for future professionals.

The field course is being organized in collaboration with the University of Washington, the Washington National Primate Research Center, the Center for Global Field Study (CGFS), and Center for Postgraduate Studies, Nepal Engineering College. A total of 20 students from six institutes and four universities are participating in the five-day workshop, which includes both theoretical sessions and practical field training. The course covers various topics, such as conservation strategies, wildlife research, field study methods, primate behavior, and human-wildlife interaction, with a focus on the complex relationship between environmental health and global health.

The training sessions are led by Dr. Randall C. Kyes, accompanied by six tutors from diverse research backgrounds, including Dr. Narayan Prasad Koju, Dr. Laxman Khanal, Dr Kamal Gosai, Ms Babita Maharjan, Mr Laxman Shrestha, and Mr Devendra Maharjan. The participants will engage in lectures, field exercises, and community outreach education, gaining practical experience in field research and data collection.

The field course will also feature an outreach program aimed at educating local school children about biodiversity conservation and global health. This annual event continues to contribute significantly to building capacity in conservation biology and global health, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills to address real-world environmental challenges.