In conserving snow leopards, the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) joined hands with China’s Shan Shui Conservation Center, The Amity Foundation and Tencent Foundation to host the first China-Nepal Snow Leopard knowledge exchange and capacity building workshop. The event held last week in Lalitpur has gathered experts, researchers, policymakers, forest officials from both countries to address the shared responsibility of protecting this elusive endangered species.
Supported by Ministry of Forests and Environment, the workshop emphasized transboundary cooperation to safeguard snow leopards. The workshop was mainly focused on scientific research, innovative technologies, and strategies to tackle human-wildlife conflicts said NTNC Director Dr. Chiranjibi Prasad Pokharel. He said that in the workshop sessions genetic research, Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, and mitigating human-snow leopard conflict were discussed.
Dr. Lu Zhi from Peking University showed China’s advanced snow leopard monitoring systems which leverage AI and big data for ecological studies. Nepalese scientists shared insights from their population assessments and conservation strategies within the Himalayan landscapes. 'This collaboration will help develop sustainable models for conserving snow leopards across borders,' said Dr. Ram Chandra Kandel, Director General of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).
The workshop also underscored the urgent need for regional solidarity to combat threats like habitat degradation, poaching, and climate change. Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri said hightlighted the need of working together in his opening remarks.
During the interactive panel discussions innovative solutions such as eco-tourism, community-based conservation and blending traditional knowledge with modern science and linking snow leopard were discussed, Dr. Gao Yufang of Shanshui Conservation Center said. Participants also received training in Tencent’s AI-powered snow leopard monitoring systems which have achieved over 90% accuracy in identifying the elusive species.
The workshop ended with the establishing mechanisms for data sharing and capacity-building programs to empower local communities. During the workshop Stronger policies, advanced research infrastructure and greater community involvement to ensure the long-term survival of the species were also discussed.
'The snow leopard represents the harmony of mountain ecosystems,' said Zhao Xiang, Conservation Director of Shan Shui Conservation Center. 'By combining China’s technological expertise with Nepal’s rich conservation experience, we can create a unified effort to protect this magnificent animal.'
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