Agencies Involved in Environmental Conservation

Environmental conservation programmes are done by various governmental and non-governmental organisation. These agencies conduct various programmes. Some of these agencies are described below:

National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)

The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) was established in 1982 by a Legislative Act as an autonomous and non-profit organization, to promote and conserve the heritage.This trust conserves nature and environment. It also promotes the environmental education and conducts many researches based on environment. The projects of Trust are divided into three geographical areas - the lowland, the mid-hills (Kathmandu Valley) and the high mountains. The Central Zoo is the only project of the Trust in Kathmandu Valley.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environmental program is an international organization which aims to conserve the environment. It has provided technical and financial support to more than 150 developing countries for the conservation of the environment. Its main office or the headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya and Africa. The first day of the conference, June 5th, is celebrated as the ‘World Environment Day’.
At the end of 1972 AD, the general assembly of the UNO established the United Nation’s Environmental program (UNEP). Fifty-eight countries from five continents are represented the supreme council of this organization. Different governments, scientists, the trade group, non-governmental organizations, females and the youths have participated in its program.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN)

The world Conservation Union is an international non-governmental organization which was established in 1948 AD. In the beginning, it was named as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). But now it is called the World Conservation Union with the short form of (IUCN). Its headquarters is in Gland in Switzerland. There are more than 913 members from 138 countries in the IUCN.

Objectives

1. To protect the natural integrity and its diversity
2. To conserve natural resources and use them on a sustainable development basis
3. To encourage and motivate various countries to fulfil their set targets

Programmes

The vital functions of the IUCN are to encourage, motivate and help the world community to conserve the integrity and variety of nature and to utilize the natural resources without any harmful effects on the environment. The IUCN World Conservation Union is involved in the environmental study and policy-making activities. It has been emphasizing the implementation of the environment related programmes at regional and local levels.

The IUCN regularly publishes the red list of the endangered animals due to the destruction of habitats or other causes. It also provides information about the policy formulated for the conservation of endangered animals. Every nation formulates the policy and programmes for the conservation working policy, which helps to promote the environment for sustainable development.

Main functions of the IUCN in Nepal

Nepal has been following the policy and programmes purposed by the IUCN. In Nepal, the national conservation working policy implementation project was conducted from 1989 to 1996 AD. Some important programmes conducted by the national conservation working plan implementation projects follows:

1. Support in the preparation and implementation of curriculums, textbooks and educational materials for schools and colleges
2. Support in the preparation of resource books of environmental plan and excuse it through public participation
3. Corporation in the formulation of environmental plan and execute it through public participation
4. Co-operate with the related agencies in the process of the formulation of environmental law and the local basis according to the national need and international treaty and negotiation
5. Co-operation in different programmes for the conservation of the culture and natural heritage
6. Support for the conservation of different types of wild animals, birds and vegetation and wild animals
7. Support in the proper management of national parks, conservation areas and swamp region

Worldwide Fund Nature (WWF)

Worldwide Fund Nature (WWF) is an international non-governmental organization for the conservation of nature. It was established in 1961 AD. It was called the world Wildlife Fund at the time of its establishment. But it was renamed as World Wide Fund for Nature in 1986 AD. Its headquarters is in Switzerland.

The WWF is an important organization in the field of conservation of nature. It is trying to protect rare animals and natural resources of the earth. It is closely related to the world conservation union.

Objectives

1. To conserve the species of animals and the biodiversity
2. To ensure sustainable use and development of renewable natural resources for future generation
3. To conduct the various programmes to check the riskless use of the resources and energy

Programmes

The WWF has implemented its programmes in different countries in different countries. It has been working to protect the wildlife which is on the verge of extension. It has been contributing to the programmes like the observation of watersheds, conservation and ecosystem. It has also assisted in providing training for wildlife experts and workers and conducting environmental awareness programmes.
It has supported the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and the projects relating to rhinoceros and 'Himalayan Habres'. WWF has been providing financial and technical cooperation to different governmental and non-governmental organizations and agencies like national parks wildlife conservation department, National Trust for Natural conservation Fund etc.

International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

In 1983 A.D. International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) was established. The vision of ICIMOD is to improve the living standard of men, women, and children of the Hindu Kush Himalayas. China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Nepal are the members of ICIMOD. Headquarter of ICIMOD is in Khumaltar of Lalitpur. This organization raises awareness and conserves biodiversity. This organization focuses on the hilly region. ICIMOD is working to enable sustainable and resilient mountain development for improved and equitable livelihoods through knowledge and regional cooperation.