Papaer Presented in Workshop

I have presented one paper on 'Present Status of Agriculture in Ilam: Prospects and Challenges' on the occasion of Review Workshop of 6 years' periodic plan of District Development Committee, Ilam. The paper was based on the progress status and qualitative analysis of the periodic plan. I have recommended the DDC for 10 years extensive planning of Agriculture sector declaring the area as special Econommic Zone of Nepal as a movement.

People, Nature & Conservation

Bishnu Prasad Kafle
acrednepal@gmail.com
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Nepal is the beautiful country enriched with plenty of natural resources. The prettiness of its handshaking landscape consisting numerous flora and fauna, diversified ecosystem, and distinctive socio-cultural settings fruited with indigenous livelihood system is admired identity of our nation. The livelihood of Nepali people closely blended with the creation of nature, situation of nature and utilization of nature. Moreover, the rural livelihood, which is the prominent occurrence of the country, is being directly determined by the pattern of natural resources.

Despite of global occupancy in term of land (0.09 percent), Nepal possesses a disproportionately large diversity of flora, and fauna at genetic, species and ecosystem level. The culture, socio-economic system and whole livelihood are associated to these wide ranges of diversities. Nepal has more than 9 percent of birds' species, more than 4.5 percent of mammals, more than 5 percent of bryophytes & gymnosperm, more than 2 percent of butterfly and flowering plants species which represented the significant numbers at global scale. Therefore, these all species are property of our nation providing arrogant identity over the world.

Biodiversity is the total variety of life on earth. It encompasses the total number, variety, and variability of life forms, levels, and combinations existing within the living world. Biological diversity means the richness and variety of living beings from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and fresh water ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and ecosystems (NBS, 2002 page 5). These lots of biological resources are direct means of sustaining livelihood of most of people in Nepal. These resources have been contributing the agriculture, forestry, tourism, and several other income generation fields for rural people. They are getting food, fibre and shelter for their living. Moreover, these biological diversities are principal contributor to safe environment and ecology. Presently the emerging concept to clean and safe development is playing in the ground of such biological diversities.

Among various niches for biological diversities, in the eastern hills of Kanchenjuncha complex is one of the important biodiversity rich areas with global identity. However, there are several threats and challenges regarding these biological resources such as destruction of habitat by deforestation, encroachment, firing, intense grazing, unsafe cultivation, illegal trafficking of key biodiversity resources (both flora and fauna) by vested domestic and external smugglers, low level of law enforcement, poor awareness among people, huge application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and invasion of exotic species (ICIMOD, 2005). Similarly the loss of indigenous knowledge and practices from rural areas which are built associatively with such diversified resources in term of use, protection and culture-religious keepings is another reason for the degradation of biological diversities and ecosystem as whole. As a result, the incredible loss of biological diversities (some key flora and fauna have been extinct and/getting depleted), drying up of water bodies (natural ponds, lake and wetlands), reducing productivity, declining ecosystem, environment and natural integrity which ultimately fading rural economy, livelihood (food insecurity, weak purchasing power, lack of basic means of subsistence etc.) and sustainable development of the areas. As the natural resources, landscape, biological diversities and natural beauties are fundamental component of ecotourism, the loss in the former cause the decline of the later.

For few years, the conservation of such biological diversities in landscape level has got strong attention among some international donor communities, governmental, non-governmental and international level. In a course, some non-governmental organizations like ICC, Ilam, NCDC, Ilam, BCN, ESON, ECCA, TMI etc., government line agencies, local people and conservationists, International institutions like World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), The World Conservation Union (IUCN), and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development(ICIMOD) etc., and governmental institutions like department of forest, department of national parks & wildlife conservation, district forest office, and district plant resources offices etc. are being dedicated themselves for this great duty.

More recently, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) as joint initiative of Conservation International (CI), Global Environment Facilities (GEF), the Government of Japan, the John D. and Catherine T. Mac Arthur Foundation and the World Bank has supported five NGOs to implement the biodiversity conservation program in Ilam, Panchthar and Taplejung at grass root level. This CEPF funded projects are dedicated to conserve biodiversities and improving livelihood of local people through various activities like awareness raising, local capacity strengthening, institutional sustainability, alternative livelihood development, documentation of key biodiversity species, regeneration of vegetation and protection of key threatened, critical and vulnerable species in the area.

Sudhir Kumar Koirala, District Forest Officer (DFO) of Ilam, said that this type of program is fairly new and appreciative in the district. Ram Rimal, district coordinator of Ilam Cooperation Council (ICC), Ilam, a CEPF grantee working in northern east transboundary Village Development Committees (VDCs)-Mabu, Maimjhuwa, Jamuna and Jogmai of Ilam says- 'this is right project in right time to catch up the peoples' sentiment to conserve valuable biological diversities in the area'. He further adds that the CEPF funded projects have been build in accordance with detailed need assessment, planning and stakeholders analysis in the area. 'We have already prepared the plan for the eastern transboundary biological corridor incorporating 19 VDCs of eastern part of Ilam, Panchthar and Taplejung with support from ICIMOD'. He claims-the area should be declared as conservation area including more than 25 VDCs of eastern transboarder'. 'Indeed this area really shows the synergy between nature and people'- said Rimal with opening his further plan.

'This program has brought movement for conservation at local level' said Udaya Bahadur Gurung, a resident of Jamuna, one of the working VDC of CEPF project. A senior citizen of Hagetham, Jamuna says- we expect from this project that our historic natural ponds, beautiful birds and our forest are to be regenerated'. 'This is the change that we experienced in our life time that how the rich greenery and clean natural ponds got collapsed. So it is my only wish to see the recovery of that in my village' he further added. Biodiversity conservation in the area is possible only with active and effective participation of local people (stakeholders). They should be aware, capacitated, and organized. 'This (conservation) is the duties of all of us, so I will support this program through maximum of my endeavor through VDC'-said VDC secretary of Jogmai. Similalry another organization The Mountain Institute (TMI) besides CEPF grantee are working with the commitment of ensuring greenery vegetation in the bare lands of the area. Community Forest User's Groups (CFUGs) have been encouraged and motivated to conserve biodiversity in their community forest. They are pleased to get support to minimize the threats to biodiversities. Similarly, the tourism and hotel entrepreneurs in the area have become encouraged from the program. Thukten Sherpa, ex-VDC vice chair and hotel entrepreneur of Jaubari area tells- the numbers of NGOs dedicated to biodiversity conservation of our area will ultimately promote the ecotourism. This will remove decade long bottlenecked hotel enterprise by increasing domestic and foreign tourist attracted by our unique and valuable biodiversities (birds and mammals like Red Panda, Clouded Leopards, Danphe Munal, Spiny Babler, Blue sheep, Naur, Thar etc)'-he further added. Bijaya Lama, a hotel entrepreneur of Jaubari looks folds of opportunities to boost the local economy through ecotourism in the area as we conserve our unique biodiversity in the area. 'The area remaining above the cloud of Ilam gives the opportunities to observe Mount Kanchenjungha, and other nearing mountains, and heart shaking landscape of eastern Himalayas of Nepal and India. These types of opportunities can not be found anywhere'- he added with his big hearted commitment to conserve the area.

Nepal is extremely potential destination for tourism and come to interact with natural resources, landscape, natural and cultural heritage. Thus, the approach to promote tourism in the area demands conservation and natural resource based tourism. More popularly this is known as ecotourism. Ecotourism brings the tourists from domestic and abroad through conservation of biodiversity, landscape and natural integrity and shares the income of tourism among community members. This is very sustainable way of livelihood improvement. This demands low initial investment and medium return. 'Here, biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism are two sides of one coin, in which, local people will get incentive from conservation in term of eco-tourism. The incentives to people ensure active participation and popular support for conservation activities'-said Prem Gurung, and Rajeshwor Rijal, Field Facilitators of ICC, Ilam. Homnath Adhikari, Program director of Namsaling community Development Centre (NCDC), another CEPF grantee told that the organization is working for conservation of biological corridor and livelihood development in five VDCs.

The documentation of biodiversity species is another key aspect to conserve them. Mean a while a specialists' team from Ethno botanical Society of Nepal (ESON), another CEPF grantee has surveyed and documented more than 250 faunal species in Ilam and Panchthar district. This will help to know actual status of biodiversity species and to build conservation strategies in specific basis. Documentation and identification are very fundamental things for conservation. Birds conservation Nepal (BCN), and ECCA other CEPF grantee who are working for awareness, education and capacity building for biodiversity conservation in this area.

Similarly, Lalita Rai, a women activist of Mabu VDC says- 'as a women we are very pleased to participate in conservation program.' We have lots of medicinal plants in our area. Women know these all more than men'. 'However, it is still remained questions over the role and opportunities for women'-she added. Being very optimistic, Rita Maya Rai, a CFUG user says -the livelihood shall be improved through this project'. Hunger person can not work for conservation-she added. Shuk Raj of Sidin, Pancthar also agreed with former version for his situation. These are very few clips of field regarding the implementation of the conservation project in transboarder area of Ilam and Panchthar.

In other hand, youths have been incredibly motivated to conserve the valuable biodiversities of their area. 'This is youth concerned matter more than other because they are still struggling for safe and clean future' said Sonam Lama, one of the youths of Jaubari working as conservation activists. 'We should become more conscious about youth and future generation while we are working for conservation'-he added. The success of conservation remains that how we aware, strengthen and institutionalize the creativity of youths and students'- said Ganga Rai, a head teacher of Jamuna Secondary school.

In spite of optimistic or pessimistic perception of people and implementing organizations, CEPF funded projects have been able to draw huge amount of fund in the name of conservation of biodiversity and improvement of livelihood of locals, and have been able to draw the attention and expectation of people with remarkable movement in the field of biodiversity conservation. A senior official of CEPF grantee assumes that this may be the first time where this much funds and NGOs working together for common goal in this area. Whatever, the project has intended to change; the needs of local people are sustainable livelihood, income generation, increased productivity, boom in business and safe and clean environment. To meet the need of local people, ecotourism will be the only viable means to uplift poor and marginal residing high hills of the area.

For the areas, this will be the potential opportunities for local people shaking hands for conservation and getting incentives from tourism. For that, own capacities of local people should be increased, institutionalized and consensus should be developed. The conservation movement has able to get popular support but it is still remained matter of getting genuine benefits and lasting changes in the living standard of local people. The success of the movement will depend upon-how the project implementers work sincerely and fervently to their job; is up to future. If otherwise, people will not forgive any one to assert the contribution to conservation using foreign aids in the name of former.

-The End-

RESUME OF BISHNU KAFLE (UPDATED)

Personal Information

Sex : Male
Date of birth : 31st December, 1979
Father’s Name : Thakurnath Kafle
Mother’s Name : Kokila Kafle
Marital status : Married with Jhuma Devi Kattel
Nationality : Nepali
Citizenship No. : 2585/District Administration Office, Ilam
Permanent Address : Siddhithumka VDC- 8, Khandrung, Ilam.
Temporary Address : Ilam municipality- 2, Kuldhara, Ilam
Organisation : Ilam Cooperation Council-ICC, Ilam
Position : Program Coordinator
Language proficiency : Nepali, and English (Spoken, writing and listening)




Trainings and Short courses completed

Proposal Writing, Project Concept Note and Report Writing Training. 15 days in 1999, organized by Department of Agricultural Economics, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS)/Tribhuwan University, Chitwan, Nepal

Communication and Motivation Training. 1 day in 1999, organized by Nepal Jaycees, Chitwan, Nepal

Social Mobilization and Community Development. 6 months in 2002 organized by Social Mobilization Education Learning Center (SMELC)/United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Chitwan Nepal

Participatory Rural Assessment (PRA) and Rapid Rural Assessment (RRA). 10 days in 2003, organized by Society for Himalayan Development (SHID), Nepal

Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA), Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) and Participatory Impact Monitoring (PIM). 5 days in 2003, organized by Society for Himalayan Development (SHID), Nepal

Psychological Support and Referral (MTOT). 3 days in 2005, organized by Center for development and Population Activities (CEDPA), Kathmandu, Nepal

Conflict resolution, negotiation skills, working in Conflict Environment and Gender in Conflict (MTOT) 10 days in 2005, organized by Center for development and Population Activities (CEDPA), Kathmandu, Nepal

Social Mobilization (MTOT). 2 days in 2005, organized by Center for development and Population Activities (CEDPA), Kathmandu, Nepal

Resettlement and Reintegration Process. 5 days in 2006, organized by Center for development and Population Activities (CEDPA), Kathmandu, Nepal

Proposal Writing and Fund Raising for Civil Society Organizations. 4 days in 2007, organized by Ashoka Trust for Research in Environment & Ecology/International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Darjeeling, India

Participatory Biodiversity Assessment, Planning, Monitoring, Report Writing and Community Facilitation Skills. 6 days in 2007, organized by Ilam Cooperation Council (ICC), Ilam, Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC) and Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), Nepal



Seminars Attended as professional Participant

Decentralization and Participatory Rural Development. 1 day in 2001, organized by WCDS, Nepal

Role of Agriculture in Nepal. 1 day in 2002, organized by Free Student Union of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS)/Tribhuwan University, Nepal.

Poverty Alleviation in South Asia: A Glimpse. 1 day in 2003, organized by Social Mobilization Education Learning Center (SMELC)/United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Chitwan Nepal

Livestock Development and Marketing in Nepal. 1 day in 2003, organized by Department of Agricultural Economics, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS)/Tribhuwan University, Chitwan, Nepal

Conservation of Edible Frogs and Traditional Knowledge. 1 day in 2003, organized by Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS)/Tribhuwan University, Chitwan, Nepal

World Trade Organization and Nepal: Provision on Agreement on Agriculture, Challenges, Opportunities and Responsibilities. 1 day in 2003, organized by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Narayangadh, Chitawan, Nepal

Resource Management Plan for Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS). 1 day in 2003, organized by Department of Agricultural Economics, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS)/Tribhuwan University, Chitwan, Nepal

Market Information System for Agricultural Products. 1 day in 2004, organized by Ilam Chabmer of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Nepal.

Indigenous Knowledge System on Agriculture. 1 day in 2005, organized by Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC), Ilam, Nepal

Civil Society Workshop on Social Inclusion and Nation Building. 2 days in 2005, organized by Social Inclusion Research Fund (SIRF)/SNV, Nepal.

Workshop Papers Presented as Expert

Access to Land: An Issue of Food Security/Sovereignty. 2 days in 2004, organized by Asian Network for Alternative Cooperation (ANAC) and Namsaling Community Development Centre (NCDC), Ilam, Nepal
Exploiting Underutilized Plant Species: A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture. 2 days in 2004, regional workshop organized by Namsaling Community Development Centre (NCDC)

Biodiversity, Unterutilized and Uncultivated Foods. 1 day workshop in 2004, organized by Namsaling Community Development Centre (NCDC) and Women Development Association, Ilam Nepal.

Conservation of Local, Endangered, and Underutilized Agricultural Crops: A Step towards Bio-Sovereignty. 1 day workshop, organized by Namasaling Development Centre (NCDC), Ilam, Nepal

Present Conflict, Youth and Peace. 1 day in 2006, organized by Sungava Development Organization (Sungava), Ilam, Nepal

Constituent Assembly and Inclusion of Women. 1 day in 2006, organized by Sungava Development Organization (Sungava), Ilam, Nepal

Decade long Armed Conflict, Impact on Education Sector and Peace Building process. 1 day in 2006, organized by Sungava Development Organization (Sungava), Ilam, Nepal

World Trade Organization (WTO) and Livelihood in Reference to Agreement on Agriculture (AOA). 1 day in 2006, organized by Ilam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Federik Elbert Stiftung (FES) and SWATEE, Ilam, Nepal

Outstanding Competencies

Concept designing, project mapping proposal and concept Paper Preparation for Civil Society Organizations (NGOs and other) and GOs.

Project Management (Physical, Social, Economic, Human Resource and environment)

Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Agriculture

Biodiversity assessment, monitoring and conservation (Landscape level)

Social Mobilization, Participatory Planning and Community Development

Conflict Resolution, management, prevention and transformation

Gender, Ethnicity, Social inclusion and Community sensitization

Enterprise development and business planning.

Training facilitation in Natural resource Management, biodiversity, environment and agriculture)

Personal Skills

Good Skills on Economic and statistical analysis tools and techniques
Good Skills on Computer (Ms-Word, Excel, Microsoft Access, Page Maker, Photoshop, and E-mail/internet)
Good skills to handle Camera and movie camera
Good skills on Teaching, Motivation and group Handling

Small Research Experiences

Gender Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge and Technologies for Natural Resource management in Haraiya, chitwan.
Uncultivated food crops and underutilized crops in Ilam district (on going).
Domestication of Wild Tea (Camellia kissi) in Siddhithumka of Ilam District (On going). bonafide

Professional and Institutional Experiences

Member: Institutional Management & Development Council. IAAS, Rampur (2003-2004)
Trainer: Saving & credit Management Training organized by WCDS.
Resource person: Training on Cardamom Cultivation organized by CRDC, Nepal.
Resource Person: Agricultural training facilitation Team. CRDC, Nepal (2000-2003)
Resource person: Seasonal & off-season vegetable production based on sustainable agriculture. NCDC, Ilam.
Resource Person: Participatory Planning and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), SUNGAVA CLUB, Ilam (2005)
Resource Person:Income Generating Training (Agriculture and Animal Science) July 1 to 5, 2005/Paseri-Kalsing CFUG/NARMSARP/SUNGAVA Club, Ilam.
Resource Person: Enterprise Development and Gender Conscientization for IWM. CRT, Nepal, Panchthar
Resource Person: Report writing and Participatory Monitoring And Evaluation Training. Sungava Club, Ilam January 9-16, 2006
Facilitator : Project Selection & Management, SDO, Ilam
Resource Person : Entrepreneurship and Career Development training, SDO, Ilam.
Chief Editor : The Marigold Monthly IAAS. Rampur (1999-2001)
Editorial Board Member:
'Krishi Sandesh'- Trimester Magazine of PG Society. IAAS Rampur. (2003-2004)
Act president: Free Student Union, IAAS Rampur Campus-(2001-2003)
Paid Volunteer- (Agriculture and Planning), Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC), Ilam. (2004 to 005 March)
SDP Planning Consultant- Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC), Ilam. (2005 March to October)
Planning Consultant: Master plan of Ilam Education Foundation Pvt. Ltd, Ilam
Teacher (Rural Development, Economics, and Statistics):
Ilam Education Foundation (Pvt).Ltd. Ilam.2004 to till (on job)
Chairperson: Community Research and Development Council, Nepal (2000 to 2004)
Executive Secretary: Asian Center for Research and Development, Nepal (2005 to till)

Program Coordinator: Sungava Development Organisation, Ilam (2005 to March, 2007)
Job responsibilities:
a. Collect data, analyze and draft report and proposals.
b. Devise, implement and evaluate different training and research program in coordination with the HRD coordinator.
c. Manage all records, collect information and prepare effective documentations.
d. Assist President in the matter of identify external and internal resource.
e. Prepare proposals and schemes for the development of the organization, discuss with the executive board and make action plan to implement the decision.
f. Perform other duties assigned by the president or the executive board.

Project Manager: Ilam Cooperation Council (ICC), Ilam/Strengthening Civil Society for Biodiversity Conservation Support Project/Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) [April, 2007 to till)

Job and responsibilities
a) Prepare project operational plans and guidelines, work plan of ICC/SCBC/CEPF-51122 in reference to approved project documents.
b) Involve in efficient and effective execution of the project as per Term of Reference (TOR) and approved project documents.
c) Collect and analyze information regarding project mobilizing staffs and resources for effective implementation of the project.
d) Prepare regular reports and maintain records & documentations of project.
e) Coordinate and mobilize staffs of project.
f) Manage and coordinate various trainings and capacity building activities of project.
g) Establish communication, linkage networking and coordination with project staffs, stakeholders and CEPF/WWF, Nepal in consultation with Executive board, Project adviser and team leader.




Articles

Gender Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge system for Natural Resources
Management (unpublished) Scientific Paper Submitted to Dept.of Agriculture economics, IAAS Rampur)
Alaichi Kheti: Sankshipta jankari (Nepali). Krishi Sandesh. PG Students' society, IAAS, Rampur. (2).
Byabasayik Krishima Farm Yojana Nirman Ra Yaashko Mahatwa. Krishisandesh PG Students' society, IAAS, Rampur.
Exchange Rate and its Impact on Trade in Nepal. Department of agricultural Economics, Rampur.
Econometric Modeling of Supply of Milk in Chitwan. Department of Agriculture Economics, Rampur.
Strength and Weakness of IAAS from Student's Perspectives. Department of Agriculture Economics, Rampur.
Farmers' Expectation and Technician's Responsibility (Nepali). Sootradhar Shree Weekly. Ilam, Nepal.
Importance of Biodiversity in Sustainable Agriculture Development. (Nepali) Sootradhar Shree Weekly, Ilam, Nepal.
Biodiversity & sustainable Agriculture. Sungava Samachar. Quarterly Bulletin 2006 (May to July)
Renewable Energy: A Step towards Self-Reliant & Sustainable Development. Sungava Samachar Sungava Development Organisation, Ilam. Quarterly Bulletin 2006 (October to December)


Visits (Educational and Professional)

Most of the Rural Areas (Villages) of Ilam, Jhapa and Panchthar Districts
More than 40 districts of Nepal from East to west as Educational and Professional visit.
All India tour for educational and professional purpose including South, Central, West, and Northern parts of India


Memberships

Member : Nepal Red Cross Society, Ilam
Board Member : Civil Concern Society, Nepal
Secretary : Asian Center for Research and Development (ACRED), Nepal
Member : South Asian Network for Development of Environmental Economics (SANDEE)




Referees


1. Prof. Dr. Tej Bdr. K.C. Professor and Former Dean of IAAS, Rampur Chitwan Phone no. 00977-[0]1-5525629 (Residence) Kathmandu, Nepal
2. Mrs. Sarala Khaling, Ph. D., Regional Coordinator (Nepal, India and Bhutan), Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)/WWF. Tel: 00977-9851087401 and E-mail: sarala.khaling@wwfnepal.org
3. Angphuri Sherpa, Country Coordinator, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)/WWF, Nepal, Baluwatar, Nepal. Tel: 00977-9851089799 and E-mail: angphuri.sherpa@wwfnepal.org


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Personal Details

Bishnu Prasad Kafle

Ilam Municipality-2, Kuldhara, Ilam
Mechi, Nepal
Tel: 00977-[0]27-521233
Cell: 9852680308
E-mail: acrednepal@gmail.com

c/o (Office):
Project Manager
Ilam Cooperation Council (ICC), Ilam
Ilam Municipality-2, Ilam
Mechi, Nepal
Tel: 00977-[0]27-520337
Fax: 00977-[0]27-520216
E-mail: iccilam.biodiversity@gmail.com.np; iccilam@ntc.net.np