KATHMANDU: WWF Nepal has presented a special honor to the Nepali Army in recognition of its contribution to nature and environmental conservation over the past five decades.
According to the Nepali Army, the honour was conferred on Tuesday during the 33rd anniversary celebration of WWF Nepal for the army’s long-standing role in protecting biodiversity and the environment.
The army stated that several of its units had previously received the “Abraham Conservation Award” for helping Nepal achieve zero-poaching years in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.
Likewise, Bardiya National Park, which had earlier received the “Double Tiger Award,” was also specially recognised this year by WWF Nepal.
The Nepali Army has been formally deployed for national park protection since 2032 BS. At present, it is involved in the conservation and security of 12 national parks, one wildlife reserve and one hunting reserve through eight battalions, seven independent companies and one nature conservation training school.
More than a thousand army personnel are currently mobilised in conservation duties across protected areas.
As a result of conservation efforts, the number of Bengal tigers in Nepal has increased from 121 in 2009 to 355 at present, while the one-horned rhinoceros population has grown from 400 in 2005 to 752.
The army said it has continued carrying out conservation responsibilities despite difficult geography, harsh weather and challenging conditions. During conservation operations, 116 Nepali Army personnel have lost their lives so far.
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