According to the organizers, the festival is expected to raise awareness about conservation of the birds on the verge of extinction. [break]
Raju Acharya, director at Nature´s Friends, a bird conservation organization in Chitwan, hoped that the festival would prove beneficial for efforts being carried out to conserve owls, which are on the verge of extinction.
He also claimed that owls are being smuggled from Chitwan to foreign countries to be used in the medicinal purpose.
Acharya, who is also the representative of UK based World Owl Fund, further informed that over 2,000 owls are smuggled from Nepal to China and India annually. He also claimed that owls are being smuggled to foreign countries from more than 30 districts in the country.
Of the 225 species of owls in the world, 21 species are found in Nepal, while Chitwan alone is the habitat of 10 species of owls found in Nepal, said Acharya.
“The numbers of owls in Nepal are decreasing. I hope the festival would help spread awareness among the people,” added Acharya. Owl is considered a good friend of farmers as a barn owl can eat up to 3,000 rodents. However, farmers themselves are not aware of the facts regarding the owl.
The festival is being organized by Friends of Nature and Setidevi Community Forest User Group. Dipak Adhikari, chairperson of the community forest, hoped that the festival would be helpful in promoting the community forest area as a tourist destination.
“We have arranged 15 home stay destinations for guests, who will have a chance to watch various birds and butterfly exhibited in the festival,” said Adhikari.
Republica correspondent to be feted
During the festival, the organizers have also decided to honor Republic´s Chitwan correspondent, Chadani Hamal with the Nature Conservation Award. Hamal is one of the six media persons being honored for their conservation efforts. The award carries a purse of Rs 5,000 and a letter of appreciation.
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