Kathmandu, March 16 . The 7^th Annual Field Course in Conservation Biology and Global Health: At the Human-Environment Interface was inaugurated today at Center for Postgraduate Studies, Nepal Engineering College, Prayagpokhari, Lalitpur, bringing together students, researchers, and conservation professionals from across Nepal.

The program was inaugurated by Bed Kumar Dhakal, Deputy Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Ministry of Forests and Environment. The opening session was chaired by Robert Dongol, Director of the Center for Professional Studies at Nepal Engineering College. The ceremony also featured special guests Dr. Randall C. Kyes, Professor from the University of Washington, USA, and Prof. Matthew Novak, also from the University of Washington. During the inaugural ceremony, the traditional panas lighting marked the formal beginning of the five-day course. The event was coordinated and hosted by Dr. Narayan Prasad Koju, Program Coordinator of the MSc Natural Resources Management program at Nepal Engineering College.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dhakal emphasized the importance of engaging the younger generation in sustainable use and conservation of natural resources. He noted that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has been actively supporting students and researchers to conduct studies in national parks and protected areas. Dhakal expressed hope that young researchers would continue contributing to the country’s biodiversity conservation goals through scientific research.

Special guest Dr. Randall Kyes expressed his happiness in working with Nepali researchers and students. He highlighted the strong enthusiasm and commitment shown by the new generation of Nepali scholars toward conservation research and emphasized the importance of future international collaboration in biodiversity studies. Similarly, Prof. Matthew Novak shared his interest in strengthening long-term academic and research collaboration with Nepali students and institutions. He also expressed his excitement to be in Nepal and work closely with emerging researchers in the fields of conservation biology and global health. Chairperson Robert Dongol stated that Nepal Engineering College has been providing a platform for students of wildlife, natural resources management, and biodiversity studies through this field course for the past seven years. He encouraged participants to use the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and continue contributing to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

According to the organizers, a total of 20 participants from seven different institutions across Nepal are attending the course. The program is jointly conducted by Nepal Engineering College and the University of Washington through the Center for Global Field Study (CGFS) and the Washington National Biomedical Research Center. The course, running from March 16 to April 20 includes lectures, field exercises, and community outreach activities focusing on conservation biology, wildlife research methods, global health issues, and the human-environment interface. Organizers stated that the training aims to provide participants with practical field research experience and a deeper understanding of biodiversity conservation and the link between environmental and human health.