24 July 2026, Kathmandu, Nepal — In a major step forward for biodiversity conservation, Himalayan Nature (HN) and the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU) officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to foster joint research, bird conservation, and educational outreach across Nepal.
The strategic agreement was signed in Kathmandu by Sharad Singh, Admin and Finance Director of Himalayan Nature, and Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Executive Director of the Nepalese Ornithological Union. Witnesses Laba KC, Senior Program Officer of HN, and Suraj Baral, Joint Secretary of NOU, were also present for the execution of the agreement.
Both organizations share a common interest and goal of advancing the cause of science through research, conservation, and education related to Nepal’s birds and natural heritage.
Following are the key objectives & areas of collaboration of this MOU
- Joint Research & Conservation: Collaborating on field surveys, species monitoring, and both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts to protect threatened bird species and their habitats.
- Data Sharing & Publications: Facilitating open scientific exchange, joint studies, co-authored publications, and specimen curation following national laws.
- Capacity Building & Student Support: Mentoring students, offering field training, and hosting workshops to build capacity among early-career ornithologists.
- Public Outreach & Citizen Science: Promoting public involvement through educational outreach, avian conservation campaigns, and citizen-science initiatives.
- Leveraging Complementary Expertise: Combining HN's research capacity and grant-mobilization strengths with NOU’s extensive network of field ornithologists, birdwatchers, and advocacy networks.
Specific projects resulting from this partnership will be executed through mutually agreed work plans and joint funding proposals.