A key stakeholder meeting was held on 21 July 2026 at the Nepalese Ornithological Union (NOU) office in Swayambhu to strengthen conservation efforts for the critically endangered Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) alongside local agricultural communities. The meeting brought together key representatives, including Bhim Bahadur Thapa, Chair of the Kalikitch Buffer Zone Users Committee, alongside representatives from the local farming community in Beldandi Rural Municipality.
The Bengal Florican is a globally critically endangered species and Nepal’s most threatened bird. Today, only a small population remains in areas such as Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan National Park, and Shuklaphanta National Park and its adjacent farmlands. Outside of their primary breeding season, these birds rely heavily on nearby agricultural fields for feeding and roosting. Considering the farmlands adjoining Shuklaphanta National Park is important to ensure the bird's survival is essential. The meeting focused on the potential of establishing sustainable, community-backed farming solutions that safeguard the species while supporting local agricultural yields.