KATHMANDU: The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has handed over more than 7,100 units of field gear and equipment to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) to bolster efforts in combating wildlife trafficking across Nepal’s protected areas.

The support, provided under the Combat Wildlife Trafficking Project in Nepal and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), was formally handed over at a ceremony held at NTNC’s Biodiversity Conservation Center in Chitwan on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) 

The package included medical kits, GPS units, binoculars, cameras, search lights, tactical uniforms, field shoes, bags, Swiss knives, and headlamps, designed to enhance the capacity of frontline staff working in remote and challenging terrain.

Speaking at the event, Jason P. Meeks, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, stressed the importance of protecting Nepal’s biodiversity through stronger anti-wildlife crime measures, reaffirming U.S. commitment to these efforts. Dr. Ramchandra Kandel, Director-General of DNPWC, welcomed the support, noting its direct benefits for field personnel on the ground.

Dr. Naresh Subedi, NTNC Member-Secretary, praised the long-standing U.S.–Nepal conservation partnership, while NTNC Director Dr. Chiranjibi P. Pokheral highlighted the organization’s wider conservation initiatives. Senior Conservation Officer Ambika P. Khatiwada shared that the INL project has already trained and engaged 3,175 government frontline staff to strengthen anti-trafficking actions.

In addition to the handover to DNPWC, a separate set of equipment — including a laptop, camera, GPS, binoculars, search light, medical kit, and walkie-talkies — was provided to the Mirgakunja community-based anti-poaching unit in Chitwan.