POKHARA: The Pokhara Bird Society (PBS) recently concluded a three-day bird identification training programme for trekking guides, aimed at strengthening nature-based guiding skills and promoting conservation-friendly tourism in Nepal.

The capacity-building programme focused on improving guides’ understanding of bird diversity, identification techniques and ethical field practices, enabling them to better interpret Nepal’s rich birdlife for visitors while respecting wildlife and protected-area regulations.

The training combined classroom sessions with practical fieldwork, covering bird biology and ecology, the role of birds in ecosystems, key identification tools such as plumage, calls, behaviour and habitat, and birdwatching ethics. Participants also received orientation on Nepal’s protected areas, conservation laws, and key species groups including raptors, wetland birds and forest species.

Field sessions provided hands-on experience in observation, note-taking and responsible guiding across different habitats.

PBS thanked the Nepal Tourism Board–Gandaki Province and other partner organisations for their support, and congratulated the participating trekking guides for their commitment and enthusiasm. The society said it would continue similar skill-development initiatives to strengthen eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation in Nepal.