KATHMANDU: WWF Nepal celebrated its 33rd anniversary in Kathmandu on May 19, honouring frontline conservation champions, awarding scholarships to the next generation of conservation professionals, and launching a new strategic framework to guide its work through 2030.

The commemorative event was attended by ambassadors, development partners, conservation leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives, with Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, as Chief Guest.

WWF Nepal Country Representative Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, who delivered opening remarks tracing the organisation's journey since its establishment in 1993, said the challenges ahead demand renewed innovation, collaboration, and courage. "WWF Nepal remains committed to working alongside communities and partners under the leadership of the Government of Nepal to secure a future where both people and nature thrive," he said.

A centrepiece of the celebration was the presentation of 10 Memorial Scholarships to outstanding students pursuing higher education in conservation-related disciplines — part of a scholarship programme established in memory of conservation heroes lost in the tragic 2006 helicopter accident. Since 2007, WWF Nepal has awarded 151 such scholarships across five categories: the Chandra Gurung Memorial Fellowship, Jillian Bowling Schlaepfer Memorial Scholarship, Jennifer Headley Memorial Scholarship, Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Scholarship, and Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarship. Diplomatic representatives from France, the European Union, and Finland presented the awards alongside members of WWF Nepal's advisory board.

The anniversary also marked the launch of WWF Nepal's Strategic Plan 2027–2030, succeeding the Integrated Strategic Plan 2022–2026. Presented by Dr. Kanchan Thapa, the new framework outlines a renewed focus on climate resilience, biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, youth engagement, and innovative partnerships.

WWF Nepal's Conservation Awards 2026 honoured three individuals for exceptional contributions to Nepal's conservation landscape. Manju Mahatara was recognised for grassroots conservation leadership near Bardia National Park and her work in promoting human-wildlife coexistence and environmental education. Suman Sapkota was honoured for pioneering wildlife research and mentorship focused on threatened and understudied species. In a first for WWF Nepal's Conservation Awards, the late Om Prakash Mahato was recognised posthumously for his courage and selfless stand against illegal riverbed mining in Dhanusha — a symbol of environmental justice on the frontlines. A minute of silence was observed in his memory.

The Nepal Army also received a special token of recognition for 50 years of partnership in wildlife conservation, acknowledging its sustained role in safeguarding Nepal's protected areas, endangered species, and critical habitats.

Chief Guest Dr. Sharma, in his closing remarks, said Nepal's conservation success has always been rooted in partnership. "As we reflect on 33 years of WWF Nepal's remarkable journey, I commend its enduring collaboration with government institutions, communities, conservation professionals, and development partners," he said.