Empowering Restoration Stewards: A Journey of Learning and Growth
Jaubari, situated at an altitude of around 3,000 meters, is a critical habitat for the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and is linked to India’s Singalila National Park. Over the years, the red panda’s habitat in this region has been under threat due to fragmentation, deforestation, and environmental degradation. The local people of this area who have been involved in restoring red panda habitat for many years are known as Restoration Stewards. The Restoration Stewards are trained stewards on restoring red pandas habitat. Their engagement in nursery management, tree planting, and other conservation activities are examples of act locally but think globally in this current unprecedented climate chaos.
However, to increase their impact, they needed more than just dedication, they required specialized knowledge and training in conservation and sustainable practices to ensure lasting results for both the environment and their communities.
In October 2024, Deep Jyoti Youth Club (DJYC), in partnership with Red Panda Network (RPN), organized 6 days exposure visit for the Restoration Stewards and nursery caretakers of Jaubari Restoration Site in eastern Nepal. This transformative journey took 13 stewards (majority of them were females) from the cool mountains of Ilam to the warmer plains of Jhapa district and finally to Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu. Along the way, the Stewards gained practical knowledge, shared experiences, and found new ways to improve their conservation efforts in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Learning at Jalthal Forest
The first stop of the exposure visit was the Jalthal forest in Jhapa district where different community forests, with the collaboration of Forest Action Nepal, have been doing habitat restoration and conservation activities. The Stewards observed the restoration through natural regeneration and organic manure formation utilizing the agricultural wastes, weeds, and invasive species which emerged as a dual solution for forest restoration and income generation.
The stewards also explored different agricultural practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, and mixed cropping that showcased how farming can coexist with conservation goals.
“We can utilize these techniques in Jaubari as well, primarily the process of developing manure from invasive species, weeds and grass.” said Sushma Pradhan a Nursery Caretaker at RPN’s Forest Conservation Nursery.
After their return to their nurseries, all of them has already started to make organic manure for their seedlings.
Kathmandu: Exposure to Cultural Heritages
From Jhapa, the journey continued to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. For many Stewards, this was their first time experiencing the blend of ancient culture and modern life. They visited UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Swyambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. This was the first visit to Kathmandu for many of the Stewards.
For the Stewards, all of whom follow Buddhism, visiting these cultural sites was an emotional and lifetime experience. Visiting these places, which they had only heard was a deeply emotional experience that strengthened their connection to their spiritual heritage. The Central Zoo at Jawalakhel was another highlight, allowing them to observe various wildlife closely, which was an exciting moment for them.
Living Mountain Lab at Godawari, Lalitpur
But this trip wasn’t all about history and culture. The Stewards also had the opportunity to visit the Living Mountain Lab at Godawari, managed by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
This visit provided hands-on exposure to sustainable farming techniques and technologies. They learnt about methods like Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), intercropping, multi-cropping and other different farming techniques all of which are designed to prevent soil erosion and enhance productivity in hilly terrains, which they thought to be able to implement in Jaubari.
Demonstrations of improved cookstoves and stall-feeding methods for livestock offered practical solutions to challenges they face in their communities. Om Gurung, another Steward remarked: “The stall-feeding method is something we can immediately implement. It will protect the seedlings we plant from being damaged by cattle and improve our reforestation efforts.”
They were also introduced to innovative farming techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics and 3-D farming techniques which help to obtain high yields in less area. In addition to that, they also learned about various types of solar dryers, use of weather stations, mini-hydro power, etc.
Visiting the Red Panda Network Office
In addition, the Stewards received a warm welcome at the RPN office. Colleagues at RPN showcased the photos and videos of the Stewards during their tree planting and the Stewards had the opportunity to discuss their own experiences and learn about the broader red panda conservation movement in Nepal. Looking through old photos and videos during the visit brought back cherished memories and reminded the Stewards about how far they had come in their conservation journey.
In conclusion, the exposure visit was a significant milestone for the Restoration Stewards, allowing them to gain practical knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen their connection to conservation. The journey not only equipped them with new skills, understanding, and ideas of sustainable practices but also deepened their sense of ownership and responsibility toward their efforts in restoring the red panda habitat. By witnessing successful examples of habitat restoration, sustainable farming, and community-driven conservation, they returned with a renewed commitment to apply these lessons in their own context. They now see their work not just as a task but as the collective responsibility to their community and future generations. This visit was a reminder that their efforts are part of a larger movement, inspiring them to continue working with dedication and purpose.