Students Speak Up for Biodiversity at Inter-School Speech Competition in Budhanilkantha

Budhanilkantha, 30 September 2026. Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN) organised an inter-school speech competition on “Conserve Biodiversity and Save Nature for Future Generations” at Shree Madan Ashrit Adarsha Secondary School. The event was held under the Scaling Up Locally-Led Nature Conservation Project (LNCP), which RRN implements with support from the Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund (KNCF).

The competition was organised in coordination with Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, the Buffer Zone Management Committee and the Buffer Zone Users Committee. It brought together students from 21 secondary schools in the park’s buffer zone. Participants from Grades 9 and 10 spoke on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection, and on what young people can do to safeguard nature.

Ms. Anita Lama, Deputy Mayor of Budhanilkantha Municipality, attended as Chief Guest. She said that nature is a shared wealth and that protecting it requires collective responsibility and the participation of communities.

Mr. Bishnu Shrestha, Senior Conservation Officer at Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, called on the federal, provincial and local governments to work together with communities, nongovernmental organisations, schools and students to conserve biodiversity and natural resources.

Dr. Netra Timsina, Executive Director of RRN, urged the students to look after the Earth and its wildlife for the sake of future generations, noting that the choices made today will shape the world they inherit. He also thanked the national park, the participating schools and teachers, education officials and all other partners for their joint efforts in making the event a success.

Ms. Manisha Tamang of Shree Bal Sudhar Secondary School won first place and received NPR 10,000. Ms. Arohi Khatiwada of Baudeshwor Secondary School took second place with NPR 7,000, and Ms. Durga Baral of Shree Devi Bal Sudhar Secondary School placed third with NPR 5,000. The fourth- and fifth-place winners received certificates and cash prizes, and every participant was given a certificate.

The program ended with a vote of thanks and a group photo. RRN reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and to supporting environmental education and youth leadership in the buffer zone communities of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.