Chitwan, Nepal — The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has officially handed over a large consignment of field gear and equipment to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), reinforcing Nepal’s frontline capacity to combat wildlife crime.

The support is part of the ongoing Combat Wildlife Trafficking Project in Nepal, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

A formal handover ceremony took place yesterday at NTNC’s Biodiversity Conservation Center in Chitwan, attended by DNPWC Director-General Dr. Ramchandra Kandel, U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Jason P. Meeks, and INL South Asia Regional Director Ms. Marcy S. Brown.

In total, 7,120 units of field gear and equipment were transferred to DNPWC, including medical kits, GPS devices, binoculars, cameras, searchlights, tactical clothing, field shoes, bags, Swiss knives, and headlamps—tools essential for rangers and conservation officers working in remote and challenging environments.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Meeks emphasized the importance of tackling wildlife trafficking to protect Nepal’s rich biodiversity, reaffirming the U.S. government’s continued support for conservation efforts in the region.

Dr. Kandel expressed gratitude for the contribution, noting that the equipment would significantly enhance the effectiveness and safety of frontline staff across Nepal’s protected areas.

NTNC Member-Secretary Dr. Naresh Subedi acknowledged the longstanding partnership between NTNC and various U.S. agencies, praising their consistent and credible support for conservation initiatives in Nepal.

NTNC Director Dr. Chiranjibi P. Pokheral provided an overview of NTNC’s broader conservation programs, while Senior Conservation Officer Mr. Ambika P. Khatiwada highlighted key achievements under the INL-funded project, including the training and mobilization of 3,175 government frontline personnel to better address wildlife crime.

In addition to the DNPWC handover, NTNC also provided a set of equipment—including a laptop, camera, GPS, binoculars, searchlight, medical kit, and walkie-talkies—to the Mirgakunja community-based antipoaching unit, further empowering local efforts in wildlife protection.

This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Nepal’s conservation infrastructure and enhancing the operational readiness of those safeguarding the country’s natural heritage.