Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) in partnership with the Youth Alliance for Environment (YAE) concluded a community-level capacity-building training workshop focused on rights-based advocacy in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. It was successfully conducted for Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous women, youth, and representatives of IPs with disabilities from ten villages across four districts (Kaski, Manang, Mustang, and Lamjung). The workshop was held in Chhomrong and Ulleri of Annapurna Rural Municipality in Kaski, Chimang, Syang, and Thini of Gharpajong Rural Municipality in Mustang, Ghalegaun and Bhujung of Kwholsothar Rural Municipality in Lamjung, and in Tal of Naso Rural Municipality, Thanchok of Chame Rural Municipality, and Khangsar of Ngisyang Rural Municipality in Manang.

The training involved a total of 477 participants (207 men and 270 women) from the ten villages, including representatives from government bodies, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) head, Rural Municipality and Ward chairs, representatives from Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPOs), Local and customary institutions.

The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and empower Indigenous Peoples, representatives from customary institution, Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations (IPOs), and NEFIN chapters to advocate for rights-based approaches to biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.

The training included presentations and discussions led by key resource persons, including Divash Rai (NEFIN, General Secretary) Bimal Saru Magar (NEFIN Treasurer), Tunga Bhadra Rai (Climate Change Partnership Program Director), Chhiring Wangmo Gurung (CCPP Project coordinator) and Umesh Basnet from Youth Alliance for Environment (YAE) and Dhan Man Gurung.

As part of the “SAINO” project, the workshop focused on revitalizing nature-culture relationship and recollection of Indigenous People in the Annapurna Area of Nepal, ensuring inclusive participation. It emphasized adaptation and mitigation strategies to address climate change impacts on Indigenous Peoples, encouraging them to explore ways to safeguard natural resources, conserve biodiversity, and play an active role in advocating for rights-based conservation and contribute their distinct values to natural resource management.