Youth and Conservation

Youth and Conservation


There is a great role of young people in the development of nation. History tells us what the role of youth in nation building was.

Actually in developing countries like ours (Nepal), the youth play and important role in every aspect of the nation building. Without involvement of youth in any task, no task can be performed properly. For the proper utilization and mobilization of resources, the youth have to be mobilized in those tasks.

Conservation means sustainable use of natural resources, such as soils, water, plants, animals, and minerals etc. From the aesthetic and moral viewpoint, conservation also includes the maintenance of national parks, wilderness areas, historic sites, and wildlife. In certain cases, conservation may imply the protection of a natural environment from any human economic activity.

Conservation is one of the important national tasks which have to be performed by government. Without conservation of natural resources (either renewable or non-renewable) national development can’t be thought effective.

At present the natural environment is being deteriorated day by day in geometric progression. Wildlife are in danger situation. List of endangered species is being longer. More species are getting the prefix EXTINCT. Many poor species are living without proper management of their habitat. Home ranges, territory of many species are being squeezed by human people. Natural habitats of wild animals are being converted into industrial area. Not only the areas are squeezed but also the environment for those animals is being deteriorated day by day.

A number of endangered species are being decreased in geometric progression because increased poaching for trading. Game-species are being killed for economic benefit of certain human group. Various parts of animals are exported illegally without fear of law.

The condition of conservation is very poor. Actually illegal hunting, poaching and encroachment are increasing day by day. No any proper law enforcement agency is active in special area. Nepal Army and Department of National Park and Wildlife Reserve (DNPWC) are responsible only inside national park and wildlife reserve. Out of these Police and District Forest Office are responsible. Political influence is one of the major hindrances that these agencies aren’t also able to be actively involved in achieving the objective of conservation.

For the proper conservation of natural resources, the youth should be mobilized. Involvement of young people on conservation is very necessary. Young people try to perform every task differently than others do. They try to use modern knowledge and techniques which they learn from various sectors. If they are given proper guideline they will accomplish it effectively.






The young can easily control illegal hunting and poaching in and outside the national park. There are various anti-poaching youth groups, formed for controlling and creating awareness in community. For example, anti poaching youth groups in buffer zone area of Chitwan national park are doing appreciating job.
To mobilize young people, it is also not very hard task. Young people of this generation are already aware of about conservation. So no more awareness is needed for them too.
So for the conservation of wildlife and natural resources, the youth have to be mobilized on guidance of experienced adult people to come a long way in the conservation goal attainment.




Suraj Upadhaya
BSc forestry

Tribhuvan University
Institute of Forestry
Kathmandu Forestry College