16th Wildlife week was celebrated in the department and protected areas in the theme “Forests and Wetlands: Basis of Life for Wildlife” with a view to raise public awareness on natural resources, and conservation and management of biodiversity. The program was officially started by a radio message highlighting the sustainable management of natural resources for the betterment of human life from the Hon. Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation Bhanubhakta Joshi.
On day one (Baisakh 1st), debate was organized by the department amongst the 16th Wildlife Week celebrated students of higher secondary schools of the Kathmandu valley . Gyanodaya Bal Batika HSS, Gyanodaya International Residential, Ambition Academy and Gyanadip Sikcha Sadan bagged 1st. 2nd, 3rd and consolation prizes respectively.

On day four (Baisakh 4th), Inter secondary school art competition was organized by department in the central zoo on the main theme “ Forests and Wetlands: Basis of Life for Wildlife”. Anukul Parajuli, Pathshala Nepal; Anupa Adhikari, Radiant Public Boarding School; Ashok Tamang, Boudha Secondary English School and Babita Ghale, Bhadra Ghale Sikcha Sadan secured 1st, 2nd, 3rd and consolation prizes respectively.

Similarly, Chimi Dolma, Boudha S. School; Nisha Ghimire, Ambition Academy; Kriti Poudel, Pathshala Nepal and Palistha Manandhar, Gyanodaya Balbatika won the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and consolation prizes respectively on the assay competition.

Poem competition was organized on the final 7th day on the main theme. Paras Sapkota, Rubisha Pradhan, Asmita Giri and Sushma Shrestha bagged the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and consolation prizes. NRs 4,000.00, 3,000.00, 2,000.00 and 1,000.00 cash and certificate was awarded to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and consolation winners of the different competitions. On the third day (3rd Baisakh), Bird watching and identification of flora was organized in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
Participants were from Bird Conservation Nepal, this department, SNNP, students and teachers from different schools. The closing ceremony was organized at the department hall on the final 7th day in presence of Secretary, MFSC as chief guest. Mr. Ganga R. Singh, Under Secretary, welcomed the participants of the function. Chief guest distributed the prizes to the winners of the different competitions of the wildlife week. On the occasion, two persons of the Nepal Army were also felicitated for their contribution in conservation. Poster prepared by WTLCP, CD produced by WWF Nepal, Poster of the birds of Kathmandu valley and wildlife special bulletin “Biodiversity Conservation Efforts in Nepal” prepared by our department was released by chief guest. On remarks, chief guest highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation and urged to all concerned to support for its effective protection.

Director General Mr. Krishna P. Acharya who was chairing the closing function, highlighted the importance of wildlife week and wildlife conservation as a long term process. He thanked to the all present in the function and supported to conduct the wildlife week program. The wildlife week program was actively supported by National Trust for Nature Conservation, WWF Nepal, Western Terai Landscape Conservation Project, The World Conservation Union Nepal, Bird conservation Nepal, and Himalayan Nature.