𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞-𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐬

White- bellied Heron is classified as a critically Endangered species because it has an extremely small and rapidly declining population. This decline is projected to increase in the near future as a result of loss and degradation of lowland forest and wetlands, and through direct exploitation and disturbance. In an effort to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts among the forest officials and community, RSPN staff of White-bellied Heron Conservation team organized an advocacy program to forest Officials and the Kilkhorthang community on 17 th October 2024. RSPN and Forest officials have a long-standing collaboration in promoting the conservation of the White-bellied Heron, and this program was another step in their joint efforts.

The program began with a presentation on RSPN role and programs and the White-bellied Heron ecology, the benefits of conserving WBH (ecological, socioeconomic),and means to mitigate the threats to WBH. Later the participants were introduced to captive breeding facilities of WBH and provided guided tours to information unit learning about Heron biology, behavior, ecology and threats.

The advocacy program successfully brought together forest officials and community members to discuss the conservation work of the White- bellied Heron. The program fostered collaborative support and laid the groundwork for future initiatives to protect the species and its habitat. Sustained efforts and active participation from all stakeholders will be essential to ensure the long-term survival of the White- bellied Heron. There were a total of 18 participants with 3 female and 15 number of male participants.