As part of a major initiative to strengthen scientific research and conservation efforts for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and other avian species in the landscape, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), in collaboration with the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS), has launched a basic training program. This program focuses on the fundamentals of bird mist-netting, handling, ringing/banding, tagging, and preliminary screening for some of the avian diseases.

This training not only strengthens local capacity in avian research and conservation but also aligns with the broader One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of wildlife, human, and ecosystem health, especially in the context of monitoring and managing zoonotic diseases in fragile ecosystems.

The first batch of this training includes participation from local community members, forestry officers from selected Divisions, and field staff of RSPN. The sessions are jointly conducted by avian experts from Austria and Germany alongside the RSPN team.