𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲- 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞-𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Opening the curtains of young minds can later do wonders for the conservation of #Critically#Endangered bird White-bellied Heron(WBH). Today, an awareness program was conducted for the students of Tsekha ECR, advocating on the importance of conserving #WBH and introducing the young minds to the world of conservation.

Phochu river is one of the important sites for WBH with frequent sightings made earlier. However, since 2019, there has been no observation record of the species in the area. Almost for a three years period, it was dismayed for local, conservationists, and bird watchers with no sign of coming back. Especially for bird watchers and bird conservationists, phochu river has no charm of its turbulent flow without its presence. But the recent arrival of juvenile WBH to the place astounded and brought joy to many faces that also seems rejuvenation of the phochu river. Not just elders, these young kids are equally excited about its arrival. They are very much hopeful to see once again many tourists, bird watchers and conservationists carrying binoculars and tele lens cameras to swarm their village looking for the species.

“I am now aware of this bird.” “I will not disturb this bird.” “Oh! It is rare.” “I pledge to protect it.”These are some of the voices that were filling the cozy classroom once the speaker thanked them for participating very actively.

We acknowledge the support of Divisional Forest Office, Wangdue, Dzongkhag Education Sector Punakha, and Tshekha School Management.