Education

Since 2022, Care for Nature (CFN) has been organizing the Nepal Crocodile Conservation Fair to raise community awareness about the two species of crocodiles found in Nepal: the Gharial and the Mugger. The Gharial is heavily threatened by unsustainable fishing practices, such as the use of gill nets, and habitat encroachment. The Mugger faces increased conflicts with humans. Many people are not aware of the threats posed by fishing hooks, gill nets, river mining, and pollution, nor do they know the precautions to reduce Mugger attacks.

In recent years, conflicts between crocodiles and local communities have increased, with several fatal incidents involving Muggers reported along the Rapti and Narayani Rivers. The Crocodile Conservation Fair was developed to raise mass awareness about crocodiles and river ecosystems. The goal is to reduce human-induced threats and involve local communities in conservation efforts.

The major activities of the fair are:
– School education campaigns
– River cleaning campaigns
– Various ethnic cultural programs to promote croc-based tourism

The first fair was organized in 2022 at Meghauli, located in the western sector of Chitwan National Park at the confluence of the Rapti and Narayani Rivers. The second fair took place in the eastern sector of the park, along the Budhi Rapti River, a major tributary of the Rapti River. Activities included school awareness campaigns, river cleaning campaigns, and a one-day public fair. On the fair day, there were conservation stalls, cultural programs, ethnic food stalls, conservation dramas and songs, and a conservation rally to engage and educate the community.