Apr 20, Kathmandu - Diktel hosted the 'Biodiversity and Red Panda–Thar International Conference 2083,' culminating in the adoption of the 'Diktel Declaration 2083.' The three-day event, held from Baisakh 4 to 6, saw representatives from Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the United States, Australia, and Germany presenting ten thematic working papers focused on biodiversity preservation, sustainable development, and eco-tourism.

The declaration emphasizes community involvement in the sustainable management of forests, grasslands, bamboo, and medicinal plants. It commits to launching special conservation programs for endangered species like the red panda and the Thar. The conference also highlighted plans to develop the Red Panda–Thar trekking trail linked to the Mundum Trail to boost eco-tourism, alongside community-based homestay initiatives and local guide training programs.

Additional commitments include establishing early warning systems for human-wildlife conflict, community insurance schemes, and rapid response teams. The declaration also stresses integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology to mitigate climate change impacts.

Diktel Mayor Tirtharaj Bhattarai expressed optimism that the conference would play a vital role in shaping national policies, while also promoting local employment and tourism. The event was organized by the Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality in collaboration with the Koshi Province Government, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, and Tribhuvan University.