On February 2, 2024, in celebration of World Wetland Day, the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) jointly organized the National Wetland Workshop in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, under the Nepali theme "सिमसारः मानव हितको आधार" (Wetland and Human Wellbeing- International theme). Mr. Bishnu Prasad Shrestha, Under Secretary (Tech) at the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, officiated as the Master of Ceremony of the event. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries and experts in the field.

The program was chaired by the Director General of DoFSC, Mr. Shiva Kumar Wagle. The event welcomed the Honˈble Minister Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, Ministry of Forest and Environment, as the Chief Guest. The Division Chief of the Watershed and Landslide Management Division and Deputy Director General Mr. Ganesh Paudel gave the opening remarks. The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, the Director General of DNPWC. Additionally, Dr. Ghanashyam Gurung from WWF, Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli from NTNC, and Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, Honˈble Minister, shared their opinions. Finally, Mr. Shiva Kumar Wagle, the DG of DoFSC, wrapped up the inaugural session.

Following the inauguration, a technical session commenced with four presentations covering three key themes. Dr. Shailendra Kumar Pokharel presented on Ramsar Implementation at both global and national levels. Prof. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Rai discussed the socio-economic dynamics of wetlands. The third theme, Wetland Environment, featured presentations by Mr. Dipak Jnawali on wetland biodiversity and Mr. Badri Raj Dhungana on watershed management for wetland conservation. The technical session was chaired and concluded by Dr. Maheswor Dhakal, Joint Secretary of MoFE.

Dr. Naya Sharma Paudel moderated the panel discussion on "Sustainable Management of Wetlands" followed, featuring panelists representing diverse institutions and expertise. Dr. Maheswor Dhakal, Joint Secretary of MoFE, Dr. Narendra Man Babu Pradhan from IUCN, Mrs. Sita Shahi, Executive Director of National Lake Conservation Development Committee, Dr. Kalpana Devkota, Wetland Expert, and Mr. Lekh Nath Dhakal from Rupa Lake Conservation Committee shared insights.

The program was ultimately wrapped up by Mr. Shiva Kumar Wagle, DG of DoFSC. Overall, the event was deemed a resounding success, fostering fruitful discussions and insights into the sustainable management of wetlands.