Sending a message about rhino conservation in Nepal

Last May, a fire in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park sent a clear message to the whole world. More than 4,000 wildlife parts from 48 different species, including 357 rhino horns, were set ablaze, and not just as a means of managing a stockpile confiscated over 20 years. The photo opportunity provided an image that was both striking and evocative, which was picked up by media ranging from The Kathmandu Post to the BBC. The government had gathered not only representatives of conservation agencies and NGOs, but also security chiefs, foreign diplomats and aid agencies, civil society groups, local communities and global media to the bonfire intended to serve as an emblem of Nepal’s commitment to stamping out wildlife crime. Based on an audit completed in July 2016, more than 4,000 wildlife parts of 48 different species including 67 tiger skins and 357 rhino horns were burnt in Chitwan National Park in May 2017. Image courtesy of WWF Nepal / Akash Shrestha. This carefully crafted publicity event is just one example of the communications strategy used by WWF Nepal to promote wildlife conservation. The organization collects stories from the field, sets up outreach events, and uses social networks to engage with the public, with the ultimate aim of preserving nature and protecting endangered species. So what role does communication play in Nepal’s anti-poaching efforts, and how useful has it been? Zero-poaching narrative WWF Nepal marks its 25th anniversary this year, and the greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) is the organization’s priority…

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