Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) celebrated the 18^th International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) from September 1–7, 2026, through a week-long nationwide campaign in collaboration with local conservation partners, government agencies, division forest offices, national parks, veterinary hospitals and livestock service expert centers, schools, colleges, community groups, nature guides, forest guards and local stakeholders, with support from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

A total of 43 awareness and conservation activities were conducted in 24 districts across all seven provinces of Nepal, reaching 1,905 people, including 1,242 students from 25 schools and colleges and 663 community members and stakeholders. Despite disruptions caused by flash flood in the Bhotekoshi/Trishuli River, the planned activities were successfully implemented.

The programs focused on the ecological importance of vultures, threats from harmful veterinary drugs, accidental poisoning, power-line collisions and electrocution, habitat loss, and the availability of safe food sources. Participants also discussed Nepal’s recent restrictions on vulture-toxic veterinary drugs aceclofenac, nimesulide, and ketoprofen. Discussion and interaction sessions focused on current vulture conservation efforts, ongoing challenges, and future plans and actions

Students and communities participated in interactive sessions, exhibitions, painting competitions, birdwatching, visits to vulture safe feeding sites, virtual sessions, jungle safaris, and other conservation activities including one awareness hoarding boards were installed at Ghachowk Vulture restaurant. The national vulture count was conducted at key vulture roosting, soaring, feeding, and nesting sites across different districts with the dual aim of generating population data and engaging local communities in conservation awareness,

The IVAD campaign also received media coverage, with approximately 15 news reports and broadcasts through local and national FM stations, radio, television, and other media outlets, highlighting the importance of vulture conservation and recent veterinary drug restrictions.