Dolphin Conservation Centre
Dolphin Conservation Centre, Bhajani works with riverbank communities, students, and partners to protect dolphins, birds, and freshwater ecosystems across Kailali and Nepal.
General Information
Dolphins are known locally as Dolphin, Sons, Sosuwa, and Susu. They include freshwater dolphins and marine dolphins. As mammals, they give birth to live young, nurse them through mammary glands, and are recognized as some of the most intelligent creatures after humans.
Major freshwater dolphin river systems include the Ganges (India), Indus (Pakistan and India), Yangtze (China), and Amazon (South America).
Dolphin Conservation Centre
Geographical Distribution
India
Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems.
Nepal
Karnali, Koshi, Narayani, Mohana, Kandra, Kaandaha, and Patharaiya rivers.
Kailali Hotspots
Karnali River, Pitmari, Bardia National Park lower Karnali area, Mohana River, Jugeda, Bhaitariya, Kandra River, Kaandaha River, and Patharaiya River.
Innovation and Main Activities
Verification of dolphin presence in the Mohana River and its tributaries.
First-ever Dolphin Festival in Nepal organized on July 21, 2006.
Dolphin logo integrated into programs and public ceremonies.
Guleli slingshot collection campaign to support bird conservation.
Expansion of private forests and biodiversity-friendly local land use.
Growth in domestic and international dolphin and bird-watching tourism.
Regular monsoon season dolphin monitoring and census.
Wild boar farming research and local livelihood exploration.
Plastic waste reuse and Dhakiya traditional basket making for local circular economy activities.
Inclusivity and Beneficiaries
Indigenous communities: 150 households.
Endangered communities: 65 households from the Raji and Loniya communities.
Education outreach: 1,000 students and teachers.
Inclusive participation from riverbank communities, media professionals, and community forest user groups.
Collaborating agencies and partners:
Impact and Results
Capacity Building
Participation improved through organized sub-centers, revolving funds, and better-managed offices.
Tourism
Local and international tourists increasingly visit to watch dolphins and birds.
Media Coverage
Research-based stories and documentaries were broadcasted through Indian newspapers, local media, Phulbari FM, Nepal Television, BBC Nepali Service, and NTV Plus.
Recognition
With SGP support, the Mohana clean water area is now prioritized as a natural biodiversity destination in Sudurpashchim and Kailali.
Livelihoods
Riverbank households benefited from catfish farming, goat rearing, tower construction, boating, and wild boar farming.
Empowerment
Raji and Loniya women played major roles, while local capacity to educate others about dolphins significantly increased.
Conservation Partners
Local Conservation Infrastructure
Baidhwa, Rajigaun, Patharaiya River, Prithvipur, Pagiyapasar, Dakshinpuruwa, Sonafanta, Dhunganatol, Nirajan Chauraha, Triveni, Piperkoti, Sathi Samaj, Sangam, and Janakpur.
In addition, 8 Dolphin Clubs support youth and community engagement for long-term stewardship.
Appreciation and Awards
Dolphin Conservation Center, Bhajani: National Science and Technology Award from NAST.
Bhoj Raj Shrestha: National Conservation Award 2016 (Ministry of Forest and Environment) and Conservation Award 2023 (WWF Nepal).
Bijay Raj Shrestha: Abraham Conservation Award 2007 and Environment Conservation Award 2009.
Hirulal Dangaura: Abraham Conservation Award 2010 (WWF Nepal), National Youth Talent Honor 2080 (Ministry of Youth and Sports), and Nature Conservation Award 2024 (Friends of Nature Nepal).
Other awardees: Salawati Chaudhary (Abraham Award 2012) and Prakash B.K. (Abraham Award 2013).
Meet the Awardees
A farmer and conservation activist with more than three decades of experience, he has led awareness efforts for aquatic life, especially Mohana river dolphins, while promoting expansion of private forests as practical biodiversity habitat.
Mohana River Awareness and Private Forest Expansion
Based in Thapapur, Kailali, he developed Shrestha Private Forest as habitat for birds and wildlife, established a dolphin conservation center on private land, and actively published conservation writings in local and national media to motivate community action.
Agriculture, Environment, and Community Motivation
