Nepal Life Science Study Tour

Tour Leader - Professor Wendy Wright - Professor, Conservation Biology and Dean of the Graduate School

Immerse yourself in a unique three-week course with Federation University Australia, situated in Nepal's lush Terai region, close to Chitwan National Park. This immersive experience, hosted at the Biodiversity Conservation Centre and operated by Nepal’s National Trust for Nature Conservation, offers a deep dive into Nepalese culture, conservation, and the vibrant efforts to protect iconic species like the One-horned Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, and Asian Elephant.

This program highlights the importance of community-driven conservation, showcasing Nepal's Community Forestry system as a model of participatory forest management that has become integral to rural development and biodiversity conservation. With over 17,000 Community Forestry User Groups, students will explore how these initiatives foster sustainable livelihoods, reduce dependency on forest resources, and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Through hands-on wildlife and habitat monitoring, participants will gain insights into the socio-economic and environmental landscapes of rural Nepal, understanding the significant impact of community forestry and participatory conservation approaches. This course not only educates but also offers a pathway to contribute to real-world conservation solutions in one of the world’s most ecologically rich areas.

Length of tour3 weeks
Expected travel datesSaturday 11 January to Sunday 2 February 2025
Cost of tour (Approximate)$5,000.00 per student*
NCP funding availableFour (4) students may be subsidised $3,500.00 each
Total approximate cost$5,000.00 per student (NCP recipients will need to contribute approximately $1,500.00 each)
Staff contacts (more info)Professor Wendy Wright (wendy.wright@federation.edu.au)
Application closing dateFriday 16 August 2024
Expression of Interest (EOI)

*Cost includes flights and transport, insurance, accommodation, program fees and most meals - these costs are approximate at time of printing and will be confirmed prior to final student offering.