31st Annual General Meeting of Lee-Bird Held in Pokhara

Pokhara – The 31st Annual General Meeting of Local Initiatives for Biodiversity Research and Development (Lee-Bird) was successfully held on Saturday in Pokhara.

Executive Director Shabrat Bhandari provided an overview of Lee-Bird’s institutional status, notable initiatives, and achievements. He also highlighted various internal and external challenges faced by the NGO sector and emphasized the need for policy advocacy, noting the crucial role of the Federation of NGOs in this regard.

During the meeting, the report of the social audit was presented. Social auditor Prasiddha Neupane shared the overall findings of the social audit, based on field interactions conducted in Sindhuli, Sindhupalchok, and Kaski districts where Lee-Bird has been active.

Questions related to the social audit were addressed by Executive Director Bharat Bhandari and Board Chair Dr. Pratap Kumar Shrestha.

Treasurer Ramkali Khadka presented the audited financial report for the fiscal year 2081/82, which was approved by the assembly. Secretary of the Board, Beni Bahadur Basnet, presented the executive board’s annual progress report and upcoming work plan, which was also approved by the members.

Dr. Pratap Kumar Shrestha informed members about initiatives to grow the institutional fund, including the Agricultural Biodiversity Fund established in memory of Bhuvan Ratna, and the Local Exploration Fund. He urged all members to actively participate and contribute, emphasizing that Lee-Bird is now pursuing research and fundraising beyond traditional donor sources to ensure sustainability and development.

The meeting, chaired by Board Chair Dr. Pratap Kumar Shrestha, began with a welcome speech by Treasurer Ramkali Khadka. New members who joined this year were also introduced.

The event concluded with thanks from Dr. Shrestha to all participating members, staff, partners, and donors, with the program conducted by Board Secretary Beni Bahadur Basnet. The meeting was attended by founding members, regular members, executive board members, and representatives of the working committees.