Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD) successfully convened its 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Pokhara on 30 September 2026 with participation of Founder Members, General Members and staff. The AGM provided an opportunity to reflect organisation’s achievements and key progress over the past year while discussing strategic priorities for the years ahead. The event highlighted LI-BIRD’s institutional journey and reaffirmed its continued commitment to research, innovation, agrobiodiversity conservation and building resilient communities.
The event was facilitated by the Executive Board Secretary, Mr. Beni Bahadur Basnet, and chaired by the Board Chairperson, Dr. Pratap Kumar Shrestha. The programme commenced by welcoming new General Members. Mr. Bharat Bhandari, Executive Director, provided an overview of LI-BIRD’s organizational status, key achievements, initiatives. He expressed his sincere gratitude to all funding agencies, development partners, government representatives, beneficiaries, staff members, and well-wishers for their valuable contributions towards advancing LI-BIRD’s mission. Treasurer Ms. Ramkali Khadka presented the audited financial report for FY 2082/83, followed by the Executive Board’s progress report for its tenure, presented by Secretary Mr. Beni Bahadur Basnet. The programme concluded with remarks from the Chairperson, Dr. Pratap Kumar Shrestha, who delivered the concluding message on behalf of the Executive Board.
The AGM proceeded with the election of a new Executive Board for a three-year tenure. The newly elected Executive Board comprises Dr. Meeta Sainju Pradhan (Chairperson), Mr. Beni Bahadur Basnet (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Binod Bhatta (Secretary), Ms. Sarmila Shrestha (Treasurer), Ms. Narbada Rana (Member), Mr. Suman Shekhar Manandhar (Member), and Mr. Teknath Baral (Member–Farmer Representative).
The outgoing Executive Board was felicitated in recognition of its dedicated leadership and valuable contributions to advancing the organisation’s mission and values. Likewise, Legal Advisor Mr. Nirmal Karki was honoured for his distinguished 22 years of service and invaluable contributions to LI-BIRD. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the newly elected Chairperson, Dr. Meeta Sainju Pradhan.
