CBCF launches ‘Project Dolphin’ on World Aquatic Animal Day

KATHMANDU: Cimex BYD Charity Foundation (CBCF) proudly announces CBCF Project Dolphin, an initiative dedicated to the conservation of Nepal’s critically endangered Ganges River Dolphin.

The project was officially launched on 3rd April, 2025 at Patan Museum in honor of World Aquatic Animal Day, bringing together conservationists, environmentalists, and community leaders to raise awareness about protecting Nepal’s freshwater ecosystems.

The Ganges River Dolphin is a critically endangered species, with fewer than 3,500 individuals remaining globally. In Nepal, only 52 dolphins were recorded in a 2016 survey, with 43 in the Karnali River and nine in the Koshi River.

Given the remarkable synergy between the BYD Dolphin electric vehicle and the conservation of its namesake species, CBCF Project Dolphin aims to foster meaningful action in preserving this vital part of Nepal’s biodiversity.

Event Highlights

The launch event featured a panel discussion on Community, Collaboration, and Conservation, moderated by journalist Abhaya Raj Joshi. Panelists included:

• Ambika Prasad Khatiwada, Senior Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), National Geographic Explorer, and fellow of Zoological Society of London’s EDGE program.
• Chhatra Mani Sharma, PhD, Professor at Tribhuvan University, specializing in mercury pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
•  Shristi Singh Bhandari, Executive Director of Jane Goodall Institute Nepal and an advocate for animal rights and environmental justice.
•  Aashish Kapali, Program Associate for Freshwater, WWF, with expertise in aquatic ecosystems.

The event also honored 91-year-old Mr. Bhoj Raj Shrestha, affectionately known as “Guleli Baje”, for his decades-long dedication to wildlife conservation. His remarkable efforts include:

• Leading the first dolphin conservation efforts in Nepal.
•  Collecting over 8,000 catapults from children across Nepal to prevent harm to birds and dolphins.
•  Establishing the Dolphin Conservation Center, promoting awareness and education.
•  Authoring Dolphins of Mohana River, documenting conservation activities and community efforts.

Additionally, the event witnessed the book cover launch of “Dolphin Ko Sapana”, a children’s book aimed at raising awareness among students.

The book, written by Anuradha and illustrated by Prakash Ranjit, is part of CBCF’s school awareness campaign. The cover was unveiled by Mr. Hari Bansha Acharya, the esteemed Brand Ambassador of BYD Nepal and Mr. Anil Keshary Shah, Chairperson, Lead Nepal Inc.

A Commitment to Conservation

“CBCF Project Dolphin is more than just about saving dolphins; it is about protecting their rivers, the forests that shelter life, the animals that depend on them, and the communities that share their habitat. Through CBCF we reaffirm BYD’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.”, stated Mr. Anil Shrestha, Chairman, Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd.

By aligning BYD Dolphin’s innovation in electric mobility with Nepal’s conservation efforts, CBCF Project Dolphin represents a step forward in sustainable development and wildlife protection.

Cimex BYD Charity Foundation remains dedicated to fostering impactful initiatives that bridge technology and conservation for a better future.