Cimex Inc. announces ‘CBCF Project Dolphin’

 

KATHMANDU, APRIL 6: Cimex Inc., the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Nepal, through its initiative, Cimex BYD Charity Foundation (CBCF), has proudly announced the launch of ‘CBCF Project Dolphin.’ This initiative is dedicated to the conservation of dolphins, an endangered species listed in Nepal’s most at-risk category.

The project was formally launched at a recent event held at the Patan Museum, marking World Aquatic Animal Day. According to the company, the project aims to bring together conservationists, environmentalists, and community leaders to protect Nepal's freshwater ecosystems.

The Ganges river dolphin, which is critically endangered, has fewer than 3,500 individuals remaining worldwide. A 2016 survey recorded only 52 dolphins in Nepal—43 in the Karnali River and 9 in the Koshi River. The BYD Dolphin EV, which is gaining popularity in Nepal, shares its name with the endangered species. Based on this significant alignment, CBCF Project Dolphin aims to further promote biodiversity conservation efforts in Nepal.

Key highlights of the event

A panel discussion on Community, Collaboration, and Conservation was held during the launch of CBCF Project Dolphin. The discussion, moderated by journalist Abhay Raj Joshi, featured the following panelists: Ambika Prasad Khatiwada, Senior Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation, National Geographic researcher, and Fellow at the Zoological Society of London; Professor Chhatraman Sharma, PhD, an expert in mercury pollution in aquatic ecosystems from Tribhuvan University; Sristi Singh Bhandari, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Nepal and an advocate for animal rights and environmental justice; and Ashish Kapali, Program Associate at WWF Nepal, an expert in aquatic ecosystems.

At the event, 91-year-old Bhojraj Shrestha, known as Guleli Baje, was honored for his decades-long contributions to wildlife conservation. He led Nepal's first dolphin conservation efforts and collected over 8,000 slingshots from children across the country to protect birds and dolphins. He also established a Dolphin Conservation Center to raise awareness and educate the public.

Additionally, a children’s book titled The Dolphin’s Dream was launched to raise awareness about dolphin conservation among young audiences.

A commitment to conservation

According to Anil Shrestha, Chairman of Cimex Inc., the CBCF Project Dolphin is not just about saving dolphins. "It is much more than that—it is about saving rivers for dolphins, protecting essential forests, preserving wildlife, and safeguarding the communities that share these habitats," said Anil Shrestha. "Through this foundation, we reaffirm BYD’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation."