KANCHANPUR, MAY 23

Environment protection campaigners said bio-diversity conservation has come across increasing challenges due to forest fire, encroachment, deforestation and poaching and smuggling among others.

It was highlighted at a training programme 'minimizing impacts of climate change' organized by Krishnabaijanath Multiple Campus of Shuklaphanta municipality-10, Jhalari on the occasion of the International Day for Bio-Diversity.

Chief of Division Forest Office, Kanchanpur, Bhim Prasad Kandel said declining forest area in the context of risign human needs was a worrying situation.

Kailali and Kanchanpur districts have witnessed the highest number of forest encroachments in the country, he claimed, stating it has added challenges in the conservation of wildlife habitats and wetlands.

'The impacts of climate change have remained visible here as the temperature of the earth is increasing,' he said, adding, 'Plants and animals only found in the Terai are now also being found in the hilly areas.'

Campus Management Committee Chair Siddharaj Bhatta stressed the need to create awareness at the school level for biodiversity conservation.

Deputy Chief of the campus, Bhavraj Niraula demanded proper attention to the protection of grazing area as it is not only the source of livelihood of the local community but also the animals living in the natural places including the parks and protected areas.

Campus Management Committee member Sher Bahadur Saud stressed on the use of renewable energy to reduce dependence on forests.

The University Grants Commission had provided financial support to the training.