KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 13 The Forest Research and Training Centre (FRTC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Forest and Environment and other partner organizations, organized a two-day maiden National Conference on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Management in Kathmandu. The conference aimed to bring together key national stakeholders to exchange scientific knowledge, strengthen institutional collaboration, and develop a unified national approach for the effective management and control of invasive alien species in Nepal. Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Madan Pariyar inaugurated the event by watering a plant and uprooting an invasive alien species at the opening ceremony held at Park Villa Resort in Budanilakantha on December 12–13.

Thanking the organizers for bringing all stakeholders under one roof, Minister Pariyar said the platform for sharing knowledge, collaboration, and deepening understanding on IAS management was commendable. He warned that the impacts of invasive alien species-ranging from ecological degradation and habitat displacement to increased human–wildlife conflict-are alarming. 'It is now time to translate policies into programmes and programmes into concrete actions,' he said. In his opening remarks, Dr Rajendra KC, Director of the Forest Research and Training Centre, highlighted the unprecedented spread of invasive species from the lowlands to the highlands and from Mechi to Mahakali, adversely affecting multiple aspects of human life. Dr Sangita Raj Bhandari noted that the effects of invasive alien species are increasingly evident on Nepal's flora and fauna, urging concerned authorities to act swiftly. She observed that while conferences often conclude with strong declarations, implementation remains weak. 'No matter how good a declaration looks on paper, it has little value unless it is implemented in practice,' she said. Dr Dipak Kumar Kharal, Secretary at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, stressed the urgency of coordinated action to manage the growing impacts of invasive alien species, noting their far-reaching consequences across all sectors of human life. He suggested developing dedicated programmes and funding mechanisms for IAS management, similar to those established for climate change. Similarly, a Tribhuvan University professor and pioneer in advocacy on invasive alien species pointed out that Nepal ranks third among countries most affected by IAS in agriculture, with significant socio-economic impacts on the daily lives of Nepalis. The professor noted that climate change is acting as a springboard for the expansion of invasive species from lowlands to highlands, posing serious management challenges. Keynote speaker Dr. KV Sankaran from Kerala, India, said that both people and nature are threatened by invasive alien species across all regions of the world. He noted that around 37,000 established alien species have been introduced globally through human activities, with approximately 200 new invasive species added each year.

In his concluding remarks, Sankaran emphasized that with sufficient resources and long-term commitment, preventing and controlling invasive alien species is an attainable goal that can deliver significant long-term benefits for both people and nature. Technical Session I During the first technical session, Dr Rajendra KC presented a paper on 'Mainstreaming Invasive Alien Species Management in the Environment, Biodiversity, and Agriculture Sectors of Nepal.' Mahesh Acharya delivered a presentation on 'Cross-border Biosecurity Measures for the Prevention of Alien Weeds, Plant Pests, and Pathogens: Challenges and Prospects.' Similarly, Dr Sujan Rana presented on 'Cross-border Biosecurity Measures for the Prevention of Animal Diseases and Alien Animals: Challenges and Prospects.' Likewise, Dhirendra Kumar Pradhan presented on 'Risks of International Introduction of Invasive Alien Plant Species: Forestry and Agroforestry Plantations and Ornamental Horticulture.' The session was chaired by Dr Dipak Kumar Kharal and moderated by Dr Rajesh Malla. Technical Session II In the second technical session, Dr Tek Bahadur Gurung presented on 'Invasion Risk and Management of Non-native Fish Species in Aquaculture for Food and Aquarium Trade in Nepal.' Ramesh Sapkota followed with a presentation on 'Roles of Infrastructure Development in the Dispersal and Establishment of Invasive Alien Species.' Dr Rajesh Rai highlighted the 'Impacts of Invasive Alien Species in Various Ecosystems,' while Dr Sandesh Bhattrai presented on the 'Socio-cultural and Economic Impacts of IAS on Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Nepal.' The session was chaired by Dr KP Acharya and moderated by Dr Rajendra KC. Panel Discussion I A panel discussion on 'Strengthening Biosecurity for Biodiversity Conservation and Food Security' was held under the chairmanship of Dr Rajesh Kumar Rai. Community Sharing Session In the final session of the first day, a 'Community Sharing' session was organized. Chirinjivi Paudel from Jhapa shared his experiences regarding the impacts of Ulta Kanda in the district. Pawan Giri highlighted the initiatives of the Ajambari Community Forest in Dang, while Subash Adhikari shared community-level experiences from Chitwan. The session was chaired by Navaraj Pudasaini and moderated by Raj Kumar Giri. Day Two Technical Session IV On the second day, Dr Lila Nath Sharma opened the session with a presentation on 'Current Efforts for the Control of Invasive Alien Species in Natural Habitats and Agro-ecosystems.' Dr Rajesh Malla presented on 'Control of Invasive Alien Species in Participatory Forest Management Policies and Practices.' Likewise, Dr Rama Paudel spoke on 'Threats of Invasive Alien Species to Agricultural Production and Food Security.' Dr Bharat Babu Shrestha presented on 'Management of IAS in Protected Areas and Ramsar Sites of Nepal: Challenges and Prospects,' while Ek Raj Sigdel discussed the 'Integration of Invasive Alien Species Management in the Local Development Policy Process in Nepal.' The session was chaired by Udhaya Raj Sharma and moderated by Ramchandra Kandel.

Technical Session V Panel Discussion II on 'Policy Harmonization and Implementation for Effective Management of Invasive Alien Species' was moderated by Dr Naya Sharma Paudel. Dr Uttam Babu Shrestha presented a paper on the 'Tripartite Crisis: Synergistic Impacts of Climate Change, Invasive Species, and Forest Regimes on Ecosystems and Society.' This was followed by Renuka Neupane's presentation on 'Analyzing the Status, Distribution, and Impact of Invasive Plant Species in Karnali Province, Nepal.' Similarly, Til Kumari Chhetri presented on the 'Mosquitocidal Potential of Leaf Extracts from Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) R. King & H. Rob., Pontederia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Lantana camara L., and Pistia stratiotes.' Tulasa Chaudhari presented on the 'Effects of Warming on Plant Functional Traits of the Invasive Weed Ageratina adenophora.' The session was chaired by Swoyambhuwan Amatya and moderated by Januka Pandit. Technical Session VI Following the poster presentation session, Mohan Dev Joshi presented on 'Integrated Drivers of Plant Species Invasion: Bioclimatic, Edaphic, and Anthropogenic Factors in Shaping Ecosystem Susceptibility and Hotspot Delineation.' Dr Naresh Subedi presented on the 'Impact of the Invasion of Mikania micrantha on the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in Nepal.' The session was chaired by Dr Arun GC and moderated by Milan Dhungana. Sunita Ulak, Under-Secretary and Senior Researcher at the Forest Research and Training Centre, hosted the event.