Kathmandu

Dewan Rai meets Dr Ravi Sharma Aryal, the only wildlife lawyer in Nepal.

In the year 2000, the number of rhinos in Royal Chitwan National Park was 544. In the years that followed thisnumber kept decreasing until finally there were only 372 of these animals in 2005. Though thousands have been witness to the gradual disappearance of this endangered species of animals, Dr Ravi Sharma Aryal seems to have been the only man who has given the matter its due concern. He seems to be the sole speaker from Nepal on behalf of these hapless creatures. Dr Aryal claims to be the only “active” wildlife lawyer in the country who fights for animal rights. Dr Aryal stands out from stereotypical lawyers whose only job is to prove their point before the court so that their clients are dispensed with justice (albeit, for a handsome fee). Dr Aryal seeks justice for the animals whose rights to survival are hardly recognised. “My clients never come to me, I reach out to them. They cannot speak and I speak on their behalf,” says Dr Aryal. Dr Aryal is popularly known as a wildlife law expert, though he says: “I am basically a wildlife lawyer and that gives me enough reason to fight for the rights of animals. I am fighting for values above all and the satisfaction that I get is my chief reward.”

Dr Aryal has exclusively and extensively researched on implementation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES) in Nepal and India for his doctorate. He is still the only person in Asia to study on this topic. The crux of his thesis which recently came up as a book titled ‘CITES Implementation in Nepal & India; Law, Policy and Practice’ won the Best Book Writing Award 2004 award given by Nepal Bar Council, Supreme Court, Nepal. Nepal and India had ratified the International legal instrument of CITES in 1975 of which 169 countries from around the world are now signatories. In the bureaucratic echelons, Dr Aryal is Under-Secretary in Judicial Service and is currently deputed to the Peace Secretariat. However, his expertise has not been fully appreciated by the State. “I am utilising my expertise within the limits of an HMG employee,” says he. We can also not ignore the fact that the government had offered a scholarship to him to carry on higher studies. Dr Aryal is still playing the role of activist besides his stipulated duty in the service. He has written more than a dozen books and scores of articles in national and international journals.

From his childhood Dr Aryal had an undefined affection towards animals. After graduating in law, he started practicing law by establishing a legal firm with a team of friends. This lasted for only two years because he entered government service as an officer in judicial service in the Ministry of Law and Justice in 1986. While he was serving in the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, he made an important contribution in making necessary biodiversity laws and reforms as well as new polices related to forests and wildlife. Everything in nature is interdependent and divine. Other creatures only differ from us in degree of intelligence and physiology however they also possess emotion and experience physical pain. Human being kills them mercilessly to fulfil insatiable desire. Poaching for instance has perpetrated illegal trade in wildlife. “The first thing I would like to do is help the system improve the conservation

legal framework and dig out the illegal wildlife trade network for the conservation of wildlife,” he informed. He also suggests the need to form a wildlife rescue cell and a rescue centre to deal with the present problem of orphan animals found in the city or nearby village areas.

“The respective agency should initiate establishment of at least a few rescue centres as soon as possible. Public awareness in this regard is the most important thing for the conservation of wildlife,” he says. By dint of his relentless efforts, Dr Aryal is now where only a few ever dream to reach. However, in his parameters, he is “only slightly successful”. “I would be a successful person if I could really contribute to my nation with my expertise (work) and not merely with words,” he says.

Fauna facts

•Tiger, rhino, bear, musk deer and wild buffalo are endangered animals. They are targeted for illegal trade.

•Animal rights advocates believe that animals have inherent rights like those of human beings. Animal rights are meant to set limits to human behaviour so that human beings treat them as living things. Persons who disregard the well being of animals should be brought to court and be held accountable for violating animal rights.