KATHMANDU: Federation of Community Forest Users, Nepal (FECOFUN) has expressed its objection to the 10-point 'Everest Declaration' passed by the government before tabling it in the Copenhagen summit.

"We're disappointed with the government's hasty decision to announce new protected areas and national parks in the country in order to draw the attention of the world about the impact of Climate Change," FECOFUN said in a statement issued today.

The Cabinet meeting held yesterday at Everest base camp had signed a commitment to tighten environmental regulations and expand the nation's protected areas and national parks among the declarations. "The government can't overlook the role played by the community forest users in the protection of forests, environment and bio-diversity. But, it is trying to curtail the rights of community forests by expanding the protected areas and national parks," read the statement.

FECOFUN alleged that the government's drive was a deliberate plan to centralise the powers and render local bodies powerless. "Sticking to the concept papers submitted by thematic committees of the Constituent Assembly, the government is centralising power instead of decentralising it," read the statement.

"The decision is against the norms and values of international conventions and laws. So it won't be mandatory for local communities to abide by it," read the statement, adding that the concept of protected areas and national parks were the remnants of Panchayat regime and monarchy.

"The decision is nothing but an organised plan to continue absolutism in a federal democratic system."

FECOFUN demanded that the government revoke the decision and promote community approach for the protection of environment and bio-diversity and combat Climate Change.