KATHMANDU, AUGUST 18
Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, has underscored the need for regional cooperation to confront shared challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians' Meet 2025 in Kathmandu today, the Minister said the gathering offered a vital opportunity to deliberate on the future of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, home to nearly two billion people, and to express commitments and forge partnerships toward building a climate-resilient zone.
He expressed hope that the participation of parliamentarians and experts in the event would contribute to formulating effective policies and ensuring their impactful implementation.
Representing the Federal Parliament from Mugu, a Himalayan district in Karnali Province, the Minister highlighted the adverse effects of climate change in the region, including the depletion of water resources, the disappearance of herbs and pasturelands, and the impacts on Rara Lake, a renowned landmark in the district.
"We are enduring the grave consequences of climate change despite being among the least contributors to carbon emissions," Shahi remarked.
He further noted that Nepal's forest cover has now reached 46 percent and emphasized that climate change mitigation, adaptation, and loss-and-damage management have been prioritized through the country's Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
(With inputs from Rastriya Samchar Samiti)
