KATHMANDU, JUNE 17

The government has allocated Rs 411 million for programmes aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the upcoming fiscal year, introducing a separate budget sub-heading on "Human-Wildlife Coexistence" for the first time.

Responding to lawmakers during discussions on the Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS in the House of Representatives, Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Geeta Chaudhary said the government has accorded high priority to reducing human-wildlife conflict and supporting affected communities.

She said relief is being provided under the Relief Distribution Directive, 2080 BS, for losses caused by 16 wildlife species, including elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, bears, leopards, snow leopards, crocodiles, pythons, monkeys, wild boars and blue bulls. The compensation covers damage to human lives, livestock and crops.

The minister said the government will implement programmes to improve wildlife habitats, ensure food availability within forests and protected areas, promote alternative farming systems and develop eco-tourism to enhance local livelihoods.

She added that the report of a task force formed to address problems caused by tigers and leopards has already been received and its recommendations would be implemented gradually. The government is also working on long-term measures to tackle elephant-related problems in eastern Nepal in consultation with local, provincial and federal authorities and other stakeholders.