KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 20
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has underscored the need to enhance coordination and facilitation among agencies working in the sector of nature conservation.
Addressing the 40th anniversary function of National Trust for Nature Conservation here today, PM Deuba stressed the need to make concerted efforts in the field of biodiversity conservation and climate change so that Nepal and the Nepali people could reap much benefits.
Stating that the fascinating Himalayan mountain range, geographical and cultural diversity from the Tarai to the mountainous region, and the wildlife and birds found there are nature's embellishments, he expressed his belief that this nature's bounty and biodiversity could be an important basis for the development of tourism and achievement of prosperity.
Also the NTNC patron, the prime minister said Nepal had achieved significant success in protecting the tiger.
"This has sent a positive message to the international community," he said.
"Nepal had made international commitment to double the tiger population from 121 in 2010 to 250, and the country has had an immense success to that end. Now that we have increased the number of tigers, it is necessary for us to seek the unlimited possibilities amidst the increasing human-wildlife conflict in recent days," he said.
Reiterating that nature and bio-diversity conservation were directly related to the country's sustainable development, PM Deuba directed the bodies concerned to formulate concrete and result-oriented programmes.
"The NTNC has been successful in adopting new practices by carrying out community-based conservation initiatives.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project model is famous worldwide for management of conservation areas," he said.
He lauded the NTNC's contribution to promoting conservation based on public participation in the management of conservation areas and the study and research on wildlife conservation.
On the occasion, the PM also stressed the need to increase the area covered by the protected area from the present 23.39 per cent of the total area of Nepal.
Stating that contribution of NTNC to the management of the Central Zoo is worth recalling and that works are under way to make the Central Zoo a centre for conservation studies, while developing Suryabinayak of Bhaktapur as an international-standard zoological park, he directed the related bodies to vigorously work to that end.
"In the context when the Trust has already entered the climate finance mechanism and achieved recognition as part of the Green Climate Fund, it has become convenient to introduce projects for the country's climate adaptation and mitigation," he said.
Lalitpur metropolis Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan said the role of the Trust in nature conservation and promotion of wildlife and biological diversity was significant.
He stressed the need to make efforts for nature conservation more effective in coordination with other inter-related bodies.
Former minister Deepak Gyawali, Secretary at the Ministry of Forest and Environment Pem Narayan Kandel, Trust Chair Dr Krishna Prasad Acharya and member-secretary Sharad Adhikari said Nepal's achievements in nature conservation were exemplary for the world community.
He stressed the need to implement an advanced approach for conservation of nature and biological diversity in the days to come.
The Trust observed its anniversary with the slogan, 'Four decades of conservation: A glorious history and the way ahead'. On the occasion, Bishwanath Upreti was honoured with the Trust's conservation award carrying a purse of Rs 125,000 in recognition of his contribution to the conservation of nature, forest and wildlife.
The Trust also honoured various personalities and bodies for their contribution to wildlife conservation.
Established in 1982 by a Legislative Act, the NTNC is an autonomous and not-for-profit organisation mandated to work in the field of nature conservation in Nepal.
A version of this article appears in the print on October 21, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.
