KATHMANDU, JANUARY 12
With the aim of fostering collaboration with environmental journalists, the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) organized a seminar on 'Communicating Biological Invasions to Communities' in Kathmandu on Sunday.
The event, hosted by NAST's Life Science Subcommittee in collaboration with the Forest Research and Training Centre, Ministry of Forests and Environment, took place at NAST's Auditorium Hall in Khumaltar, Lalitpur.
Opening the session, Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal emphasized the impact of biological invasions and carbon sequestration. He highlighted concerns from communities like Lobuche and Khumbu, where Tibetan wolves have destroyed over 90% of yaks, crucial to Sherpa identity. Similarly, Jhapa and Morang are facing wild elephant encroachment, with elephants moving from jungles into villages.
Dr. Dhakal pointed out that, while invasive plant species are often discussed, NAST has launched a program in collaboration with the Forest Research Centre to address biological invasions at the community level.
"The initiative focuses on converting invasive species into useful materials for carbon sequestration, which could absorb carbon for up to 1,000 years. Additionally, the program also aims to maximize forest resources to reduce dependency on furniture imports from Malaysia and China in the future," Dhakal Shared.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Jha, Academician at NAST, referenced the 1953 Charles Alton study titled Ecology of the Invasion of Plants and Animals, which raised concerns about biological invasions.
Despite his early warnings, the issue was largely ignored until it has only recently gained attention. Dr. Jha highlighted that Nepal is the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change and ranks third in terms of invasive species.
More than 3,500 invasive species, including both plants and animals, have been documented globally, with 2,500 identified as animals and the remainder as plant species. The United States is the most affected country in terms of invasive species, while India has recorded over 100 cases. In comparison, Nepal has documented 30 invasive plant species.
Similarly, Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, stated, "While we are not directly involved in issues related to invasive plant species, we recognize that they contribute to soil degradation, posing a significant threat to food security. The biological, chemical, and physical state of the soil has deteriorated due to changing landscapes, driven by the encroachment of invasive species and unsustainable agricultural practices.
Because of our reactive approach, much work remains in terms of management. Collaborative efforts among relevant departments are essential. Our ministry is committed to facilitating policy recommendations and supporting their implementation on this issue."
While various threats have been discussed, recent focus has shifted to plant species, which are increasingly recognized as potential national security threats. These species affect water, land, and air.
"They disrupt freshwater resources, contribute to airborne pollen that poses health risks, and could disturb forest ecosystems, presenting significant challenges in the future. If not addressed in a timely manner, they could escalate into a national security issue", shared Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharel, Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment.
Likewise, Professor Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor, expressed optimism that the conference would facilitate better collaboration between scientists and journalists, promoting the dissemination of information on biological invasions at the community level.
During the technical session, Ramesh Bhusal, Nepal and South Asia Program Manager at the Earth Journalism Network, emphasized the need for better collaboration between scientists and journalists. Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Bharat Babu Shrestha from the Central Department of Botany at Tribhuvan University discussed the impact of biological invasions across various parts of Nepal, highlighting their broad economic, social, and cultural implications.
Sunit Ulak, Under Secretary (Tech) at the Forest Research and Training Centre in Babarmahal, shed light on the ongoing efforts to address the issue. Dr. Pramod Kumar Jha, Academician at NAST, elaborated on the global impact of invasive species and outlined strategies for their management.
Dr. Siddhartha Bajra Bajracharya, Associate Academician at NAST, moderated the plenary presentation and discussion session. During the session, Dr. Naresh Subedi, Member Secretary of the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Dr. Rajendra KC, Director General of the Forest Research and Training Centre, and Prakash Poudel, Senior Plant Protection Officer at the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre (PQPMC), discussed their roles in controlling invasive species in Nepal, noting that 490 species had been quarantined. Dr. Lila Nath Sharma, Team Leader of the Biodiversity and Restoration Program at Forest Action Nepal, shared his experiences working at the local level and presented strategies for tackling the issue.
In his closing remarks, Professor Dr. Pramod Kumar Jha thanked the participants for their time and expressed optimism that the conference would bring positive changes in the management of biological invasions affecting communities in the near future.
Dr. Chandra Prasad Pokharel, Associate Academician at NAST, delivered the vote of thanks, stating that conferences like this play a crucial role in bringing scientists and journalists together to disseminate information about biological invasions to communities across Nepal.
The event was hosted by Pawan Kumar Nyaupane.
