Nepal a leading country in tiger conservation: PM Prachanda

Kathmandu / July 29: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that Nepal has succeeded in establishing its identity as the leading country in the world in the conservation of tigers and other rare wild animal species.

In a message given on the occasion of the Global Tiger Day being observed today, PM Prachanda congratulated all for achieving the target of doubling the number of tigers by 2022 prior to the set deadline.

Nepal had vowed to double the population of tigers from 121 by 2022. It expressed its commitment in the Tiger Summit attended by the Heads of the State and Government of the 13 countries in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2010. As per the tiger census carried out in 2022, the number of tigers had reached 355 in Nepal. This way, Nepal succeeded in increasing the number of wild cats staggeringly prior to the stipulated time.

On the occasion, PM Prachanda extended gratitude to the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, national and international conservation stakeholders, employees and local communities for the coordinated efforts in fulfilling the commitment made to the international community prior to the deadline.

While the number of tigers is growing, the increasing number of human-tiger conflicts has been a cause of concern, the PM said in the message.

To maintain co-existence between humans and tigers, he pressed for the effective conservation of protected areas for tigers and an increase in the availability of prey species for tigers and an improvement of habitat.

Furthermore, he viewed that there should be an improvement in the livelihood of local communities.

“Additional research and study are required for addressing challenges in conservation and management of tiger. Similarly, capacity building of frontline employees and coordination among the concerned government, non-government and international partner organizations are other imperatives,” PM Prachanda underscored.

The PM further informed that a decision was taken to mobilize Rs 1 billion for the enforcement of the ‘PM Tiger Conservation and Livelihood Programme’, which had aimed at conducting public awareness and alternative livelihood programmes for the people living near the tiger habitat.

PM Prachanda expressed happiness over Nepal’s achievement in its commitment made before the international community in terms of biodiversity conservation.

Today is the day that would inspire all for the conservation of biodiversity including tigers. He also extended best wishes to all Nepali brothers and sisters and government officials working in the sector of tiger conservation. RSS