Minister pledges to make nature conservation efforts more effective

Kathmandu / Oct 20: Minister for Forests and Environment Dr Birendra Prasad Mahato has stressed on effective coordination and collaboration to make nature and wildlife conservation more effective.

Speaking at a programme organized by the National Trust for Nature Conservation on its 41st anniversary on Friday, Minister Mahato assured that his ministry will do the needful to take forward the conservation endeavors in coordination with all three tiers of government.

Lauding the trust for its effective performance on environment and nature conservation and wildlife management, Mahato said that the trust had played an important role in introducing Nepal to the world through conservation efforts.

According to him, the protected areas and unique species of flora and fauna Nepal has are the basis for tourism and it has aided in the economic prosperity of the country.

He argued that managing human and wildlife conflict was the major challenge faced by wildlife conservation efforts.

Similarly, Lalitpur Metropolitan City’s Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan shared that a shuttle bus would be operated in the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel for the senior citizens and children.

Stating that the metropolis had been coordinating in the management of the zoo thereby contributing to wildlife conservation, he pledged to further expand this partnership.

Likewise, Chief Secretary of the government of Nepal, Dr Baikuntha Aryal, underscored the need for effective collaboration and coordination among the three-tier government for nature conservation.

He argued that conservation efforts should be taken forward scientifically and in modern ways while coping with the climate change-induced challenges.

Also speaking at the programme, the trust’s member-secretary Dr Krishna Prasad Oli said that the trust had been playing its part on conserving biodiversity and wildlife.

On the occasion, Man Bahadur Gurung was honored for his significant contribution to nature conservation. He received Rs 125,000 in cash prize.

Likewise the Nepal Forum of Environment Journalists was feted with Rs 65,000 cash prize for enhancing advocacy on nature and wildlife conservation.

The American Embassy and Japanese Embassy in Nepal were also honored for their contribution to conservation efforts.

Nepal Army’s personnel were also feted for their contribution in clean-up drive of various mountains. The 32 employees of the trust serving for over 30 years were also honored on the occasion. RSS