‘Protect of forest, freshwater needed to combat climate change impacts’

BY A STAFF REPORTER,KATHMANDU, MAY 21: Experts have emphasised the impacts of climate change and the need to protect the forests, freshwater sources and wildlife.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary programme of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on Friday, Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, said that the achievements made by the organisation were possible because of the government’s leadership with immense efforts, investment of development partners, our generous donors, innovative approaches and partnership with local people and like-minded institutions.

Gurung said WWF Nepal will continue landscape-level conservation approach, and wildlife-friendly structure development and support the government to promote community-led conservation approaches by giving priority to green, resilient and inclusive modes of action to meet Nepal’s global commitment of 30 per cent conservation by 2030. 

Vice President of Nepal Ramsahay Prasad Yadav congratulated WWF Nepal on its 30th anniversary and appreciated WWF Nepal’s efforts in conserving endangered species and contributing to sustainable development. 

The Government of Nepal’s role in conserving biodiversity is acknowledged even at a global level, he added. 

Bhoj Raj Shrestha from Kailali, Shankar Chettri Luitel from Jhapa and Tirtha Lama from Chitwan were felicitated with WWF Nepal Conservation Awards 2023. Shrestha is a farmer who has been active in conservation for over three decades. Luitel is also a farmer and has been striving in pursuit of environment and biodiversity conservation. 

WWF instituted the WWF Nepal Conservation Awards in 1995 to recognize and honour individuals and organisations at the grassroots level that have made significant contributions to protect Nepal's rich biodiversity. 

The event was attended by over 400 participants including distinguished Government officials, ambassadors, international and national conservation and development partners, Senior Vice President of WWF US and others. 

The two-hour-long event highlighted WWF Nepal’s milestones and dedicated contribution towards biodiversity conservation over the past three decades in Nepal.