Nepal deserves climate justice: Minister Shahi

Kathmandu, Oct 20: A two-day workshop on preparation of COP-29 and impact of climate change in Karnali Province has been conducted at Rara Lake, Karnali Province.     

The workshop named 'Bridging Karnali and the Globe: Roadmap to COP-29' was jointly organized by the Ministry of Forest and Environment and an organization Sathsathai. The event issued a five-point declaration.     

Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, argued that despite having a negligible role on emission of green house gases, Nepal is bearing the brunt of climate change impact. So, Nepal deserves climate justice. The government has raised this voice even in the international forums, he added.     

The government is making homework for the claim of compensation from the Climate Fund for the loss and damages Nepal has incurred owing to climate change with its demand at UN climate conference.     

The plights and problems from the Karnali region would be made vibrant in the coming COP-29, he informed.     

On the occasion, Chairperson of Sathsathai organization, Prajita Karki, expressed concern over the depleting snow on Nepal's peaks including the Chhayanath mountain due to climate change impact. The plights here must be reflected in the global forum, she added.     

The event was attended by various personalities from diverse sectors including climate change expert Dr Manjit Dhakal, advisor to Ministry, Dr Madhav Karki, Chairman of the Press Council Nepal, Bal Krishna Basnet, Helambu Rural Municipality Chair, Nima Gyaljen Sherpa.     

The Karnali declaration concluded that Karnali Province was worst hit by the climate change and it needed capacity strengthening to cope with the crises. All tiers of government need to work together to launch climate friendly activities and manage the disasters caused by the climate change.     

Women, children and marginalized youths were hit hard by the climate change, so their voices must be raised in the national and international forums with special focus, the attendants argued.(RSS)