Vice President voices for developing forest-based entrepreneurship

Kathmandu, March 4: Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has stressed the need for promoting entrepreneurship in the forest sector.     

In his address to the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Nepal Foresters' Association (NFA) here on Tuesday, the Vice President insisted on the development of forest-based entrepreneurship. The celebrations were held under the theme of "Forest, Wildlife and Watershed: Professional Solidarity, Base for Prosperity".     

Highlighting the role of foresters in the conservation of forests and their sustainable utilisation in Nepal, the Vice President urged them to contribute more to the further development of the forest sector. "The roles of foresters have been acknowledged in mitigating the impact of climate change, ensuring sustainable use of forest resources and conserving ecological ecosystem," he said, adding that but still combined efforts are still needed for further accomplishments including the achievement of forest management goals.     

He stressed the need to utilise forest products in achieving economic prosperity through policy reforms and ithe implementation of advanced technology. He was of the opinion of increasing civic awareness on the significance of forest and environment conservation, seeking people's participation in mitigating environmental losses and conserving biodiversities.     

"Of late, the water resources are depleting in the Tarai/Madhesh, posing the risk of desertification in the region," he warned, advising the Association for its substantive recommendation to the government to address the situation.     

Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, said the role of foresters is vital to generate forest-based jobs through proper development and conservation of forests.     

Expressing his concern over growing human-wildlife conflict and the impacts of climate change, he echoed the need for broader collaboration among all the concerned to mitigate the problems.     

He also pledged to initiate the process of forming the 'Nepal Foresters Council' soon.     

NFA Chair Rakesh Karna spoke of the roles of NFA in conserving and promoting forests and seeking their sustainable utilisation.     

Madhav Khadka on behalf of the International Rangers Federation, Asia extended best wishes for the success of the function. (RSS)