Environment ministry milestones highlighted

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 17: The Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri has completed one year in office. 

Minister Thakuri highlighted significant reforms, development-focused achievements and increased international engagement in climate and biodiversity efforts during a press meet on Wednesday at the Ministry in Singha Durbar.

“Over the past year, the Ministry has made significant progress in promoting balanced development and sustainable use of the country’s forest and environment sector. We have not only enhanced government effectiveness but also addressed the nation’s current environmental responsibilities,” he said.

He also said that the Ministry exceeded its annual targets, with support from local communities, stakeholders and development partners. Major achievements included -- National Strategic Plan for Forests (2081), Invasive Alien Species Management Strategy (2081), National Bamboo and Rattan Development Strategy (2081) and National REDD+ Strategy (2081)

In addition, 11 legal documents were revised to better reflect public expectations, Minister Thakuri said.

Progress in sustainable forest management

The forest cover has increased from 45.31 per cent in 2020 to 46.08 per cent by promoting sustainable practices and community-based forest management. Timber production reached 33.5 million cubic feet this fiscal year and sustainable forest management has now been applied to 100,000 hectares of forest land. Over 41,000 individuals were engaged in forest-based employment programmes, totalling around 14.8 million workdays.

“To support forest enterprises, the Ministry ensured over Rs. 3 billion in subsidised loans and aims to reduce interest rates further,” he said.

Nepal gained international attention for its mountain-focused climate advocacy during the “Sagarmatha Sambaad,” jointly organised with the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A 25-point “Sagarmatha Call to Action” was adopted to address climate and mountain challenges, Minister Thakuri said.

The Ministry also secured a historic carbon trading deal worth US $ 10 million with Sweden under the REDD+ mechanism.

Negotiations for selling carbon credits from an additional 3.2 million hectares in Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini have been completed, and a new carbon trading regulation is being finalised to facilitate private sector involvement.

Biodiversity and wildlife cconservation

A national snow leopard survey has been conducted and confirmed the presence of 397 individuals. Conservation action plans were prepared for key biodiversity areas such as Madane, Resunga, Khata and Basanta corridors.

The Ministry also worked to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Over 600 problem-causing wild animals were rescued and managed, and solar fencing was installed in several districts and Rs. 13.3 million was distributed as compensation for the damage caused by wildlife and new corridors for elephants were announced.  

The Ministry streamlined procedures for environmental impact assessments and forest land use for development projects. It approved 41 projects to use forest land and remove over 100,000 trees with proper guidelines. Transparency measures were introduced, including public updates on environmental clearance files every 15 days.

To improve service delivery, the Ministry introduced online ticketing for national parks, resolved over 62 per cent of public complaints and launched guidelines to ease the collection of valuable Himalayan herbs like Yarsagumba.

The Ministry secured nearly Rs. 11 billion in climate finance, including Rs. 5 billion from the Green Climate Fund for work in Koshi and Gandaki. New projects for ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest-based livelihoods have begun in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.

He also expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the Ministry and called for continued cooperation from communities, stakeholders and development partners to make Nepal’s green future more secure.