Conservation is linked to sustainable development, human well-being: Minister Chaudhary

Kathmandu, May 22: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has said that the conservation of biodiversity in the context of Nepal is not only an environmental issue but is directly linked to sustainable development and human well-being.     

On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), Minister Chaudhary conveyed her best wishes today, saying that in the coming days, cross-sectoral coordination will be strengthened to make biodiversity conservation more effective.     

She emphasised the need to implement cooperation between the federal, provincial and local levels for that.     

Nepal is party to the Convention on Biological Diversity since 1993. International Day for Biological Diversity is being celebrated across the country today around the slogan of 'Acting Locally for Global Impact'.     

Minister Chaudhary stated that biodiversity conservation, along with climate change and pollution, is one of the three major global issues and emphasised that it has made conservation a matter of priority.     

She said that in the context of Nepal, biodiversity conservation makes a significant contribution to maintaining food security, water availability, climate balance, soil fertility, and the overall balance of ecological processes.     

Minister Chaudhary stated that Nepal has achieved notable accomplishments in biodiversity conservation, citing successful practices such as the increase in populations of key species like the critically endangered tiger and rhino, the expansion of protected areas, enhanced local participation through community forest management, and the conservation of ecosystems as examples.     

She emphasized that biodiversity should be placed at the centre of development plans while advancing conservation, sustainable use and equitable distribution of benefits in a balanced manner.     

The Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment also stressed that the long-term goal of a 'life in harmony with nature' can only be achieved through the active participation of women, indigenous communities, local communities, relevant agencies, and civil society, and called for everyone's active participation in this campaign as always.(RSS)