South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, June 5: Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Gita Chaudhary has said that the economic prosperity and environment protection should be taken ahead side by side amidst climate change induced challenges. In her address to the main function marking the World Environment Day, 2026 today, Minister Chaudhary said the slogan ‘Foundation for a Prosperous Future: Climate Change and Nature Friendly Development’ would guide the sustainable development journey of Nepal. Though Nepal has insignificant contribution to the climate change, its discernible impacts are explicitly visible from mountain to Tarai, she noted. Sharing that the government has been advancing the climate change mitigation and adaptation as integral part of the national development plan, the Minister claimed the development of green economy has been entered to the execution from policy level. She said that the government is focused on promoting green economy based on expansion of access to climate finance, forest, agriculture, energy and bio-diversity. Chaudhary emphasized on a development system based on preparedness to prevent disasters rather than post-disaster rescue, while underlining the need of the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure. Referring to Nepal’s unique international identity through community forest management, biodiversity conservation, and local community participation, Minister Chaudhary noted the value addition of medicinal herbs and non-timber forest products can lead to prosperity alongside conservation. Highlighting the importance of air pollution control for environmental protection, she pointed out that air quality monitoring centers established in 30 locations across the country are aiding evidence-based policy making. She also informed that the government has put in place a policy to upgrade air pollution monitoring centers in major cities and enhance the capacity of the Central Environmental Laboratory. Likewise, priority has been given to the formulation of the National Air Quality Management Action Plan and the Air Quality Management Action Plan for the Kathmandu Valley, Minister Chaudhary stated. She also stated that the Department of Environment will play a pivotal role in the implementation of Nepal’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), emission management, and strengthening of the environmental data system. Highlighting that climate change has severely affected the water resources system, she noted that climate events such as glacier melting, irregular rainfall, floods, landslides, and wildfires have affected life, livelihoods, and the economy. Pointing out that climate- and nature-friendly development cannot be achieved through the government’s lone efforts, Minister Chaudhary called on the private sector, educational institutions, research centers, civil society, media, and the general public to advance this campaign as a national movement. She stressed the need for shared commitment from everyone to achieve the goal of creating economic opportunities while conserving nature, meeting the needs of the present generation while safeguarding the rights of future generations, and building a green, progressive, and prosperous Nepal.