Kathmandu, Oct 20: Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Birendra Prasad Mahato emphasized effective coordination and collaboration to make nature and wildlife conservation further effective.
At a programme organized by the National Trust for Nature Conservation on its 41st anniversary here today, Minister Mahato assured that his Ministry will do the needful to take forward the conservation endeavours in coordination among the three-tier government.
Lauding the Trust for its effective performance on environment and nature conservation and wildlife management, Mahato said that the Trust had played an important role in introducing Nepal into the world through conservation efforts.
According to him, the protected areas and unique species of flora and fauna Nepal had were the basis for tourism and it had aided in the economic prosperity of the country.
He argued that managing human and wildlife conflict was the major challenge facing wildlife conservation and thus emphasized that wildlife be protected and safe.
Similarly, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan shared that a shuttle bus would be operated in the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel for senior citizens and children.
Stating that the Metropolis had been coordinating efforts in the management of the Zoo thereby contributing to wildlife conservation, he pledged to further expand this partnership.
Likewise, the Chief Secretary of the government of Nepal, Dr Baikuntha Aryal, underscored effective collaboration and coordination among the three-tier government for nature conservation.
He argued that conservation efforts should be taken forward scientifically and in modern ways while coping with climate change-induced challenges.
Also speaking in the programme, Trust's member-secretary Dr Krishna Prasad Oli said that the Trust had been playing its part in tourism based on nature besides conserving biodiversity and wildlife. On the occasion, Man Bahadur Gurung was honoured for his significant contribution to nature conservation. He received a Rs 125,000 cash prize.
Likewise, the Nepal Forum of Environment Journalists was feted with a Rs 65,000 cash prize for enhancing advocacy on nature and wildlife conservation.
The American Embassy and Japanese Embassy in Nepal were also honoured for their contribution to conservation efforts.
The Nepali Army's personnel were also feted for contribution to clean-up drives in various mountains. Those 32 employees of the Trust serving over 30 years were also honoured on the occasion. (RSS)
