Kathmandu, Oct 25: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged relevant ministries and bodies to strongly advocate for climate justice, as discussed at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, during the upcoming World Climate Conference (COP-29) to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024.
During the third meeting of the National Council for Environment Protection and Climate Change Management held today at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Office, Singh Durbar, PM Oli called for the clear stance and perspective of Nepal on climate change, which were expressed during the General Assembly speeches and sideline meetings, to be presented at COP-29. The Nepalese delegation will be led by President Ram Chandra Paudel.
Highlighting the contribution of the Himalayas in maintaining global temperature balance, PM Oli pointed out that the melting of glaciers due to global carbon emissions has severely impacted the inhabitants of the Himalayan region. He reiterated that Nepal should receive appropriate compensation from carbon-emitting countries. He called on the global community to formulate plans for environmental balance from the mountains to the seas.
PM Oli also directed that there should be no delays in the agreements made by the government regarding projects that require coordination with the Ministry of Forests. He remarked, “The Ministry of Forests should not act as if forests are their personal property. There have been complaints that the Ministry has delayed decisions made by the Cabinet. While protecting forests, industries should be permitted to operate in areas where there are no forests, as per demand.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to end the situation where designated forest areas lack forest cover, prioritizing the expansion of dense forests.
While 46% of Nepal is forested, only 28% has significant forest cover, leaving a gap of 12% that should be developed into dense forests. He urged efforts to maintain at least 40% of land as forest and highlighted Nepal’s contributions to global environmental cleanliness through its forests, mountains, and wetlands. Currently, 17% of Nepal’s land consists of mountains and 7% wetlands.
The meeting reviewed the council’s work over the past year and provided updates on the implementation of previous meeting decisions. It also resolved to ensure effective participation of Nepal in COP-29, proposed changing the name of the Ministry of Forests and Environment to the Ministry of Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, and set directives for the upcoming year.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Minister of Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi, chief ministers from various provinces, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr. Shivraj Adhikari, and other officials from the government. #climate #COP29 #nepal
