Kathmandu, May 2: Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Ms Sapana Pradhan Malla, has stated that the implementation of environmental protection and climate change-related laws remains challenging.
Speaking at a program held in Kathmandu on Friday evening, justice Malla said that although the constitution and laws have clearly established issues related to environmental protection, sustainable development, and the environment, implementing them has been difficult. She emphasized the need to develop effective strategies for the enforcement of laws and highlighted the importance of enhancing the capacity to implement strategic plans related to climate change. She also pointed out the need to develop public–private partnerships (PPPs) and strengthen the capacity to manage both the demand and expenditure of climate finance.
Acting Chief Justice Malla remarked that the judiciary has played a significant role in the field of climate justice. She said, “We now have laws, and the constitution has established matters related to the environment, sustainable development, and environmental protection. However, implementation remains somewhat challenging. Therefore, strategies on how to proceed with law enforcement are crucial for us. Alongside that, we need to enhance the efficiency of the laws and national strategic plans we have formulated, and also consider how to introduce public–private partnerships and secure climate finance. The judiciary has played an important role in the area of climate. Even in the absence of specific laws, the judiciary has recognized these rights as part of the right to life.”
She further mentioned that the judiciary has issued important rulings concerning the Chure region, Bardiya National Park, and Phewa Lake.
Former Chief Secretary, Shanker Das Bairagi, said that there is uncertainty about receiving the expected climate finance from Europe. He noted that European countries are facing their own development and management challenges, and therefore, the guarantee of receiving climate finance is unclear.
He said, “We are expecting climate finance to come from Europe. But now there is concern whether all their development spending might instead be diverted towards climate action. It’s not guaranteed that climate finance will come, especially when they need to manage their own systems. It appears that some additional effort will be required. We are insisting that climate finance should be additional. But now, it seems further complications may arise.”
He emphasized the need to strengthen diplomatic and strategic efforts to secure climate finance. — News Agency Nepal
