KATHMANDU, June 5: Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai on Tuesday pledged to establish a fund to fight against the impacts climate change in the mountain countries and move ahead by preparing new work plans.
Inaugurating a program organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in the capital on the occasion of the World Environment Day today, the Prime Minister expressed his commitment to making a convincing, worldwide and common forum to the declaration made by ´Kathmandu Call for Action´.[break]
A two-day International Conference of Mountain Countries on Climate Change had concluded in Kathmandu on August 6 by issuing a 10-point ´Kathmandu Call for Action´.
Saying Nepal would lead of the Least Development Countries Coordination Group on climate change for two, years starting 2013, the Prime Minister said that Nepal´s presence in dialogues and agreements over the issues would be made stronger and more effective.
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The PM said best possible steps would be taken to make the international agreements in favor of the LDCs by raising their issues strongly to open the doors of opportunities and possibilities of the mountain countries.
Prime Minister said that Nepal would strongly put its issues for sustainable development, economic prosperity and environment conservation and balance in the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to be Rio de Janeiro of Brazil from 20-22 June.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Dr Bhattarai also said that existing laws and policies would be implemented for the conservation of environment, adoption of climate change, promotion of green economy and others.
The Prime Minister also informed that new programs would be launched to carry out different activities related to environment with the beginning of the new fiscal year by establishing the Department of Environment with sufficient resources, means and clear accountability.
The PM was of the opinion that standards made so far for the control of pollution of environment, sound and water should be reviewed.
The Prime Minister also pledged to promote cycle riding and environment-friendly vehicles in the cities that are rich in cultural heritages.
The Prime Minister also drew attention of the officials of the ministry concerned to carry out scientific study and research not to let reoccur the natural disasters like that of flood in the Seti River.
Saying Himalayas, hills, livestock, agriculture system and human settlements were seriously affected due to the effects of climate change, the PM Dr Bhattarai urged all to conserve the environment.
Nepal is in the list of top 25 countries that are rich in bio-diversity with 118 ecosystems, 25 types of forests, over 5,100 flowering plants and 1,600 mosses.
On the occasion, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr Keshavman Shakya said excessive exploitation of natural resources has laid negative impacts on climate and stressed for guaranteeing healthy living of all citizens.
June 5 is being mark as the World Environment Day across the globe since 1972.
IUCN marks World Environment Day
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National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Lalitpur sub-metropolitan city and IUCN jointly celebrated World Environment Day with various programs in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur on Tuesday.
A decorated elephant took a lead of the rally comprising forest secretary Nabin Kumar Ghimire, NTNC member secretary Juddha Gurung, Miss Earth Nepal Nagma Shrestha and Miss International Suvekchhya Khadka and students, among others, which passed through various thoroughfares before converging to a function in Jawalakhel football ground.
Miss Earth who is also a goodwill ambassadors of IUCN with Miss International jointly administered conservation oath to everyone. The function also witnessed cultural dance and prize distribution to winner students.
COURTESY: IUCN
COURTESY: IUCN
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