KATHMANDU, June 10: Stakeholders have sought role of community for settling dispute related to natural resources at the local levels.

Representatives from various organizations working on the concerned field worried that such disputes may rise in the new federal set up, due to lack of resource sharing policy among other issues.

Speaking at fourth anniversary of Natural Resource Conflict Transformation Center Nepal in the capital on Saturday, stakeholders said role of policy makers and locals will be vital for minimizing such conflicts.

Former Chairperson of Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal, Apsara Chapagain said that conflict management on natural resources should be taken under the provincial structure. Bhola Khatiwada of Community Based Forestry Supports’ Network said that new policy should focus on settling dispute between state and community forest users.

Expert, Dr Narayan Kaji Shrestha stressed on state’s role for minimizing such dispute for the long term period.  Shova Basnet of Reconciliation Council suggested establishing each reconciliation center at all 744 local units.

Sambhu Dangal of RECOFTC, Rama Ale Magar of Himawanti Nepal, Chup Bahadur Thapa of Natural Resource Conflict Transformation Center Nepal also discussed about ideas for minimizing conflicts on sharing of natural resources in the new federal structure.

Thapa informed that over 2800 disputes has been settled from 273 reconciliation centers established by the organization.

 
• stakeholders
 
• local levels
 
• dispute settlement