Economic prosperity must be advanced alongside environmental conservation: Minister Chaudhary

KATHMANDU: Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary has said economic prosperity and environmental conservation must be advanced together amid the challenges of climate change. Speaking at the main ceremony of World Environment Day 2026 today, she said the slogan “The basis of a prosperous future: Climate and nature-friendly development” will guide Nepal’s sustainable development journey.

Minister Chaudhary said that although Nepal’s contribution to climate change is minimal, its impact is becoming clearly visible from the mountains to the Tarai. She said the government is advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation as an integral part of the national development plan and that the development of a green economy has moved from policy to practical implementation.

She said the government is focused on expanding access to climate finance and promoting a green economy based on forests, agriculture, energy and biodiversity. The minister emphasised the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure, adding that priority has been given to a development system based on preparedness to prevent disasters rather than post-disaster rescue.

Minister Chaudhary said Nepal has established a distinct identity internationally through community forest management, biodiversity conservation and local community participation. She added that prosperity alongside conservation can be achieved through adding value to herbs and non-timber forest products.

On air quality, she said the air quality measurement centres established in 30 locations across the country are assisting evidence-based policy-making. She added that government policy includes upgrading air quality measurement centres in major cities and enhancing the capacity of the central environmental laboratory.

The minister said priority has been given to formulating the National Air Quality Management Action Plan and the Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan under the leadership of the Department of Environment. She added that the department will play an important role in implementing Nepal’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), managing emissions and strengthening the environmental data system.

Turning to water resources, she said climate change has had a severe impact on the water resource system, with glacier melting, irregular rainfall, floods, landslides and wildfires affecting lives, livelihoods and the economy. She emphasised the need for sustainable management of water resources through pollution control and the conservation of ecological flow in rivers, lakes and wetlands.

Stating that climate- and nature-friendly development cannot be achieved by government action alone, Minister Chaudhary called on the private sector, educational institutions, research centres, civil society, the media and the public to advance the campaign as a national movement. She said everyone’s shared commitment is necessary to create economic opportunities while conserving nature, secure the rights of future generations while meeting present needs, and build a green, resilient and prosperous Nepal.

By RSS