Vice President of National Planning Commission Prof. Dr. Shivraj Adhikari has expressed his concern that the biological diversity is decreasing rapidly and it is not only destroying the environment, but also affecting the standard of living of millions of people.
What you should know
The Hindu Kush Himalayan Parliamentary Meeting has started in Kathmandu from Monday to strengthen cooperation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.
Speaking at the meeting National Planning Commission Vice President Prof. Dr. Shivraj Adhikari said that the biological diversity is decreasing rapidly and expressed concern that it is not only destroying the environment, but also affecting the living standards of millions of people.
He said that in-depth research and evidence is necessary to understand this challenge, although the role of parliamentarians is special, the executive, judiciary and all government agencies need to have a clear view on development, biological diversity and climate change.
'We must integrate biodiversity into the national economic and social plan. Our laws must support inclusive development and protect nature. We must be careful while developing laws. Laws should not be an obstacle to development. Instead, they should be part of development. Biodiversity conservation is development. Using natural resources without protecting them is not real development. Development should be holistic by balancing economic growth, social progress and environmental protection.'
He emphasized that since the members of the House are the main bridge connecting the people and the government, if biodiversity can be given priority in the policies, laws and budgets they make, conservation can be made a part of development and not anti-development. He needs development But he said that nature should not be destroyed.
He stressed the need to carefully understand the 'synergistic co-benefits and contradictions' between development, climate and biodiversity.
The vice-president said that the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is a common property and it is only owned by one country or economy. He said that this kind of dialogue is very useful, saying that it is necessary to share ideas, learn and exchange experiences with each other as we cannot solve the challenges.
Stating that the National Planning Commission has promoted discussions between parliamentarians, the executive and the judiciary to carefully consider the exchange and coordination of plans, the vice-chairman also informed that the commission has already started such a dialogue.
Vice President Adhikari said that Nepal has shown the world that community-led conservation is successful and now it is our responsibility to preserve that heritage.
He said that conservation is not anti-development - conservation is development and it will secure livelihood, create green jobs and make the future sustainable.
