Call to remove provisions added to National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act

KATHMANDU: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Commission on Environment Law (WCEL) has demanded the removal of some added to the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 2029 BS.

It has specially pointed out to the provisions of sections 5 a and 6 (1 a) in the Act.

Issuing a statement here today, the WCEL has said that the additions in the Act will undermine the contribution made by Nepal in the field of conservation, while also sending a negative message to the world.

The national park or conservation area itself are sensitive and narrowing down it to highly sensitive area within that area is contrary to international standards and norms of conservation, Chair of the Commission and former judge Dr Ravi Sharma Aryal said.

According to the provisions mentioned in section (5a) added to the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 2029, the government of Nepal if it deems necessary may designate any area within the national park, reserve or conservation area to be a highly sensitive area.

Furthermore, Section 6 (1 a) gives a ground for human intervention in exploitation of existing resources by making investments in the pretext of utilizing the resources. “Hence, we strongly request to amend and remove the said sections 5 a and 6 (1 a) as it involves a mal-intention to nullify the legal system related to forest and environment and protected areas”, reads the statement.