Mar 31 2025
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“The Climate Dialogue”, an event organized by The Kathmandu Post in Landmark Bhairahawa, shed light on the pressing climate challenges in Lumbini Province. Yagyamurti Khanal, climate change focal person at the provincial Ministry of Forests and Environment, pointed out inadequate policies, budgets, and programs that hinder effective climate action. He stressed that without local and provincial policies, authorities are forced to rely on federal guidelines, slowing down mitigation efforts. He also highlighted the lack of community awareness and youth participation in climate adaptation.
Also, Muna Sharma, a forest officer in Palpa, called for an integrated approach linking forestry, agriculture, tourism, and climate policies. She warned that rural areas, where women, children, and the elderly dominate the population, are increasingly vulnerable to climate hazards, such as wildfires.
Likewise, Hemanta Acharya, an anti-poaching activist from Bardiya, connected climate change to the rising human-wildlife conflict. As rivers dry up, wild animals stray into villages searching for water, leading to more attacks on humans. He also noted that Bardiya National Park, a key eco-tourism site, is witnessing a decline in visitors due to environmental degradation.
Environmental researcher Yubaraj Kandel stressed the need for better coordination between the agriculture and forestry sectors, citing frequent wildfires even in high-altitude districts. The discussion, moderated by Kathmandu Post Editor Biswas Baral, engaged local youth, environmental activists, and students in exploring policy gaps and community roles in tackling climate change.
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