Kathmandu: Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has stressed the need for promoting entrepreneurship in the forest sector. In his address to the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Nepal Foresters’ Association (NFA) here today, the Vice President insisted on the development of forest-based entrepreneurship. The celebrations were held under the theme of “Forest, Wildlife and Watershed: Professional Solidarity, Base for Prosperity”.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Vice President highlighted the role of foresters in conservation of forest and its sustainable utilisation in Nepal, urging them to contribute more for further development of the forest sector. “The roles of foresters have been acknowledged in mitigating impact of climate change, ensuring sustainable use of forest resources and conserving ecological ecosystem,” he said, adding that combined efforts are still needed for further accomplishments, including the achievement of forest management goals.
He emphasized the necessity of utilising forest products to achieve economic prosperity through policy reforms and the implementation of advanced technology. He also advocated for increasing civic awareness on the significance of forest and environment conservation, and seeking people’s participation in mitigating environmental losses and conserving biodiversity.
The Vice President warned of the depletion of water resources in the Tarai/Madhesh, which poses the risk of desertification in the region, and advised the Association to make substantive recommendations to the government to address the situation.
Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, emphasized the role of foresters in generating forest-based jobs through proper development and conservation of forests. He expressed concern over the growing human-wildlife conflict and impacts of climate change, and echoed the need for broader collaboration among all concerned to mitigate these problems. He also pledged to initiate the process to form the ‘Nepal Foresters’ Council’ soon.
NFA Chair Rakesh Karna spoke about the roles of NFA in conserving and promoting forests and seeking their sustainable utilization. Meanwhile, Madhav Khadka, on behalf of the International Rangers Federation, Asia, extended best wishes for the success of the function.