Today marks 25 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was first adopted in May 1992. Observed as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), Nepal celebrated the auspicious occasion at NTNC bringing together over 500 participants from diverse walks of life.
The event was initiated by the Government of Nepal's (GoN) Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), wherein the Hon. Shakti Bahadur Basnet - Minister, MoFE was Chief Guest. Other prominent personalities speaking at the event also included Dr. Bishwa Nath Oli - Secretary, MoFE, Dr. Yubak Dhoj GC - Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives, and Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli of the National Planning Commission.
Besides a special presentation by Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal - Chief, Environment and Biodiversity Division, MoFE marking “Major Achievements of NBSAP (National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan): Gaps, Challenges and Opportunities”, a total of seven books and one video was released during the event (book names as under).
- 25 Years of Achievements on Biodiversity Conservation in Nepal
- Biodiversity of Nepal (Photo Book)
- National Ramsar Strategic Plan (2018 - 2024)
- Flame for Conservation
- Wilidlife Stockpiles Management in Nepal
- Integrated Management Plan of Lake Cluster of Pokhara Valley
- नेपालको विजयसाल संरक्षण कार्ययोजना (२०७५ - २०७९)
The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development in response to the fact that humans are intricately interdependent with other species and life forms. Today there is alarming evidence to suggest of the extinction of species caused by human activity. As the Hon. Minister expressed: "Nepal's own goal to achieve sustainable economic growth through wise use of its natural resources is evidence of our heightened commitment and contribution for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources."
