IUCN calls for removal of new provisions in Nepal's conservation law

KATHMANDU: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL) has called for the removal of certain provisions added to the National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act, 2029 BS. Specifically, it has highlighted concerns with sections 5(a) and 6(1)(a) of the Act.

In a statement issued today, the WCEL stated that these additions could undermine Nepal's contributions to conservation and send a negative message globally.

Chair of the Commission and former judge Ravi Sharma Aryal noted that designating highly sensitive areas within national parks or conservation areas contradicts international conservation standards and norms.

Section 5(a) of the Act allows the Government of Nepal to designate any area within a national park, reserve, or conservation area as highly sensitive if deemed necessary. Section 6(1)(a) permits human intervention for resource exploitation under the guise of investment.

"We strongly request the amendment and removal of sections 5(a) and 6(1)(a) as they appear to nullify the legal framework related to forests, the environment, and protected areas," the statement read.

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