Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development (2015-2030)

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Introduction to the Framework 2

1.3 National Strategy Framework Formulation Method/Process 2

1.4 Limitations 3 Chapter 2 5 Contextual Analysis of Nature Conservation 5

2.1 Concept of Nature Conservation 5

2.2 International Context of Nature Conservation 5

2.3 National Context of Nature Conservation 7

2.3.1 Development of the Concept of Conservation in Nepal 7

2.3.2 Nepal’s Commitment in Nature Conservation 8

2.4 National Conservation Strategy 1988: Major Achievements and Lessons Learned 10 a) Major achievements 10 b) Lessons learned 11

2.5 Major Sectoral Achievements in Nature Conservation and Major Issues 12

2.5.1 Forest Sector 12

2.5.2 Biodiversity 13

2.5.3 Agriculture 14

2.5.4 Physical Infrastructure Development 14

2.5.5 Water Resources 15

2.5.6 Energy 17

2.5.7 Tourism 17

2.5.8 Land Management 18

2.5.9 Health 19

2.5.10 Climate change 20

2.5.11 Urbanisation 20

2.5.12 Industrialisation 21

2.5.13 Environment Conservation 22

2.5.14 Environmental Education 22

2.5.15 Nature Conservation and Poverty Alleviation 23

2.5.16 Nature and Culture 24

2.5.17 Society and Indigenous Peoples 25

2.5.18 Social Inclusion 25

2.5.19 Nature Conservation-related Legal Provisions 28

2.6 Nature-sensitive Indicators and Periodic Targets in Development Efforts 29

2.7 Expected Results and Risks in Achievement of Results of the Existing Sectoral Plans and Strategies 31

2.8 Conclusions of the Consulations with Stakeholders 32

2.9 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of Nature-responsive Development Efforts 32 Chapter 3 35 Integration of Nature Conservation into Development Efforts 35 3.1: Areas that were paid special attention while formulating the National Strategic Framework 35

3.2 Approach to Integrating Nature Conservation into Development Efforts 37

3.3. Strategic Pillars – Provisions and Status 37

3.3.1 Mainstreaming Nature Conservation 38 a) Existing provision 38 b) Current status 39

3.3.2 Sectoral Harmonisation 40

3.3.3 Coordination between Agencies Concerned and Facilitation 41

3.3.4 Valuing and Accounting Ecosystem Goods and Services 43

3.3.5 Accountability in Conservation Results 44 Chapter 4 45 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework 45

4.1 Background 45

4.2 Vision 45

4.3 Mission 45

4.4 Goal 45

4.5 Purpose 45

4.6 Strategic Pillars 45

4.6.1 Mainstreaming Nature Conservation into Development Efforts 45

4.6.2 Harmonisation between Sectoral Strategies 46

4.6.3 Coordination between Agencies Concerned 46

4.6.4 Valuing and Accounting Ecosystem Goods and Services 46

4.6.5 Accountability of Sectoral Agencies in Conservation Results 47

4.7 Brief Log Frame of the Framework 47

4.8 Programmes that Need to be Given Priority for Integrating Nature Conservation into Development Efforts 51

4.9 Reduction of Risks 79 Chapter 5 81 Framework Implementation Arrangements 81

5.1 Implementation Concept and Process 81

5.2 Organisational Structure 81

5.2.1 Implementation Coordination Council 81

5.2.2 Implementation Coordination Committee 82

5.2.3 Local-level Coordination Committee 83

5.2.4 Framework Implementation Support Unit 84

5.2.5 Provision of a Liaison Unit and a Focal Person at Sectoral Ministry 84

5.3 Framework Implementation Plan 84

5.4 Major Responsible Sectors, Agencies and their Role 87

5.5 Inclusion in Conservation 89

5.6 Public-Private Partnership in Conservation 89

5.7 Need of Resources and Means 90 Chapter 6 93 Monitoring, Evaluation, Information Management and Use 93

6.1 Objectives of Monitoring and Evaluation 93

6.2 Areas to be Monitored and Evaluated 93

6.3. Thematic and Sectoral Representative Indicators to be Monitored and Evaluated 93

6.3.1 National-level Representative Indicators and their Review 93

6.3.2 Sectoral Nature Conservation-related Local-level Indicators 96

6.4 Revision of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines (2013) 96

6.5 Monitoring and Evaluation Process 96

6.6 Monitoring and Evaluation Period 97

6.7 Monitoring and Evaluation Report 97

6.8 Information Management 97

6.9 Knowledge Management and Use 97

6.10 Revision of the Framework 97 References 98 Annexes 101 Annex 1: Millennium and Post-Millennium Development Goals 102 Annex 2: National Strategic Framework Development Process 103 Annex 3: Districts where Interactions were Held 104 Annex 4: Findings of the Perception Analysis of Direct Interview Conducted at Different-level Discussions 105 Annex 5: Details of the steering committee and thematic committee 108 Annex 6: Sagarmatha Declaration on Climate Change 113 Annex 7: Conventions, Protocols and Agreements to which Nepal is Party 115 Annex 8: Excerpts of Social Inclusion of Some Nature Conservation-related Policies 116 Annex 9: Excerpts of Social Inclusion of Some Nature Conservation-related Strategies 118 Annex 10: Risks Foreseen in Achieving the Results of Sectoral Strategies 120 Annex 11: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of Nature-sensitive Development Efforts 125 Annex 12 : Physiographic Diversity 127 Annex 13: Ethnic Diversity, Priority and Occupation 128 Annex 14: Government of Nepal (mandates) Regulations (2012) 130 Annex 15 : Some Legal Contradictions in Nature Conservation 131 Annex 16: Some Legal Provisions on Accountability 132 Annex 17 : Approach Papers of National Strategic Framework 133 Annex 18: Nature-responsiveness Mainstreaming Analysis 134 Annex 19: Evaluation Period of Strategies 135 Annex 20: Estimated budget for implementation of Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework 135 Annex 21: Conservation-related Representative Indicators to be Monitored and Evaluated 136 Annex 22: Direct Conservation Outcome Indicators Adopted by Different Strategies 141 Annex 23: Translation of Some Nepali Words Used in the Framework 143 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Background education and gender equity. As these goals Both population and income have increased are particularly focused on production growth worldwide, intensifying the demand for food, and income generation, they did not necessarily water, energy, housing, transportation and other generate positive impacts on nature conservation. public services. Similarly, rapid industrialisation, Since the goal of ensuring environmental urbanisation, electricity generation, transportation sustainability to the green zone (Goal 7) and construction of physical infrastructure have encompassed these, they were not highly focused adversely affected agricultural land, forests, on nature conservation. reservoirs and the environment, which has, in turn, caused a loss of biodiversity and ecosystems, Sustainable development has been hindered as well as environmental pollution. This loss of by an array of factors, including: increase in biodiversity and core ecosystems has hindered global temperature due to green gas emissions; international attainment of the Millennium decline in carbon sequestration capacity due to Development Goals (MDGs) such as reduction deforestation and forest degradation; emission of poverty, hunger and morbidity. An assessment of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere by of the millennium ecosystem services, carried out industries, factories and atomic plants; and land in 2005, corroborated that the increase in global erosion, siltation, salinization due to exploitation population and concomitant increase in demand for of non-renewable mineral resources over the past food, water, cloth and energy has led to negative two decades. In this context, integration of nature impacts on nature and individual ecosystems. conservation into development efforts is imperative As human contributions to nature conservation for the achievement of sustainable development. have lagged behind the ecosystem services and Discourse on adoption of programmes such as other uses society receives from nature, food green economy, green enterprise and ecosystem- and water have become scarcer. Based on this, based adaption are ongoing. Consequently, many international agencies involved in nature Rio+20 has announced its decision to maintain conservation have reached the conclusion: nature sustainable development as a priority after 2015, does not need human beings to the same extent when the MDGs are scheduled to end. Of the 17 that human beings need nature. goals proposed by it, six are directly concerned with nature conservation (Annex1), whereas the The development concepts that emerged in the other six are indirectly concerned. Therefore, as the 1980s did not adequately address emergent and goal of sustainable development after 2015 is to important environmental and ecosystem issues. achieve balance between development and nature Traditional models of development concept conservation, integration of nature conservation in did not seem to concern themselves much development interventions has become imperative. with the question of external costs such as the environmental cost of production. After the Rio In 1980, the International Union for Conservation of Convention in 1992, however, environmental and Nature (IUCN) prepared and started implementing ecosystem concerns started emerging as integral the World Conservation Strategy. Being a components of socioeconomic development. member state of IUCN, Nepal also formulated Thereafter, the concept of sustainable development and enforced the National Conservation Strategy has been adopted. (NCS) in coordination with the National Planning Commission (NPC) in 1988. As there were no Of the eight MDGs adopted in 2000, only the other strategies at that time, NCS 1988 served seventh goal, regarding ensuring environmental as the overarching national strategy on nature sustainability, is directly concerned with nature conservation. After the country’s political shift in conservation, while the other goals are concerned 1990, various sectoral strategies and master plans with issue such as poverty reduction, primary were formulated. Since then, these strategies and  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 master plans have been guiding thematic and strategic framework for nature conservation has sectoral development programmes. been prepared for sustainable development to suit the contemporary context. In order for Nepal to graduate from the category of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to that 1.2 Introduction to the Framework of developing countries by 2022 as per GoN’s This National Strategic Framework, formulated in decision, the country will have to achieve Nepal for the first time, is not a strategy in-itself progress at a rapid pace within a short period of but an umbrella strategy. It emphasizes nature time – and this progress must be realized through conservation, sustainable use of natural resources proper planning and oversight, so as to reduce and equitable distribution of their benefits; hence, the impacts of future natural disasters such as the it covers all other sectoral strategies related to 2015 earthquake. Through the efforts of a single nature conservation. The GoN will implement this sector alone, it will not be possible to achieve goals Framework through its periodic and annual plans such as an 8 per cent GDP growth rate within and programmes over the next 16 years. The NPC the next eight years (2022)1; increasing irrigation will play a coordinating role, and will also guide the coverage from 1,311,000 ha to 1,713,000 ha by concerned sectors to take appropriate measures, 20272; rehabilitating 1.6 million ha of degraded in order to explore solutions to issues encountered land by 20333,4; increasing the proportion of in nature conservation and overall development, population with access to electricity facility from face emerging challenges and address emerging the current 675 per cent to 87 per cent by the concerns, based on this document. In this way, the end of the Thirteenth Plan; constructing 1,776 km Framework has provided a basis for integrating of mid-hill highway6 by the end of the Thirteenth nature conservation into sectoral development, Plan; the policy of constructing one road and guide the various ministries in sectoral strategy- one bridge in every electoral constituency7; based planning processes and evaluate nature constructing 945 km of Mechi-Mahakali electric sensitivity of the programmes prepared by the railway; constructing international airports in thematic and sectoral ministries. Pokhara, Nijgadh and Bhairahawa8; maintaining forest coverage in 40 per cent of the land in the This Framework has six chapters. Chapter 1 is country and maintaining ‘one house, one tree’ and the introduction chapter and in Chapter 2 nature ‘one village, one forest’; maintaining open space conservation has been briefly analysed. Chapter 3 for every 25,000 persons in each municipality presents a detailed account of nature conservation area; maintaining a playground in each electoral integration into development efforts, Chapter 4 constituency9; bringing down overall poverty from contains National Strategic Framework, Chapter 5 23.8 per cent to 18 per cent by the end of the highlights arrangements for implementation of the Thirteenth Plan period and rural poverty from Framework and Chapter 6 describes monitoring, 27 per cent to 10 per cent within 20 years10 and evaluation, information management and use. other goals. Furthermore, as natural resources are used in the course of development, achieving 1.3 National Strategy Framework balance between overall development and nature Formulation Method/Process conservation is imperative. This Framework has been prepared based on a review of international experience, Nepal’s Since thematic and sectoral strategies are centred commitment to nature conservation and active on regional development, the need for a single participation, discussions and consultations umbrella strategy has been realised to guide of local communities, district and central-level overall development and to play a coordinating stakeholders based on the opportunities and role in their implementation in order to achieve challenges seen in nature conservation. The the development goals that cannot be achieved concept of the drafting method of the National by a single sector. Although the NCS has Strategic Framework is shown in Annex 2. previously adopted such objectives, it could not be implemented effectively for various reasons. The sectors that need to be given priority and Furthermore, as conceptual changes have its pillars were identified based on the review taken place in the country in a number of areas, of Nepal’s international commitments and the including nature conservation, since 1988, this National Conservation Strategy (1988). Thereafter,  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 the status of nature conservation-friendly indigenous peoples; climate change and energy; development, opportunities, challenges and priority and legal and policy provisions. Chaired by Joint sectors were identified after reviewing reference Secretaries of the concerned ministries, each materials, holding interactions with the district and of the thematic groups consisted of eight to ten central-level agencies and stakeholders directly or representatives from various agencies. The names indirectly concerned with nature conservation, and of the members of the Steering Committee and holding community-level discussions. During this Thematic Committees are presented in Annex 5. process, issue-based interactions, discussions and workshops were held in 26 districts on the The National Strategic Framework formulation question of, among others, geographical, ethnic methods and draft were shared at a national-level and financial conditions and conservation. A list workshop and suggestions were collected from of the districts in which interactions took place the participants. The final draft was reviewed by is provided in Annex 3. The members of the six subject-matter experts. Framework drafting team directly participated in the interactions and discussions in 15 districts, 1.4 Limitations whereas, in the remaining districts, interactions Although the Nature Conservation National and discussions were held with the participation of Strategic Framework identifies priority sectors the Federation of Community Forest Users’ Nepal and sub-sectors, it does not encompass all of (FECOFUN), Water Users’ Association (WUA), the activities that need to be carried out by the Federation of Agricultural Groups Nepal, National thematic and sectoral agencies. Furthermore, the Association of Village Development Committees in issues that directly or indirectly affect conservation Nepal (NAVIN) and Nepal Forum of Environmental are covered only from the economic, social and Journalists (NEFEJ). In the course of these environmental aspects. These priority sectors meetings, the views of nearly 1,500 people were have been identified and prioritised based on the collected. Apart from these, suggestions were NCS (1988), its review, and emerging issues and collected from networks such as the National challenges. It has been further revised and refined Network for Sustainable Development (NNSD) following interactions with stakeholders at various via electronic media. The results of the perception phases. Hence, although efforts have been made analysis derived from face-to-face interviews to cover all sectors concerned with nature in this during district and community-level discussions Framework, it has not been possible to include are presented in Annex 4. many sectors. Directions and guidance necessary for drafting Owing to a lack of periodic data on progress in the this Framework were provided by a 19-member past, data was collected through the interaction high-level Steering Committee, chaired by the method. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to Member Secretary of the NPC. In addition, seven review the actual situation by carrying out, among thematic groups were formed, namely forest; other assessments, interactions on common agriculture; biodiversity; physical infrastructure issues among various stakeholders and reviewing and the environment; society, nature and available data.  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Chapter 2 Contextual Analysis of Nature Conservation

2.1 Concept of Nature Conservation had suffered extensively as a result of the Nature encompasses the five elements11 of the war, engaged in industrial revolutions without universe, namely earth, water, light, air and sky, paying attention to the environmental impacts as well as flora and fauna, and the natural, cultural of these movements. In these countries, and physical (artificial) environment that interact agriculture also developed as a successful with them. The term ‘natural resources’ refers to industry, earning the name Green Revolution. the resources that are available in nature in natural The Green Revolution had its main basis in (non-artificial) form. Development achieved by irrigation development, mechanization, and use human beings for their benefit, which is based of seeds of improved crop varieties, chemical on these natural resources, is civilisation and fertilizers and pesticides. The publication of culture. Silent Spring, a book by an American, Rachel Carson, in 1962, claimed that use of pesticides Nature conservation refers to the judicious utilisation had caused harm to environmental health and of natural resources, achieved by remaining within subsequently contributed to spreading general its renewable capacity in a sustainable manner. It awareness of the effects of pesticides12. This ensures use of the available natural resources in a served as a catalyst for the establishment of manner that can fulfil human development needs an environmental conservation agency in the of present and future generations. USA. From the beginning of 1970, this was the most visible environmental issue; in subsequent In its initial conception, the idea of nature years, the Ramsar Convention (Convention on conservation was based on the concept of nature Wetlands of International Importance, especially protection. Protection is the idea of protecting Waterfowl Habitat), in 1971, the United Nations natural resources, particularly flora and fauna, from Conference on the Human Environment, in 1972, loss or damage. In this sense, protection means and the World Heritage Convention, held the same keeping natural resources in their present state year, expressed the message that conservation without human interference. As such, the concept and development cannot be seen in isolation13. of nature conservation, at the beginning, touted Subsequently, the Convention on International a message in favour of protecting and saving the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and resources available in nature, and did not include Flora (CITES), held in 1973, imposed a ban on management concepts such as deriving benefits trade in endangered wildlife, their remnants and from natural resources. In the 1950s, there was flora species. This has contributed immensely a paradigm shift in this perspective. The notion to conservation of endangered species. that people should also derive benefits from the Subsequently, in 1980, the World Conservation protection of natural resources started gaining Strategy, prepared and implemented by the IUCN, momentum and the concept of conservation was presented the concept of Conservation of Bio- developeda. Hence, nature conservation has come Resources for Sustainable Development. This to mean conservation, maintenance, sustainable was further clarified by the report, Our Common utilisation and equitable sharing of benefits derived Future, prepared by the World Commission on from it through increasing human access to natural Environment and Development (WCED), also resources. known as the Brundtland Commission, in 1987. It recommended implementing eight questions,

2.2 International Context of Nature namely population and human resources, Conservation industries, food security, species and ecological After World War II, the western countries that system, urban challenges, management of public a In line with this concept, organizations such as the IUCN changed their names from protection to conservation in 1956 (Christoffersen, 1997).  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 property, energy and environment degradation14. to help to achieve the MDGs to formulate a Poverty This agenda was further reinforced by the Earth Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) with the goal of Summit, held in Rio in 1992. enhancing accountability towards poverty reduction efforts in these countries. The policy established The Earth Summit, had three achievements: the condition that the PRSPs formulated by the Declaration on Environment and Development, borrowing countries must be country-specific, Agenda 21 and Forest Principles. Among the 27 results-oriented, comprehensive, participatory and principles15 of the Declaration on Environment long-term. Stressing poverty alleviation, it gave and Development, principle one describes the priority to health, education and transportation. human role for sustainable development; it is However, it could not ensure integration of nature believed that they have the right to live healthy conservation in the implementation of such and productive lives in harmony with nature. development programmes. The social and economic aspects for sustainable development (especially poverty alleviation) were Following the emergence of genetically modified included in Agenda 21, including those related to biodiversity, in 2002, the world adopted the natural resource conservation and management Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (Biosafety that reinforce the role of children, youth, women, Protocol). It extends countries the right to ban indigenous peoples and farmers. Similarly, the import of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) Forest Principles include the issues of conservation that are not considered safe for human health. and development of forests. The Convention on Biodiversity requires every The Rio Summit (1992) put forth three conventions. member state to formulate and enforce a National The first among them is the Convention on Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). Biological Diversity (CBD), which considers that In 2004, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic conservation of biodiversity is a subject of human Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) concern and an integral part of development was introduced, which was consistent with the processes. The second is the United Nations CBD. It asserts that food security should be Conference on Environment and Development ensured through access, exchange, conservation (UNCED), which regulates human interventions and sustainable use of the available vegetation in the climate system by stabilising greenhouse in the world through a multi-faceted approach to gas emission. The third is the United Nations genetic resources, apart from equitable distribution Convention to Combat Desertification, which is of the benefits derived. At present, ITPGRFA has a focused on minimisation of impact of desertification provision regarding conservation and sustainable and drought. use only of the agricultural genetic resources listed in the ITPGRFA Annex 1 (64 species, of which 35 In 2000, the Millennium Development Goals are food and 29 forages). (MDGs) were adopted. As mentioned in Section 1.1, most of the goals are focused on production The United Nations Framework Convention on increase and income generation, therefore lacking Climate Change (UNFCCC) Reducing Emissions any significant focus on nature conservation. from Deforestation and Forest Degradation However, the first MDG, to halve poverty, is a goal (REDD) in Developing Countries states that that is linked to the livelihood of the poor, who are deforestation exacerbates greenhouse gas almost fully-dependent on natural resources in emissions and thus deforestation should be poor countries. An evaluation of the Millennium reduced. Based on scientific conclusions that 17 Ecosystem Services, carried out in 2005, has to 29 per cent of emission of greenhouse gases identified ecosystems as property of the poor. In into the atmosphere that took place over the past addition, it mentions that necessary investments two decades is due to land-use changes such as will be undertaken to strengthen services, such deforestation and forest degradation, the concept as supporting the ecosystems and provisioning, of REDD was further developed to that of REDD+ controlling and providing cultural benefits16. (Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries). This In 1999, the World Bank and the IMF adopted a has added a new dimension to the conservation policy requiring the countries that borrowed loans sector.  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 The Rio+20 World Summit, held in Brazil in conventions in relation to it, conservation 2012, declared that it would provide continuity campaigns have also taken off in Nepal and to sustainable development after the end of the the country has translated its commitment to MDGs in 2015. Discussions are currently being conservation in action. held in international fora to determine the goals of these global resolutions. Pending finalization, 2.3.1 Development of the concept of the United Nations Open Working Group on conservation in Nepal Sustainable Development Goals will be centred on For many years, institutions such as guthi have 17 sectors for sustainable development after the been established and endowment funds have MDGs 2015. Among them, to end hunger, achieve been set up to be operated by them to build food security, improve nutrition and promote gumba, monasteries, temples, water spouts, sustainable agriculture; ensure availability and canals, resting places and public platforms and sustainable management of water and sanitation to celebrate various jatras and festivals. Such for all; ensure access to affordable, reliable, customs have been practiced up to the present. sustainable and modern energy for all; take urgent Religious tolerance, co-existence and people’s action to combat climate change and its impacts; participation are the core elements for the conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas operation of such guthis. and marine resources for sustainable development; protect, restore and promote sustainable use This tradition can still be seen as living examples of terrestrial ecosystems; sustainably manage in many places. For wildlife reproduction, acts forests, combat desertification, and halt and such as not tampering with caves, planting and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity protecting tall trees for reproduction of birds, loss17 are directly related to nature conservation. building holes in walls in the backside of houses for The question of what type of nature conservation sparrows, swallow, starling and owls, worshipping strategy should be formulated and adopted to rivers as goddesses and not releasing human achieve the sustainable development goals faeces in rivers are helpful in maintaining balance has emerged among the nations in favour of in nature conservation. However, such types of sustainable development goals. traditional practices of nature conservation are on the verge of extinction. Especially, the impacts of The recent nature conservation guidelines began industrialisation, urbanisation and modernisation to emphasise people’s participation. Following are gradually increasing. the Fifth World Park Congress, held in Durban, South Africa, in 2003, rights started being In institutional form, nature conservation started in delegated to local communities in the area of 1957 with the enactment of the Forest Conservation nature conservation in many countries18. Recently, (Special Provision) Act 2014 Bikram Sambat the World Park Congress 2014, held in Sydney, (BS), Land Act 2014 BS, Nepal Mines (First Australia, articulated its commitment to declaring Amendment) Act 2014 BS. Thereafter, the major new conservation areas in the near future and to legal provisions regarding nature conservation meaningfully scale-up the nature conservation include the Aquatic Animals Act 2017 BS, Wildlife sector globally in the coming decade. Commitment (Conservation) Amendment Act 2019 BS, Land Act was also expressed to delegate the core 2021 BS, Tourism Industry Act 2021 BS, Food Act responsibility for this to indigenous nationalities and 2023 BS, Canal and Electricity and Related Water the youth. The Congress has drafted a framework Resources Act 2024 BS, Forest Conservation covering various aspects on the issue of how to (Special Provision) Act 2024 BS, Plant Protection facilitate implementation of the agreements and Act 2029 BS, Rangeland Nationalization Act 2031 commitments regarding conservation of protected BS, Natural Calamity (Relief) Act 2039 BS, Nepal zones in the future. Petroleum Act 1983, Mines and Minerals Act 1985 and Seeds Act 1988.

2.3 National Context of Nature Conservation The promulgation of the National Conservation Based on the concept of conservation that is Strategy by the GoN in 1988 has had a highly evolving at international level and the commitment positive conceptual impact. For the first time, articulated by the member states of the various in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 (1990) mentioned that the State will adopt the the nature conservation sector in the three three- policies of conservation of cultural heritage, year plans formulated since then: Three-Year preventing adverse effects on the environment Interim Plan (2064–2067 BS), Three-Year Plan through conservation measures, conservation of (2067–2070 BS) and Thirteenth Plan (2070–2073 rare wildlife, forests and vegetation, increasing BS). The major dimensions among them are agricultural productivity and implementing land integrating environment conservation into physical reform programmes (Article 26). infrastructure development and economic and social development programmes; documenting Most of the policies of Nepal aimed at conservation biodiversity and indigenous knowledge and skills of the natural environment between the fourth for conservation, promotion and sustainable use; and seventh periodic plans were focused on promoting ecosystem services through scientific, control. Even those periodic plans (Eighth, Ninth, inclusive and participatory management of forest Tenth) that were launched after the environment heritage; establishing genetic and seed banks; conservation policy was incorporated into the and encouraging environment-friendly agricultural Constitution started adopting the policies of production. Other dimensions include enhancing conservation. In the Eighth Plan (2048–2053 access of the poor to forest production to establish BS), programmes such as environment and forest-based industries; developing infrastructure resource conservation programmes, institutional for increasing the number of tourists visiting development, environmental impact assessment, for nature watching; cycling back a part of the identification and conservation of sensitive areas, revenue earned through use of natural resources conservation of natural and cultural resources, in the conservation of the same natural resource; pollution control, and mass awareness-building enhancing access of indigenous peoples in the were incorporated. The Eighth Plan also adopted conservation and promotion of natural resources the policy of implementing suitable programmes such as water, land, forest and minerals; for narrowing the gap between the public and strengthening community-based, inclusive, forests, increasing people’s participation in forest equitable and poverty reduction-oriented systems management and reducing people’s dependence in sustainable and balanced conservation, on forest. In the Ninth Plan (2053–2058 BS), management and utilisation activities; as climate environment and nature conservation received change has emerged as a global concern, greater priority. Among the 19 sectors that received according greater importance to environmental emphasis in the Ninth Plan, use of ecological conservation and promotion. variation and biodiversity, development of the agricultural sector, development of agricultural 2.3.2 Nepal’s commitment in nature enterprises, electricity generation, tourism conservation development and poverty alleviation were the National commitment: The Interim Constitution sectors related to conservation. It also adopted of Nepal (2007) guarantees every Nepali citizen the policy of enhancing people’s participation in the right to live in a clean environment and to food watershed areas such as Churia. The four pillars sovereignty as per the provisions of the law. In the of the overall strategy of the PRSP of the Tenth Obligations of the State, the Constitution states, “To Plan (viz. high, sustainable and broad economic use natural means and resources including water growth, social sector and rural infrastructure resources of the country in the interests of nation”, development, targeted programme and good whereas it mentions that it will adopt eight policies: governance) did not include the environment. (1) The State shall pursue a policy of according However, the plan covered additional subjects, priority to the local communities while mobilising namely water-induced disaster management, the natural resources and heritage of the country community-based natural resource conservation in such a manner as to be useful and beneficial to and use, strategic environmental evaluation, etc. the interests of the nation; (2) The State shall make such arrangements as may be required to keep the After the political change in 2007, many environment clean; (3) The State shall give priority environmental policies were promulgated. The to the protection of the environment and special Interim Constitution of Nepal (2007) guarantees safeguard of rare wildlife; (4) The State shall make every person the right to live in a clean environment arrangements for the protection of, sustainable (Article 16). New dimensions have been added in uses of, and the equitable distribution of benefits  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 derived from, the flora and fauna and biological facilitator in order to achieve all these targets and diversity; (5) The State shall conserve and promote commitments. national resources; (6) The State shall guarantee citizens’ right to food sovereignty; (7) The State An important mid-term goal articulated by the shall raise the standards of living of the general GoN is to lift Nepal’s status from an LDC to a public through the development of basic elements developing country by 2022. For this, the United such as education, health, transportation, housing Nations has determined three indicators, namely and employment; (8) The State shall create per capita average gross national income, Human conditions for economic progress of the majority Assets Index (HAI) and Economic Vulnerability of the people who are dependent on agriculture Index (EVI) and their standards. To be elevated to by raising productivity in the agriculture sector the rank of developing countries, it is mandatory through encouragement to the farmers. to fulfil at least two of the three indicators. Since production and income play major role in achieving The Government implements the policies this goal, the achievement of this goal is also mentioned in the Constitution through periodic directly associated with nature conservation. plans. Nepal’s commitment is guided by the MDGs for a period up to 2015. Of these goals, the goals The Government is also committed to the of poverty reduction (Goal 1) and environmental Everest Declaration on Climate Change made sustainability (Goal 7) are directly related to nature by the Government at the Everest Base Camp in conservation. December, 2009. As all ten commitments expressed in it (Annex 6) are for the entire humanity to move Apart from this, Nepal is committed towards the ahead in the preservation of world heritage, bio goals adopted by the various sectoral strategies. In diversity, sustainable economic, social, cultural accordance with these goals, the Thirteenth Plan development, tourism development, as well as is in implementation, with the target of reducing the to help preserve mountain ranges, including, population below the poverty line to 18 per cent. Sagarmatha, they are directly related to nature As poverty has an interdependent relationship conservation. with nature, formulation and implementation of programmes with the aim of achieving such goals International commitment: On one hand, natural can directly impact nature conservation. Other resources such as rivers, air, birds, and wildlife targets include raising the annual growth rate do not have any political boundaries and, on the of agriculture from 1.1 per cent to 4.5 per cent; other hand, natural resources such as one-horn raising the annual average growth rate of the non- rhino, snow leopard, tiger, glaciers, and lakes agriculture sector from 4.6 to 6.7 per cent; raising are found in only one country or region. Hence, the total length of road transport from 25,133 km to in view of the need to evaluate both the national 28,133 km by the end of the Thirteenth Plan; raising and international interests in and need for natural electricity generation from 758 MW to 1,426 MW; conservation, Nepal has also articulated its increasing irrigation coverage from 1,311,000 ha commitment to various international conventions to 1,487,275 ha; and constructing 945 km electric and covenants. Nepal’s commitment to nature railway lines from east to west through the Chitwan conservation is manifested by its membership of National Parkb are the development targets that around 30 treaties, conventions and agreements will have direct impact on nature conservation. (Annex 7). Among them, the Convention on The government has expressed its commitment Wetlands of International Importance Especially to increasing the tiger population from 155 in Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention 1971), 2010 to double this number in 202219. Likewise, Convention Concerning the Protection of the World the populations of rhinoceros and wild buffalo will Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage be increased by 50 per cent from the current 635 Convention 1972), Convention on International and 259, respectively by 202520 . Similarly, forest Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and cover will be maintained at 40 per cent of the Flora (1973), Convention on Biological Diversity total land mass. The NPC will play the role of a (1992), and International Treaty on Plant Genetic b The railway has an alternative and, if it passes through settlements, it can also avoid the park area and serve greater number of people, whereas there is not alternative to the Chitawan National Park. It would be desirable not to affect the alternativeless park when alternatives are available.  Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Resources for Food and Agriculture (2001) are 2.4 National Conservation Strategy 1988: more related to nature conservation. Major achievements and lessons learned With regard to international commitments, Nepal The National Conservation Strategy (NCS) was prepared the Fifth National Report for the CBD enacted in 1988, and the NCS Implementation in 2014. This report contains a plan of action Project was carried out from 1990 to 1997. for achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The Although the National Council for the Conservation National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCCNCR) (2014), which is designed in line with this plan, envisaged by the NCS has not been formed, was approved by the GoN in 2014. the NCS Implementation Review study (2013) revealed that its implementation has yielded many Regional and bilateral commitments: The achievements. A summary of the findings of that major SAARC-level agreements/declarations study is as follows. related to nature conservation to which Nepal is a party include the SAARC Charter (1985), SAARC a) Major achievements Environment Action Plan (1997), Agreement on The mainstreaming of the concept of NCS establishing the SAARC Food Bank (2007), Dhaka started in 1990 when the issue of mobilisation of Declaration on SAARC Action Plan on Climate natural resources and heritage was incorporated Change (2008), 16th Summit (2010) Thimphu in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal Silver Jubilee Declaration “Towards a Green and (1990) and the recent periodic plans became Happy South Asia” (2010), Agreement on South successful in enhancing people’s awareness Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) (2004) (for and orientating themselves towards environment details, please see Belbase and Khanal, 2014). improvements and nature conservation. The NCS The country is also a member of the South Asian had had a conceptual impact on the policies and Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), formed development documents that were formulated by the SAARC countries in 2011. This network has after its enforcement. Separate chapters on the expressed its commitment to addressing problems environment and natural resource management of poaching and trading in wildlife at the SAARC were incorporated in the Eighth and Ninth Plans, level. Nepal and India have been holding bilateral which were formulated thereafter. Incorporation meetings to solve problems related to wetlands. of environmental education in school education, Such high-level meetings were held in 1997 in the bachelor-level curriculum of the Education and 1998. In July 2010, Nepal and India signed Faculty and in the training programmes of a bilateral agreement with a view to strengthen the governmental and nongovernmental biodiversity conservation, including wildlife such sectors, and establishment of the Ministry of as the tiger and conservation of ecosystems in Population and Environment can be taken as border areas. In January 2013, another agreement milestones . The NCS (1988) included a series on biodiversity conservation in the border areas of recommendations, including the introduction was signed. It stressed conservation of the tiger, of a Churia Conservation Policy, establishment rhinoceros and elephant. Likewise, Nepal and of a Crop Protection Section for regulating China have been holding bilateral meetings. application of pesticides, and joint pasture During the signing of the agreement on forest management by the Department of Forest and and biodiversity conservation between Nepal Livestock Management. In addition to these and China in 2010, China expressed its desire to qualitative achievements, some of the direct and participate in meetings of SAWEN as an observer. indirect quantitative achievements related to After that agreement was signed for the first time, nature conservation that took place following the in January 2012, a meeting was held on forest and implementation of the NCS (1988) are presented biodiversity conservation. in Table 1. 10 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Table 1: Major achievements in select indicators of conservation Status at the time of formulation of Status of Indicator Unit National Conservation Strategy (1988) 2012/13 Population below the poverty line Per cent 49 23.8 Forest area Per cent 42.8 39.6 Protected area Per cent 7 23.23 Electricity generation MW 157.4 758 Population having electricity facility Per cent 67.3 Installation of bio-gas Number 1620 284,000 Improved cooking stove Number 160,000 753,000 Contribution of agriculture to Gross Domestic Per cent 61 35.1 Product Irrigated area Hectare 338,672 1311,000 Use of hybrid seeds (maize, rice and MT — 2,390 vegetables) Distribution of chemical fertilizers MT 172,056 795,295 Productivity of rice Mt/ha 2.09 3.31 Productivity of wheat Mt/ha 1.25 2.41 Milk production l/cow 350 470 Milk production l/buffalo 775 867 Road Km 1,516 25,133 Airport Number 42 44 Cement factory Number 3 >15 Population growth rate Per cent 2.66 1.3 Average life expectancy Year 50.53 68.8 Literacy Per cent 28.9 65.9 Household with access to drinking water Per cent 22 85 Household with clean latrine Per cent 6 62 Tourist arrival Number 179, 405 803,092 Radio broadcasting centre Number 1 >30 Television channel Number 1 >20 Source : Periodic plans, National Conservation Strategy (1988) b) Lessons learned structure, human resources, capacity building Land-use change management: Land-use policy and investment in conservation in all sectors and plan implementation is of great importance in Information flow and capacity building: If the nature conservation. Therefore, indiscriminately conservation strategy adopted by the country increasing expansion of settlements in agricultural cannot be communicated with the public, land, forest areas and riverbanks should be expected objectives cannot be achievedc; lack of regulated and managed. adequate knowledge of care and maintenance of cultural heritages leading to insignificant public Addressing livelihood issues: Policies and participation in their conservation results in programmes of land resource conservation and degradation of these heritages. sustainable use should address the livelihood issues of local communities dependent on land. Regular monitoring: To ensure nature-sensitivity Mainstreaming nature sensitivity: To integrate in development efforts, an agency with authority nature conservation into development, it is should be specified for monitoring environmental necessary that due attention be paid to policy, standards, policy, law and provisions of law, guidance, plan, programme, organisational environmental management plans. In addition, a C It seemed that less than 5 per cent of people were aware of the National Conservation Strategy 1988. 11 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 system that updates nature conservation-related quality due to encroachment by agricultural, data for effective monitoring should be given settlement and physical structures; excessive priority. exploitation of sand, pebbles and stones; over- fishing; water pollution due to settlements, Legal remedy: Duplication, policy, and legal industries and agriculture; invasion by invasive contradictions in management of some natural species; and siltation. Of the total landmass, resources should be removed and legal 23.23 per cent lie within twenty protected areas23. arrangements should be made as per some Among them, ten national parks, three wildlife international commitments.d reserves, one hunting reserve, six protected areas and nearly 5,602 sq km around the nine national

2.5 Major Sectoral Achievements in parks, except the Nagarjuna–Shivapuri, lie within Nature Conservation and Major buffer zones24. Forty per cent of the forest area Issues has been managed with the involvement of local This National Strategic Framework has covered communities, whereas 10 per cent is in the form of forest, biodiversity and environmental services, protected areas and the remaining 50 per cent are agriculture, land management, physical government forests. Nearly 2.8 million households infrastructure development and environment, (53%) are involved in 25,089 community-based society, culture and education, climate change forest management groups (community forests, and energy, water resource and disaster risk collaborative forests, leasehold forests and management, environmental education, health protected forests)25. Similarly, another 880,330 and law, and policy provisions. households are involved in management of buffer zone and protected forests26 and notable

2.5.1 Forest Sector achievements have been made as these groups Although forests are an integral part of the have made great efforts to internalize the principle agriculture system and principal source for of inclusiveness. generating non-agricultural employment in Nepal, the forest areas that occupied 45.5 per Achievements to date: The major achievements cent land area in 1964 decreased to 39.6 per due to the Forest Development Master cent (29% forests and 10.6% shrubs) in 1994 Plan according priority to community-based due to encroachment and conversion to other forest management are: rehabilitation of the purposes22. Wetlands cover 5.56 per cent (49% degraded landscape in the mid hills; increase in irrigated paddy field and 48% rivers) of the land protected areas from 7 per cent to 23 per cent; area. Nine of these wetland areas lie under the implementation of the Rastrapati Chure Terai– Ramsar Area. The wetland areas of the rivers and Madhes Conservation Development Programme public ponds that are not covered by the Ramsar for Churia Conservation; making the management Area are losing their natural characteristics and system of forest and protected areas participatory; and boost in tourism in protected areas. Figure 1: Changing forest area Current and emerging issues: The major issues 6402 6285 6210 are how to: increase the supply of forest products 5828 as supply is less than demand; attract private sector investment by formulating stable policies; reduce the afforestation rate; regulate forest degradation and loss of habitat; control poaching and smuggling of forest products; improve the law 1560 enforcement capacity of regulating bodies; curb 639 706 the tendency of settling displaced people and 0 the landless in forest areas; manage pressure on 1964 1978 1985 1994 forests in Nepal following increased demand for Total Forests (000 ha) Shrubs (000 ha) herbs products as a result of economic growth in neighbouring countries; and promote good d For example, legal provisions regarding CITES, CBD, ITPGR, etc have not been made. 12 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 governance of forest management. Similarly, (2006), National Biosafety Framework (2006) and the question of how to ensure the conservation Agricultural Biodiversity Policy (2007) (Amended of biodiversity, sustainable use and equitable in 2014) are some of the policy and strategy distribution of benefits as a right and duty is documents that have been enacted by the equally crucial. In addition, the possibility to government. contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change on forests as well as the impact of climate Current and emerging issues: Important issues change from appropriate forest management has that have recently emerged are: prevention of the not been properly evaluated. In the past, areas in destruction of habitats such as natural forests, which a river changed its course were replaced by wetlands and rangelands due to uncontrolled forest, but now gravels and stones are extracted construction of physical infrastructure, pollution of from such areas. As this has caused decrease in reservoirs, attacks by invasive species; mitigation forest area and has provided an impetus for the of negative impacts on biodiversity conservation registration of forest areas as private property, this (such as destruction of habitats of endangered problem should be addressed. species, change of habitat) due to use of improved and hybrid varieties and climate change; resolution

2.5.2 Biodiversity of increasing conflicts between the wildlife and Nepal is relatively rich in biodiversity due to great human beings alongside conservation; resolution geographical and climatic diversities. Nepal of disputes noticed on the issue of traditional and occupies an area of 0.1 per cent in the global participatory conservation; control of poaching map, whereas it is home to 3.2 per cent of the of wildlife due to high demand for some wildlife world’s flora and 1.1 per cent of the fauna. This body parts and their high prices in the international includes 5.2 per cent of the world’s mammals, 9.5 market; and conservation of crops in remote hilly per cent of the birds, 5.1 per cent of gymnosperms regions due to subsidized rice. Similarly, there is an and 8.2 per cent of the bryophytes. The country is issue of how to mitigate the current and possible also rich in agronomic crops, vegetables, fruit and future effects of the pressure of transportation and domestic animals, which include more than 550 other infrastructure development on the habitats cereal species, 220 vegetable species and 45 fruit of endangered flora and fauna. The proposed species. The IUCN Red List includes nine species railway and postal roads through the Chitwan of flora, 55 species of mammal, 149 species of National Park are recent examples of this issue. bird, 15 species of herpetofauna and 21 species of fish. Similarly, 15 flora, 55 mammal, 108 bird, Lack of coordination in formulation, planning and 10 reptile and three insect species are listed in implementation of conservation policies; weak the CITES list. In Nepal, 118 ecosystem types are implementation of the environmental assessment found27. provisions in economic development projects; weak monitoring and regulation of application Achievements to date: Nepal has achieved of agricultural pesticides are some of the other notable progress in biodiversity conservation and important issues. Another issue that has recently sustainable use over the past three decades. come up is how to control the destruction to farming The major achievements are population recovery caused by wildlife, as there has been decrease in among some large animals, including tiger and wildlife food diversity due to monoplanting. one-horn rhinoceros; improvements in ex-situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity through The issues that remain to be addressed and have gene bank and community seed bank; increase newly emerged in this sector are: lack of research in benefits of the protected zone and biodiversity into the impact of the biosafety and GMO; lack of management programme; increase in awareness genetic analysis and gene mapping of endangered of conservation among urban youth; enhancement flora and fauna; lack of monitoring capacity of the of knowledge of diversity of flora; and increase changes at community, population and land arc in revenue from nature-based tourism. During levels; limited human resources and capacity this period, a number of conservation policies, in forest and protected area management; strategies and laws have been enacted. They biodiversity conservation; sustainable use and include the National Biodiversity Strategy and equitable distribution of benefits; and lack of laws Action Plans (2014–2020), Biodiversity Policy in areas such as protection of Intellectual Property 13 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Rights. As bio-sources are constantly involved Achievements to date: Some of the major in trans-border movements, it will be important achievements in the agriculture sector related to to determine how to bring about uniformity in conservation are: operation of farmer schools the policies and rules formulated based on the related to integrated pest management and geographical and ecosystem variations existing integrated plant nutrient management, and soil between the two countries and how to formulate management; determination of national standards conservation plans based on the landscape for organic farming products and their processing; concept. development of various species of crops; improvement of local animal breeds; and plant

2.5.3 Agriculture and animal quarantine programmes. Although agriculture is the backbone of Nepal’s economy, more than 70 per cent of the production Current and emerging questions: The important is subsistence-based28. On one hand, the total issues that have emerged are: increasing size of cultivable land is shrinking as cultivable demand for agricultural products due to increased land is gradually being converted into housing, population; increasing demand for processed industry, transportation and other physical products due to increased income; supply infrastructure construction. On the other hand, management of non-toxic products due to agriculture is being expanded even in and around increased knowledge of nutrition to match the urban areas and bazaars and in uncultivable increasing demand; and need to mechanize slope land. In sum, it has not been possible to agriculture in view of feminisation of agriculture increase agricultural productivity. The Agriculture and lack of labour; and increase in agricultural Perspective Plan stresses commercialisation production through commercialisation. Decreasing of agriculture. However, programmes on agricultural land management due to the conservation of agro biodiversity, recharging of current housing plans, haphazard urbanisation, underground water, increasing soil fertility, and settlement expansion and physical infrastructure so on have not received priority. Out of the three development have emerged as new issues. Other million hectares of cultivated land in the country, issues include: addressing the impact of climate nearly 290,000 hectares (10%) are degraded29. change on agriculture; sustainable management The size of land under cultivation between 2058 of agricultural and pasture land; increasing and 2068 BS has decreased by 5 per cent from application of pesticides in soil and plants; 2.65 ha to 2.52 ha30. As shown by a study, 16 minimisation of negative impact of the residues per cent of the agricultural land in eastern Terai of antibiotics used in animal feeds and impact (Sunsari, Morang and Jhapa) has been used for on human health; ensuring food safety, and housing and industrial purposes. strengthening and capacity enhancement of agricultural labour force. Although agriculture commercialisation and productivity increase are crucial from the conservation point of view, the question of how to minimise use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides while increasing agricultural productivity is also important.

2.5.4 Physical Infrastructure Development Construction of physical infrastructure such as roads, hydropower generation and transmission, irrigation, drinking water, industrial zone building, schools, hospitals, parks, and playgrounds has had an excessive impact on land-use changes. As of last year (2070 BS), a total of 25,599 km of highways and 55,000 km of rural roads has been constructed. In addition, unpaved roads constructed by DDCs/VDCs and the landslides and soil erosion occurring in the rainy season Rice farming in Jumla have had notable impact on land-use in wide areas 14 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 above and below the road. Some roads are under Governance Framework (2013); development of a construction such as the Mid-Hill Highway, postal bio-engineering manual; according importance to roads, and the Kathmandu–Terai Expressway. nature conservation in road corridors; formulation Similarly, the 945 km Mechi–Mahakali Railway, of a policy requiring planting of 25 trees in place of 179 km Simra–Butwal Railway, 44 km Butwal– a tree that has been cut while constructing a road; Bhairawaha–Lumbini Railway, five new airportse, and formulation of Environmental Guidelines for 20 cement factories, and 45 new hydropower Physical Infrastructure Construction. projects are being constructed. Likewise, it has been proposed that large highways and Current and emerging issues: The following electricity transmission lines passing through have emerged as important issues for nature forests and protected areas be constructed due conservation: how to mitigate the negative impact to complications related to encroachment and of the development of transportation facilities such compensation. The electric railway passing as roadways, railways, hospitals and housing; through the Chitwan National Park that has been expansion of electricity and telephone lines; proposed is one such example. As the value of and provision of drinking water and drainage. the land under cultivation around both sides of the Furthermore, how to integrate construction road increases with the road construction and are programmes in the road construction sector, sold for plotting, agricultural land is increasingly feasibility studies, environmental evaluation and being diverted to non-agricultural purposes. construction work in single packages; how to Feasibility studies have been started being carried curb the tendency to construct roads along river out for other proposed projects such as Bheri– banks; how to reduce use of bulldozers in the Babai, Sunkoshi–Marin, Kaligandaki–Tinau, construction of unpaved roads in rural areas; how Kaligandaki–Nawalparasi, Trishuli–Chitwan and to plan postal roads and proposed railways so Madi (Dang), Kaligandaki–Tinau river diversion, that they circumvent parks and protected areas; and studies of their geological conditions have how to enforce the provision requiring release of been accomplished. Although such large projects 10 per cent of water below the dam level during are indispensable for development, they should dam construction; how to ensure construction of be properly monitored as they could generate fish ladderf for the movement of fish. Pollution massive impact on nature conservation. in urban areas caused by the development of physical infrastructure has also emerged as a new Achievements to date: Some of the major question. achievements related to conservation are: formulation of environmental standards to be 2.5.5 Water Resources adopted while constructing physical infrastructure; The National Water Strategy has accorded implementation of Environment Friendly Local priority to water resources, asserting that the Hydro power station at Modikhola, Parbat district e As large airports destroy massive forest areas, trees should be planted in other areas and new forests developed to compensate for this. f The principal objective of fish ladder is to ensure unhindered movement of aquatics. So, fish ladders are imperative for aquatics that travel long distances and move according to the season. 15 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 potential for economic development of the Achievements to date: Some of the major country lies in water resources. Although there achievements related to water resource has not been any change in the amount of water conservation include: expanding irrigation facilities flowing from the snow-capped mountains, the to 1,311,000 ha; increasing national sanitation flow, as well as quality of water, from the rivers coverage from 30 per cent to 62 per cent between and lakes in the Mid Hills has been reduced, 2000 and 2011; increasing basic water supply which has in turn started to decrease the level coverage to approximately 85 per cent of the of water in streams and rivers. As changes in population; construction of small, medium and large rainfall and land-use changes in the watershed irrigation structures using rainwater harvesting; areas have posed problems in the water-related and applying public–private partnership models processes, water scarcity is occurring in water for hydroelectricity development. sources. Due to intensive land use, uncontrolled deforestation, haphazard urbanization in rural Current and emerging issues: Emergent issues areas, unsystematic infrastructure construction, include: how to enhance access of the grassroots climate change, open grazing and lack of water communitiestotheservicesoftheagenciesconcerned absorbing capacity, water is decreasing in both with water resources development, especially the surface and ground water sources. Similarly, Department of Irrigation and Department of Water- water has become increasingly scarce because Induced Disaster Prevention; how to enhance of a rapidly growing population, excessive the effectiveness of the coordination between the exploitation of the Chure, which is the main agencies concerned with water resources; and how source of groundwater in the Terai, unsystematic to address the problems of soil conservation and and rapid use of underground water source in watershed seen in the implementation of hydropower urban and large urban centres. development in the national conservation areas. The issues of preventing drainage of sewage into rivers, The Water Resources Strategy (2002) and the preventing the use of tap water for house-roof- National Water Plan (2005) state that the concept of top gardening, mitigating the possible occurrence integrated water resource management and basin of landslides due to rainwater storage in ponds in management will be stressed in development. hilly regions, recharging ground water, ensuring Although the Water Resources Strategy calls for pond for wildlife and birds in forest areas; and developing and managing water, land and other mitigation of adverse impacts on water resources resources in an integrated and coordinated manner due to construction of infrastructure have emerged for sustainable economic development, integrated as issues that need to be addressed. From the watershed management is yet to be developed. perspective of usage, rivers have not yet been In addition, the habitats of flora and fauna in and classified based on use for hydropower generation, round rivers, rivulets and natural watersheds have tourism promotion, conservation of biodiversity of not been protected. aquatics and multipurpose. Although the Irrigation Policy mentions about the formulation of an In addition, the number of glaciers in the irrigation act, no irrigation act has been formulated Himalayan region is decreasing, though average yet. The challenge of how to achieve integrated glacier area has increased. According to a water resource management, considering the multi- study conducted by the International Centre for faceted usefulness of water resources in line with the Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), 14 concept of integrated water management, including glaciers in Nepal and 10 in China have burst in social, economic and environmental aspects, should the last 450 years, causing human and physical be addressed. casualties. For instance, Nepal’s Dig Tsho Glacier burst on 4 August 1985, causing massive loss. In Issues pertaining to trans-boundary river networks studies conducted in 2001, a total of 2323 glaciers and watershed areas have also arisen. Studies covering approximately 76 sq km decreased must be conducted to analyse the effects of to 1,466 glaciers covering approximately 65 sq hazardous glacial lakes, whereas the issue km. However, the average area of glaciers has of the various types of physical infrastructure increased from 0.033 sq km to 0.044 sq km, which constructed on the Nepal–India border obstructing has resulted in an increased risk of glacial lake the flow of water in the rainy season and affecting burst33. human settlements, ecosystems and agricultural 16 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 production by inundating river bank areas and Box 1: Pollution caused by tourism industry low-lying areas also needs to be addressed. While celebrating diamond jubilee

2.5.6 Energy anniversary on the occasion of the 60th Lack of energy is a major problem for the anniversary of the conquest of Mt Everest, development of Nepal. Hydropower is a chief a special sanitation campaign was launched factor that affects nature conservation. Ninety and 22 tonnes of garbage was collected. per cent of the electricity in the country is derived MOF, 2014 p. 203 from hydropower34,35. Out of the country’s total electricity generation potential (83,000 mW), 45,610 mW is feasible from economic perspective water mills, 753 thousand improved stoves; and and as of 2069/70 BS, 705 mW of electricity had promotion of 1,000 tonnes of bio briquettes a been linked to the national grid. This includes 473 year. mW of governmental generation and 232 mW of private sector generation. Additional 668 mW Current and emerging issues: The issues to from the hydropower projects to be accomplished be addressed that have emerged are: how to in the Thirteenth Plan period will be linked to the increase the coverage of renewable energy in national grid, whereas other hydro power projects remote areas, given the high cost of material generating additional 584 mW will be launched transportation and need to enhance consumption in this period. Careful monitoring of the potential effectiveness; make provisions for checking adverse impacts of physical construction works the quality of stoves locally built of tin sheets, (e.g. link roads, dams and tunnels), river diversion providing them recognition and offering subsidies and pond construction on nature conservation has as the demand for improved stoves has increased; become imperative. In Nepal, 85 per cent of energy weak implementation of the Water Resources Act; is still derived from traditional organic sources36, lack of attention to development of bio energy and of the remaining 15 per cent, nine per cent technology that does not emit carbon dioxide; lack from petroleum products, three per cent from coal, of fish ladders constructed at hydropower dam two per cent from electricity and one per cent from sites; limited availability of credit for rural energy; renewable energy37. Increasing use of fossil fuels lack of appraisal of indirect benefits of electricity is also leading to negative impact on greenhouse use; non-compliance with the legal provision gas emissions and causing air pollution. The requiring release of 10 per cent of water from the general masses also lack knowledge of the dams constructed for hydro power generation; lack impact of the use of fossil fuel on the environment. of monitoring indicators on renewable energy with Whereas cooking gas consumptiong was 25,772 central and regional agencies. Apart from these, MT38 in 2058/59, it increased to 133,271 MT39 in there is the issue of appraising the environmental 2070—an increase of 5 per cent a year. As of 2069, impact and negative impact of hydropower projects the Alternative Energy Promotion Programme has on biodiversity and flora and fauna. promoted 621 thousand improved stoves and 180 thousand biogas plants. Improved stoves are 40 2.5.7 Tourism per cent more economical than normal stoves The total number of tourists has been increasing in firewood consumption. This has immensely over the past ten years. The average duration of stay contributed to forest conservation. Furthermore, per tourist has been approximately 12 days for the improved stoves protect housewives’ health from past ten years. Currently, approximately 800,000 the smoke emitted by traditional stoves. tourists visit Nepal each year. Of them, more than 50 per cent visit for first-hand observation of natural Achievements to date: Some of the achievements and cultural heritage. Although an analysis of the related to conservation are: generation of 758 mW tourist arrival data for the past ten years does not of hydropower and 26.27 mW of micro hydropower; show a definite trend, tourists visiting on holidays, installation of 284 thousand household, institutional leisure, travel/visit, trekking, mountaineering and and community biogas plants; installation of 2,272 religious purposes make up more than two-thirds solar dryers/cookers; installation of 9,819 improved of the total tourists40. Domestic tourism has also g One kg of gas is equivalent to 21.2 kg of firewood (ie almost one load) (GIZ, 2014). 17 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 witnessed growth. According to the data for 2070 programmes with the customs, culture and BS, among the tourists visiting Lumbini, 67.5 per livelihood bases of women, Dalits and indigenous cent were domestic, 17.7 per cent were Indian and peoples; failure to conserve the houses built in 14.8 per cent were from third countries. The number traditional styles in villages; lack of conservation of trekking tourists increased by 25 per cent, and of archaeological heritage through income earned this figure is expected to further grow in the future; by using traditional houses as guest houses; and as this could directly impact nature conservation, non-implementation of the Tourism Master Plan it is necessary to adopt an appropriate policy to despite its formulation. The Tourism Act (2035 address potential effects. BS) is only focused on prevention of pollution in the Himalayan region through mountaineering. Achievements to date: Some of the achievements A primary issue pertaining to tourism legislation related to conservation are: The Tourism Act is the need to strengthen the Tourism Act, which (2035 BS), introduction of legal provisions for has become obsolete, so that it can prevent and keeping the Himalayan region pollution-free; the control environmental problems and pollution Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, Ministry that have emerged and will be problematic in the of Agricultural Development, Ministry of Industry future through the establishment, development and Ministry of Energy’s integration of tourism into and operation of tourism enterprises, as well as their respective sectoral development strategies; providing a legal basis to the policy issues raised enforcement of operational procedures on tourist by the Tourism Policy (2009 BS) and the Tourism homestays; incorporation of tourism management Vision (2020 BS). conservation in the post-graduate curriculum; and introduction of a provision allocating 30 per cent 2.5.8 Land Management of the revenue from trekking, tourists and from Of Nepal’s total land area, 27 per cent is covered entry fees to DDCs, etc. Furthermore, framing by cultivable land, 39.6 per cent by forest, 12 per and enforcement of a code of conduct for trekking cent by grazing land, 17.2 per cent by snow and and rafting by the private sector can be taken rocks and 2.6 per cent by reservoirs41. Of the total as a positive step. This has, on the one hand, 26.5 million hectares of cultivable land, 1.7 million presented an example of using tourism and nature hectares can be irrigated, whereas only 1.1 million conservation in an integrated manner and, on the hectares are currently under irrigation.42 Lack other, shown the possibility of using tourism as a of irrigation is the main problem in agricultural tool for nature conservation. production and productivity in the country. On the other hand, access to land and credit is quite low Current and emerging issues: The problems for landless farmers and free Kamaiya; as a result that have been encountered include: exploration those dependent on the land are semi-employed. of alternative trekking routes before upgrading Access of such sections of society to the benefits the tourism trekking routes to roads; decrease of conservation of natural resources is yet to be in local products due to increasing tourist ensured. These are the groups that should be demand; management of increasing garbage; the foci of research and grants when there is a negative impact on normal behaviour of wildlife; predominance of small and marginal farmers.43 increasing use of forest resources; and impact of Production and conservation programmes should external culture on infrastructure development. also give equal priority to this. Concomitant problems have been increasing with the number of tourists, and there is a great Achievements to date: The main achievements possibility of aggravating the risk to natural of land management include: promulgation of the resources. The emerging issues that need to be Land-Use Policy; preparation of land-use map; addressed include: lack of knowledge at the district systematic record keeping of all types of land in the and community levels of the importance of nature country; availability of data pertaining to and maps conservation for tourism development; lack of both of protected areas and forests; introduction of human resources and investments at the local level; provision for providing a rebate on the registration inability to curtail the impact of labour availability fee while passing deeds for purchasing land, at on agriculture through tourism development in the rate of 15 to 40 per cent to women, Dalits, coordination with agriculture; inappropriateness Janajatis, less developed classes and 100 per of the natural/cultural resource conservation cent to the families of martyrs in order to enhance 18 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 their access; promulgation of the National Land- quality services in health institutions and irregular Use Policy (2069 BS); preparation of a 13-point supply of essential medicines are major problems. action plan by two high-level commissions; According to a study conducted by the World Health initiation of overall land-used law drafting process Organisation in 2007, 25 per cent of diseases are in accordance with the land-use policy; and caused by environmental degradation44. From this formulation of an integrated labour law draft. perspective, drinking water and sanitation, which directly impact human health, have not been Current and emerging issues: Management given adequate attention. By 2015, the target is to of human settlements and urbanization, special extend drinking water service to 73 per cent of the zoning for industries and business, minimisation population and sanitation services to 53 per cent of the use rate of agricultural land for non- and to extend basic drinking water and sanitation agricultural uses; regulation of the tendency of services to 100 per cent of the population by 2017. keeping land fallow; and controlling the tendency If the environment and ecosystem services were of encroaching government and public land in the properly conserved, 10 types of disease, including name of resettlers have emerged as important diarrhoea, dysentery, pneumonia and gastritis, issues. In addition, the issue of how to introduce could be minimised45. mechanisation of family land that is small, upland and terraced has emerged. Other issues include Achievements to date: The notable achievements provision of piecemeal contracts in mines (not include: the Government of Nepal’s emphasis taking them as industry); not considering the on the implementation of health-related policies, land-use changes in the Churia Region; failing to plans and programmes; notable progress in establish the types of land area in which industrial health-related indicators; reduction in the mortality zone can be established; lack of systemisation of children under five years of age; reduction in in settlement planning; loss of soil fertility due to maternal mortality; and an increase in the average construction of rural roads; lack of integration in life expectancy to 68.8 years. Another notable land-use planning; and increased tendency to keep progress is promulgation of the Bird Flu Control cultivable land fallow due to foreign employment. Ordinance (2006) to prevent the outbreak of Similarly, other emergent issues include a lack of epidemics like bird flu. updated data, lack of detailed guidelines on land use, lack of land management guidelines, and a Current and emerging issues: The health issues lack of local-level planning and monitoring in land related to the environment include: unhealthy use and management. food; presence of agricultural pesticide residues in food, especially residues of antibiotics and

2.5.9 Health hormones in chicken and milk; lack of safe drinking In Nepal, 117 hospitals, 208 primary health water; weak sanitation; and lack of production centres, 675 health centres, 3,127 sub-health and consumption of nutritious cereals. Similarly, posts and 13,180 primary health facilities provide due to unsystematic urbanisation, expansion of health services. Through them, 48,489 Female settlements without access to minimal services, Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) provide and scattered locations of rural and remote services. As of the Three-Year Plan period, 85.8 settlements, the issue of how to make drinking per cent of the population has access to basic water and other health-related facilities available drinking water services and 11.06 per cent has to meet demand has emerged. The incidence access to safe drinking water. Similarly, 62 per cent of vector-borne epidemics such as malaria, of the population has been covered by primary Japanese encephalitis, dengue, and kalajar has sanitation services. While the government has increased due to climate change. Thus, the issues adopted the goal of providing health service to all that need to be addressed include: how to make citizens within a walking distance of 30 minutes, payment to the ones maintaining cleanliness of such a service has reached 62 per cent. water; need to control the outbreak of various diseases caused by water contamination; and In the Terai, such populations make up 76 per the need for the provision for toilets in all houses cent. Ineffective management, supervision and and public places, including trekking routes. If the monitoring of human and physical resources, current urbanisation rate continues to grow at an medicines and equipment necessary for providing uncontrolled pace, it may aggravate the quality of 19 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 ecosystem goods and services such as air, water, launch of the ecological system-based adaptation food, as well as increasing temperature in cities, programme on a pilot basis. thus rendering the management of epidemics caused by this more difficult. Current and emerging issues: The major issues include: how to enhance knowledge of the impact

2.5.10 Climate change of climate change on ecosystems and species; how In terms of climate change, Nepal is the fourteenth to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change; vulnerable country in the world. Due to climate and how to promote nature-based adaptation change, the average temperature has increased methods. The impact evaluation of the nature- and the time and intensity of rainfall have changed. based adaptation method on the agriculture-based Because of an increase in temperature by 0.060C economy that has the compulsion to produce more annually, winters will become warmer and the is yet to be done. Hence, it is important to carry rainy season will experience heavier rainfall46. out studies and evaluations of the possible impact The majority of people depend on climate change- of climate change in various sectors. Additional sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, forests, issues include how to strengthen the process biodiversity and eco-tourism, for their livelihood. for translating the policy into implementation; The impact of climate change has been perceived mitigation of dependence on foreign technology in terms of the degree of temperature, rainfall, and for climate change adaptation due to inability to variations in the timing of their occurrence. Higher develop domestic technology along with climate overall temperatures have increased the risk change; strategic enhancement; evaluation of the of glacial bursts in the Himalayan region due to contributions of local genetic resources in climate melting of ice. Alterations in the rainy season, too, change adaptation; and need to strengthen have led to prolonged droughts and occasional monitoring mechanism and system. heavy rainfall. The temperature increase has even affected the number and behaviour of flora 2.5.11 Urbanisation and fauna and agricultural system. For example, Although Nepal is the least urbanised country in it has become possible to practise maize farming South Asia, it holds the distinction as a country most in high hilly regions due to a warmer climate. For rapidly moving towards urbanisation. According to adapting to such changes, National Adaption Plan a World Bank study, since 1970, urban population of Action and Local Adaptation Plan of Action are has been growing at a rate of 6 per cent annually48. being implemented in a few districts. Minimum Urban areas have a greater share in GDP (62 per Carbon Economic Development Strategy and cent). Compared to the overall poverty rate of 25.4 REDD+ Strategy are being formulated for reducing per cent, poverty is lower in urban areas (15 per greenhouse gas emissions, which is the main cent). Whereas the overall population growth rate cause of climate change. is 1.35 per cent, the population growth rate is quite high in urban areas (3.4 per cent). As the rural Achievements to date: The notable achievements population seeks income-oriented employment include: designation of the Ministry of Science, opportunities in urban areas, this growth rate is Technology and Environment as the agency expected to continue. responsible for overseeing climate change; formation of a high-level climate change council Achievements to date: The notable achievements in the chairpersonship of the Prime Minister; related to conservation in the urbanisation sector formulation of the Climate Change Policy (2011); concerned include: establishment of the Ministry of implementation of the National Adaptation Plan of Urban Development; enforcement of the Building Actions; implementation of the Local Adaption Plan Code (2014); implementation of the Clean City of Actions; formulation of the Climate Resilience Programme in 13 municipalities; implementation Planning Framework (2011); development of infrastructure development and environment and implementation of Strategic Programme improvement work in eight cities; formulation on Climate Resilience; development and of periodic plans in 20 municipalities and implementation of the process to be adopted under physical development plans in 30 municipalities; the clean development mechanism; appraisal of implementation of model infrastructure the economic aspects of the climate change on development programmes in one VDC each in agriculture, energy and natural calamities; and 20 districts; and formulation of sewage and road 20 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 network plan in 21 VDCs that are to be declared municipalities. Current and emerging issues: The major issues that need to be addressed include: how to control the trend of farming on marginal land; how to regulate urbanisation on main agricultural and irrigated land; how to regulate settlement in areas around irrigation canals; how to control water, air, sound and land pollution caused by uncontrolled road construction; how to enforce urban environment guidelines; how to update environmental data. Furthermore, there are issues of how to maintain additional natural and open areas to protect the natural environment in Box 3: Air Pollution in Kathmandu cities; how to protect the existing natural and open areas; how to make provision for park and other A measurement of the air quality in the natural spaces and how to maintain the existing major cities in 178 countries shows that ones; how to prevent encroachment of public land Nepal ranks 177th, which is only one level for conversion into settlements; how to remove above Bangladesh. The number of vehicles the settlement areas that have arisen in areas in Kathmandu has increased by three folds sensitive from the environmental point of view. since 2000. Vehicles are the major cause of air pollution.

2.5.12 Industrialisation In the first eight months of the FY 2013/14, a total Environmental Performance Index, Yale, of 45,941 industries were registered49. Among 2014 the registered industries, 54 per cent including: agriculture (5 per cent), construction (1 per cent), energy (3 per cent), production-oriented (44 per has been conducted in the country since the FY cent) and mines (1 per cent). Similarly, tourism has 2008/09. Access roads are being constructed and a share of 18 per cent and services 28 per cent50. electricity transmission lines are being laid for 13 Whereas 475 industries obtained permission for cement industries that have been established and establishment in the FY 2012/1351, the energy operating in various parts of the country so that the and mine sectors recorded only negligible growth, country becomes self-reliant in cement by using marginal reduction in service and production- the mineral resources available within the country. oriented industries, and no growth in all others. As this is likely to increase the use of agricultural With the objective of encouraging establishment and forest areas for other purposes, as well as of various categories of natural and mine- causing negative impacts on biodiversity and based industries, particularly cement industries nature conservation, it is necessary to pay proper have been encouraged under the Industrial attention to this aspect as well. For ensuring Infrastructure Development Programme, which sustainable development, the development of industrial and commercial sectors should be Box 2: based on science, technology and exploration. Furthermore, the promotion of the technology and In Rautahat, the toxic waste discharged by knowledge brought back by those returning from distillery and sugar factories had negatively foreign employment should be effectively utilised. affected rice farming and the health of acquatic animals and human beings Achievements to date: The main achievements immensely. related to conservation in the industrialization sector include: institutional strengthening of the Peasants for Food Sovereignty, 22 Oct Nepal Business Forum; infrastructure construction, 2014lvcsouthasia.blogspot.com especially of the economic zone in Bhairahawa, which has reached the final phase; enforcement 21 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 of the Industrial Policy (2010); initiation of and diesel energy have been contributing to air formulation of the New Industrial Business Act pollution. Discharges of industrial slurry, human and Regulations; initiation of the formulation of the sewerage, hospital waste in rivers and flowing Intellectual Property Rights Policy; implementation of pesticide residue used in agriculture in water of the Micro-Enterprise Development Programme have caused a high level of pollution in reservoirs. for Poverty Alleviation. Due to such forms of pollution, almost all rivers in Kathmandu are in peril. Current and emerging issues: The issues that have emerged include: how to maintain Achievements to date: The main achievements agricultural production and productivity, along with include: determination of standards for air establishment and expansion of industries and quality, sound and water; implementation of preventing negative impacts on the forest area; environment awareness enhancement and how to prevent negative impacts of the dust and promotion programme; accomplishment of smoke emitted by industries on human health; safe management of long-term pesticides; how to impose a ban on discharging of waste implementation of programmes to translate the and slurry into rivers, lakes and ponds; how to treaties and conventions on environment aimed enforce the provision of the Initial Environmental at environment conservation and sustainable Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact development ratified by Nepal; implementation of Assessment (EIA), especially in industries that the National Adaptation Plan of Actions; and the were established even before the enforcement of beginning of earned incoming from carbon trade the legislation. Other issues include: the inability under the Kyoto Protocol in Nepal through the to promote green industries; inability to frame development of clean energy. industrial business acts and regulations; absence of an intellectual property rights policy; increase Current and emerging issues: The issues in carbon emissions while using fossil fuels; that have emerged as new challenges include: negative impacts on residential areas caused by maintaining environmental adaptation; minimising industrial areas due to lack of coordination in the emissions from industrial and other physical construction of industrial areas and residential infrastructure development activities; preventing areas; devaluation of long-term effects on human deforestation resulting from poverty and health; non-implementation of compliance of the other causes; implementing results-oriented environmental standards. programmes by enhancing access to climate finance; integrating climate finance in the national

2.5.13 Environment Conservation budgeting system; enhancing general awareness Internal factors such as increasing urbanisation, about environment conservation; internalising the haphazard expansion of settlements, programmes on climate change at the grassroots deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and an level; internalising pollution prevention and control; uncontrolled application of pesticides have caused and ensuring the right to live in a clean environment negative impacts on the environment. External granted by the Constitution. Furthermore, the air pollution sources consist of smoke emitted issues that have arisen and need to be addressed by vehicles, brick kilns, and cement factories. include: ineffective enforcement of environmental The main domestic pollution source is the smoke evaluation in local development programmes; in emitted by burning firewood. The main problems respect of programmes directly disbursed by the include: air, water and sound pollution in urban centre to the VDC, absence of provision requiring areas; river cutting and floods in Terai districts; payment by the centre only after approval by landslides and heavy snowfall in hill districts; the VDC; lack of implementation and monitoring avalanches and glacial outbursts and their impact of the measures for minimising the negative in Himalayan districts; increasing application of impact shown by environmental evaluation; lack pesticides; and loss of biodiversity. Construction of of a monitoring mechanism and system; lack of a roads; increased incomes (especially remittance); system wherein the public is made aware of the increase in the number of vehicles due to soft results of environmental evaluations. loans provided by financial institutions; increase in domestic and international flights; and increase in 2.5.14 Environmental Education the number of industries based on firewood, coal At present, environmental education has been 22 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 incorporated from the primary to the secondary environmental education design linked with level. For young children, topics have ranged local customs and culture; provision of applying from introduction of flora and fauna to the need environmental education and awareness for conservation; in addition, the topics of health, programmes from school level; provision of population and environment have been made assessing the impact on nature by joint monitoring compulsory subjects. Environmental study is an system; and provision of carrying out public optional subject in higher education. Similarly, hearings at public venues only after providing prior non-formal education covers training programmes information. conducted by governmental and non-governmental organisations. These include training conducted 2.5.15 Nature Conservation and Poverty by the National Trust for Nature Conservation, Alleviation Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness As poverty is more pervasive in rural areas and (ECCA), IUCN, WWF–Nepal, Ministry of Forests because the mainstay of the rural economy is and Soil Conservation, Ministry of Agricultural natural resources, natural resource management Development and Ministry of Federal Affairs and access of the poor people to such resources and Local Development. Although two decades are important for the development of rural have passed since environmental education was socio-economic sector; specifically, agricultural incorporated in school education, no notable land, forests, rivers and streams are the natural revisions have been made in the topics included resources that are within the access of the rural in environmental education. Current and emerging poor. While 23.82 per cent of the population was issues such as climate change, excessive below the poverty line in the FY 2009/2010, rural application of chemical fertilizers in farming, poverty was 27.4 per cent. The State has set the misuse of pesticides in farming, excessive use target of reducing rural poverty to 10 per cent within of hormones and antibiotics in animal husbandry the next 20 years. These data indicate that natural should be included as well. resource conservation should be linked to poverty alleviation. Inclusive and broad-based economic Achievements to date: Some of the notable growth, improvements in food and nutrition achievements include: incorporation of security, and poverty alleviation have received environmental education at the school level; priority in almost all policies, strategies, plans and inclusion of a few subjects and degree-oriented programmes. Nevertheless, the implementation courses in universities and affiliated colleges; aspect of such issues has been rather weak. While production of curriculum, reference material, and implementing nature conservation and sustainable awareness-oriented materials on environment use programmes, various controversial issues education; inclusion of environmental education have been raised, including legal contradictions. by the training and projects of governmental Priority areas following the MDG period (2015) and non-governmental agencies; and increased include achieving zero population within poor and mass awareness of the necessity of nature marginalised groups, nature conservation, and conservation. sustainable development for life protection. Current and emerging issues: Most of the Achievements to date: It is mentioned in the feasibility study reports have not paid adequate Interim Constitution and all other important laws attention to the issue of conservation of cultural and policies that the access of the poor to natural heritage. The main issues that have emerged resources should be enhanced and the natural include: how to identify cultural heritage and resources should be used in a sustainable manner organise them; how to enhance knowledge and their dividends equitably distributed. This is of conservation of cultural heritage; and how a major achievement. The community forestry to enhance general awareness. The further programme, leasehold forestry programme, issues concern: availability of policies, rules and collaborative forestry programme, and community documents on environmental conservation in the forestry implemented in buffer zones such as the VDCs; information flow of environmental standards Kanchanjunga Conservation Area are some of the and conservation programmes; enhancement of successful programmes that have been launched practical knowledge of environmental services for socio-economic development in rural areas. among teachers; applying learning into practice; Another notable achievement is the Community 23 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Seed Programme, implemented for biodiversity In eastern Nepal, Limbus keep Chwanche pigs and conservation and easy availability of seeds in the Sherpas keep Jhopkhos for culturally significant agriculture sector. reasons. Bel bibah (traditional marriage of girls observed with the fruit of Aegle marmelos) in Current and emerging issues: Promotion of the Newar community and Menlhapuja (worship rural livelihoods; required balance between of god of herbs) in the Lama community are rural development and nature conservation; and further examples of natural associations in ethnic continuity and promotion of interrelationships culture. The Ubhauli-Udhauli, celebrated by between natural resources such as land, water Kirats with change of season, is also associated and forest for agricultural development are with transhumance and agricultural systems. crucial issues of rural socio-economic projects. Some of the customs practised by ethnic groups Similarly, how to derive optimal benefits for the in Nepal, such as the worship conducted by the poor from the opportunities of nature conservation Tamang community to the shibda (land) so that programmes; how to minimise the negative floods and landslides do not occur (Singila Hill impacts of the conservation programmes; how to in Dhading, Fikuri Hills in Nuwakot, Kalinchok reduce the damage caused by wildlife; and how and Sailung Hills in Dolakha and Ramechhap, to minimise the loss of indigenous knowledge Temal Hills in Kavrepalanchok, Bhamrup Hills about conservation due to scientific conservation (Mahabharat Series) in Makawanpur, Phulchowki methods are important considerations. and Nagarjun Hills in the Kathmandu Valley; river worship practised by Majhi, Bote, Kumal,

2.5.16 Nature and Culture Danuwar, Raji and Darai communities; and the In Nepal, the history of cultural heritage is quite Chepangs’ tradition of presenting chiuri (Sterculia old. Even in the traditional Gurukul schools, coxinia) trees to their daughters as dowry are education was imparted about the importance also associated with nature conservation. Study, of natural and cultural heritage and the need for research, exploration, survey, excavation and their conservation. In these schools, the pupils conservation, maintenance and promotion of some study about worshipping peepal trees (Ficus of our heritage have commenced at some cultural religiosa) and tulasi plants (Ocimum sanctum) sites, whereas others are lying in a state of neglect. as gods; offering special flowers on occasions of For example, repair of old houses in Kathmandu, special worship; need for specific flora on special Bhaktapur and Lalitpur is to be carried out without occasions; and placating the vehicles of gods by tampering with their traditional facade. For this, protecting them to please specific gods. It is clear Telia bricks are provided free of cost and wood is that the flora and fauna for such worships and also provided on subsidy. Communities and VDCs festivals that were taught in the Gurukul education are declaring open defecation-free areas to reform was for the purpose of maintaining balance in harmful, traditional culture. nature. The following hymn, which is read in the Swastiwachan Abhishekh (anointment with sacred Achievements to date: The inclusion of eight water during a hymn chanted at the beginning of Nepal’s cultural and two natural sites in the of a religious ceremony), signifies that human World Heritage List; initiating the process to development and attainment of peace are only include 15 other sites in the World Heritage List; possible through their balanced development: implementation of the National Cultural Policy (2010); preparation of a master plan for the Om, dyu shanti antriksha shanti, prithvi shanti development of Narayanhiti Palace Museum area; rap shanti roshdhaya shanti. Vanaspataya shanti inclusion of 10 districts comprised of different viswadeva shanti brahma shanti sarvagnu shanti ethnic groups, communities and sections in the shantirev shanti sama shantiredhi (May I also be country on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list; imparted the peace that is there in the world of the and establishment of different museums are the gods, space, earth, water, medicines, vegetation, major achievements to date in the cultural sector. God of the World, God of Creation and all and within peace itself). Hence, the hymn declares that Current and emerging issues: To make a if you want peace within yourself, you should also project compatible with local needs, effective and wish for peace within all else, which also means sustainable, analysis of culture in project cycle conservation. management is an important task; however, in 24 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 most of feasibility study reports, issues of cultural other. Therefore, the results of environmental heritage conservation do not seem to be covered conservation cannot be perceived in isolation adequately. Thus, major issues in the sector include: from the continuity of social life and progress. how to identify and manage cultural heritage; how The conservation of biodiversity is not possible to enhance knowledge regarding the promotion without the conservation of cultural diversity. The of cultural heritage; and how to raise awareness. sustainable availability of food and medicinal herbs Other issues are: how to sustainably conserve seems to be based on the interrelations between heritage sites included in the World Heritage List; cultural diversity and biodiversity. Languages are how to repair and manage stone spouts; how to indicators of cultural diversity, and knowledge of control encroachment at archaeological sites; understanding, using and conserving the nature is how to maintain the stability of royalty collection inherent in them; thus, if languages are instinctive, organisations to be formed in different sectors; the knowledge and practice of safeguarding nature how to enhance coordination between working also becomes instinct. agencies; how to inspire organisations to be involved in participatory conservation activities, Achievements to date: Implementation of and how to fulfil country responsibilities under targeted programmes; provision of allocating by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible local bodies a minimum of 15 per cent of budget Cultural Heritage (2003) to which Nepal is a State (except for capital budget with condition) to party. projects from which the target group derives direct benefits; implementation of special programmes

2.5.17 Society and Indigenous Peoples on the conservation, promotion and development The National Foundation for Development of of the traditional skills, languages and culture of the Indigenous Nationalities Act (2002) has enlisted target community; provisions made to enhance the 59 cultural groups of Nepal as indigenous peoples. access of indigenous peoples to natural resources However, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local like water, land, forests and mines; and adoption of Development is re-assessing those that are listed. a policy of giving priority to inclusive communities According to the 2011 census, 35.81 per cent of in the conservation, promotion and use of natural the total population of the country is considered resources are the major achievements. indigenous people. The 2011 census also revealed that indigenous peoples speak 78 of the total 123 Current and emerging issues: It is necessary languages spoken in Nepal. to include issues specific to indigenous peoples and local communities – such as how to specify There is also diversity and unique qualities between the importance of their traditional knowledge, these people from the perspective of geographical technology and practices – in nature conservation- location of settlements, ecological zones in which related strategic documents. Existing policies they live and dependence on natural resources. should also show the relationship between Therefore, knowledge of forests, wildlife, flora, the conservation of material and non-material herbs, agriculture and livestock and conservation cultural heritage and nature conservation. of methods and technology of these resources Similarly, issues have arisen regarding how to link are also integral parts of nature conservation55. environmental conservation with required lingual According to indigenous peoples, the natural diversity conservation policies, what indicators are resources they have been using for livelihoods appropriate for this, and how to orient agencies will not go extinct if these resources are used only like the National Foundation for Development of for local livelihoods. For example, Chepangs, an Indigenous Nationalities towards the conservation ethnic group in Juwang VDC of Dhading district, of nature-related traditional knowledge, skills collect only 75 per cent of gitthas (edible yam), and practices and intellectual property rights. leaving the remaining 25 per cent for regeneration. Other issues to be resolved include: negative However, the availability of gitthas has begun to perception towards conservation by those thinking decrease due to its commercial collection and lack of conservation as limited to protection; lack of of appropriate growing areas due to the initiation ensured participation of different ethnic groups of stone extraction in the area. in conservation results; indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ intellectual property rights not Society and nature are dependent on each established; lack of proactive participation of the 25 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 public in conservation due to lack of knowledge on b) The agricultural policy has envisaged enhancing the long-term impacts of conservation results; and the participation of at least 50 per cent women lack of access to and equitable sharing of benefits in the agricultural extension programme. of conservation. c) The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan has emphasised three major areas: (i)

2.5.18 Social Inclusion all governmental and non-governmental Policy provisions of inclusion organisations to formulate and implement The Interim Constitution of Nepal (2007) guarantees a gender-sensitive policy; (ii) equitable that ‘’The State shall not discriminate against participation of all sectors in formulation and citizens on grounds of religion, race, caste, tribe, implementation of conservation policy and sex, origin, language or ideological conviction or programme; and (iii) equitable access of men any of these.’’ However, the Constitution has not and women to bio-resources and benefits. prohibited positive discrimination against women, d) Provisions have been made in the land Dalits, indigenous peoples, Madhesis or farmers, management sector to provide registration fee labourers or economically, socially or culturally exemption to women at the rates of 25 per cent disadvantaged groups excluded in the past. in municipalities, 30 per cent in VDCs and up to 40 per cent in remote areas while purchasing Issues of inclusion have also been addressed in land. different policies and strategies of development e) While making a joint land ownership certificate and nature conservation sectors. In accordance by adding a woman’s name along with a man’s with the Constitution, provisions have been made name, only Rs 100 is charged as revenue. to address issues of inclusion while formulating f) There is a provision of the participation of 33 different sectoral policies and strategies. per cent women in the Rural Drinking Water Users’ Committee. Forest, herb, agriculture, irrigation and land-use g) There is a provision of a minimum of 10 per policies have mentioned social inclusion to some cent to be allocated to women in the plans of extent, transport, hydro power, rangeland, climate local bodies. change and tourism policy include minimal mention h) If an industry is registered only in the name of a of social inclusion, and other policies mention it woman, she shall be provided registration fee only insignificantly (Annex 8). exemption of 35 per cent. i) The Industrial Policy (2010) contains a Since the Tenth Plan, in almost all GoN policies, provision to provide 20 per cent fee exemption plans, and strategies there has been a clear to women, applicable for registration of commitment by the government to address the industrial intellectual property patents, designs issues of gender and social inclusion. To reduce and trademarks in the industry registered in the poverty of women and other disadvantaged name of a woman. groups through employment, the Tenth Plan had j) The Thirteenth Plan has adopted a strategy placed emphasis on forest conservation. The to expand the gender budget system by Interim Constitution of Nepal (2007) has granted institutionalising it, give priority to those the right to economically, socially or educationally programmes that enhance access, ownership backward women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, and control of women over resources and Madhesi community, oppressed class, poor means, make financial arrangements for farmers and labourers to participate in all organs women so that they can create self-employment of the State structure on the basis of proportional opportunities by operating businesses and inclusion. The major parts of the provisions of other income-generating activities. select nature conservation-related strategies are presented in Annex 9. Participation of indigenous peoples, Dalits and other backward sections Gender equity a) Nepal is a State party to the Universal a) The gender inclusion policy of the forest sector Declaration of Human Rights, Declaration of has ensured the participation of at least 50 per Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the cent women in the Community Forest Users’ Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Committee. International Labour Organisation Convention 26 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 No. 169 and other international instruments. exempt an industry 40 per cent of income tax in b) Continuity has been given to the strategy to the year in which it has given direct employment remove obstacles to the total use of social and to 50 per cent native Dalits or persons with cultural rights of indigenous peoples adopted disabilities. by past periodic plans i) The Thirteenth Plan has a strategy to respect c) The Agricultural Policy (2061 BS) has adopted traditional occupations (such as handicrafts, a policy of securing food and reducing cottage industries, fishing, hunting) of poverty of present and future generations indigenous peoples, Dalits and other less by conserving food and agricultural genetic developed groups and making financial resources, commodities, local knowledge, and and technical support available for the skills, using and equitably sharing benefits development, conservation and promotion of arising from such resources and vesting the these occupations. rights of traditional and local knowledge, skills, j) There is a tourism policy for implementing such innovations, technology, use and practices in tourism promotion programmes in remote and concerned farmers potential tourist areas of Nepal that support d) The Agricultural Strategy aims to ensure the less developed groups, including women, participation of indigenous peoples, Dalits and indigenous peoples, Dalits and Madhesis. other less developed populations in programme planning, implementation and monitoring, as Geographical inclusion well as establish a mechanism for inclusion There is a government policy of developing and distribute dividend of agricultural benefits geographical areas in an equitable manner; to all. protecting and promoting people who are excluded e) The Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in different ways including geographically; (2014) has a target of achieving participation enhancing access of these people to policy- of at least 33 per cent of women and men, making processes; and creating employment in including less developed populations, in disadvantage communities, including those in the all-level planning and implementation, by Karnali zone. achieving equitable access of these people to bio-resources and benefit sharing. According to the concept of inclusive development, f) Encouraging indigenous peoples, Dalits and this Framework shall have a facilitating role in disadvantage groups to participate in forest including all target groups and sections in sharing management; promoting the participation of development outputs, creating an environment forest-dependent Chepang, Raute, Kusunda capable of contributing to the economic and other ethnic groups in community- development process, carrying out development based forest management planning and activities based on geographical feasibility and implementation; promoting the participation operating all policies and activities determined by of indigenous peoples in the decision-making different sectoral strategies. process and dividend distribution in watershed plans and programmes; and increasing the Economic inclusion enrolment rate of indigenous peoples, Dalits The Interim Constitution of Nepal (2007) adopted a and other backward sections in forestry clear policy: ‘’The State shall make arrangements educational institutes has been adopted in the for the protection of, sustainable uses of, and the draft Forest Strategy. equitable distribution of benefits derived from, the g) Of the total capital budget, except for a grant flora and fauna and biological diversity.’’ However, with condition, local bodies have made a the sharing of development outputs does not provision to allocate at least 15 per cent to those appear to be equitable. Poverty is 42.3 per cent projects from which economically and socially in the Himalayan region, 23.4 per cent in the Terai underdeveloped groups (indigenous peoples, and 24.3 per cent in the mountainous region56. The Dalits, persons with disabilities, Madhesis, Gini index, which reflects the degree of inequality Muslims, senior citizens and bdisadvantage in the country, is 0.353 in urban and 0.311 in rural groups) have direct benefits. areas of Nepal and 0.328 per cent in the country h) The Industrial Policy has made a provision to as a whole57. 27 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Status of compliance with policy provisions of a healthy environment, conferred by the Interim inclusion Constitution of Nepal. Similarly, another important Although there has always been direct involvement achievement under the State policy is conservation of people in Nepal’s natural resource management of forests, plants and biodiversity, their sustainable and conservation sectors, gender equality and use and equitable sharing of benefits arising from social inclusion seem to be very minimal. For the use of these resources. example, although the Forest Policy contains a provision to make at least 50 per cent women The National Park and Wildlife Conservation participate in committees and sub-committees; the Act (1973, Fourth Amendment) includes a provision does not seem to have been translated provision to involve local communities in buffer into practice. It is important to emphasise the zone management and utilise 30 to 50 per cent importance of the role that women have played of the income earned from national parks and in biodiversity conservation and management. reserves for community development. Similarly, Despite compliance with different national and management of conservation areas by local international commitments and efforts formulated communities and a provision to prevent relocation to address the issues of gender and social of human settlements from such areas are other inclusion, it has not been possible to fully integrate achievements. For example, the Kanchenjunga gender issues in conservation programmes due to Conservation Area is currently under community low literacy and lack of skills in women, patriarchal management. society and culture, and lack of role of women in decision-making processes. Similarly, there Formulation and implementation of the Environment is a lack of coordination between acts, policies, Conservation Act should be considered another regulations, guidelines and policies specified by achievement. Mandatory initial environmental programmes drafted by different ministries and examination or environmental impact assessment departments based on gender equality, inclusion, for specified projects, schemes, factories, environment conservation for livelihoods, industries and other development activities that sustainable development and social or economic may have a significant adverse impact on the development. environment is another achievement. Similarly, the inclusion of new provisions included in the Aquatic Current and emerging issues: Issues to Animal Conservation Act through an amendment be addressed include: how to integrate and is another notable achievement. mainstream gender equity and social inclusion; how to bring about changes in people’s behaviour In addition, the Environment Friendly Local and practices affected by social traditions or Governance Framework (2070 BS), a provision patriarchal perceptions; how to ensure the of establishing Environment Friendly Local poor’s access to financial resources; and how Governance Coordination Committees from to implement required policies and specific central to VDC levels and decentralization of programmes for gender equity and inclusion. conservation activities from central to local levels Lack of equitable access to conservation benefits are new achievements. from gender perspectives; gender budgets not yet included in as priorities; lack of coordination Some weaknesses of existing legal provisions: to enhance the participation of local bodies, the Environmental or nature conservation is a pre- poor, Dalits, women, ethnic groups and excluded condition to enjoy such rights by citizens. Though communities; and non-compliance with the basics the Constitution has not prescribed fundamental of gender streaming are additional issues to be duties, provisions have been made to establish the addressed. State’s responsibility, guiding principles and policies "The State shall make necessary provisions to keep the environment clean. The State shall give

2.5.19 Nature Conservation-related Legal priority to avoidance of adverse effects of physical Provisions development activities on the environment and Achievements to date: The most important to special conservation of the environment and achievement in law and institutionalised sectors rare wildlife by raising public awareness on is the fundamental right of every person to live in environmental cleanliness. The State shall also 28 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 make provisions for the conservation of forests, have continued. This trend may have a significant plants and biodiversity, their sustainable use and adverse impact on the status of food sovereignty equitable sharing of benefits arising from these over the next two to three decades. resources.” However, significant progress has not been possible in these provisions. Although one of Addressing current issues: The main aspect the Three-Year Interim Plan’s (2008/11) objectives of mitigation law is to promote the principle of for the environment, science and technology precaution in human health, nature conservation sectors was to promote sustainable development and ecosystem management; in other words, by garnering public participation in the campaign if there is scientific uncertainty, the law should to prevent urban pollution, clean up rural areas and manage potential risks on human health, nature and ensure human rights to live in a clean environment, ecosystems. The environmental impact assessment the issue of ensuring this right has not been given related law may help to adopt precaution, but the priority. The Constitution must clearly establish environmental impact assessment process is provisions to allocate responsibilities and rights currently confined to formalities. In reality, the law related to nature conservation, sustainable use should pay attention to scientific uncertainty, prevent and equitable sharing of benefits arising from serious threats in the status of scientific uncertainty nature conservation58. and promote precaution. As formulation of law is the duty of law makers, they are also custodians Although communities depend on nature for forage, for nature conservation. Law makers should ensure fire-wood and herbs for livelihood; land, forest that natural resources are sustainably used from area or cultivable land for residential purposes, economic, social and environmental perspectives. nutrients and ecosystem services, laws are not Similarly, law makers should ensure that there aimed at regulating the exploitation of nature for is stability in law from economic, social and development activities. Although 80 per cent of environmental perspectives. The law should be the population still depends on biomass for fuel able to address issues like destruction of species required for cooking and electricity, the influence and herbs and extinction of fish and other aquatic of individuals and the State on the conservation of animals. natural resources is minimal. Law should coordinate between different Initiatives have not yet succeeded in conserving organisational structures and cooperate with and promoting the traditional knowledge, skills them. Uniform understanding and inter-relations and practices of indigenous people and local between sectors should be promoted by including communities and using them scientifically clear jurisdiction, coordination, respecting the in medicinal and agricultural products in a objective of one sector by another, preventing and coordinated way. Although the Ministry of controlling potentially adverse effects of activities Agricultural Development has made provisions of one sector on activities of another sector in regarding the conservation of the knowledge, skills the law. It is necessary that clear provisions and practices of farmers and farmers’ rights in the regarding good governance and human safety be Agro-biodiversity Policy (2007), these provisions included in law to enhance work performance and have not yet obtained legal rights. accountability in nature conservation. Land fragmentation, in addition to the construction Lack of law: There is a lack of conservation law of industries, residence, transport and other in some sectors. For example, as a State party physical structures on fertile and cultivable to the Convention of Biodiversity (CBD) and the agricultural land, is a serious land-use issue in International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources Nepal. To regulate it to some extent, land-use for Food and Agriculture 2001 (ITPGRFA), Nepal related provisions were included in the Land Act should have formulated some laws regarding (1964) through an amendment in 2001. However, these issues, but it has not. Similarly, laws related these provisions have not been implemented to access to genetic resources and benefit sharing; and land fragmentation and the process of implementation of the National Biodiversity Safety establishing industries and construction of Framework; and intellectual property rights of residences, transportation infrastructure and other traditional knowledge, innovations and practices physical structures on valuable agricultural land of indigenous peoples and local communities have 29 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 not yet been formulated. Similarly, in policies related to some sectors like road, industry, construction of Programmes limited to a single sector cannot local structures, there is no mention of biodiversity achieve development targets on their own, and, or nature conservation. additionally, it is not possible to evaluate the positive or negative impact on nature conservation

2.6 Nature-sensitive Indicators and while achieving such development targets. Periodic Targets in Development Hence, it would be ideal to carry out nature Efforts sensitivity evaluations and make necessary Conservation output-based indicators: Nature budget allotments at the time of such programme sensitivity has not been analysed by identifying the formulation, and it would be appropriate to carry factors that ensure nature sensitivity in development out nature conservation evaluations by monitoring efforts. As stipulated by the Environment the overall indicators of nature conservation. Conservation Act (2053), while formulating development programmes, if the implementation Analyses of the indicators of sectoral development of projects that require carrying out of IEE or EIA and conservation identified by sectoral strategies will cause negative impact on the environment, show that most of the indicators are concerned with the project should not be implemented, as far as development and only a few with conservation. possible, in the areas where it will have such impact; Even the indicators concerned with conservation if the project must be implemented, mitigation results are related to the conservation process, and measures should be determined and incorporated only a few are result-based. Aggregate indicators of in the environment management plan and applied sectoral strategies, conservation process indicators during implementation and compensation paid in and conservation results indicators are provided lieu of impact. With regard to the projects that do as examples in Table 2. Considering the need to not fall within the scope of IEE and EIA that are maintain a balance between development and implemented at the district level, environmental nature conservation for sustainable development, management plans that include environmental and nature conservation-related indicators need to be social security measures in accordance with the incorporated in the work performance indicators of provision of the Social and Environmental Security most of the strategies. Such additional indicators Framework and budget for its implementation should directly signify conservation results, be should be prepared and implemented. If such included, in the case of strategies that are at draft measures have been adopted as stipulated by stage, by the time of their adoption and, in the this provision, no negative environmental impact case of strategies that are in implementation, at is said to have taken place. the time of their periodic review. Table 2: Output-based indicators adopted by different strategies Total indicators of work Conservation process Conservation result Strategies/master plans performance (number) indicators (number) indicators (number) National Biodiversity Strategy and 77 62 15 Action Plan (2014-2020) Draft Agriculture Development 150 31 12 Strategy (2014) Draft Forest Sector Strategy for 34 22 7 Nepal (2014) Water Resource Strategy (2002) 67 15 4 National Seed Vision (2014) 79 13 5 National Strategy for Disaster 91 3 2 Management (2009) Draft National Tourism Strategic 59 11 4 Plan (2013) New Physical Infrastructure- Foundation for the New Nepal 31 5 3 (2007) National Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines (2013, National Planning 82 8 8 Commission) 30 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Periodic targets in the nature-sensitivity First: Those that indicate direct conservation. indicators: Although not defined as nature Examples: the total land area covered by the sensitivity indicators as described above, periodic forest will be 40 per cent; tiger population will targets have been set in a few indicators that are have increased from 155 in 2010 to 310 in 2022; generally nature-sensitive. For example, targets and 1.6 million hectares of degraded land will be such as protecting forests in 40 per cent of the reclaimed in the next twenty years. country’s land area; increasing the tiger population two-fold between the year 2010 and the year Second: Those that do not directly indicate 202259; increasing the populations of rhinoceros conservation but are indispensable bases for and water buffalo by at least 50 per cent between conservation. Examples: Forest Council will have 2013 and 2025; decreasing the degradation of the been constituted and will fully come into operation; Terai forests from the current 0.44 per cent per year and by 2015, a National Biodiversity Fund will have to 0.05 per cent per year ; maintaining air quality at been established and will be fully functional. 230 µgm/m3 TSP for 24 hours; and reclaiming 1.6 million hectares of degraded land out of the total Indicators of results monitoring have been 3.2 million over the next twenty years are some determined based on the results adopted by the of the periodic targets specified in the overall strategy concerned. Hence, although the target conservation indicators. Such targets have been of achieving some indicators has been set by specified in the indicators identified by the sectoral the strategy, it seems this indicator is outside strategies. It is mentioned that such targets are to the management of the agency implementing be realised by the end of the periodic plan or by the strategy concerned and the role of external the middle or end of the strategy. This National agencies seems to override its role. It would be Strategic Framework is to monitor these indicators very difficult to achieve such results. To facilitate and periodic targets and, for this reason, does not this, a high-level council, coordination committee propose any new sectoral indicators. and steering committee have been constituted. However, the failure of such high-level agencies

2.7 Expected results and risks in to hold their meetings for various reasons seems achievement of results of the existing to have had an adverse impact on the results that sectoral plans and strategies the sectoral strategy seeks to achieve. Although strategies have been formulated to measure conservation results through various A few examples in this regard are presented in ways, the indicators of measurement of Table 3; in addition, Annex 10 presents a few conservation results are found to be of two types: major risks noted. Table3: Expected results of sectoral policies and strategies and examples of risk in achievement of results Strategies Risks foreseen in Precaution to be Expected results and policies achievement of results adopted Article 15 of the CBD requires the State Parties to draft and enforce an Act on access to, and use of, genetic The Biodiversity resources and sharing their benefits. As the government’s priorities National Coordination Committee In accordance with this provision, the are on constitution writing, Biodiversity will pay necessary existing legal gap shall be filled-up by holding elections to local and Action attention to formulation formulating rules and laws on, among bodies and restoration of Plan (2014- of these laws and the others, access to genetic resources peace, these laws may not be 2020) Commission will monitor and sharing of benefits, a wildlife drafted by 2016. its progress domestication act, control of invasive species and Intellectual Property Rights, by 2016. This task falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of This task falls under Agricultural Development the jurisdiction of the (MoAD) and not under the Ministry of Agricultural Climate Develop and scale up agricultural jurisdiction of the Ministry Development (MoAD) and Change technologies that reduce methane of Science, Technology not under the jurisdiction Policy (2011) emissions and Environment (MoSTE). of the Ministry of However, the Draft Agriculture Science, Technology and Development Policy does not Environment seem to cover it. 31 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

2.8 Conclusions of the Consulations with breeds to be paid conservation subsidies as these Stakeholders varieties/breeds produce low yield. To formulate this Framework, approximately 1500 stakeholders were consulted by using Land-use change at the VDC level: Changes in different tools. Major conclusions drawn from a land-use have begun to take place at the village series of consultations are as follows (for detailed level. The number of farmers keeping their land information, see Annex 4): fallow because of the lack of agriculture labour is increasing, much of land is occupied by houses Reasons for deforestation: Lack of laws and due to population growth, the price of land has weak implementation of existing laws; lack of increased due to urbanisation, and selling land coordination, high prices and market demands for for residential purposes is more economically forest products like herbs; climate change; and advantageous than farming. lack of sustainable land-use policy are the major reasons of forest deforestation. Prioritisation of the factors of mainstreaming: To mainstream nature conservation, it is Impact of the encroachment of natural appropriate to give priority to laws, plans, resources: As a result of deforestation, problems policies, organisational capacity, investment in like landslides; increased flood hazards; drying conservation, organisational arrangements and of water sources; loss of biodiversity; adverse human resources. impacts on ecosystems; decreased capacity in carbon sequestration; the deepening of streams Coordination in conservation: Coordination due to over quarrying of sand, gravel and boulders may be maintained and harmonisation achieved from the river; erosion of upper fertile soil; declining through specifying responsibilities clearly, agricultural productivity due to lack of irrigation; conducting effective joint monitoring & evaluation, and increased frequency of floods have been documenting and disseminating best practices, noticed. and instituting legal reforms in inconsistent laws. Impact on conservation of physical Organisational capacity building: To integrate infrastructure development: Problems such as nature conservation into development, it is conversion of land near agricultural roads into necessary to build the capacity of the Ministry of residential purposes; loss of agricultural production Science, Technology and Environment, hold the as a result of degraded soil due to increased use of environmental assessment team more responsible, chemical fertilisers facilitated by the construction of strengthen the monitoring mechanism and revise roads; loss of biodiversity due to adverse impacts environmental laws. on the natural habitats of forest flora and fauna, wetlands and rangelands, increased air and water Organisational arrangements for the pollution due to uncontrolled urbanisation and implementation of the Framework: For the industrialisation have been experienced. implementation of the Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework, it is appropriate to Factors to be considered at the local level: A form a separate Council with authority within the number of factors should be considered at the National Planning Commission. local level, including: raising awareness of local groups, especially mothers' groups, for nature Information flow regarding conservation conservation; enhanced security, as poaching is strategy: The public should be well oriented on likely to increase after conservation activities are conservation strategies after they are formulated. carried out; carry out indispensable development Such documents should be prepared in intelligible activities, like the construction of roads, while Nepali and be made easily available. avoiding adverse impacts on agricultural land and forests; establish separate conservation 2.9 Strengths, weaknesses, and commercial production areas, as emphasis opportunities and threats of nature- on the conservation of local species affects the responsive development efforts commercialisation of products; and involving Based on the review of available documents and farmers in the conservation of indigenous varieties/ consultations with conservation-related experts of 32 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 different sectors, policy-makers and implementers, threats of nature conservation are presented in the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and Table 4 (details are provided in Annex 11) Table 4: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats Major strengths Major weaknesses – Existence of organisations with responsibilities – Weak coordination specified for conservation – Ambiguities in, and duplication of, responsibilities – Formation of a network of organisations involved in – Weak implementation; weak legal provisions for the nature conservation implementation of policies – Presence of enabling national organisational – Lack of an Agriculture Act arrangements – Availability of skilled manpower limited in industries – Protected areas identified; existence of major laws based on natural resources and policies – Excessive dependence on natural resources for – A conservation model already established livelihoods – Increasing availability of human resources with – Increasing air, water and soil pollution; uncontrolled nature conservation knowledge use of pesticides – Nepal is a party to different multilateral – Weak conservation structures (e.g. gene bank, environmental treaties, conventions and agreements herbarium, and air conditioned store) – Existence of appropriate environmental conditions for different natural resources Major opportunities Major threats – Availability of different climates, ecosystems and – Violation of law and regulations related to heritage sites conservation – Presence of habitats for important species like tiger, – Ambiguities of some legal provisions rhinoceros, snow leopard, musk deer, red panda, – Lack of coordination between different agencies alligator and yarsagumba – Exploitation of natural resources – Availability of carbon stock – Increasing natural disasters caused by climate – Presence of two natural heritage sites, eight world change heritage sites and nine significant wetlands – Adverse impacts on ecosystems caused by – International commitments of support for sustainable industrialisation and urbanisation development – Adverse impacts on human health caused by – Those who are back in Nepal after working abroad increasing use of pesticides have introduced conservation-related technology – Need for some conservation-related acts, including Agriculture Act and Biodiversity Act 33 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 34 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Chapter 3 Integration of Nature Conservation into Development Efforts

3.1 Areas that were paid special attention to consider these aspects while determining while formulating the National strategies and programmes. Strategic Framework Areas that were paid special attention while Ethnic and cultural diversity: Inhabited by formulating the National Strategic Framework, as 125 ethnic groups, Nepal is a multi-ethnic and well as legal and organisational arrangements of multicultural country. The predominance and strategic pillars and their current status, are as cultural development of some indigenous peoples follows: (e.g. Limbu, Rai, Tamang, Gurung and Magar) can be linked to the watersheds of different rivers. Trade off between development and nature Most of the ethnic groups are directly dependent conservation: The construction of physical on natural resources for their livelihoods and cash infrastructure and operation of industries is income and their cultural activities are intimately not possible without using natural resources. linked to nature (Annex 13). Therefore, taking all Strong infrastructure contributes to sustainable this as well as International Labour Organisation development, whereas industrial development Convention No. 169 into account, it is necessary reduces the dependence of people on natural to ensure the participation of these ethnic groups resources such as forests, agricultural land and in conservation activities in those areas. water, which, in turn, promotes natural resource conservation. Therefore, a justifiable trade off Status of resource management and changes is required in such a way that development in perception: In Nepal, family roles in resource contributes to nature conservation and nature management have undergone recent changes. conservation contributes to development. This Some time ago, women were considered trade off should also include losses and gains as resource users and now, as men seek to achieve balanced development and nature employment abroad, women are recognised as conservation. For example, the Mechi-Mahakali, resource managers. The traditional perception an important and necessary electrical railway, that women should not plough land has also is extending through Chitwan and the Chitwan changed. Therefore, it is necessary that the Nature National Park. In such a situation, a construction Conservation Strategic Framework also cover the trade off had to be done, avoiding hindrance to the impact of shifted gender roles on participation in National Park by said railway by increasing some natural resource planning, implementation and construction expenditures. monitoring. Geographical–regional diversity: As presented in Annex 12, Nepal abounds in physiographic diversity. Nepal’s physiography extends from 60 m above sea level to the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest (8,848 m). It is the elevation range and complicated physiographic structure from which the natural biodiversity of the country is derived and on which it depends. As land steepness and texture, impact of rain, soil erosion, flora and fauna species, and economic activities of people differ according to this geographical diversity, it is very important 35 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Climate change and natural disaster and small holding and fragmented terraced plots. management: Nepal is in the fourth place in As a result, the practices of leaving marginal land the world from the viewpoint of climate change fallow in mountainous and hilly regions are on the risks . Therefore, issues of adaptation should be rise. This has eventually increased the scope of addressed along with conservation programmes in practising conservation-friendly land-use methods agriculture, forest, infrastructure and human health (e.g. perennial cash crops, agro-forestry) on private sectors. Nepal is in the eleventh most vulnerable land. In addition, the feasibility of co-operative country to earthquakes . Due to its location on the and leasehold farming has increased through the fault line of two tectonic plates, comprehensive promotion of a land bank, mechanisation based on planning across sectors is required to enhance small-scale conservation and land consolidation. Nepal’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster risk management (DRM) capacity. These include Promotion of good governance: Participation, enhancing seed and grain storage; improving transparency, accountability, righteousness and health sector emergency response; educating rule of law in natural resources conservation and the population on DRM; enforcing building management are other areas of importance. Policy codes and retrofitting substandard structures; formulation, implementation and all other activities and establishing an emergency communitation and decisions involved in central to local levels systemh. Furthermore, settlements should be should be transparent, accountable and participatory. constructed and expanded and land should be In addition, the rule of law should be respected managed in an appropriate way66. Importantly, and complied with. If it is followed, there may be a lessons learned from the recent, devastating April possibility of equitable access of women, indigenous 2015 earthquake should be institutionalised going peoples, Dalits, poor and other backward classes to forward. Similarly, Nepal is the 30th most vulnerable natural resources and distribution of benefits arising country to water-induced risks67. Therefore, it is from the use of such resources. necessary to build the flood adaptation capacity of people, integrate nature conservation into post- Community participation: Nature can be disaster infrastructure construction and link it to conserved and used sustainably only if there green development. is participation of all stakeholders in nature conservation activities in general and of local Poverty reduction and natural resource women, men, ethnic groups and Dalits in particular. conservation: As natural resources are the bases Nature conservation can be sustainable only if of the livelihoods of the majority of rural poor, the livelihoods are ensured and local participation is poor bear the brunt of the lack of these resources. effective. This fact illustrates that poverty reduction and natural resource conservation are interrelated. Valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and Therefore, it is indispensable to provide the poor with services: For conservation-friendly economic livelihood alternatives for nature conservation. development, it is essential to value and account for ecosystem goods and services in the national Small farmers, lack of labour, and economy by maintaining a balance between mechanisation: Factors that directly affect the development and nature conservation. If it happens conservation and use of natural resources include so, valuing and accounting for ecosystem goods and high rates of fragmentation of agricultural land and services will be important feedback to bring about demographic changes. Following the migration of balance between development and conservation rural youths in search of off-farm and overseas during the formulation of development policy. In employment and as most of the local-level Nepal to date, however, services provided by such development activities also take place during the ecosystems have not been identified, their value farming period, the availability of agricultural labour has not been determined, and their contributions has decreased. An alternative measure to the lack to national development have not been assessed. of agricultural labour could be the mechanisation As a result, proper investment in conservation has of agriculture. In Nepal, however, mechanisation not been possible because of the devaluation of has been difficult because of low family income such services. h National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management in Nepal (2008) 36 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 The development of conservation-friendly 3.2 Approach to Integrating Nature infrastructure: To develop physical infrastructure Conservation into Development such as roads, hydropower, irrigation canals, and Efforts industry, enhance their effectiveness and make As human health and prosperity depend on the them nature conservation-friendly, it is necessary sustainable use of nature and natural resources, that the concept of conservation-friendly physical co-ordinating efforts are required for the wise use infrastructure be promoted. It is also necessary of such resources. Building a dam on a river for that environmental benefits and costs be reviewed electricity generation changes the flow of water, during the physical infrastructure design phase adversely affects aquatic animals that depend on and physical infrastructure be made environment the river, harms invaluable agricultural land and and development-friendly through effective the forest area, and affects land arc. However, implementation of the review of environmental electricity generation leads to positive results like impact of physical infrastructure that is in operation low emission of green gases due to reduction in the and by fairly reviewing the effects on nature use of fossil fuels and decrease in air pollution to conservation through a third party. be caused by industries and means of transport. Although the excavation of mines and transportation Addressing transboundary issues: In nature of minerals to the consumption site causes harm to conservation, it is very important to address agricultural land and the forest area, deforestation biodiversity, water and air-related transboundary significantly decreases due to the use of materials issues. like brick, cement, and rods in construction activities. Therefore, owing to these and other similar reasons, a) Wild animals such as snow leopard, elephant, balance should be maintained between nature rhinoceros, wild yak, and migratory birds conservation and development. travel over rather large areas. Therefore, transboundary support is necessary to prevent This National Strategic Framework has made the illegal transboundary trade of wild animals and following five strategic pillars its base based on their organs. lessons learned from the implementation of the b) The water quality of rivers originating in the National Conservation Strategy (1988), major Himalayan region can be improved through achievements attained in conservation and current transboundary support and partnership. issues, analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, c) Examples of global warming have clearly been opportunities and threats of conservation, areas seen in neighbouring countries due to carbon to be paid special attention during Framework emissions as a result of industrial development. formulation, and a reasonable balance to be Studies have shown that this activity has maintained in development and conservation. contributed to the origin of new glacial rivers and driven other glacial rivers to the verge of a) Mainstreaming nature sensitivity in development risk. For this, too, transboundary support is efforts required. b) Harmonisation between sectoral strategies c) Coordination between agencies concerned Demographic changes: While preparing this d) Valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and Framework, attention was also paid to changes services taking place in population growth, migration, e) Accountability in results of conservation urbanisation and population structure. To manage changes seen in land-use because of urbanisation 3.3. Strategic Pillars – Provisions and and housing development, it is necessary that a Status Land-use Policy is implemented effectively and As the purpose of this National Strategic Framework is a land-use plan be formulated and implemented. to facilitate the implementation of nature conservation Similarly, the decreasing rate of communities and other sectoral strategies, it has to be ensured directly depending on forests and agriculture and that nature conservation activities are integrated into changes seen in dependence on natural resources development efforts. The strategic pillars identified by should also be taken into account. this Framework, legal and organisational provisions related to these pillars and implementation status of these provisions is as follows: 37 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

3.3.1 Mainstreaming Nature Conservation The Environment - Friendly Local Governance Mainstreaming nature conservation in Framework (2013) enforced by the Ministry of development efforts means nature conservation- Federal Affairs and Local Development has related concerns should be incorporated in made a provision for district, municipal and VDC- development plans, programmes and activities. level Environment Friendly Local Governance In this case, mainstreaming is based on generally Coordination Committees. In addition, a provision accepted prevailing ideas, principles and norms has also been made to discuss whether or not and values. environmental issues have been addressed in a project during public and social hearings. a) Existing provision Mainstreaming in tasks of high-level agencies: Investment in conservation: Prevailing legal The Government of Nepal (Allocation of provisions for investment in conservation are as Business) Regulations (2012) has not assigned follows: the responsibility of nature conservation to all ministries (Annex 14). According to the principle of a) The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation mainstreaming, all responsible ministries should Act (1973) (Fourth Amendment) has made be given the responsibility of such conservation, provisions to involve local communities in and a responsible unit should be specified. buffer zone management and provide 30 to 50 per cent of the income earned by the national More than 20 strategies have been formulated park and reserve for community development since the National Conservation Strategy (1988) b) The community forest shall spend 25 per cent came into force. However, nature conservation of its income on forest development mainstreaming has not become an integral part in c) Invest a certain portion of 10 per cent of the some sectoral strategies. revenue received by the DDC from forest products in the forest sector and forest Provision for environmental assessment: conservation Currently, the Environment Protection Act (1997) d) Invest a certain portion of 50 per cent of the and the Environment Protection Regulations amount raised by the DDC as royalty from (1997) are the main documents for mainstreaming mines in the same mine area and forest nature sensitivity. As specified by the Environment conservation Protection Act and the Environment Protection e) Invest a certain portion of 10 per cent of the Regulations, potential impacts of a project on the amount received by the government as royalty environment should be assessed during project from DDCs, which have constructed and formulation. According to this provision, to avoid operated power houses adverse/negative impacts of the project on the f) Organisations developing electricity shall environment, the project shall be implemented submit one per cent of their net profit to the in a place that will not adversely affect the Government of Nepal and to use this amount environment, and if there is no alternative of such in forest and watershed conservation a place, measures shall be determined to mitigate g) 30 per cent of the amount received from tourists negative impacts, include them in environmental as trekking and national park and wildlife management plans and apply them along with reserve entrance fees as well as royalty; 30 per project implementation. cent of royalty and fees to be received by the Government of Nepal from mountaineering; In the case of other district-level projects that do and a certain portion of 30 per cent of the not fall within the scope of initial environmental amount to be received as district development examination and the environmental impact area entrance fees to be returned back to the assessment, there is a provision to prepare same area. an environmental management plan with environmental and social security measures and Establishment of a special fund for budget in accordance with provisions mentioned environment conservation: The Environment, in the outline of social and environmental security, Energy and Climate Change Section Operation and implement it. Guidance (2013) mentions that the District Development Committee shall establish a special 38 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 fund for environment conservation. A certain per centage of money from income received after the implementation of projects with investments of the District Development Committee and Environment, Energy and Climate Change Sections; the amount of money specified by the DDC out of money received by the DDC from sales, tax and service fees of natural resources (e.g. stones, gravels, sand, timber, fire wood) directly related to energy, environment and climate change); and a certain per centage of money received by the DDC as electricity royalty shall be deposited in this fund. The fund shall be operated in accordance with the regulations approved by the District Council. constructing rural roads, avoiding the use of After establishing the special fund for environment excavators and arranging water drain on the edge conservation in the district, funds related to energy of roads, these provisions have not been complied and district sanitation shall also be included in this with. The main reasons for non-compliance include special fund. This shall be a separate provision for lack of attention to compliance with acts and conservation-related programmes in the district. regulations, lack of technical capacity to formulate an environmental management plan, and lack of b) Current status monitoring and knowledge at the local level. Compliance with environmental assessment in practice: In case of projects that require Issues not covered by environmental impact initial environmental examination (IEE) and assessment provisions: Although there are environmental impact assessment (EIA), in the provisions related to ‘environmental impact review’ course of implementation of approved IEE and EIA, while implementing agricultural development due attention is not routinely paid to suggestions programmes, the practical aspects of the made for mitigation of adverse impacts and regular implementation and monitoring of these provisions monitoring has not been possible to ensure seems to be weak. For example, because farmers effective implementation of those suggestions68. produce in a small area, and even if a pocket area is expanded, they do not fall within the environmental Local bodies should have implemented projects impact review standards. However, certain along with an environmental management plan, pockets, like commercial production of potato, but such a plan does not seem to have been tomato, broiler chicken, and hybrid varieties seem implemented. For example, although there are to come within these standards. For this situation, provisions for the use of human labour while no provision has been made so far. In addition, it has been challenging to make environmental assessments effective in small programmes to be conducted in remote villages. Impacts noticed as a result of non-compliance with legal and policy provisions: Fast expansion of settlements, migration and increasing demands for forest land for the construction of infrastructure have resulted in felling of forest trees; excessive extraction of sand and gravel from sensitive areas like Churia (Siwalik), rivers and river banks; and encroachment of wetlands. In addition, adverse effects have also been noticed in conservation of watersheds. Construction of rural and urban roads and urbanisation have also resulted in a decrease in 39 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 agricultural land, a decrease in and drying of water change and renewable energy from the budget sources, and deforestation. Similarly, as a result allocated according to Section B of Clause 11 (1) of the construction of infrastructure on productive of the Resource Mobilisation and Management land, farming has expanded on marginal and Procedure of Local Bodies, environmental dry land. Owing to such degradation of fertile conservation, biodiversity and climate change agricultural land, losses in production and food receive very low priority. If the user’s group sells insecurity have been noticed. the Saal (Shorea robusta) and Khair (Acacia catechu) timber harvested by it from the national Losses have been noticed to occur in faunal forests transferred by the Government of Nepal and floral diversity because of the destruction, as community forests for commercial purposes, degradation and fragmentation of habitats, the user’s group shall deposit 15 per cent of the conflict between human beings and wildlife, amount it earns to the GoN’s consolidated fund invasion of alien species, excessive collection as a forest product fee. There is also a provision of forest products, and forest fires. Similarly, the that the amount of money thus received by the conservation of local species has declined as a community should be spent on the conservation result of the use of hybrid varieties in agriculture. of forests and environment, promotion of forests and local development-related activities. Owing to climate change, the risk of natural hazards like floods, landslides, and avalanches has 3.3.2 Sectoral Harmonisation increased and has also affected the conservation Harmonisation refers to bringing about uniformity of natural resources. Fair participation among the in the policy, law, strategy, programme, process, poor, women, Dalits and indigenous peoples in method, definition, measurement, description and nature conservation, sustainable use and decision- characteristics of different sectors by addressing making processes of equitable distribution of dissimilarities, and understanding the situation in benefits has not been possible. these areas. Status of investment in conservation: Although For development efforts to be nature sensitive, there is a provision for reinvesting a portion of the there should not be duplication of and inconsistency revenue received from the use of natural resources in responsibility of different sectors, policies should in various sectors, this has not been noticed in be stable, limited resources and means should be some sectors. For example, there are provisions for used efficiently, and subsidies given to one sector investment of a portion of the revenue received by should have no adverse impact on another sector. DDC from the forests in the forest sector and forest conservation, involvement of local communities in Duplication of responsibility: Duplication of buffer zone management according to the fourth responsibility has been noticed between different amendment to the National Parks and Wildlife sectoral agencies and local bodies. For example, Conservation Act, and allocation of 30–50 per there is a contradiction between the Forest Act and cent of the income earned by national parks and the Local Self Governance Act (LSGA) regarding reserves to community development. However, forest conservation and the use of income thereof; investment has not been made according to these the LSGA mentions that local-level forests belong provisions. to local bodies, whereas the Forest Act mentions that these forests belong to the Government of It has been difficult to precisely assess the Nepal. Owing to these contradictions, revenue investment in conservation because there is no from the forest has become an issue of dispute. separate budget head for conservation except Similarly, the Rangeland Policy (2012) has in some sectors. For example, when sharing the entrusted the District Livestock Service Office a capital grant received annually by local bodies major role in pasture management, whereas the (VDC, municipality, DDC) from the Ministry of Forest Act (1993) has given the responsibility of Local Development, it must also be earmarked for rangeland management to the District Forest economic, social and infrastructure development Office, from a legal point of view. programmes. Although there are provisions for investment in forests, environment conservation, As a result of duplication of responsibility, grazing biodiversity, parks and greenery areas, climate in the rangeland has continued in an uncontrolled 40 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 way. Therefore, to avoid duplication of a specific minerals belong to the government, no matter programme, joint planning is imperative. However, where they are located, whereas according to thematic programmes to be submitted to the District Clause 58 (D) and (E) of the Local Self Governance Council for approval are prepared by thematic Act (2055), the amount of money received from the groups and while preparing such a programme, the sale of dry timber, firewood, twigs, splinters, roots, guidance of thematic ministries and departments grass, and straw, is deposited in the Village Fund. is complied with. As a result, to address shared Similarly, Clause 215 (2) and 218 of the same Act issues of different sectors, joint planning has not has made a provision for DDCs to impose taxes taken place in a coordinated way. on resin, herbs, stones, gravels, sand, animal bones, skin, and horns and Clause 218 of the Ambiguities in responsibility: It also appears same Act has also granted DDCs the right to sell that agencies responsible for resource river-related materials like sand, gravels, stones conservation and management have not clearly and soil. However, timber, firewood, and grass been specified. For example, in the Terai, the available in the forest area and all kinds of goods District Irrigation Office, District Forest Office and obtained from plants, wildlife and their residues and District Development Committee have claimed goods like stone, gravel, sand and soil have been their ownership over trees of several species that defined as forest products in Clause 2 (C) of the users’ committees have planted on the banks of Forest Act (1993). In accordance with Clause 22 various canals constructed for irrigation. of the same Act, in case of government-managed forests, the government has ownership over such Transhumance grazing in the Himalayan region resources and the District Forest Officer represents is an old practice of animal husbandry. However, the government. In accordance with Clause 25 (1) after handing over community forest management of the same Act, in the case of community forests, to communities, grazing is not allowed in some community forest users’ groups (CFUGs) have community forests. Policy disharmony between ownership over the above-mentioned goods. In this community forests and livestock promotion has way, it has not been possible to solve inconsistent created disputes and conflicts in grazing. Similarly, provisions in the Local Self Governance Act (1999) as the government has ownership over rangelands and Forest Act (1993). and local communities have collectively been grazing their livestock in these rangelands as Subsidies in one sector have adverse impact local users, confusion in rangeland management on another sector: Giving priority to one sector still exists. tends to cause adverse impacts in another sector. For example, after increasing the minimum There is no uniformity in decentralisation of the standards of environmental impact assessments responsibility of sectoral agencies. For example, in electricity generation, the rate of deforestation extension of only agriculture and livestock services has increased. Furthermore, delegating authority and only primary health in the health sector has to users’ groups to design and operate a rural been devolved. As a result, there is no equal status infrastructure construction projects up to Rs 6 in local-level planning and implementation decision million has not fostered environment-friendly rural processes, too. Similarly, the presence of line infrastructure because of the lack of capacity of agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture Development the users’ groups. Similarly, providing subsidies at the community level and absence of line agencies on improved seeds and species has driven local of the Ministry of Irrigation at the district level creates varieties and species to the verge of extinction. disharmony between these two agencies during Furthermore, providing subsidies on chemical programme planning and implementation. fertilisers in rural areas has decreased the use of organic manure. Policy inconsistency and contradictory jurisdiction: As there is inconsistency between 3.3.3 Coordination between Agencies some sectoral laws as mentioned in Annex 15, Concerned and Facilitation it is not clear who is to be responsible for nature It is necessary to achieve working collaboration, conservation in the operation of development maintain mutual relationships and bring about activities. For example, the Mines and Minerals harmony between agencies and organisations Act (1985) has made a provision that mines and working in the development and conservation 41 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 sectors. For such coordination, there are different Coordination procedure: Although there has central- and district-level coordination committees. been dialogue and coordination between different In addition, there is an extant practice of maintaining thematic and sectoral agencies and local bodies coordination between central agencies during policy during policy, plan and programme formulation, making and planning, whereas such coordination integrated planning, review of positive and negative is maintained by the DDC at the district level. impacts of programmes on nature conservation and identification of areas to be improved have not Organisational arrangements: Nature been adequate due to different priorities. Although conservation is directly or indirectly related to there various organisational mechanisms exist, different sectoral agencies and their activities. their roles and effectiveness are weak. Therefore, Coordination committees that are concerned with development and conservation activities have nature conservation have been formed at the been fragmented and conservation efforts are central and district levels. There are more than becoming more risky and challenging. twentyi such central-level committees and over 10 district-level committeesj. To integrate nature conservation into development at different levels apart from the central level, it Compliance with organisational provisions: is necessary to coordinate, communicate and Despite favourable provisions made in law and collaborate by determining the priority of sectoral regulations, there is a trend of sectoral entities programmes and shared targets between different complying only with their own mandates and not agencies, reviewing impacts and identifying areas respecting the legal provisions of another sector, to be improved, at planning and implementation not trying to mitigate the adverse effects on nature phases. However, such coordination has while complying with the mandate of own sector, not been possible. For example, although and believing that nature conservation activities agriculture extension and irrigation activities are the mandate of only the Ministry of Forests are complementary to the productivity growth of and Soil Conservation and the Ministry of Science, agricultural crops, joint planning between these Technology and Environment. In addition, the agencies has not widely taken place. To address tradition of keeping organisational structures multifaceted issues of concern like energy, an inactive has adversely affected the achievements integrated plan should have been formulated and efforts made in the nature conservation sector. jointly by discussing with forest, water resource, agriculture and energy supplying agencies. To achieve shared objectives, a single coordination mechanism covering all sectors is required. Organisational structure and effectiveness However, existing sectoral strategies seem to be a) Local level: Some bodies like the Environment progressing with a separate concept at different Conservation Council, Climate Change Council, levels rather than building the capacity of existing National Biodiversity Coordination Committee mechanisms and strengthening them. With a view and Forest Sector Coordination Committee to achieving shared objectives, it is necessary to formed at the central level are related to nature. maintain coordination or collaboration between These structures have been formed based on the different sectoral agencies by accepting each concerned policies and strategies. other’s co-existence. The following conclusions have been drawn while i Environment Conservation Committee, Climate Change Council, National Tiger Conservation Committee, National Biodiversity Coordination Committee, Forest Sector Coordination Committee, National Wetland Committee, National Wildlife Crime Control Coordination Committee, National Forest Encroachment Control Committee, Central Forest Encroachment Control Mechanism, Environment Conservation Fund, National Trust for Nature Conservation, National Agriculture Development Coordination Committee, National Seed Committee, National Dairy Development Board, Tea and Coffee Development Board, Central Environment Local Governance Committee, Environment Friendly Local Governance 2070 Central Implementation Coordination Committee, Road Board, Physical Infrastructure Project Coordination Committee, Tourism Board, Waste Management Council, Land-use Council, National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities, National Dalits’ Commission, National Women’s’ Commission, Committee for Uplift of Backward Classes, etc j Environment Friendly Governance District Coordination Committee, District Forest Sector Coordination Committee, District Water Resource Committee, District Land Price Fixation Committee, Land Compensation Determination Committee, Plant Quarantine Committee, Pesticide Committee, District Forest Encroachment Control and Management Task Force, District Drinking Water and Sanitation Committee, District Agricultural Development Coordination Committee 42 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 discussing the effectiveness of such councils and broad categories of benefits from an ecosystem. committees with thematic groups: These benefits include supporting services such 1. As there is a need for high-level coordination as nutrient recycling and soil formation processes; between different agencies, policy formulation provisioning services like production of food grain, and revision, and law enactment in the Nature cloth, energy, and clean water; regulating services Conservation National Strategic Framework, such as preservation of air quality; regulation of a council chaired by Vice Chairperson shall water, climate, diseases and crop pollination; be appropriate to implement such National and cultural services like recreational, religious, Framework. spiritual, educational, and natural aesthetics. Owing to the approach of reviewing contributions 2. Experience has it that such councils could of ecosystem goods like timber and fuel wood not meet regularly and the National Planning only to the national economy, overall ecosystem Commission (NPC) had to monitor the contributions have been devaluated. Because of implementation of different sectoral strategies. this, ecosystem services have not been evaluated For such circumstances, the Steering in the investment in physical infrastructure. Committee chaired by the member secretary of the NPC has to be made as effective as it Although the Environment Protection Act (1997) was during the formulation of the Strategic and the Environment Protection Regulations Framework. (1997) have made provisions for environmental protection and pollution control, ecosystem b) Local level: The Environment Friendly Local services have been excessively exploited and Governance Framework (2013) has envisaged degraded in the absence of harmonisation due to the establishment of the Environment Friendly different sectoral priorities. Coordination Committees at the district, municipality and VDC levels that are directly To mainstream ecosystem services during related to environment and nature conservation. financial assessment of physical infrastructure, Committees such as the Agriculture Development project cost analysis and investment assessment, Coordination Committee, Forest Sector economic policies associated with thematic Coordination Committee, Drinking Water and sectors are generally weak. While operating Sanitation Coordination Committee that have been physical infrastructure without paying due formed at the district level are related to nature attention to ecosystem sensitivity, there will be an conservation. Although it is stated that the DDC adverse impact on nature conservation, and there Chairperson should chair all these Committees, is no policy or legal provision to compensate for membership and representation in the Committees ecosystem services that have been lost. However, differ from one another. Thus, in a district-level ecosystem services have contributed to ensuring discussion, it was concluded that the Environment the sustainability of physical infrastructure. Friendly Coordination Committee, under the Therefore, it is necessary that valuation and District Development Committee, is appropriate accounting for ecosystem services in the national and effective for monitoring whether or not nature economy are carried out for conservation-friendly conservation has been integrated into district- economic development by maintaining a balance level sectoral development in accordance with between development and nature conservation. the concept of the Nature Conservation National However, ecosystem services have not been Strategic Framework, and provide guidance identified, their value has not been determined accordingly. and their contributions to development have not yet been assessed in Nepal. As a result, proper

3.3.4 Valuing and Accounting Ecosystem investment in conservation has not been possible Goods and Services because of the devaluation of such services. An ecosystem refers to the inter-relationship Therefore, the importance of conservation may between organic and inorganic factors for be explained to policy-makers, provided that an continuous flow of energy and chemical approach to economic value review of nature is substances within a certain limit. There are 118 adopted. types of ecosystems in Nepal. There are four 43 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

3.3.5 Accountability in Conservation Results a tradition shall be established to give credit to Mainstreaming nature conservation into sectoral those who are involved in conservation activities strategies shall be a shared responsibility of all by promoting accountability in conservation. concerned. As responsibility, accountability and Status of compliance: As there are no details credit in achieving results are also being shared; of nature conservation while delegating budget there may be an adverse impact if all sectors do expenditure-related authority to the ministry not accept ownership. Therefore, to enhance the concerned, no one has been held responsible responsibility of agency concerned to ensure for current and future excessive exploitation and effective results of nature conservation, it is degradation of natural resources in the course indispensable for a central agency to facilitate. of fulfilling the sectoral development targets. Because budget expenditures are only approved Legal arrangements: Sectoral ministries for formulated programmes, no budget is spent on concerned shall be accountable to spending conservation if nature conservation programmes allocated budget and achieving development are not determined during programme planning. targets for development programmes. There Furthermore, as such programmes are designed are provisions according to which the Ministry of based on the jurisdiction of concerned agencies; Finance shall delegate its authority to the ministry agencies with no nature conservation agenda concerned to spend budget and this concerned generally do not determine nature conservation- ministry shall also be responsible and accountable related programmes. for achieving results. Similarly, provisions are also clear regarding who is to be accountable to Although there are provisions in law, accountability authority delegated by the ministry concerned to, and recognition of, conservation results is very to other organisations and other provisions. For weak. A given sector’s accountability to conservation example, the Water Resource Act (1992) and results is not clear. For example, the government the Water Resource Regulations (1993) have has committed to maintaining 40 per cent of forest- made provision for requiring permits to use water covered areas – but 16,500 hectares of forest have sources. Examples of the responsibilities and been destroyed between 2001 and 201069. Despite accountabilities mentioned in some acts and the presence of several coordination mechanisms, regulations are presented in Annex 16. Though there is no effective implementation of such there is a Disaster Risk Management Strategy, mechanisms, which seems to be associated with disaster risks have not been addressed in an lack of accountability. Duplication of responsibility integrated way in the context of accountability has caused exploitation of natural resources at the because of lack of law. local level. As a result, there is less accountability in conservation. Although pasture is the jurisdiction There is no mention in any thematic and sectoral of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and strategy regarding how to give due credit to the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, those who contribute to the compliance of initial lack of clarity regarding which Ministry should environmental examinations and environmental govern pasture management is an example of an impact assessments, and conservation. Therefore, accountability issue. 44 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Chapter 4 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework

4.1 Background 4.4 Goal Based on review of the achievements of the To contribute to achieving sustainable National Conservation Strategy (1988), in-depth development by integrating nature conservation in review of relevant references, results obtained all development efforts. from consultations with stakeholders of all levels and suggestions received from thematic groups 4.5 Purpose concerned, a total of 13 approach papers on forest, To develop nature conservation and sustainable biodiversity, agriculture, physical infrastructure, development as complementary to each other. water resource and disaster management, climate change and energy, tourism, land regional plan, This purpose shall be achieved through the health, environmental education, society, nature achievement of the results of the five strategic and indigenous peoples, gender and social pillars. inclusion and law and organisational arrangements have been prepared (Annex 17). This Framework 4.6 Strategic Pillars has been prepared based on these approach Five strategic pillars, mentioned in Chapter 3.2, papers, suggestions obtained from the Steering are the main bases of the implementation of Committee, review of references and consultations this Framework. Activities for integrating nature held at different levels. conservation into all development efforts have been covered according to these five strategic pillars. Development, use and promotion of nature- These pillars shall help in achieving sustainable based solutions, sustainable use of natural development by facilitating nature conservation and cultural heritage, harmonisation between integration into development efforts. Results and development and conservation for sustainable their monitoring indicators to be achieved while development, collaboration and partnership, implementing this Framework in accordance with traditional knowledge, respect for skills and these five strategic pillars shall be as follows: culture, compliance with national and international commitments, guarantees for good governance, 4.6.1 Mainstreaming Nature Conservation into promotion of positive external impacts, integrity in Development Efforts ecosystems, investment in development based on Procedure: For mainstreaming nature the value of ecosystems, current plan formulation conservation into development efforts, weaknesses and implementation processes based on thematic observed in mainstreaming shall be addressed and sectoral strategies for sectoral development by analysing current policies, plans, directives, and issues such as inclusive and equitable laws, guidance, organisational structure, human participation have been adopted as guiding resources (number and capacity) and investments principles in this strategic Framework. in conservation. As it is a dynamic process, these different aspects shall be revised by coducting

4.2 Vision periodic reviews. A prosperous, inclusive and just Nepal that values and conserves nature for sustainable Expected results: Nature conservation development. mainstreamed in all sectoral policies and strategies to be drafted and nature conservation-

4.3 Mission related current and emerging issues included by To provide guidance in ensuring nature reviewing strategies that are in implementation. responsiveness for sustainable development. 45 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Priority programmes based on the review studies the conclusion drawn from stepwise consultations of coordination between agencies concerned and are given in Table 6. the conclusion drawn from stepwise consultations are given in Table 6. 4.6.4 Valuing and Accounting Ecosystem Goods and Services

4.6.2 Harmonisation between Sectoral Procedure: The following tools shall be used Strategies regarding benefits from valuing and accounting Procedure: To maintain harmonisation, uniformity ecosystem goods and services: should be enforced within an agency/strategy or existing differences between other agencies and a) While making any decisions regarding strategies, incoherent and mutually contradictory conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems provisions. In addition, the trend of inefficient use of at the high level and expressing commitments resources and escape from responsibility because in the strengthening of policies, the concept of of responsibility duplication shall be avoided, the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity subsidies of one sector that have a perverse (TEEB) can be implemented. The essence impact on another sector shall be eradicated and of TEEB is that biodiversity and ecosystems harmonisation between positive and negative are being destroyed because of the lack of externalities shall be maintained. recognition and undermining the contributions of biodiversity/nature in the welfare of human Expected results: Integrating nature conservation beings70,71,72. activities into development shall be effective and b) Raise awareness of all ecosystem service efficient because of joint formulation of policies, users about the importance of ecosystem strategies, programmes, and collaboration services. in conservation with clear allocation of c) Introduce payment for ecosystem services responsibilities. where possiblek. d) Provide a framework for decisions to be made Priority programmes based on the review studies for resources and their utility value and different of harmonisation between strategies and the alternatives73. conclusion drawn from stepwise consultations are given in Table 6. Valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and services can also be carried out by using the

4.6.3 Coordination between Agencies following methods74 : concerned Procedure: Coordination shall be maintained 1. Avoided cost: Cost to be paid in the absence between different agencies or organisations within of this or that service. For example, cost for the scope of complementary, supplementary, pre- rainwater storage in a watershed is saved, conditions, synergy, and joint action. In addition, as there is already water storage in the coordination shall be enhanced by performing watershed. review of the coordination mechanism based 2. Replacement cost: Cost required for a human- on the effectiveness of local-level Coordination created system made to replace a natural Committees. system. For example, cost involved in purifying water of the Bagmati River is much more Expected results: Agencies coordinating than benefits from the river while using it for complementary, supplementary, pre-conditions, drainage. synergy and joint action roles shall consider the 3. Factor income: Direct growth in income through target expected by all sectoral agencies as a services. For example, growth in agricultural shared target of all agencies/organisations income from increased fruit and rape seed production because of better pollination by Priority programmes based on the review studies bees. of coordination between agencies concerned and k To promote investment in conservation, maintain harmonisation between the preference of upstream and downstream stakeholders and maintain balance between development and conservation, payment for ecosystem services (PES) has appeared as an emerging and promising strategy. The Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation is formulating a policy to make PES clearer. 46 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 4. Travel cost: Cost involved in availing services. and agency concerned shall be guided for required For example, expenditure made by visitors improvements. while visiting the Bat Cave in Pokhara is the price of service. Expected results: Accountability in conservation 5. Hedonic pricing: Cost to be paid from results ensured with improvements in work hedonic point of view along with other factors performance. concerned. For example, the land of an area with water facility, school for children and open Priority programmes based on the review studies of playground, costs more. accountability of sectoral agencies in conservation 6. Contingent valuation: The value of services results and the conclusions drawn from stepwise is also derived from the value of conditions of consultations are given in Table 6. envisioned alternatives. For example, the price that visitors are ready to pay if they are allowed 4.7 Brief Log Frame of the Framework to visit national parks. A brief log frame of the Framework is presented in Table 5. It was difficult to include goal-level Expected results: While assessing the results indicators in this log frame. The impact of the of efforts of conservation and making decisions goal to be achieved from the implementation of of investment in conservation, apart from direct this Framework is the sustainable development revenue income from conservation, establish and of different sectors and cross-sectors identified mainstream clear guidance and a procedure for by this Framework. Based on the principle that valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and nature conservation should also be integrated services. into development in order to achieve sustainable development of those sectors in a balanced way, Priority programmes based on the review studies a plan for the inclusion of conservation indicators of valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and is included in the action plan of this Framework services and the conclusion drawn from stepwise by reviewing whether or not a particular sectoral consultations are given in Table 6. agency has inadequate indicators or does not have indicators at all. This Framework is not

4.6.5 Accountability of sectoral agencies in intended to monitor all of the indicators of sectoral conservation results agencies, nor is it possible to do so. Representative Procedure: In order to hold sectoral ministries indicators presented in Table 11 are the indicators more accountable for achieving expected results of the achievement of the goal of this Framework. in nature conservation, maintain harmonisation In addition, as the indicators of the achievement between different sectoral laws and policies, are based on the assessment of provisions in and promote mutual support and understanding a checklist, a detailed checklist is presented in between sectoral ministries, the National Planning Annex 18. In case of the results of the five strategic Commission shall play a coordinating role. Based pillars, indicators have been prepared based on on the five strategic pillars of this Framework, programmes required to bring this Framework in regular monitoring of the NPC will be conducted implementation. 47 48 Table 5: Brief log frame of Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development Period of Framework: 2015-2030 Narrative summary Indicators Means of verification Assumptions • State policy shall give priority to integration of nature conservation into the new Goal: To contribute to achieving Constitution to be drafted sustainable development by Mid-term and final surveys of the • There shall be reasonable changes in the As per Table 11 integrating nature conservation in Strategy Framework Implementation Council, the all development efforts Framework Implementation Committee and other structures after the restructuring of the State Purpose: To develop nature • Development and nature conservation conservation and sustainable All policies, strategies, plans, programmes and projects have passed nature sensitivity integration-related report shall be Sensitivity test report development as complementary test (assessment as per Annex 18) submitted at Legislature-Parliament every to each other two years for information and discussion a) Status of indispensability of nature conservation integration into development efforts Formal and informal education curricula • This Framework shall be a nature in formal and informal course curriculum and inclusion of material on procedure conservation mainstreaming-related b) Preparation and implementation of agreed guidelines on mainstreaming nature Annual and Periodic Planning document for the Natural Resource conservation Guidelines and Implementation Committee of Legislature-Parliament Strategic pillar 1: Mainstreaming c) Inclusion and status implementation of nature conservation mainstreaming Guidelines of the National Planning • Environmental standards shall be nature conservation in procedure in annual and periodic planning guidelines Commission determined in all relevant development development efforts d) Status of the availability and use of standards for mainstreaming nature Strategy and working policy of sectoral plans conservation agencies • Liaison Unit shall be established and focal person shall be designated in all relevant e) Status of the establishment of nature conservation-related budget code Annual budget of thematic and sectoral thematic and sectoral agencies f) Budget arrangements (per cent) for nature conservation agencies Strategic pillar 2: Harmonisation a) Procedure maintaining harmonisation between sectoral strategies in development Annual and Periodic Planning between sectoral strategies efforts and nature conservation integration prepared Guidelines and Implementation b) Procedure for maintaining harmonisation mentioned in Annual and Periodic Planning Guidelines of the National Planning Output: Sectoral policies, Guidelines Commission • Thematic and sectoral agencies shall strategies and programmes with c) Inclusion of harmonisation maintenance procedure in Annual and Periodic Planning maintain harmonisation in issues like Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 clear allocation of responsibilities Material published by sectoral agencies and Programming Guidelines of sectoral agencies and status of implementation policy inconsistency, existing process and consistency formulated differences, contradictory legal provisions jointly and collaboration in nature d) Number of harmonisation-related issues addressed conservation integration activities Progress reports of sectoral agencies in development efforts more e) Number of harmonisation-related issues in the process of being addressed effective and efficient a) Preparation of procedure agreed on coordination between sectoral policies and Different decisions of the Coordination Strategic pillar 3: Coordination strategies in development and nature conservation integration and status of Council and the Coordination with relevant agencies and implementation Committee facilitation Different decisions of the Coordination b) Identification of complementary, supplementary, pre-conditions, synergy and joint Council and the Coordination Output: All sectoral strategies action roles of agencies and status of implementation • The government shall allocate business Committee coordinating complementary, of thematic and sectoral ministries and c) Procedure of maintaining coordination between sectoral policies and strategies supplementary, pre-conditions, include nature conservation in their mentioned in Annual and Periodic Planning Guidelines and status of implementation synergy and joint action roles responsibilities shall accept the target expected d) Issues of maintaining coordination between sectoral agencies and procedures Procedure and guidance document by all sectoral agencies as a mentioned in annual and periodic plans and programmes of sectoral agencies and shared target of all agencies/ status of implementation organisations e) Status of fulfilling the responsibility of coordination for integrating nature Material published by sectoral agencies conservation into programme planning and implementation Strategic pillar 4: Valuing and Guidance on Valuing and Accounting a) Status of identification of ecosystem goods and services, valuing and accounting accounting ecosystem goods and Ecosystem Goods and Services procedure formulation and use services published by the Ministry of Finance b) Inclusion of the procedure of valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and services Different plans, programme and project Output: Apart from direct revenue in annual and periodic planning guidelines and status of implementation documents • There shall be meaningful participation of income from conservation while c) Status of the implementation of valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and the private sector in the development and assessing achievements of Project document services in development investment proposals implementation of valuing and accounting conservation efforts and deciding ecosystem goods and services system investments in conservation, procedure for valuing and d) Status of the use of valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and services in the accounting ecosystem goods Financial report national accounting system and services and clear guidance established and mainstreamed. a) Inclusion in the annual and periodic planning guidelines of the areas identified for facing the challenges, addressing the issues, and minimisation of risks related with Strategic pillar 5: Accountability assumptions envisaged by the sectoral policies and strategies; and status of its of sectoral agencies to implementation conservation results b) Inclusion of the subject of nature conservation in the regular monitoring process and Monitoring reports of the National The government shall give priority to indicators of the national Planning Commission; and status of its implementation Planning Commission and thematic and responsibility and recognition in results of Output: Accountability in thematic sectoral agencies conservation conservation results ensured with c) Inclusion of the recommendations on the five pillars of this Strategic Framework and reforms in work performance ways forward in the monitoring reports of the National Planning Commission; and status of its implementation 49 d) Inclusion of nature conservation accountability measures in the implementation of Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 the development programmes of the sectoral agencies 50 Table 5: Brief log frame of Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development Period of Framework: 2015-2030 Narrative summary Indicators Means of verification Assumptions Activity Investment 1. Expenditure on preliminary activities pursuant to Section 5.3 to bring this Frame in implementation by the National Planning Commission For Framework implementation, Rs 800 million for 16 years pursuant to Annex 20 for conducting activities, capacity building, 2. Facilitation expenditure facilitation and production of dissemination material on the implementation of programmes to be given priority by thematic and sectoral agencies pursuant to Table 6 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

4.8 Programmes that need to be given have been ranked as ‘high’, ‘medium’ and ‘low’ priority for integrating nature to show their relationships with the strategic conservation into development pillars. Furthermore, the agencies responsible efforts for implementing them are presented as principal The programmes that need to be given priority responsible agencies and supporting agencies. by the concerned agencies for integrating nature These agencies will apportion responsibilities conservation into development efforts through the among the divisions, departments, regional findings of review and phase-wise consultations and district-level agencies, and these agencies are presented in Table 6. These programmes will will formulate necessary activities within these be formulated and implemented in line with the programmes on an annual basis and implement policies and strategies of sectoral agencies. Such them. programmes to be conducted by sectoral agencies 51 52 Table 6: Programmes that need to be given priority by the agencies concerned for nature conservation integration into development efforts Related strategic pillars Responsibilities Sectoral activities Ecosystem services Coordination and Principal agencies Supporting agencies Mainstreaming Harmonization facilitation valuing and accounting Accountability 1. Forest Policy reform Make arrangement for a decision-making system by analysing Ministry of Forests 1) environmental services and social costs and benefits while H M L H and Soil Conservation NPC deciding changes in forest land use (MoFSC) Discourage the trend of settling displaced and landless people in 2) H H H MoFSC MoF, NPC, MoLRM the forest area MoFALD, MoAD, private sector, 3) Promote and sustainably use herb-based green enterprises H H MoFSC community-based forest groups (CBFGs) 4) Promote good governance practices in forest management H M MoFSC MoFALD Arrange to fix the revenue system applicable to timber and non- 5) H M MoFSC MoCS, MoF timber forest products on a demand basis Conduct strategic environmental review while formulating and NPC, related ministries such as MoAD, 6) H H H MoFSC revising sectoral policies and strategies MoFALD, MoIr, MoEn etc Maintain consistency between forest-related acts and other MoFALD, MoLJPA, MoAD, MoIr, 7) H M M MoFSC sectoral agencies’ acts, rules and responsibilities MoEn, etc 8) Attract investment of the private sector for forest management H H MoFSC MoI, MoF, private sector Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 9) Formulate soil and watershed conservation policy MoFSC MoEn, MoIr, MoFALD Programme/implementation Ministry related to plans, 10) Effectively use suggestions of environmental impact assessment H M L H MoSTE private sector, MoFSC 11) Improve and rehabilitate the degraded forest area H M MoFSC MoFALD, CBFGs, private sector Sustainably supply forest products and sustainably use forest 12) H M MoFSC MoCS, private sector, CBFGs resources by adopting scientific forest management tools Promote, continue and build the capacity of community-based 13) H H MoFSC MoAD, MoFALD management of forests, pasturelands and wetlands 14) Reduce conflict between human and wildlife MoFSC Local bodies, CBFGs Manage open grazing and promote the community-based 15) H H MoFSC MoAD, CBFGs management system Bring the illegal enterprises being operated in the Churia within 16) the ambit of the law Carry out upgrading, registration and integrated management of 17) H H MoFSC MoAD, local bodies watersheds Garner local communities’ participation in soil and watershed 18) H H MoFSC MoFALD, MoAD, MoIr, MoEn etc conservation and sustainably manage soil Enhance ownership and accountability of local communities by 19) M H MoFSC MoFALD coordinating in soil and watershed conservation 20) Conserve the upper layer of land M M MoFSC MoAD Identify and manage wetlands of national and international MoFALD, MoIr, MoAD, MoEn, 21) H H MoFSC importance MoCTCA, etc MoFALD, MoIr, MoAD, MoEn, 22) Conserve and sustainably use wetlands H M MoFSC MoCTCA, etc 23) Conserve and manage soil and water in an integrated way H H H MoFSC WEC, MoAD, MoIr Monitoring/regulation Ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the provision 24) of ploughing back a part of the profit earned through use and H H MoFSC NPC, MoFALD, private sector, CBFGs sale of forest resources in the forest sector itself. While handing over the land of the forest area for other purposes, strictly implement and monitor the provision of planting trees 25) H H M H MoFSC CBFGs, private sector in other areas, covering the area equal to the forest area and ensuring the same number and combination of trees species. Regulate the encroachment of forests, unauthorised collection 26) H H H H MoFSC MoFALD, MoHA, CBFGs and excavation of forest resources by effectively enforcing laws Monitor valuing and accounting of ecosystem services obtained Private sector, CBFGs, conservation 27) H H MoFSC from forest conservation and development partners Take legal action against illegal enterprises being operated in 28) Churia and the forest area, and regulate the illegal export of H H MoFSC MoHA, local bodies, CBFGs stones, gravels and sand, and open grazing. Awareness raising /capacity building MoFSC 53 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 54 Build capacity at local and district levels for effective 29) H M MoFSC MoLJPA, NPC implementation of forest-related rules and laws NPC, Ministry of General Increase the number of skilled human resources with practical 30) H M MoFSC Administration (MoGA), private sector, knowledge in government and non-government agencies conservation partners Raise awareness of civil society and local people regarding MoAD, private sector, conservation 31) H MoFSC Churia area conservation, pasture and grassland management partners 2 Biodiversity and ecosystem Policy reform Ministry of Federal Affairs As there has been a trend of damaging natural greenery during and Local Development 1) road construction, make arrangement for declaring green belts at H M (MoFALD), Ministry of MoFSC, MoPIT, MoHA the border of such roads Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) While implementing urbanization and settlement expansion 2) programmes, ensure that they have no negative impact on the H M MoPIT MoFSC, NPC habitat of specific species of flora and fauna Protect traditional crops and livestock and their varieties and 3) breeds from being extinct by gradually transforming food grant H M MoFALD MoAD, MoCS, NGOs concerned given in remote areas into local food grain production Increase responsibility toward conservation by formulating joint 4) plans and bringing harmony in the priorities of line agencies and H MoFALD NGOs concerned VDCSs Identify and establish the conservation area of endangered 5) H H MoFSC MoFALD, MoAD species Make community-managed forests in the mid hills, which are 6) underrepresented in terms of conservation area, especially in M H M MoFSC FECOFUN, CBFGs corridors with greater diversity, more conservation oriented Adopt the concept of a uniform and sound ecosystem for nature Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 7) conservation with transboundary and regional support by H H MoFSC NPC, MoAD addressing transboundary issues Programme/implementation Document traditional knowledge and skills on biodiversity MoCTCA, Agriculture and Forestry 8) H MoFSC conservation University 9) Study and identify properties of species listed as endangered H M MoFSC MoAD, Universities Document contributions made by indigenous traditional 10) knowledge, skills and practices to biodiversity and sustainable H M MoFSC MoWCSW, MoAD, Universities agriculture National Trust for Nature Conservation 11) Develop a specific plan of conservation of flagship species H MoFSC (NTNC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Give priority to the conservation of varieties and breeds to be LI-BIRD, NGOs concerned, private 12) M H MoAD conserved in the Gene Bank sector 13) Promote a Community Seed Bank H H MoAD MoFSC Biodiversity strategy should also contribute to the conservation of 14) H MoFSC MoAD, MoSTE, MoI, MoIr, MoEn microorganisms and species Give priority to ensuring biological corridors for unhindered 15) H M MoFSC MoFALD, MoAD movement between major habitats (both terrestrial and aquatic) Ensure unhindered movement of aquatic animals in at least three 16) H H M MoFSC MoFALD, MoEn, NTNC, WWF rivers that are important from conservation point of view Promote agro forest, private forest and unconventional energy MoAD, MoEn, MoSTE, NGOs 17) H MoFSC sources in order to reduce pressure on natural habitats concerned, private sector Establish a National Biodiversity Information Management 18) M H MoFSC MoF, MoAD, donor agencies System and strengthen a National Clearing House Mechanism 19) Document and register major biological and cultural heritages H M MoFSC MoAD, MoCTCA, Universities 20) Document locally available species H M MoFSC MoAD MoAD, Bird Conservation Nepal 21) Conserve beneficial insects and insectivorous birds H H MoFSC (BCN), NGOs concerned 22) Identify and conserve ecosystems H H MoFSC MoAD, MoSTE, NGOs concerned 23) Regulate habitat loss caused by forest encroachment H H MoFSC MoSTE, MoFALD Effectively implement strategies like the Biodiversity Strategy and 24) Action Plan (2014-2020), the Agriculture Development Strategy M H MoFSC, MoAD NPC, all ministries and agencies 2014 Translate the system of ecosystem services valuing and 25) accounting into practice while deciding about investment in H H MoF All ministries conservation Take the control of widely spread invasive species like 26) H H L MoFSC NPC, MoAD Parthenium forward as a national programme Coordinate between research and policy and promote policy 27) H M MoFSC NPC, NARC, Universities research 28) Resolve conflict between human and wildlife H H H MoFSC NPC, MoHA 55 Monitoring/regulation Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 56 29) Monitor and regulate the use of insecticides and other pesticides H M H MoAD NPC Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and their 30) H H MoAD MoFALD, MoHP impact on aquatic animals Regulate genetically modified organisms and enhance 31) M M H MoAD MoFSC knowledge about them Awareness raising /capacity building NARC, Department Enhance knowledge about biodiversity through surveys and of Forest Research 32) H M MoF, other agencies concerned research and Survey (DoFRS), Universities Include nature conservation and environmental education in all Ministry of Education 33) H M Universities levels of education (MoE) Institutionally strengthen the quarantine programme and build the MoAD, Department of 34) H M MoF, MoFSC capacity of human resources Livestock Services (DLS) Conservation of species like honeybee, which supports on 35) pollination system and ecosystem services, their habitat H M H H M MoAD, DLS Universities, training centers conservation and implementing awareness building programmes 3. Agriculture sector Policy reform Incorporate the agriculture-related policy provisions in the climate 1) H M MoAD NPC, MoSTE policy and other policies into the current agriculture policy. Establish an Agro biodiversity and Nature Conservation Unit in the Department of Agriculture, Department of Livestock Services 2) H M MoAD NPC, MoGA, MoF and Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) and assign district-level human resources responsibility regarding this Arrange for environmental examinationL of commercial 3) H M H L MoAD MoSTE, NPC agriculture pocket areas Gradually reduce the food grain transportation subsidy being Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 4) provided in mountain and remote mountainous areas and change H M M MoAD MoCS, local bodies the transportation subsidy budget into production subsidy Address factors that cause loss to soil fertility of agriculture land 5) M H MoAD MoLRM, MoFSC as a result of soil degradation and landslide Arrange for disseminating imported seeds, breeds and MoCS, Seed Entrepreneurs’ 6) H H M L MoAD technology only after testing them for at least one year Association of Nepal (SEAN) L As farmers cultivate in small areas individually while expanding the agricultural production pocket area, they do not fall within the standards of this environmental impact review. However, certain pockets seem to fall under these standards such as potato, broiler chicken, and commercial pockets of hybrids. Encourage organic farming and environment-friendly Agriculture MoSTE, Agriculture Enterprise Centre 7) H M L MoAD systems (AEC), farmers’ cooperatives Govern the feminisation of the agriculture sector and scarcity of 8) labour, encourage mechanization for the commercialization of H M M MoAD MoSTE, MoI, NARC agriculture Introduce a provision that the tiller cannot claim tillers’ right when 9) a land is given to others for cultivation to ensure that land does H H MoAD MoLRM, local bodies not remain fallow Programme/implementation Expand the use of improved varieties and breeds that have been MoSTE, private sector, farmers’ 10) developed from the use of local agriculture genetic resources in H H M MoAD cooperatives, NGOs concerned short and long terms Manage wildlife (monkey, rabbit, boar and porcupine) that have 11) H H M MoAD MoFSC, MoHA,, community forests become harmful as a result of damage to their habitats Discourage uncontrolled farming systems characterized by a lack of crop rotation and use of excessive digging and ploughing 12) H H MoAD MoSTE, I/NGOs, farmers’ cooperatives and reduce dependence on, and use of, imbalance chemical fertilizers and pesticides 13) Arrange the supply of organically produced food as per demand H H MoAD MoCS, AEC MoIr, MoCS, NARC, Agriculture Manage decreasing agriculture land and soil fertility and increase 14) H M MoAD and Forestry University, private soil fertility entrepreneurs 15) Address the impact of climate change on agriculture M H MoAD MoSTE, NGOs concerned MoFSC, dairy cooperatives, livestock 16) Manage pasture land sustainably H M MoAD raising groups MoFALD, LI-BIRD, seed producers’ 17) Develop and expand a Community Seed Bank H H MoAD cooperatives Monitoring/regulation Regulate the use of hybrid and improved varieties and breeds MoI, MoCS, agriculture entrepreneurs, 18) L H H MoAD that have been disseminated in an unauthorized way farmers’ cooperatives 19) Strictly regulate the use of insecticides and other pesticides L H H MoAD MoI, MoCS, private sector, civil society Regulate inedible things in food grains and the residue of MoI, MoHP, users’ cooperatives, 20) excessive and unauthorized use of antibiotics being used in L H H MoAD Federation of Nepalese Chambers of livestock feed and health Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Monitor/regulate initial environmental examination and 21) M MoAD MoSTE, MoFALD, MoPIT, civil society environmental impact assessment 57 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 58 Awareness raising/capacity building Raise people’s awareness regarding the use of GMO varieties 22) M H H MoAD MoHP, MoSTE, users’ cooperatives and breeds and their potential negative impact Raise people’s awareness about the contributions of local MoSTE, farmers’ cooperatives, civil 23) agriculture genetic resources to sustainable agriculture H M L MoAD society production, climate adaptation and ecosystem services Raise awareness in communities/farms about the preparation MoSTE, NGOs concerned, farmers’ 24) H M L MoAD and method of using organic and farm yard manure cooperatives, farmers’ groups Strengthen and build the capacity of agriculture human resources 25) H M L MoAD MoLRM, NPC in the areas of conservation knowledge Implement awareness raising programmes to promote organic farming and Neglected Underutilised Species (NUS) 26) H M M M H MoAD MoFALD, NPC commercialisation for agro-diversity conservation and provide priority to agro-tourism 4. Development of physical structure and environment Policy reform Declare some watershed areas as UNESCO geoparks as per MoE, local bodies, NTNC, MoFSC, 1) M H MoSTE UNESCO recommendations civil society While constructing physical infrastructures, conserve those MoFSC, MoSTE, civil society, transport 2) natural resources that have no alternatives (for example, the H H H H H MoPIT entrepreneurs proposed railway that passes through the Chitwan National Park) While constructing roads, build slopes in such a way that landslides can be prevented and make provision for compulsory 3) compliance with the suggestions offered by engineers and H H MoPIT MoSTE, NGOs, local bodies geologists, as well as those mentioned in the environmental impact assessment Give priority to environment-friendly transport development (plant 4) trees, protect soil, not to pollute and build tunnels in unstable H H MoPIT MoFALD, MoSTE, local bodies slopes) Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Encourage those motor vehicles that use alternative energy 5) H H MoPIT (especially in urban areas) Develop and construct residences that consume less energy in 6) H M MoPIT MoEn, local bodies an effective way While constructing large physical infrastructures, prepare a MoI, MoEn, MoIr, Ministry of Urban 7) plan by mentioning required construction materials, sites for H M MoPIT Development (MoUD), Construction excavation, water sources, solid waste management areas, etc Entrepreneurs’ Association Introduce a provision for extracting sand and gravels in rivers 8) H M MoFALD MoI, DDCs, VDCs, municipalities only from a specified pond-like structure of certain standards 9) Review the labour use policy in the construction of rural roads H L M MoFALD MoPIT, NPC To enhance the coordination of agriculture and irrigation sub- 10) division offices, introduce a provision for establishing at least one H L MoIr MoAD irrigation sub-division office in every district Introduce a provision for paying for pollution management by 11) H M M Municipalities MoSTE, local bodies pollutants themselves Make electricity transmission lines passing through the forest 12) area higher than average tress in order not to cut trees in the H H MoEn MoFSC, MoSTE forest Programme/implementation While constructing a dam in a river, arrange a fishladder for up MoSTE, Nepal Electricity Authority, 13) H M M MoPIT, MoEn and down movement of aquatic species from the dam DDCs, VDCs, municipalities Develop and implement standards for drainage, land fill sites, MoSTE, MoUD, Underground Water 14) H M M MoUD open areas, underground water recharge, etc in urban areas Development Board (UWDB) Cause to comply with environment assessment activities by 15) sanctioning budget in time for the construction of physical H M MoPIT MoF, local bodies structures For the management of pollution caused by the use of fossil fuel like carbon- emitting petroleum products and coal, introduce a 16) H M M MoF MoSTE, local bodies provision to impose tax on the price of such fuel and invest this tax revenue in the management of air pollution Prepare environmental assessment-related documents of all projects in Nepali, make them available to all the VDCs, 17) H M M All ministries MoSTE, local bodies municipalities and DDCs concerned, and arrange to post them in the website Coordinate between the local government and the divisional 18) H M All ministries Local bodies offices of road, irrigation and water supply Comply with construction standards in systematic urbanization Department of Mines and Geology 19) and settlement expansion plans (especially for earthquake H M MoPIT (DoMG), Municipalities disaster management while constructing high buildings ) Promote green belts while constructing roads (including those 20) H M MoPIT MoFALD, MoFSC built on the bank of canals) Monitoring/regulation 59 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 60 Control the encroachment of temples, mosques, monasteries, MoFALD, district offices, DDCs, VDCs, 21) river banks, inns, houses of pilgrims, etc in the course of H H MoPIT municipalities, Guthi Corporation urbanization Ascertain that solid waste in urban areas, especially disposed MoSTE, DDCs, municipalities, district 22) M H MoHP from hospitals, is properly managed, and monitor it office MoSTE, local bodies, NGOs, civil 23) Strictly enforce the provision of environmental assessment M H All ministries society Ensure that there is flow of at least 10 per cent of water in the 24) M M H MoEn MoFALD, MoSTE, local bodies, NGOs rivers with embankment even during the main dry season While developing infrastructure ensure that there is no loss of MoSTE, MoCTCA, Department of 25) M H MoPIT natural and cultural heritages of national importance Archaeology Make provision requiring the contractor constructing the road to 26) monitor any obstructions in the natural water course for a certain H H MoPIT MoFALD, local bodies period of time Monitor the implementation of the provision of planting trees 27) if existing trees are felled in the process of development M H MoFALD MoPIT, MoSTE interventions Awareness raising/capacity building In order to address the adverse impact of development 28) interventions to be carried out at the local level, raise awareness H M M MoPIT MoFALD, NGOs and build capacity at the local level 5. Water resource and disaster risk management Policy reform Manage green belts along the bank of rivers or near natural 1) H H H MoEn MoSTE, local bodies watersheds Conserve the riparian habitat of flora and fauna located along the 2) H H H MoEn MoFSC, MoSTE, local bodies bank of rivers or near natural watersheds Classify rivers or specified area or length of the river into (i) for MoEn, MoIr, MoAD, MoFSC, MoFALD, Water and Energy Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 3) hydropower generation, (ii) for tourism promotion, (iii) for aquatic H H MoUD, MoCTCA, Rafting Association Commission (WEC) biodiversity conservation, and (iv) for multi-purpose use (RA), River Conservation Trust (RCT) Introduce provision for maintaining the upstream areas of the Himalayan rivers in their original natural conditions without any 4) H H WEC MoFALD, MoCTCA, RCT disruption for certain length. (For this purpose, identify such rivers and areas.) Introduce provision for allotting shares at concessional rate in 5) order to mobilize people’s participation in hydropower projects H M MoEn WEC, MoFALD and thus build a sense of ownership among the local people Make provision for alternative energy to reduce dependence of 6) M H MoEn MoWCSW, MoFALD poor, disadvantaged and excluded communities on the forest Introduce provision for integration of conservation into Ministry of Home Affairs MoSTE, MoWCSW, MoUD, civil 7) development by reviewing the risk of different natural disasters H M H (MoHA), MoFALD, society concerned, community and paying attention to nature conservation MoPIT, MoFSC organizations Programme/implementation Implement plans being based on underground water recharge 8) H H MoEn, MoIr MoAD, WEC system research 9) Rehabilitate those old ponds that are being sedimented H M MoEn MoIr, MoFALD As disaster risks and nature conservation are excessively MoSTE, MoAD, MoWCSW, civil 10) interrelated, mainstream the issues of disaster risk in nature H H MoHA society concerned, community conservation organizations 11) Implement underground water recharge plan H H MoEn MoSTE, MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD Introduce provision for making puddles in the forest area for 12) H MoFSC MoSTE, MoFALD wildlife and birds 13) Harvest rain water and use it at household and community levels MoEn MoEn, MoIr, MoAD, Design and implement programmes on water resource utility and Department of Water 14) H H MoFSC, MoFALD, MoCTCA, RA, RCT management for water resource management and development Induced Disaster Prevention (DoWIDP) 15) Implement rain water harvest plan H M M MoEn MoFALD Conduct national-level studies and research on risky glacier 16) H H H MoEn WEC, MoSTE lakes Make policy provision on people’s awareness, warning system 17) H H MoEn WEC, MoSTE and risk reduction regarding the risky glacier lakes Monitoring/regulation While formulating a underground water irrigation plan, monitor underground water level, the quantity and quality of water that 18) can be drawn, open areas required for recharge, potential H MoIr MoEn, MoSTE, MoFALD sources of pollution and inclusion of plan of measures adopted for reducing negative impact Monitor the compliance with proper standards in solid waste 19) M H MoEn, MoI MoSTE, MoFALD management of the industrial area Monitor the pollution in water reservoirs caused by agriculture 20) M H MoEn MoSTE, MoFALD and industries 21) Regulate encroachment in water reservoirs M M H MoEn MoSTE, MoFALD 61 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 62 Awareness raising/capacity building 22) Raise awareness about watershed conservation H M MoEn MoFSC Reduce the possibility of landslides as a result of the collection of 23) H M M MoEn MoFALD, MoHA rain water in ponds in the hill area 6. Energy Policy reform Emphasis on the development of bio energy technologies that do MoFSC, DDCs, VDCs, municipalities, 1) H M MoSTE not emit CO2 development partners Make provision for additional subsidy in the use of improved 2) H M MoSTE Local bodies cooking stoves 3) Promote the use of bio-gas H M MoSTE Local bodies, development partners MoEn, DDCs, VDCs, municipalities, 4) Disburse loan for rural energy M H M MoSTE development partners Review the practice of exempting hydro-energy projects from 5) H H MoEn MoSTE, NPC environmental examination Programme/implementation DDCs, VDCs, municipalities, private 6) Effectively implement the Water Resource Act H M MoSTE sector 7) Integrate energy into sectoral plans H M MoSTE MoEn, DDCs, VDCs, municipalities Link home-installed renewable energy to the national grid and 8) use benefits thereof 9) Link renewable energy with rural processing industries H MoSTE MoEn, DDCs, VDCs, municipalities Include the accounting of, and investment in, indirect benefits 10) M H MoSTE MoEn, DDCs, VDCs, municipalities from the use of renewable energy in the decision-making process Monitoring/regulation While constructing a dam for hydropower, monitor the 11) H H MoSTE All ministries, hydropower company construction of a fish ladder Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Monitor the compliance with legal provision for releasing at least MoFALD, MoEn, MoFSC, hydropower 12) M M H MoSTE 10 per cent of water after constructing a dam in a river company Monitor the use of underground water, recharge and drainage in 13) M H MoSTE MoUD, local bodies large housing projects in the urban area Awareness raising/capacity building 14) Build the capacity of Energy Section at DDCs H M MoSTE MoFSC, local bodies Conduct awareness-raising programmes on the use of MoEn, local bodies, development 15) H M MoSTE renewable energy partners 7. Tourism Policy reform Formulate a separate policy on building large star-rated hotels in MoCTCA, Hotel Association Nepal 1) H M MoFSC parks and buffer zones (HAN) In order to attract tourists, promote home stay tourism by MoFALD, MoAD, Nepal Tourism Board 2) converting existing houses into traditional ones instead of H MoCTCA (NTB) building new houses MoPIT, Trekking Agents’ Association Review the policy on construction of motor roads in trekking 3) H M M MoCTCA Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering routes Association (NMA) As a result of growth in tourism industry, adopt a policy of not 4) allowing building of large hotels with the use of cement in parks H M MoCTCA MoFSC, MoPIT, HAN and protected areas Encourage and promote the use of renewable energy in tourism 5) H M industry Programme/implementation While evaluating the nature sensitivity of tourism promotion 6) programmes, mention measures for pollution reduction in the H L MoCTCA NPC, MoFALD planning guidelines Manage motor roads and tourist trails in such a way that they 7) H M M MoPIT MoCTCA, TAAN remain distinct from each other Conduct awareness- raising programmes on the importance Ministry of Information and 8) of nature conservation for tourism development at district and H L MoCTCA Communication (MoIC), NTB community levels 9) Document local heritages H MoCTCA MoE 10) Implement Tourism Master Plan H M MoCTCA MoFALD, MoFSC Monitoring/regulation Ensure re-investment of a portion of the revenue from tourism in 11) M H MoCTCA MoFALD the tourism development of the same area and monitor it. Monitor the harmony of tourism with customs, cultures and 12) livelihood base of women, Dalits and indigenous nationalities in M M H MoCTCA MoWCSW, MoFSC tourist and natural/cultural resource conservation programmes Regulate harassment of wildlife by tourists during their 13) M H MoCTCA Tour operators observation of the same Regulate, reduce and monitor negative impact of tourists on 14) M H MoCTCA MoFSC regular behaviour of wildlife 63 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 64 Awareness raising/capacity building Mobilize participation of communities and develop their capacity Local bodies, private sector, tourism 15) H H M MoCTCA at the community level entrepreneurs 8. Land and regional plan Policy reform Ministry of Land Reform 1) Formulate and implement land use laws H M and Management MoFALD (MoLRM) 2) Promote mines as an industry instead of piecemeal contracts H M MoFALD MoLRM Conduct a chaklabandi (land pooling) programme to prevent 3) H M MoLRM MoFALD, MoAD agriculture land from being fragmented MoI, FNCCI, Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI), 4) Earmark a specific area for industries H M MoLRM Association of Chambers of Commerce (ACC) The Industrial Policy should specify the types of land in which 5) H M MoI MoLRM, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC industrial estates are to be established. Focus agriculture mechanization research on small and 6) H H MoAD MoLRM marginalised farmers’ problems in mountainous rural areas 7) Formulate local-level land use plans and enforce them H H MoLRM NPC Integrate provisions of the land use policy into the local planning 8) H M M MoLRM NPC, MoFALD process Adopt the planning policy of nature conservation along 9) with development being based on the norms and values of H H MoLRM NPC, MoFALD community-based organizations Ensure local resource tenureship of the people by addressing the 10) H H MoLRM NPC, MoFALD issues of community-based informal organizations Connect nature conservation to livelihood issues and ensure Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 11) that conservation activities do not have a negative impact on H M H H MoLRM NPC, MoAD, MoFSC, MoFALD livelihood Programme/implementation Enforce national land use policy for monitoring the construction 12) of roads and other routes that pass through cultivated areas and H H H H H MoLRM MoPIT national parks MoPIT, Central Bureau of Statistics 13) Effectively collect, process and manage land information H H H MoLRM (CBS), local bodies 14) Effectively implement the Land-use Policy H M MoLRM MoFALD 15) Apply land-use classification H H MoLRM MoFALD MoFALD, MoIr, Water Users’ 16) Plan integrated use of water resources H H MoEn Association (WUA) 17) Develop integrated land use plan M M MoLRM Monitoring/regulation 18) Monitor degraded agriculture land MoLRM MoAD 19) Manage the expansion of residential areas and urbanization MoUD MoLRM, MoFALD 9. Health Policy reform Review the geographic and ecosystem area subsidy and the 1) MoHP MoSTE environmental health policy NPC, MoUD, MoFALD, local NGOs, 2) Make provision for parks in potential/appropriate open spaces M M H H H Municipalities, MoPIT community organizations NPC, MoFALD, local NGOs, civil 3) Make provision to pay in lieu maintaining water hygiene H H H H H MoEn society Widely disseminate knowledge and skills to be adopted for the MoHP, MoFALD, local NGOs, schools, 4) safe use of pesticides in agriculture and give priority to the use of H H H M MoAD civil society organic pesticides Give priority to means of transport like bicycle, rickshaw by NPC, MoHP, MoFALD, MoI, Clean 5) making special provisions on roads and ban on the plying of H H H M H MoSTE Energy Nepal (CEN), civil society vehicles in the core area of the city Reduce air pollution by promoting public transport and means of 6) H H H M H MoSTE MoI, MoHP, CEN transport that emit low carbon Programme/implementation 7) Effectively implement the environmental health programme MoHP MoSTE MoCTCA, TAAN, local NGOs, schools, 8) Make provision for sufficient public toilets in all areas H H M H H MoFALD community, civil society Immediately have the amended Livestock Drug Act passed by 9) H M MoAD NPC, civil society, NGOs Parliament and implement it 10) Manage landless people residing in open spaces M M M MoFALD MoLRM 11) Make provision for emergency service in all hospitals H H H H H MoHP MoHA, MoI, MoFALD 65 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 66 Manage the disaster of climate-responsive diseases, including malaria, Japanese encephalitis, dengue and black fever MoSTE, MoFALD, MoHA, local NGOs, 12) H H MoHP transmitted by ever growing vectors as a result of climate schools, civil society change, and diseases caused by excessive cold or heat MoFALD, MoSTE, Nepal Quality Manage solid waste disposed from health service centres in 13) H H H M H MoHP and Measurement Department accordance with the Health Guidelines (NQMD),local NGOs MoFALD, MoSTE, local NGOs, 14) Conduct a programme that reduces household smoke H H H M H MoSTE community organizations Monitoring/regulation Monitor and reduce potential health problems caused by MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 15) M H MoAD, MoFSC imported and translocated flora and fauna concerned MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 16) Improve urban food security H H MoFALD concerned Monitor and reduce potential health problems of livestock and MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 17) M H MoAD, MoFSC human beings caused by the loss of ecosystem concerned MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 18) Strictly monitor slaughter houses and meat M H MoAD concerned Conduct surveillance of drinking water quality improvement and MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 19) M H MoEn monitoring concerned MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 20) Monitor the effect of the use of pesticides on human health M H MoAD concerned MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 21) Conduct surveillance and control open defecation M H MoFALD concerned Conduct surveillance and control the grazing of cattle at the MoHP, MoSTE, MoFALD, I/NGOs 22) M H MoFSC source of water concerned 23) Monitor hospital and industrial slurry management M M H MoFALD MoHP, MoSTE, MoI (NQMD) Monitor and regulate agro-pesticide producers, distributors and 24) H M H MoAD MoFALD, MoHP Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 agro vets 25) Monitor the use of pesticides in food crops, vegetables and fruit H M H MoFSC MoFALD, MoHP Monitor the environmental impact assessment of health service 26) H H MoHP MoFALD, MoSTE, MoI (NQMD) providers Awareness raising/capacity building Raise awareness about public health benefits from nature 27) H L MoSTE MoHP, MoAD, MoFALD conservation MoHP, MoAD, MoHA, MoSTE, 28) Raise awareness and education among producers and users H L MoAD MoFALD, I/NGOs concerned, civil society Raise public awareness about the impact of pesticide-applied MoFALD, I/NGOs concerned, civil 29) H H H H H MoHP, MoAD food crops on human health society 10. Climate change Policy reform While formulating development plans, adopt climate adaptation 1) H M MoSTE MoHA, MoAD, local bodies, NGOs and impact reduction processes 2) Promote ecosystem-based adaptation at the community level H M MoSTE Local bodies, NGOs Promote technology and processes (renewable energy, REDD+, 3) H M MoSTE Local bodies, NGOs CDM) that reduce greenhouse gas 4) Encourage and promote green technology 5) Make provision for strategic environmental assessment M M H MoSTE NPC Make provision to make the district-level Agro-forest and 6) H MoSTE Environment Committee functional Make provision to assess the contribution of local genetic 7) resources to climate change adaptation in the investment M H MoSTE MoAD, MoFSC, local bodies process Programme/implementation 8) All development programmes to assess climate change risks H M All ministries NPC Conduct awareness-raising and practicable programmes in all levels (from centre to community) to incorporate climate change 9) H M MoSTE MoFALD, development partners and measures of reduction of its negative impact into planning and implementation Conduct and promote a piloting programme for payment for 10) M H MoSTE MoFSC, development partners ecosystem services Link value-adding small rural processing industries with 11) H M MoSTE MoEn, MoI, development partners renewable energy programmes Implement the Environment-friendly Local Governance 12) H M MoFALD MoSTE, local bodies Framework 2070 13) Conduct research on climate change adaptation H M MoSTE MoFSC, MoAD, MoCTCA, TAAN, NMA MoFSC, MoAD, MoCTCA, 14) Effectively implement the Climate Change Policy H M MoSTE development partners 67 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 68 Monitoring/regulation Establish tools for monitoring the impact of climate change on 15) L H MoSTE MoAD, MoCTCA, MoFALD flora and fauna and monitor it 16) Effectively monitor the issues of conservation L H MoSTE MoFSC, MoAD, MoCTCA, MoFALD 11. Urbanization Policy reform Promote rural-urban partnership in order to create employment in Ministry of Urban 1) H MoLRM villages and reduce the trend of retaining land fallow Development (MoUD) 2) Arrange emergency open spaces M H MoUD Municipalities 3) Arrange fire extinguisher in required number and capacity H 4) Arrange public parks (including drinking water and toilet) M H MoUD Municipalities Arrange routes and adequate spaces for emergency access to MoPIT, local bodies, private sector, 5) public buildings, especially school, college and hospital while H H H MoE NGOs constructing them 6) Arrange toilets in public places H M MoUD Municipalities, VDCs 7) Make provision to encourages urban agriculture and urban forest H H MoUD Municipalities, MoAD, MoFSC Make provision to encourage and promote the development of 8) H H MoUD Municipalities, MoAD, MoFSC green economy in the rural area Programme/implementation 9) Develop urban infrastructure as per standards MoUD MoPIT, municipalities Develop environment-friendly open spaces and parks in the rural 10) MoUD MoSTE, municipalities area 11) Arrange large public transports that emit low carbon H M MoUD MoPIT, MoSTE 12) Manage solid waste MoUD MoSTE, municipalities 13) Manage rapid migration in the urban area MoUD MoPIT, MoLRM Monitor the situation of urban infrastructure and reduce adverse 14) MoUD MoSTE, municipalities impact on the environment Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Monitoring/regulation 15) Regulate haphazard urbanization H H MoUD MoPIT, municipalities Regulate haphazard road construction and expansion of 16) H H MoUD MoPIT, MoEn, municipalities electricity transmission lines 17) Monitor urban solid waste management MoUD MoSTE, municipalities Regulate solid and liquid pollutants that enter into rivers and 18) H M H MoUD MoSTE, municipalities, VDCs reservoirs Awareness raising/capacity building 19) Build capacity for emergency management MoUD MoSTE, municipalities 12. Industrialization Policy reform Link nature conservation with science, technology and Ministry of Industry 1) H H H MoEn, MoFSC, MoAD innovation-based industry development (MoI), MoSTE Establish industry only after declaring a special economic estate MoF, MoPIT, MoSTE, FNCCI, FNCSI, 2) M H MoI and preparing a nature-friendly structure ACC Impose/levy additional taxes on industries using fossil energy in 3) lieu of causing carbon emission and invest the taxes thus raised M M H MoI MoEn, MoF, Alternative Energy Centre in carbon accumulation. MoEn, MoFSC, MoAD, Alternative 4) Promote green industry H M MoI Energy Centre Promote renewable and clean energy in order to reduce the use Alternative Energy Centre, FNCCI, 5) H H MoEn of fossil energy in industries FNCSI, ACC 6) Arrange an environment-friendly industrial estate H M MoI MoSTE, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC Apply the provision of initial environmental examination (IEE) and environmental impact assessment (EIA) also to industries that 7) H H H MoSTE MoI, NGOs, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC have been established before the provision of IEE and EIA came into force Make provision requiring the private sector to spend a portion of 8) H MoF MoI, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC its net profit on nature conservation Incorporate nature conservation into the social responsibility of 9) H H H MoF FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC industrial entrepreneurship Programme/implementation Ensure hospital and industrial solid waste management 10) H M M MoI MoSTE (processing) 11) Formulate Industrial Entrepreneurship Act and Regulations H MoI Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil 12) Formulate Intellectual Property Rights Policy and implement it H M MoI, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC Aviation - Office of Nepal Copyright Registrar Monitoring/regulation 69 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 70 Monitor the far-reaching effects of industry establishment on 13) M H MoI MoHP, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC human health and reduce them 14) Monitor compliance with environmental standards M M H MoSTE MoPIT, MoFALD 15) Monitor the sustainability of raw material supply M M H MoSTE MoCS, MoI, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC Monitor the impact of industrial dust and smoke on the 16) M M H MoSTE MoI, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC environment Strictly control the disposing of industrial solid waste and slurry in 17) M M M H MoSTE MoFALD, FNCCI, FNCSI, ACC rivers, lakes and ponds 13. Environment and pollution Policy reform 1) Raise awareness about environmental standards H MoSTE All ministries 2) Impose tax on polluters H M H MoFALD MoF Make provision for conducting at the local level also 3) environmental assessment of programmes allocated directly to M H MoFALD MoSTE VDCs by the centre and approving them only after that To make the environment assessment process more effective, 4) H MoSTE NPC enhance involvement of the ministries concerned In the case of programmes directly allocated to the VDC by 5) the centre, make provision for disbursing payment only after H M MoFALD NPC, MoF approval by the VDC Programme/implementation Mandatorily hold public hearing on findings of the environmental 6) M H MoSTE All ministries assessment of all types of projects Conduct result-oriented programmes by enhancing access to 7) M H MoSTE All ministries climate funding Monitoring/regulation M Monitor the environmental assessment of local development 8) M H MoSTE Local bodies Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 programmes Strictly monitor the implementation of environment-related 9) H MoSTE Local bodies provisions In respect of projects that have not carried out environmental 10) examination, regulate the process of directly formulating from the M H MoSTE NPC, MoF centre Regulate and monitor feasibility studies and environmental 11) M H MoSTE Local bodies, MoFALD assessments in the construction of roads Regulate the increasing trend of the disposing of waste in rivers 12) M H MoSTE Local bodies, district offices and ponds Monitor water pollution to be caused by the use of chemical 13) M H MoSTE NAST, NARC, local bodies fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture crops Effectively monitor the implementation of reduction measures of 14) M H MoSTE Local bodies, district offices adverse impact suggested by environmental assessment Awareness raising/capacity building 15) Raise public awareness regarding environment conservation H H H MoSTE Local bodies 14. Environmental education Policy reform For sustainable development, include nature conservation as 1) H M MoE MoSTE moral education in all curricula of formal education Make provision for mandatory inclusion of environment MoSTE, universities, training centres 2) H M MoE conservation in higher education of all technical education etc Ensure that public hearing is held in a public place though prior 3) H M MoSTE All ministries, MoFALD, local bodies informing Programme/implementation Extensively orient stakeholders by preparing education material 4) H M MoE NPC, MoFALD, MoSTE on participatory conservation Revise training programmes in the informal education sector, too All ministries, Nepal Administrative 5) H M MoE by incorporating the subject on nature conservation integration Staff College (NASC) Include nature/environmental education in farmer-level training 6) H M MoE MoAD programmes Include environmental education in all levels of the education 7) H M MoE MoSTE, NPC system and strengthen it Design a separate curriculum of environmental education for the 8) H M MoE All ministries, NPC local level and apply it 9) Make environmental education and training programme practical H M MoE NPC Make easily available environment conservation-related policies, 10) H H M MoE MoAD, MoFSC rules, documents, etc to VDCs Orient on environmental standards and conservation 11) H M MoE NPC, all ministries programmes 12) Include an independent monitor in a joint monitoring team H M MoSTE NPC, local bodies 13) Make conservation training skill oriented H M MoE All ministries 71 Awareness raising/capacity building Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 72 Raise awareness about the adverse impact of chemical fertilizers 14) and pesticides on agriculture land, water sources and human H M MoE MoAD, MoEn, MoHP health Raise awareness about demands for nature conservation-related 15) H M MoFALD MoSTE, MoFSC programmes and budget at the local level Raise awareness about the knowledge of nature/payment for 16) H M MoE MoFSC, MoAD, MoEn ecosystem services Increase environment-related practical knowledge as per 17) H M MoE MoSTE, local bodies curriculum at the school To increase environmental education and awareness, arrange 18) M M MoE MoSTE, NPC conservation mechanisms and skilled human resources Ministry of Information and 19) Increase knowledge on the promotion of cultural heritages M M MoE Communication (MoIC), print and audio-visual media 15. Nature conservation and poverty reduction Policy reform 1) Maintain a balance in rural development and nature conservation H H H MoF MoFALD Continue and promote the interrelations of natural resources like 2) H H MoFSC MoAD land, water and forest for agriculture Make provision for obtaining maximum benefits from the 3) opportunity of positive impact on livelihood of the poor as a result H H MoSTE MoFSC, MoAD, MoEn of the implementation of nature conservation programmes 4) Arrange a nature conservation focal person in every agency H M MoSTE All ministries Ensure that settlement expansion does not affect cultural 5) M H MoSTE MoUD, MoCTCA conservation 6) Make local bodies more responsible for heritage conservation H M MoSTE MoFALD, MoCTCA Programme/implementation 7) Address rural livelihood issues H H MoFALD MoFSC, MoAD, local bodies, MoHA Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Make provision for controlling loss/damage from wildlife and 8) H H MoFALD MoFSC, local bodies, MoAD, MoHA reasonable compensation for such loss 9) Orient on the past and current state of cultural heritages H H MoFALD MoCTCA Document heritages in order to protect them from being extinct 10) H H MoCTCA MoE and encroached Formulate effective policy and necessary guidelines in order to 11) H M MoE NPC operate a coordination mechanism 12) Mobilise organisations in participatory conservation activities H M M MoFALD MoFSC, MoAD, MoEn, MoSTE Monitoring/regulation Regulate the adverse impact created as a result of conservation 13) M H All ministries programmes Monitor the loss of conservation-related traditional knowledge as 14) M H All ministries a result of scientific conservation tools Monitor the extinction of our originality as a result of 15) M H All ministries modernization Regulate the destruction of graveyards as a result of excavation 16) M H MoFALD of sand, gravels and stones in rivers and surrounding streams 17) Control encroachment in archaeological sites M H MoCTCA MoHA, local bodies Awareness raising/capacity building 18) Increase knowledge on heritage conservation H H MoCTCA MoE, local bodies Raise awareness not to destroy natural ponds, graveyards and 19) H H MoCTCA MoFALD, NGOs, civil society inns while constructing physical infrastructure Increase knowledge and public awareness on the promotion of 20) H H MoCTCA Local bodies, NGOs natural heritages 16. Society and indigenous nationalities Policy reform Ministry of Women, Make provision to ensure community’s prior rights to local Nepal Federation of Indigenous 1) Children and Social resources and means Nationalities (NEFIN), NGOS Welfare (MoWCSW) Ministry of Youth and 2) Increase youths’ inclination towards culture M M Local bodies, NGOs Sports (MoYS) Ensure access of the disadvantaged group to conservation 3) H M MoWCSW MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD outputs Ensure equitable sharing of access to, and benefits from, 4) H M MoWCSW MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD conservation Make provision for access to all kinds of herbs, ensuring use of herbs for indispensable purposes by some specific castes 5) MoFSC NPC, MoI, NEFIN, MoFALD and local ethnic (for example, Guruwa, Amchi, Jhankri, Vaidya) groups in a sustainable manner 6) Recognize the community rights to natural resources MoFSC MoFALD, local bodies, NGOs Programme/implementation 73 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 74 Ensure intellectual property rights of indigenous nationalities and 7) H MoWCSW MoCTCA, local bodies, NEFIN local communities Identify the disadvantaged, Dalit and indigenous peoples in area/ location-specific protection programmes in a proper manner and 8) H MoWCSW Local bodies, NEFIN increase opportunities and access for them, as well as advocate for it To reduce negative perceptions towards conservation, conduct MoFALD, local bodies, MoCTCA, 9) awareness-raising programmes by taking conservation as H M MoFSC MoFSC protection Increase access of indigenous nationalities to the conservation MoFSC, MoAD, MoEn, 10) and promotion of natural resources like water, land, forest and MoFALD, MoWCSW MoI mine 11) Document and promote traditional knowledge Monitoring/regulation Monitor the provision of releasing water downstream from the 12) embankment in order to ensure livelihood of the river-dependent H H MoEn MoSTE, local bodies, civil society communities 13) Ensure public participation in conservation M H MoWCSW MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD To enhance participation, regulate intervention that has increased 14) M H MoWCSW MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD at the leadership level 17. Gender and social inclusion Policy reform To prevent the adverse effect of physical infrastructure 1) development on social traditions or reduce such effect, make H M MoPIT MoWCSW, MoCTCA legal and policy provisions MoFALD, local bodies, Dalits’ Ensure equal and active participation of women, Dalits and 2) H M MoWCSW Association (DA), NGOs, Women’s indigenous nationalities by making legal provisions Association (WA), NEFIN Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 As natural resource conservation and management is associated with the language, culture, script, traditional knowledge and MoFSC, MoFALD, local bodies, NGOs, 3) H M MoWCSW skills of indigenous nationalities, integrate their conservation and NEFIN promotion Incorporate the Community Forest Development Guidelines’ stipulation of mandatory spending of at least 35 per cent of the 4) H M MoWCSW MoFSC, MoLJPA, FECOFUN revenue in livelihood improvements of disadvantaged members of the group in the Act itself Ensure that women, Dalits and Indigenous nationalities use MoFALD, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 5) H M MoWCSW forest resources they have been using traditionally WA, NEFIN Prepare message materials of gender and social inclusion in 6) nature conservation compatible with the literacy/educational level H M MoWCSW MoE, MoFSC, MoAD, MoEn, MoFALD of the group concerned Make special provision for enhancing meaningful participation of 7) women and other disadvantaged groups in nature conservation- M M MoWCSW MoFALD, MoFSC, MoAD related decision-making processes Programme/implementation Address livelihood issues of women, Dalits, indigenous MoFALD, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 8) nationalities and local communities in the nature conservation H M MoWCSW WA, NEFIN programme Enhance the participation of women, indigenous nationalities and 9) M M MoWCSW MoFALD, MoFSC, MoCTCA local communities in natural and cultural resource conservation Develop and disseminate environmental education material 10) H M MoWCSW MoFALD, MoSTE through the local media To determine livelihood programmes at the local level, involve MoFSC, MoAD, local bodies, DA, 11) M M MoWCSW women, Dalits and indigenous nationalities NGOs, WA, NEFIN Sensitize authorities of all levels regarding gender and social 12) H M MoWCSW MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD, local bodies inclusion in nature conservation Ensure the message of provisions for gender and social inclusion 13) M M MoWCSW All ministries among target groups Build the capacity of women and other disadvantaged groups 14) H MoWCSW MoFSC, MoAD, local bodies, NGOs regarding the payment for ecosystem services Monitoring/regulation MoWCSW, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 15) Mandatorily conduct gender audit of budget and programmes H All ministries WA, NEFIN Make provision of meaningful participation in programmes, too MoWCSW, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 16) H All ministries as per policy WA, NEFIN MoWCSW, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 17) Ensure equitable access to benefits from conservation M M All ministries WA, NEFIN Monitor coordination to enhance the participation of local bodies, MoWCSW, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 18) poor, Dalits, women, indigenous nationalities and excluded M All ministries WA, NEFIN communities 19) Monitor compliance with gender mainstreaming criteria M H All ministries MoWCSW, local bodies, WA Awareness raising/capacity building 75 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 76 Build capacity in order to enhance the participation of MoWCSW, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 20) poor, Dalits, women, indigenous nationalities and excluded H MoFSC WA, NEFIN communities Ensure the awareness of women, Dalits and indigenous MoWCSW, local bodies, DA, NGOs, 21) H M MoFSC nationalities about ecosystem services valuing and accounting WA, NEFIN 18. Legislation and organisational arrangement Policy reform As required by this Framework, make policy provision for not National Planning 1) approving development programmes that have not integrated/ H M MoF Commission (NPC) incorporated nature conservation The Constitution of Nepal to include nature conservation as a 2) duty of every government agency, private sector, civil society H M Parliament Council of Ministers organization and individual Make provision for integrating development and conservation into 3) H M Council of Ministers NPC functions, duties and powers of all ministries and sectoral laws Formulate a new law on nature conservation, sustainable use 4) H M MoLJPA MoLJPA and equitable sharing of benefits Make legal provision for maintaining a balance in economic and social progress, environment conservation and development by 5) H H M MoLJPA MoSTE, MoFSC clearly defining duties based on the principle ‘increase and use’ natural resources Make legal provision requiring mandatory inclusion of budget for addressing the adverse impact on the environment in order for 6) H M MoLJPA MoF a proposal to be approved by the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission. 7) Formulate an Agro Biodiversity Act H H MoLJPA MoAD, MoFSC Programme/implementation Maintain harmony in policies and laws by removing existing 8) H M All ministries MoFSC, MoFALD inconsistencies, disharmony, contradictions and duplication Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Model projects that maintain a balance between development 9) and nature should be formulated and implemented through H M MoFSC MoFALD sectoral agencies In order to ensure transparent, effective and fair implementation of laws and policies, organizational structure, functions, duties, 10) powers and responsibilities to be determined in the laws and H M All ministries MoLJPA policies at the time of constituting adequate and appropriate organizational structure In order to prevent and control the current or potential adverse effects on the environment, the respective sectors should make 11) nature- or environment-related provisions included in acts like H M All ministries MoLJPA Water Resources Act, Mines and Minerals Act , Public Roads Act appropriate by amending them 12) Ensure a provision of duty to conserve nature in the existing Acts M MoLJPA 13) Make a clear provision for precautionary tools in the law H MoLJPA MoSTE Formulate a comprehensive law regarding nature conservation, 14) H MoLJPA NPC sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits Make provision for achieving harmony / removing inconsistencies between the planning processes of the district and centre and 15) H MoLJPA MoFALD, local bodies uniformity in the programme formulation processes, with own priority, of sectoral agencies Make a binding provision to engage or collaborate in 16) H H MoLJPA NPC conservation activities Make provision for a strategic environmental assessment of 17) H MoSTE All ministries, NPC strategies, policies, plans and programmes While determining a development programme with the purpose 18) of achieving a certain goal, ensure that the responsibility and role H MoFALD NPC of different agencies or organizations are mentioned Make clear provision that ensures local communities’ 19) H H MoFALD NPC participation in the monitoring team Make provision for amendments to the Food Act so that 20) the negative impact of new technologies developed in food H H MoAD MoLJPA production can be regulated Remove contradictions, inconsistencies and ambiguities in laws 21) H MoLJPA MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD related to nature conservation Maintain harmony in sectoral policies, strategies and plans 22) (especially forest, agriculture, physical infrastructure, water, H M MoLJPA MoFSC, MoAD, MoFALD, MoPIT energy and housing) The National Health Policy 2014 to be applied as soon as 23) H M MoHP NPC possible Fully enforce the Environment-friendly Local Governance 24) H M MoFALD NPC Framework 2070 as soon as possible Formulate laws on CBD, ITPGRFA, access to genetic resources and benefit sharing, implementation of the National Bio safety 25) H M MoFSC, MoAD MoLJPA, MoCTCA 77 Framework (2007), Intellectual Property Rights for protecting Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices 78 Ensure from the very beginning that the matter of conservation is 26) H M MoLJPA All ministries included in policies and laws Include discussions regarding natural resource-related laws in 27) H H MoLJPA All ministries legal awareness programmes Formulate and apply guidelines to implement the method of 28) H MoFSC valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and services Introduce the system of imposing tax on polluters in lieu of 29) H M MoF MoLJPA pollution caused Make provision for integration of nature conservation monitoring 30) H M H All ministries tools and indicators in development efforts Monitoring/regulation Monitor the use of tools to be adopted for conservation while 31) M H MoFALD MoI operating the crusher industry 32) Monitor the participation of all stakeholders in public audit M H MoFALD MoF Awareness raising/capacity building 33) Enhance the capacity of enforcing [existing] legal provisions H M MoAD All ministries Note : H=High; M= Medium; L=Low Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

4.9 Reduction of Risks is presented in Annex 19. Expected assumptions from the implementation of 4. It seems that agencies with conflicting this Framework shall be as presented in Table 5. In jurisdiction and duplication are not in a position addition, risks likely to arise in the implementation to accept that their jurisdiction has narrowed of the Framework and measures to reduce them down. Therefore, the NPC shall take the are as follows: initiative to solve these problems by organising meetings of the high-level Coordination Council 1. It has been experienced that there has been or Coordination Committee of such agencies. significant disobedience in the implementation 5. Every agency believes that it has a major role to of standards like environmental assessment, play and others have a subordinate role to play, lingering in adoption of legal remedial and agencies with a subordinate role should procedure, weak implementation of compliance coordinate with agencies with a major role. with legal provisions, etc. The National Planning Therefore, the NPC shall take the initiative to Commission (NPC) from now on shall monitor clarify the role of agencies concerned through such issues. meetings of the high-level Coordination Council 2. To integrate nature conservation in development or Coordination Committee. into strategies being formulated in accordance 6. As the procedure for valuing and accounting with the concept of this National Strategic for ecosystem goods and services is still in a Framework, the NPC shall play a co-ordinating trial phase in Nepal, it shall be included as part role. of project planning to translate it into practice. 3. The NPC shall take the initiative to integrate 7. The NPC shall monitor the responsibilities nature conservation into development of all sectoral agencies by duly considering during periodic evaluation of strategies in such factors in the implementation of this implementation after being approved. The Framework. period of periodic evaluation of such strategies 79 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 80 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Chapter 5 Framework Implementation Arrangements

5.1 Implementation Concept and Process b) This Framework shall be implemented through This Framework provides overall guidance, for the periodic plans. For this, guidelines shall be next 16 years, for the efficient integration of nature provided in an approach paper to be prepared conservation activities in all development efforts. for the formulation of periodic plans, and, to The concerned agencies shall implement action ensure the incorporation of nature conservation plans contained in thematic and sectoral strategies. in sectoral development programmes Therefore, the Framework has no separate sectoral introduced through concerned agencies, such development and conservation targets and action programmes shall be assessed based on plans. However, as this Framework has a role to nature-sensitivity. play in guiding and facilitating the implementation c) Periodic plans shall be implemented through of sectoral strategies, an implementation plan annual plans. To this end, guidelines shall has been included to foster the Framework’s also be provided for the integration of nature implementation. conservation in development, as this should be addressed in the annual plans. This Framework shall be implemented by adapting the following processes: 5.2 Organisational Structure To implement this Framework, the following a) The type of nature sensitivity to be adopted organisational structure has been arranged: by development strategies as specified by this Framework shall be covered in periodic 5.2.1 Implementation Coordination Council plans or during review of these plans. In Formation: For successful implementation of addition, nature-sensitivity shall be reviewed this Framework, high-level Nature Conservation while developing new sectoral development National Strategic Framework Implementation strategies or reviewing/revising sectoral Coordination Council comprising the following development strategies. members shall be formed: Table 7: Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework Implementation Coordination Council Hon. Vice Chairperson National Planning Commission (NPC) Chairperson Hon. Member Environment and Natural Resources, NPC Vice Chairperson Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (Economic Secretary Member and Infrastructure Development) Secretary Ministry of Finance (MoF) Member Secretary Ministry of Industry (MoI) Member Secretary Ministry of Energy (MoEn) Member Secretary Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MoLJPA) Member Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD) Member Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Member Secretary Water and Energy Commission (WEC) Member Secretary Ministry of Land Reforms and Management (MoLRM) Member Secretary Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) Member Secretary Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) Member Secretary Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) Member Secretary Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) Member Secretary Ministry of Education (MoE) Member Secretary Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD) Member Secretary Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Member Secretary Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) Member 81 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Secretary Ministry of Irrigation (MoIr) Member Secretary Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC) Member Secretary Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) Member Secretary National Planning Commission Secretariat Member Vice Chancellor Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Member Professor (environment) Kathmandu University (KU) Member Professor (environment) Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) Member Professor (environment) Tribhuvan University (TU) Member Member Secretary National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) Member Executive Director Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) Member Chairperson Association of DDCs in Nepal (ADDDCN) Member Chairperson Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) Member Chairperson National Association of VDCs in Nepal (NAVIN) Member Chairperson NGO Federation, Nepal (NFN) Member Chairperson National Women Commission (NWC) Member Chairperson Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) Member Chairperson National Dalit Commission (NDC) Member Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries Chairperson Member (FNCCI) Chairperson Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) Member Chairperson Construction Entrepreneurs Central Association (CECA) Member National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities Vice Chairperson Member (NFDIN) To be nominated by the government from among civil society, Senior specialist NGOs, individuals, etc who have contributed to conservation and Member(3 persons) development. Joint Secretary National Planning Commission Secretariat Member Secretary In addition to the above members, the Coordination e) Ensure equitable sharing of benefits from Council may also invite other individuals, as nature conservation required, to participate in Council meetings. f) Ensure the participation of thematic ministries and agencies, non-governmental organisations The Coordination Council may form different and the private sector in implementation thematic groups within the Council and also g) Help in formulating laws and regulations constitute an informal core group comprising four recommended by the National Strategic members concerned with nature conservation, Framework Implementation Coordination including a member secretary, from among Council Committee members, to decide issues to be presented at the h) Make the necessary provisions for Council prior to a meeting. the representation of Provinces in the Implementation Council and the Committee Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the after the State has been restructured Council shall be as follows: i) Arrange Provincial Councils as required after a) Make development efforts nature-sensitive for the State has been restructured sustainable development j) Do additional work as and when required b) Guide in policy-making and implementation for the integration of nature conservation into all The Secretariat of this Council shall be in the development efforts National Planning Commission and its meeting c) Guide all ministries concerned to mainstream shall be held at least once a year. the issues of nature conservation in their agencies’ strategies as specified by this 5.2.2 Implementation Coordination Committee Framework Formation: With the objective of ensuring the d) Take the initiative to arrange financial resources implementation of decisions and guidance of the for the mainstreaming of nature conservation Coordination Council, a Nature Conservation 82 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Table 8: Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework Implementation Coordination Committee Member Secretary National Planning Commission (NPC) Chairperson Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (Economic Joint Secretary Member and Infrastructure Development) Joint Secretary Ministry of Finance (MoF) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Industry (MoI) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Energy (MoEn) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MoLJPA) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Education (MoE) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Irrigation (MoIr) Member Joint Secretary Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) Member Chairperson Federation of Community Forest Users, Nepal Member Chairperson Federation of Irrigation Users Member Chairperson Federation of National Farmers’ Groups Member Chairperson Association of Nepal Hydropower Member Executive Director Association of DDCs in Nepal (ADDCN) Member Agriculture and Rural Development Division, National Planning Joint Secretary Member Secretary Commission Secretariat National Strategic Framework Implementation effectiveness of the National Strategic Coordination Committee comprising the following Framework members shall be formed: g) Facilitate the implementation of all thematic and sectoral strategies and remove obstacles In addition to the above members, the Coordination h) Monitor the implementation of sectoral Committee may also invite other individuals, as strategies as per the five strategic pillars of required, to participate in Committee meetings. the National Strategic Framework and guide, formulate policy and arrange financial resources Responsibilities: The responsibilities of this for the integration of nature conservation into Committee shall be as follows: development a) Implement decisions and guidance of the i) Conduct additional work as and when required Coordination Council b) Assist in organising Coordination Council The Secretariat of this Committee shall be in the meetings National Planning Commission and its meeting c) Ensure the implementation of the National shall be held at least twice a year (one before Strategic Framework through all sectoral annual planning and the other after review) ministries, agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector 5.2.3 Local-level Coordination Committee d) Ensure the mainstreaming of nature sensitivity Coordination of the implementation of this in sectoral development strategies as specified Framework shall be conducted by the Environment by the National Strategic Framework Friendly Local Governance District Coordination e) Ensure budget allocation and use in Committee formed at the district level under development programmes and projects for the Environment Friendly Local Governance nature conservation Framework (2070 BS). Similarly, the Environment f) Monitor the implementation, progress and Friendly Local Governance Metropolis/Sub- 83 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 metropolis Coordination Committee and c) Raise awareness about the Framework and Environment Friendly Municipality and Village ensure its effective implementation Coordination Committee shall ensure the d) Raise conservation-related awareness and implementation of this Framework in metropolis/ build capacity sub metropolises and towns/villages respectively; e) Improve conservation-related organisational the Environment Section/Unit shall implement the capacity of thematic agencies Framework. The responsibility of mainstreaming f) Establish, implement (from central to district nature conservation shall also be fulfilled through levels) and oversee monitoring system and these Committees. approach g) Coordinate with different organisational liaison

5.2.4 Framework Implementation Support Unit units and individuals regarding conservation There shall be a Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework Implementation Support Unit in the Agriculture and Rural Development Division 5.2.5 Provision of a Liaison Unit and a Focal of the National Planning Commission. The NPC Person at Sectoral Ministry shall arrange this Unit during the implementation The division/section/unit where the person of the Framework. representing the sectoral and other agencies concerned that has representatives in this Responsibilities: The responsibilities of this Framework Implementation Coordination Council Support Unit shall be as follows: and/or Committee will be designated as this a) Work as a Secretariat of the Coordination Framework Implementation Unit in that agency Council and the Coordination Committee and, in consultation with that unit, the person b) Conduct a Framework implementation support concerned of that unit will be designated as a focal project for at least five years, using the person. Government of Nepal’s own resources or donor support. The objective of this project shall be 5.3 Framework Implementation Plan to enhance the capacity of the Framework Based on priorities, the following short-term, Implementation Support Unit and provide it medium-term and long-term programmes shall be with required technical support. implemented, using existing structure: 84 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Table 9: Short-term implementation plan Short-term implementation plan (1-3 years) Year First Second Third Activities 2015 2016 2017 Institutional arrangements 1. Establish a Framework Support Unit Form a Nature Conservation National Strategic 2. Framework Implementation Coordination Council Form a Nature Conservation National Strategic 3. Framework Implementation Committee Coordinate with Environment-Friendly Local Governance District Coordination Committee, Environment-Friendly Local Governance 4. Metropolis/ Sub-metropolis Coordination Committee and Environment-Friendly Municipality/Village Coordination Committee Carry out projects for capacity building of the 5. framework implementation support and the Framework Support Unit Capacity building 6. Arrange human resources at the Support Unit Build the capacity of human resources of the 7. Support Unit Prepare IEC about the Nature Conservation 8. National Strategic Framework 9. Conduct orientation at central and district levels In future plan implementation, based on the results of the monitoring of nature-sensitivity assessment, thematic ministries and agencies to 10. prepare materials for future plan implementation guidance and include these materials in the guidance and approach paper Orient on future planning guidance at central and 11. district levels Build institutional capacity of the Liaison Section 12. of thematic ministries Build nature conservation-related scientific, 13. technical and innovative capacity of thematic ministries Nature conservation integration activities Make a provision for nature conservation-related 14. budget code 15. Arrange conservation-related budget Thematic ministries and agencies to prepare 16. materials for annual programming guidance and include these materials in the guidance Prepare nature-sensitivity monitoring guidance 17. for the implementation of annual programme Coordinate with all agencies to maintain balance 18. with development and conservation Sectoral strategies to link future sustainable 19. development goals with Aichi Biodiversity Targets, poverty alleviation targets, etc Ensure that all projects and programmes are 20. nature-sensitive by testing their sensitivity in accordance with Annex 2 85 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Prepare guidance for nature-sensitivity review of 21. current plans and nature-sensitivity monitoring Assess nature sensitivity in future plan 22. implementation Ensure the mainstreaming of nature sensitivity in future plans by assessing nature sensitivity of 23. future plans introduced by sectoral ministries and agencies Facilitation of implementation Facilitate the implementation of all thematic and sectoral strategies in order to include nature 24. sensitivity issues and conservation programmes in all sectoral plans and programmes Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance for allocation of required budget and technology 25. arrangements in order to implement sectoral strategies Monitoring and evaluation Assess nature sensitivity of annual programmes 26. introduced by sectoral ministries and agencies Monitor the implementation of sectoral strategies 27. in accordance with nature-sensitivity monitoring guidance Review to ensure that the mainstreaming of nature sensitivity in sectoral development 28. strategies that are being formulated has been considered and give feedback Coordinate and monitor, as required, to ensure the implementation of all projects by conducting their detailed environmental 29. assessment, identifying their possible adverse impacts on nature conservation and sustainable development and determining measures to reduce such impacts Amend the existing National Monitoring and 30. Evaluation Guidelines (2013) by adding new indicators to it Evaluate annual and periodic progress reported 31. by sectoral ministries and agencies from the prospective of nature sensitivity Medium-term Implementation Plan (4-8 years) implementation of thematic strategies, revise During this period, the following additional activities the annual programme planning guidance shall be conducted by giving continuity to short- and conduct orientation from central to district term programmes: levels ● Evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of ● Monitor and evaluate nature sensitivity in the implementation of the Nature Conservation the implementation of sectoral development National Strategic Framework in the final year strategies that are in implementation and of periodic plans prepare guidance for the mainstreaming of ● Based on the results of evaluation, revise the nature sensitivity in those strategies National Strategic Framework in a way that ● During periodic evaluation, ensure the addresses current issues mainstreaming of nature sensitivity by ● Assess the degree to which learning and coordinating those sectoral development suggestions received from monitoring and strategies that are in implementation evaluation have been employed ● Based on the results of the monitoring of the 86 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Long-term Implementation Plan (9-16 years) bodies shall be responsible for earmarking budget for nature conservation while preparing During this period, short- and medium-term local development programmes and plans. programmes shall be given continuity. The private sector shall mandatorily contribute to the regeneration of natural resources when Medium- and long-term implementation plans shall those resources are used. The NGO sector be formulated again in such a way that they are shall enhance the nature conservation efficiency consistent with the government’s periodic plans. of governmental and non-governmental Such consistency shall be harmonized at the time organisations, private sector, community of governmental periodic planning. organisations and users’ groups involved in nature conservation. Local communities

5.4 Major Responsible Sectors, Agencies shall make local experience and knowledge and their Role available to make local development activities Different agencies shall have a specific role nature conservation oriented in development to play in achieving objectives determined programme planning. Development partners by this Framework. The National Planning shall mandatorily also arrange budget for nature Commission shall be responsible for monitoring conservation by ensuring whether or not nature the implementation of this Framework. Thematic conservation activities have been included during and sectoral agencies shall be responsible for project design, and whether required budget has addressing nature conservation-related issues been earmarked for those activities. The detailed while formulating sectoral annual programmes role of these sectoral agencies is presented in as well as other programmes, whereas local Table 10. Table 10: Responsible sectoral agencies and their role Organisation Role a) Make nature conservation integration an integral part of public-private partnership programmes b) Every agency to prepare a nature-sensitivity assessment checklist c) Every concerned sector to include nature conservation-related activities while formulating its annual programme, other programmes and projects d) Mandatorily earmark nature conservation-related programmes and budget during the construction of large physical infrastructure like hydropower, roads and buildings and while urbanizing areas Sectoral e) Mandatorily use standards, processes and nature conservation budget codes to be prepared agencies by the National Planning Commission f) Design development programmes in such a way that they do not eliminate or conflict with sites that are important from a nature conservation point of view, biodiversity, temples, and goods and sites that reflect art and culture g) Every concerned ministry to inform its division, department, and regional and district offices and provide instruction on designing programmes accordingly h) For building capacity on nature conservation-friendly programme planning, provide training especially to office chiefs, planning officers and accountants i) Build nature conservation-related capacity of private entities in their relevant sectors a) While designing local development programmes and projects, ensure that they are nature conservation-friendly in accordance with the form prepared by the National Planning Commission b) Earmark nature conservation-related activities and budget while working on development projects Local bodies c) While designing and implementing development action plans (e.g. roads), adopt procedures that minimize adverse impacts on nature d) Design development programmes in such a way that they do not eradicate sites that are important from the nature conservation point of view, biodiversity, temples, and goods and sites that reflect art and culture 87 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 a) Mandatorily include nature conservation-related activities and budget in industry/business development programmes b) Operate industries only in places that are not appropriate or important for nature conservation and relocate industries from places that are ecologically important c) Even industries that have been established before the provision of initial environmental examination (IEE) and environmental impact assessment (EIA) came into force to comply with the provision of IEE and EIA d) Mandatorily contribute to the regeneration of natural resources in situations in which those Private sector resources are used e) Industries not based on natural resources also contribute to the conservation of natural resources f) The private sector to spend a part of net benefit on nature conservation g) Include nature conservation as part of the social responsibility agendas of industries and businesses h) Such industries mandatorily use the form and budget code prepared by the National Planning Commission a) Mandatorily arrange nature conservation activities and budget in projects and annual programmes b) While conducting development activities, adopt measures that reduce adverse impacts on nature Non- c) While conducting development activities, protect biodiversity, art and culture governmental d) Mandatorily use standards, processes and nature conservation budget code to be prepared organisations by the National Planning Commission e) Enhance nature conservation working efficiency of governmental and non-governmental organisations, community organisations and users’ groups involved in nature conservation f) Monitor whether or not nature conservation is integrated in public and private sector development activities a) Make local information available in order to make development programmes nature conservation oriented Community b) Adopt caution to avoid adverse impacts on nature by participating in development organisations, programmes users’s groups c) Pay attention to making development programmes nature conservation oriented and co- d) Make local experience and traditional knowledge available in order to promote nature operatives conservation priorities in development programme planning e) Monitor whether or not nature conservation is integrated in public and private sector development activities a) Collect data on natural resources through research b) Assist with maintaining balance between data-based conservation and development programmes c) Make science, technology and current curriculum-related knowledge available to the Academic Government of Nepal and civil society sector d) Disseminate natural resource-related knowledge at national and international levels through different media e) Help policy makers formulate scientific policies by making science-based data available to them a) Ensure whether or not nature conservation activities have been included during project design and required budget has been earmarked for those activities. b) Mandatorily cause to arrange budget for nature conservation along with projects Development c) Mandatorily comply with the standards and process from to be prepared by the National partners Planning Commission d) Make financial arrangements in order to make human resource development programme of the sector or agency nature conservation-oriented 88 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

5.5 Inclusion in Conservation Thematic and sectoral agencies themselves This Framework shall facilitate and monitor shall be responsible for inclusion as aimed by the implementation of programmes of social thematic and sectoral policies and strategies. The inclusion mentioned in the implementation of National Planning Commission shall monitor the sectoral policies and strategies. The Framework implementation of inclusion. shall give priority to addressing natural resource conservation-related issues linked with the 5.6 Public-Private Partnership in livelihoods of women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, Conservation Muslim and Madhesi communities, less developed An important aspect of inspiring private sector classes and communities (target groups). The participation in nature conservation is the direct target areas of intervention especially include benefits derived from the conservation activities. the formation of community-based groups and However, since the benefits from nature conservation users’ groups, implementation of awareness do not result in direct income but indirect income programmes, access to facilities to be granted and are time-consuming, it has not yet been by the state, and distribution of benefits arising possible to attract private sector investments. from the implementation of programmes. The Successful public-private efforts recently made in Framework shall achieve inclusion in conservation the conservation sector of Nepal include community- by adopting the following strategies: based forest management (community forestry, leasehold forestry, and collaborative forestry), a) Ensure target groups’ access to, and meaningful small irrigation, rural drinking water, rural road, participation in, the concerned conservation small hydropower, in-situ biodiversity conservation, area through positive discrimination and cultural heritage. This National Strategic b) Make policy and structural reforms in order to Framework shall facilitate the implementation of enhance access of the target group to natural the following public-private partnership policies resources and strategies envisioned by these successes and c) Enhance social awareness and capacity in different strategies and plans: order to ensure prior rights of local communities and indigenous peoples to local resources A. Forest d) Make appropriate arrangements to enhance 1. Gradually enhance the role of the national access of indigenous peoples to natural private sector in forest management resources like water, land, forest and mines 2. Promote investment for the development and and give priority to inclusive communities in expansion of forest product- and forest heritage- conservation, promotion and use of natural based enterprises through public-community- resource heritage private-cooperative sector partnership e) Emphasize the preservation, promotion and 3. Establish a flora and fauna breeding centre for development of those languages that have commercial domestication of ordinary types of traditional knowledge, skills and practices for wildlife and farming of commercially important the protection of biodiversity flora in a public-private partnership f) Coordinate with sectoral agencies to reduce adverse impacts on the target group as a result B. Biodiversity of impact on natural resources due to climate 1. Enhance public-private partnerships in change biodiversity conservation-related technology g) Identify and amend legal and policy provisions development and management and promote that contradict the International Labour public-private partnership on biodiversity Organisation Convention 169 research and extension h) Give priority to indigenous peoples in promoting 2. Preserve cultural heritage via public-private herb and non-timber forest product-related partnerships enterprises and realize products of such 3. Conserve wetlands in partnership with the enterprises in the market private sector i) Arrange studies and research to preserve and promote languages, philosophy, cultures and C. Agriculture heritage that are related to conservation 1. Adopt the concept of public-private partnership in the implementation of the agricultural 89 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 development programmes to increase F. Energy contributions of the agricultural sector in 1. Develop hydropower projects with the concept economic transformation of public-private partnership 2. Conduct ‘one village, one product’ and ‘one 2. Increase investment of private and cooperative district, one product’ programmes in public- sectors in electricity, information and private partnerships communication, rural energy, roads and other 3. Promote public-private partnership in infrastructure development, and increase the construction of cold stores, market investment in these infrastructure areas management, and processing by enhancing public-private-cooperative 4. Produce hybrid seeds in the seed industry via partnerships public-private partnership 3. Establish and operate 12 collection and 5. Enhance partnerships with the private sector processing centres – established as public- in order not to use agricultural land for non- private partnerships – in order to collect and agricultural purposes reuse batteries that have been used in the 6. Encourage the private sector in certification solar energy system and export of organic agricultural products. 4. Collaborate with the private sector to promote alternative energy in order to reduce the rates D. Infrastructure of deforestation and degradation associated 1. Attract foreign and native private investors with the supply of rural energy in irrigation development in accordance with public infrastructure construction, operation and This Framework shall guide the implementation transfer-related provisions of the government of these public-private partnership policies 2. Promote public-private partnership in the and strategies as well as conservation-friendly development and operation of transportation programme formulation and implementation infrastructure like railways, ropeways and waterways 5.7 Need of Resources and Means 3. Enhance the participation of the private sector As this Framework guides sectoral agencies and in the construction of local, environment- facilitates effective implementation of sectoral friendly ‘green’ roads strategies, no demand has been made for separate 4. Transportation systems like ropeways/cable budget and other financial arrangements for the cars, and waterways in areas that are important implementation of programmes and action plans from the tourist point of view envisioned by sectoral strategies. Programmes 5. Promote the concept of public-private and action plans under such sectoral strategies partnership to attract private sector investors shall have to be carried out within the budget in the development and upgrading of airport ceiling determined by sectoral strategies. infrastructure, development of technology and air service operation Except for some sectoral development programmes 6. The private sector to collaborate to adopt like forest development activities, no provision for technology that mitigates the impacts of separate or additional financial arrangements has earthquakes on public physical infrastructure like been made for nature conservation in various hospital, school, college and departmental store development programmes or for making such programmes conservation oriented. Therefore, E. Environment while developing infrastructure, especially roads, 1. Coordinate and collaborate with donor agencies, buildings, industries, and factories, a provision of non-governmental organisations, local bodies, budget seems to have been made for reduction community organisations and other agencies of the negative impacts on nature or rehabilitation in environment and climate change activities of resources that have already been negatively 2. Garner public-private participation and regional affected. Considering this concept, some budget support in formulation and implementation of has been allotted for the implementation of this ecosystem-based adaptation programmes Framework, as well. 3. Conserve wetlands, refill underground water, construct ponds and manage them and conduct Budget required to implement this Framework research in partnership with the private sector (please see Section 5.2) includes expenditure 90 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 for information booklets to be prepared by the national priority programme through the central National Planning Commission; orientation to be budget system of the Government of Nepal. In conducted for information flow; technical support addition, to conduct the required programmes and and training programmes for building the capacity projects for mainstreaming nature conservation of sectoral agencies; guidelines to be prepared in all thematic and sectoral strategies, the for annual and periodic plan formulation; review Government of Nepal shall take the initiative to and evaluation of programmes and progress of arrange funds by taking funds as per this National sectoral agencies from the perspective of nature Strategic Framework and maintaining linkages sensitivity; monitoring of the implementation of with CBD, UNFCCC and Post-2015 Sustainable sectoral strategies; preparation of guidelines to Development Goals. Similarly, in discussions be adopted in review of sectoral strategies from and agreements, to be made with different the viewpoint of nature sensitivity; review and development partners in accordance with global evaluation of periodically revised sectoral policies campaigns taking place on green economy, and strategies from the nature sensitivity point of green infrastructures, renewable energy, etc, the view; and Framework implementation support. Government of Nepal shall use this Framework Similarly, other expenditures include costs for as the basis. capacity building of the Support Unit and project implementation. For the action plans of sectoral agencies, a system of sectoral agency investment in To facilitate the implementation of initial activities conservation-related activities shall be developed and programmes to be given priority by sectoral and implemented by establishing a conservation- agencies in order to bring this National Strategic friendly budgeting and review system. Similarly, Framework into implementation, estimated budget investment in conservation shall be increased for up to 16 years is Rs 80 million (Annex 20). and arrangements shall be made for its effective monitoring by reviewing the status of investment For the implementation of this National Strategic in conservation in line with existing policy and Framework, budget shall be allocated as a legal provisions of sectoral agencies. 91 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 92 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Chapter 6 Monitoring, Evaluation, Information Management and Use

6.1 Objectives of Monitoring and b) Status of the adoption of assumptions Evaluation envisioned in achieving the results of Its objective is to make thematic and sectoral nature conservation agencies responsible for integrating nature Under this Framework, the following assumptions conservation in overall development efforts and of three levels presented in Table 5 shall be ensuring that conservation results are achieved. monitored and evaluated: Results arising from monitoring and evaluation b-1) Assumptions for achieving goal shall make sectoral development and nature b-2) Assumptions for achieving objectives conservation integration activities more effective. b-3) Assumptions for achieving the results of strategic pillars This Framework shall include national-level monitoring and evaluation. Qualitative and c) Reduction of foreseen risks in achieving the quantitative information and data of the indicators results of nature conservation of such national-level monitoring and evaluation Under this Framework, two types of assumptions shall be obtained through the monitoring and shall be monitored and evaluated. evaluation of thematic and sectoral strategies. c-1) Monitoring and evaluation of the adoption of risk reduction measures presented in Section

6.2 Areas to be Monitored and Evaluated 4.7 foreseen for achieving results of nature This Framework includes three major areas of conservation sought by this Framework. monitoring and evaluation. c-2) Monitoring and evaluation of the adoption of risk reduction measures presented in a) Conservation-related results Section 2.8 foreseen for achieving results of Under this Framework, two types of results shall nature conservation sought by thematic and be monitored and evaluated. sectoral strategies. a-1) Monitoring and evaluation of the results of development and nature conservation d) Framework implementation plan integration sought to be achieved under the The implementation of the Framework goal, objectives and five strategic pillars of this implementation plan presented in Section 5.3 Framework. shall also be monitored regularly. This monitoring Results shall be monitored and evaluated by taking shall ensure the integration of development and the base of indicators presented in Table 5. nature conservation into the implementation of all a-2) Monitoring and evaluation of thematic and thematic and sectoral strategies. sectoral nature conservation-related results Each respective, concerned strategy 6.3. Thematic and Sectoral implementation agency shall have the task of Representative Indicators to be monitoring and evaluating conservation-related Monitored and Evaluated performance indicators envisioned by every 6.3.1 National-level Representative Indicators sectoral strategy. In such implementation, the role and their Review of the National Planning Commission shall be to Based on the Government of Nepal (Allocation ensure the integration of nature conservation into of Business) Regulations (2012), conservation development. indicators contained in thematic sectoral strategies and the National Monitoring and Under this Framework, some thematic sector Evaluation Guidelines (2013) of this Commission, representative indicators presented in Table 11 representative indicators have been selected to shall be monitored and evaluated. review conservation-related work carried out in 93 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 thematic areas. Based on the indicators presented Detailed information about the status of the in Table 11, contributions made by different indicators that are to be monitored and evaluated sectors to nature conservation will be reviewed by this Framework in FY 2069/70, the targets to periodically. This Table presents sector-wise be achieved and the year the targets are to be indicators and their data sources. The baseline, achieved will be collected or estalished during periodic targets and evaluation period will be implementation of the Framework. Details of as specified by the respective agencies in their examples of such information to be collected by the sectoral strategies. agencies concerned are presented in Annex 21. Table 11: Thematic and sectoral conservation-related representative indicators to be monitored and evaluated Potential sources of Thematic areas and indicators information Forest sector Forest conservation and management (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) Ministry of Forests and Soil Area covered by forests Conservation (MoFSC) Area of forests managed sustainably or scientifically MoFSC Area of community-managed forests MoFSC Land and watershed conservation (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) Watershed areas managed as per the integrated land conservation plan MoFSC Area of the forest managed under the pro-conservation forest management system MoFSC in the Churia area Wetland management (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) Area of conserved and managed wetlands of national and international importance MoFSC Biodiversity Loss and degradation of forest, wetland and rangeland habitats Degradation rates of forest, wetland and rangeland habitats MoFSC MoFSC, Chure Tarai-Madhes Degradation rates of Churia and other land arc areas Conservation Development Board Extinction of species or their number decreased MoFSC Number of endangered species increased MoFSC Implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2014) Inclusion of conservation action plan in other sector policies and strategies as per National Planning the National Biodiversity Strategy and the status of its implementation Commission (NPC) Conflict between human and wildlife Status of the number of conflicts between human and wildlife MoFSC Budget provision for conservation Budget allocated for conservation increased Ministry of Finance (MoF) Agriculture sector Productivity increased Ministry of Agricultural Productivity of major crops, livestock and fish increased Development (MoAD) Sustainable management of agriculture land and soil Rehabilitation of degraded agriculture land (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) Ministry of Land Reform and Management (MoLRM) Conservation and sustainable use of agro-biodiversity Farming and production of local varieties/breeds MoAD Use of hybrid seeds (maize, rice and vegetables) MoAD 94 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Management of disease and insect of crops, livestock and fish Organic farming (production) increased (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) MoAD Development of physical infrastructure Urbanization, industrialization and pollution management Ministry of Physical Number of projects that have adopted land use policy while formulating physical Infrastructure and infrastructure plans Transport(MoPIT) Status of natural sites and opens places in urban areas (area in per centage of rural Ministry of Urban area) Development (MoUD) Physical infrastructure works management Index of green roads increased Solid waste management Number of municipalities with appropriate landfill from engineering perspectives MoUD Mine and excavation management Ministry of Industry (MoI) Ministry of Federal Affairs Excavation projects that have passed environmental auditing and Local Development (MoFALD) Implementation of the provision of environmental auditing Status of non-action against those who have not complied with the provision of MoPIT environmental auditing Land management Use of agriculture land for non-agriculture purposes decreased MoLRM Ministry of Cooperatives and Status of assurance of local livelihood (poverty) Poverty Alleviation (MoCPA) Renewable energy Government budget allocation MoSTE Ministry of Energy (MoEn) Rate of energy generation from the use of clean and green technology MoSTE Water resource and disaster management Population with access to drinking water MoEn Area irrigated throughout the year Ministry of Irrigation (MoIr) Community with provision established for making payment in lieu of ecosystem MoEn services to the upstream community that promotes water purity Per centage of minimum of water flow in the river maintained MoSTE , MoEn Ministry of Home Affairs Status of inclusion of the ecosystem-based disaster management system in policies (MoHA), Ministry of Rural and programmes and implementation Development (MoRD), MoIr Climate change Sectoral strategies that have integrated and improved climate change adaptation MoSTE, NPC and adverse impact mitigation concerns (mention sectors) Area of forests managed in accordance with REDD+ strategy MoSTE Mobilization of climate fund for local adaptation MoSTE, MoFALD Health Ministry of Health and Number of people using clean toilet Population (MoHP) Number of households using improved cooking stove MoHP Population suffering from bacteria-induced diseases MoHP Poverty alleviation 95 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Population below poverty line MoCPA Rural population below poverty line MoCPA Society, nature and indigenous nationalities Ministry of Women, Harmony between projects and indigenous nationalities through independent and Children and Social Welfare pre-informed consent, and reduction in conflict (MoWCSW) Identification and documentation of physical and non-physical cultural heritages MoWCSW related to indigenous nationalities Number of men and women participants of indigenous nationalities in conservation MoWCSW programmes Gender and social inclusion Review of existing policies and legal frameworks related to gender and social MoWCSW inclusion of all sectors Women benefitting from payment for ecosystem services MoWCSW Representation of women, marginalized and socially excluded communities in governance and decision-making processes of natural resources, and in MoWCSW membership Law and organizational arrangement Work of nature conservation also to be added to allocation of business of some Ministry of Law, Justice, ministries (such as Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Irrigation, Ministry of Industry, Constituent Assembly Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Education) related and Parliamentary Affairs to nature conservation in the Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) (MoLJPA) Regulations (2012) Achieving harmony in contradictions in different acts (Annex 15) related to nature MoLJPA conservation The Government of Nepal to accede the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wildlife Animals (1970) and ratify the Nagoya Protocol on Access to MoLJPA Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010), respectively Formulation and implementation of an agriculture act MoLJPA

6.3.2 Sectoral Nature Conservation-related 6.5 Monitoring and Evaluation Process Local-level Indicators The results of goal, objectives and strategic To prepare national-level data of indicators, sectoral pillars to be achieved by this Framework shall be agencies shall determine local-level indicators to monitored and evaluated as follows: be monitored through their subordinate agencies. The sectoral agency shall also determine the Goal: The attainment of the goal shall be monitored responsibility of collecting data of those indicators and evaluated by a third party. and preparing reports. Objectives: Thematic and sectoral agencies shall monitor and evaluate the attainment of objectives

6.4 Revision of the National Monitoring themselves as follows: and Evaluation Guidelines (2013) To ensure balance between development a) As per evaluation form of Annex 18 determined and nature conservation, some conservation- for the attainment of objectives while thematic related indicators in the National Monitoring and and sectoral agencies formulate every policy, Evaluation Guidelines (2013) of the National strategy, periodic plan, programme and Planning Commission (NPC) are not sufficient. project These Guidelines shall also be revised in such a way that they also become useful for the b) As per evaluation form of Annex 18 determined monitoring of this Framework by adding additional for the attainment of objectives even after indicators presented in Annex 22. The NPC shall submitting the progress of the implementation regularly monitor and evaluate the integration of annual programmes, periodic plans and of nature conservation into development as per thematic and sectoral strategies the monitoring and evaluation schedule of these Guidelines. 96 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 The evaluation results of documents evaluated in 6.8 Information Management accordance with a) and b) shall be reviewed by A Development and Nature Conservation an expert. Integration Information Centre shall be established in the Framework Support Unit. Outputs of strategic pillars: The results of strategic The Centre shall collect and manage required pillars shall be monitored and evaluated as per the information by coordinating with the Liaison Unit regular monitoring and evaluation process of the of thematic agency concerned and individuals. National Planning Commission. The Centre shall also collect and manage local- level information by co-ordinating with the local-

6.6 Monitoring and Evaluation Period level Environment Friendly Local Governance a) The implementation of the Framework Coordination Committee. Implementation Plan shall be monitored and evaluated as per the regular monitoring and 6.9 Knowledge Management and Use evaluation schedule of the National Planning Sectoral agencies concerned shall be responsible Commission. for documentation, communication, replication and b) First evaluation of this Framework shall be promotion of knowledge obtained from integration completed after three years (after the end of of nature conservation into sectoral development the short-term implementation plan) and then efforts. Replication and promotion of knowledge in the mid-term and final evaluation of the thus obtained by the sectoral agency shall be implementation of every periodic plan. Based monitored through the Framework Implementation on the results of this evaluation, this Framework Support Unit. The Unit shall also ensure that shall be revised accordingly. replication and promotion of knowledge has been included in the Programme Planning Guidelines to include it in future plans and programmes. Based

6.7 Monitoring and Evaluation Report on the lessons learned from the implementation A monitoring and evaluation report on the of this Framework, feedback shall be provided implementation of this Framework shall be prepared at the Framework Implementation Coordination based on the five strategic pillars of the Framework. Committee and the Coordination Council. Based on the results of monitoring and evaluation, Feedback shall also be included in the agenda of the monitor and evaluator shall recommend clear regular monitoring to be carried out by the National directions regarding what thematic and sectoral Planning Commission. agencies shall have to do to integrate development and nature conservation being based on which 6.10 Revision of the Framework strategic pillar. The National Planning Commission, This Framework shall be revised by reviewing it based on those recommendations, shall direct in the final year of the periodic plan. However, the thematic and sectoral agencies concerned. Framework may also be revised by reviewing/ The Framework Implementation Unit shall take evaluating it in the mid-term and other time as necessary action on such monitoring reports and required. present details for policy decisions at a meeting of the Framework Implementation Coordination Committee for policy. 97 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 References Endnote number Bibliography 1,5,6,8,32 NPC, 2014. The Thirteenth Plan (2012/13 – 2014/15). National Planning Commission Secretariat, GoN 2 WECS.2005. National Water Plan. Water and Energy Commission. Singh Durbar, Kathmandu 3,29 MOEST. 2008. Thematic Assessment Report on Land Degradation. Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, GoN 4,10,28,62 ADS.2014. Agricultural Development Strategy 2014. MOAD, GoN 2,7,8,9,10 MOF.2014. Budget Speech 2014.Ministry of Finance. Singh Durbar, Kathmandu 11 NA.2010 (2067 BS).Brihat Nepali Sabdakosh.Nepal Academy, Kathmandu. 12 AM, 2014.Timeline of Environmental Movement and History – A Fierce Green Fire. American Masters. 15 April 2014 13,18 Sharma, E., N. Chetri and K. P. Oli.2010. Mountain Biodiversity Conservation and Management: A Paradigm Shift in Policies and Practices in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas. Ecol Res (2010) 25: 909–923 14 WECD, 1987. Our Common Future – Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future 15 RDED.1992. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. Report of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 5-16 June 1992 16,70 WRI, 2005.Millennium Ecosystems Assessment. Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Biodiversity Synthesis. World Resources Institute (WRI), Washington, DC. 17 UNDSD, 2014.Open Working Group Proposal for Sustainable Development Goals. UN Division for Sustainable Development. UN 19,59 NBSAP. 2014. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action plan 2014. Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, GoN 20,60 FSS.2014. Forestry Sector strategy for Nepal 2014 (Draft). Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, GoN 21 IUCN, 2013.Review of National Conservation Strategy (NCS 1988). International Union for Conservation of Nature, Nepal 22 Gautam, A. P., B. P. Kharel and D. Gauchan, 2013.Sectoral Review. Review of NCS 1988. IUCN Nepal 23,56,57 NPC, 2013.National Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines. National Planning Commission, GoN 24,26 DNPWC. 2012. Annual Report 2011-2012. DNPWC, Kathmandu. 27 MOFSC.2014. Forestry Sector Strategy for Nepal (draft). Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation, GoN 30 CBS. 2013. National Sample Census of Agriculture Nepal, 2011.12, Central Bureau of Statistics NPC, GoN 31 Bhattarai, T. N. 2014. Thematic Paper on Physical Infrastructure Development and Environment. IUCN Nepal 33 ICIMOD.2011a. Glacial Lakes and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Nepal. ICIMOD 34 WECS, 2010.Energy Sector Synopsis Report 2010. Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal 35,46 IDS-Nepal, PAC and CGAP.2014. Economic Impact Assessment of Climate Change in Key Sectors in Nepal. Integrated Development Society Nepal, Practical Action Consulting and Global Climate Adaptation Partnership. IDS-Nepal, Baisnavi Marga, Tusal, Kathmandu 36 MOSTE, 2013.Subsidy Policy for Renewable Energy 2069 BS. Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Go 37 Namarmi. 2014. A paper presentation in a workshop ‘Final Project Completion Meeting of Development of Academic Program on Energy System Planning and Analysis at Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University’ on 9th October 2014 at Hotel Himalaya 38 MOF.2000. Economic Survey. Ministry of Finance, GoN 39 MOF. 2013. Economic Survey 2012-13. Ministry of Finance, GoN 40,49,51 MOF. 2014. Economic Survey 2013-14. Ministry of Finance, GoN 98 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 41 MOLRM. 2012. Land Use Policy 2012. Ministry of Land Reform and Management, Singh Durbar, Kathmandu 42 ADPC and CECI.2012. Mainstreaming Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management in Irrigation Development in Nepal. Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) Bangkok and Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) Nepal. 43 FAO, 2014.World Food Day – 10 Myths about Hunger.FAO 44 WHO. 2007. Bandana 45 Pradhan, B. K. 2014. Thematic Report on Health Sector.NCNSFSD. IUCN/NPC 47 Khanal.2014. Climate Change and Energy Thematic Report. NSFNC, IUCN Nepal. 48 Muzzini, E. and G. Aparicio, 2013.Urban Growth and Spatial Transition in Nepal. The World Bank 50 DOIn.2013. Industrial Statistics. Department of Industry. Kathmandu 52 Pandey, B...2014. Conservation Education/Education for Sustainable Development Thematic Report. NSFNC, IUCN Nepal 53 Khatri, B. P. 2003. Vedic Anusthan – Nityakarma Padyati. MRs Shanti Devi Khatri Published – Netakatiya Majhi Gaun -7, Bajhang, Nepal 54 ADA, 2007.ADA, 2007. Thematic Evaluation: The Relevance of Culture and Cultural Heritage in Austrian Development Cooperation and Cooperation with Eastern Europe Case Studies on Bhutan, Nepal, Guatemala, and Bosnia and Herzegovina Synthesis Report. Volume I. Austrian Development Agency 55,63 Lama, M. S. 2014.Communities and Indigenous Peoples. IUCN, Nepal 58 Belbase, N. and D. R. Khanal.2014. Policy and Legal Provisions Thematic Paper. NSFNC, IUCN Nepal 61 CBS.2014. Environmental Statistics of Nepal. Central Bureau of Statistics, NPC, GON 64 UNESCO.2014. UNESCO’s CCESD Program Support Mapping of Climate Change Education Actors in Nepal. 17.06.2014 - UNESCO Office in Kathmandu 65,67 UNDP, 2013.Program for People from Areas Vulnerable to Climate Change and Natural Disaster. UN Nepal Information Platform. 66 SDAN.2003. Sustainable Development Agenda. National Planning Commission. Kathmandu 68 MOFALD. 2070 (2013 AD). Environment Friendly Local Governance Framework. Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development. Kathmandu 69 MOFSC. 2014a. Review of the Implementation of the Master Plan for Forestry Sector of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MFSC), Kathmandu 71 Christie, M., Hanley, N., Warren, J., Murphy, K., Wright, R., and Hyde, T., 2006.Valuing the diversity of biodiversity. Ecological Economics, 58: 304–317. 72 Lele, S., Springate-Baginski, O., Lakerveld, R., Deb, D. And Dash, P., 2013. Ecosystem Services: Origins, Contributions, Pitfalls, and Alternatives. Conservation & Society, 11(4): 343- 358. Available online at: http://www.conservationandsociety.org/article.asp?issn=0972-4923. 73 ICIMOD, 2011. Protected Areas and Payment for Ecosystem Services A feasibility study in Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, Nepal. ICIMIOD, Kathmandu 74 Farber, S. C., R. Costanza and M. A. Wilson.2002. Economic and Ecological Concepts for Valuing Ecosystem Services. SPECIAL ISSUE: The Dynamics and Value of Ecosystem Services: Integrating. Economic and Ecological Perspectives. Ecological Economics 41 (2002) 375 – 392 99 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 100 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annexes 101 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 1: Millennium and Post-Millennium Development Goals Millennium Development Goals 1. To eradicate poverty and hunger 2. To achieve universal primary education 3. To promote gender equality and empower women 4. To reduce child mortality 5. To improve maternal health 6. To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases 7. To ensure environmental sustainability 8. To develop a global partnership for development Proposed sustainable Post-Millennium Development Goals Goal 1 End poverty in all its forms everywhere Goal 2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Goal 3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Goal 4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Goal 5 Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Goal 6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Goal 7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Goal 8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation Goal 10 Reduce inequality within and among countries Goal 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts* Goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss Goal 16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels Goal 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development 102

Annex 2: National Strategic Framework development process Seventh • Summission at the National Planning Step 5 meeting Commission • Preparation of National Strategic Framework Sixth • Discussion at national workshop Step4 Peer review (4 persons) meeting • Preparation of draft of Strategic Framework • Preparation of draft of thematic working Regular • Discussion on thematic Consultation paper Step3 consultation preliminary draft At thecentral level • Issuesto be addressed and analysis • Formulation of draft of Strategic Framework • Discussion on thematic Consultation • Preparation of preliminary draft of thematic Regular working paper Step2 preliminary draft • At the community level consultation • Analysis by priority area • Of every group • At the district level • Formulation of preliminary draft of National Strategic Framework • First meeting of every • Inception workshop 1-5 Pre-test of methodology in Step1 group • Identification of areas and strategic pillars meetings Bhaktapur • Formulation of methodology Streeing Formation of thematic groups Participatory interaction and Step Committee (8) and interaction Key achievements consultation 103 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 3: Districts where interactions were held Based on geographical details of districts ● Mid-Western (5): Jumla, Surkhet, Banke, where consultations were held: Salyan and Humla ● Mountain (7): Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, ● Far-Western (3): Dandeldhura, Doti and Kailali Dolakha, Sindhupalchok, Manang, Jumla and Humla Based on interaction model details: ● Hill (8) : Dhankuta, Okhaldhunga, Dhading, ● Workshop and direct contact model: Dhankuta, Kaski, Palpa, Surkhet, Salyan and Doti Bhaktapur, Manang, Banke and Dandeldhura ● Terai (6): Morang, Mahottari, Kapilvastu, (5) Nawalparasi, Banke and Kailali ● FGD and direct contact model: Sankhuwasabha, ● Churia (4): Udaypaur, Sindhuli, Makwanpur Morang, Udyapur, Mahottari, Sindhupalchok, and Dandeldhura Dhading, Kaski, Palpa, Kailali (10) ● Urbanisation (1): Bhaktapur ● Discussion by using right–holders’ networks: (Okhaldhunga, Dolakha, Salyan – FECOFUN), Based on regional-level details: Surkhet (Farmers’ Association), Sindhuli, ● Eastern (6): Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Nawalparasi (Water Users’ Association), Dhankuta, Morang, Udyapur and Makwanpur, Doti (National Association of Okhladhunga VDCs) (8) ● Central (7): Dolakha, Sindhuli, Mahottari, ● Discussion by using the media: Taplejung, Sindhupalchok, Bhaktapur, Dhading and Kapilvastu and Humla (3) Makwanpur ● Western (5): Manang, Kaski, Palpa, Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi 104 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annex 4: Findings of the perception analysis of direct interview condcuted at different- level discussions Annex 4.1: Perceptions of district-level aware of it, 38 percent said that they had heard stakeholders about it, 12 percent had read it, and 2 percent had The Nature Conservation National Strategic seen it, Similarly, 9 percent of the respondents said Framework formulation team held direct that they knew something about the Strategy and consultations with the stakeholders in 14 91 percent of the respondents reported that they districts. These consultations were organised did not know about it at all. It indicates that the in the convenership of District Development public should be oriented well about conservation Committees. The majority of participants in the strategies after they are formulated. In addition, consultations were involved in the development such strategies should be prepared in Nepali, activities of local agencies. The others were should be intelligible to all and should be readily district-level professionals, journalists, teachers, available. professors, social workers, and legal practitioners. In the course of the consultations, interactions Reasons for deforestation: While discussing were held with over 1500 individuals with a important factors contributing to deforestation, view to studying individual opinions on different all the respondents ranked the factors according themes of conservation; 326 people completed to their perceptions of them. 57 percent of the questionnaires prepared by the team, and, out the participants gave first priority to weak of these, 75 percent were men, 24 percent were implementation of provisions, 46 percent to lack women and 1 percent were others. Considering of law and coordination, 45 percent to high-value the fact that, according to the Thirteenth Plan, herbs, 44 percent to climate change, 38 percent the proportion of women at the gazetted level to population growth and 31 percent to lack of of government service is 16.9 percent and sustainable land-use policy. considering the involvement of mostly government servants in this study, the female participation Reasons of the exploitation of Churia: Sample percentage seems to be justifiable. Similarly, respondents of the study cited lack of sustainable involved in the study were about 23 percent land-use policy, weak implementation of existing indigenous peoples, 5 percent Dalits, 13 percent provisions, lack of coordination, population growth, Madhesis and 59 percent others; out of them 17 impact of climate change, and lack of law as their percent were involved in agriculture, 8 percent in first priority. business, 41 percent in government services, 15 percent in private sector services, 6 percent in Major impact of the indiscriminate excavation education, and 13 percent in other services. From of stones, sand and gravels in Churia: These the perspective of specialisation, 20 percent were include: deepening of streams resulting in the in agriculture, 9 percent in forestry, 3 percent in use of electricity-operated pumps to pull water planning, 10 percent in engineering, 6 percent in for drinking and irrigation purposes because of management, 8 percent in public administration, the lack of gravitation force; loss of agricultural 8 percent in education, 3 percent in health, 6 productivity due to erosion of upper fertile soil and percent in development, 4 percent in journalism, 3 unavailability of irrigation facility; and increasing percent in environment, and 20 percent in others. trend of floods and landslides. These statistics indicate that the study included representatives from an array of sectors. Nature conservation integration measures in development: Sample respondents ranked Information related to the National Conservation different measures according to their perceptions. Strategy (1988): One of the main reasons for the Forty eight percent of the respondents gave first weakness of the National Conservation Strategy priority to the capacity building of the Ministry of (1988) was that people did not have information Science, Technology and Environment, whereas 39 about it and no measures were taken to make it percent listed the need to hold the Environmental available to people. When asked what they knew Assessment Team more responsible, 41 percent of about the National Conservation Strategy, 48 the respondents identified the need to strengthen percent of the respondents (total 326) were not monitoring mechanisms and 41 percent of the 105 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 respondents listed revision of the environmental orientation programmes that raise interest in law as their first priority. communities, indiscriminate construction of roads, lack of interest in conservation as local Reasons of fast urbanisation, industrialisation communities do not get income arising from and settlement expansion on agricultural land: the conservation of the area concerned, loss of This is generally due to lack of law and sectoral originality of culture because of the involvement coordination. of outsiders as awareness raisers on culture conservation, unavailability of local trainers, youths

Annex 4.2: Perceptions of the community of new generation not paying adequate attention Lessons learned: Conservation activities should to old culture, increased disbelief in cultural norms begin from the village level, public awareness and values at the local level. should be raised so that they can take ownership over conservation, alternative energy has reduced Challenges in enhancing participation of the dependence on forests leading to forest protection, poor, women, Dalits and indigenous peoples in there is a need for a village-level Coordination natural resource conservation, sustainable use Committee, and there should also be a village- and equitable distribution of benefits: Lack of level conservation policy. awareness, lack of budget, political interference, no inclusion of poor classes, domination of the Factors of land-use change at the village level: elite, lack of leading capacity, youths leaving the Conversion of land near agricultural roads into country for overseas employment, family problems residential purposes, lack of land-use policy, when women try to participate and the issues both degradation of soil quality as a result of the women and children face during the breastfeeding increased use of chemical fertilizers attributed period. to transportation facility after the construction of roads, loss of agricultural productivity, increasing Implementation and monitoring of environmental number of farmers who keep their land fallow due to impact review-related arrangements in accordance the unavailability of agricultural labour, agricultural with environmental provisions: Nothing has been land used for residential purposes because of completed except for mentioning environmental population growth, and the fact that selling land management plan during the formulation of a plan, for residential purposes is more lucrative than there is no practice of monitoring. farming because industrialisation has increased the value of land. Annex 4.3: Perceptions of stakeholders about mainstreaming, harmonisation and Factors to be considered in conservation: coordination Conservation activities become more successful if Perceptions of stakeholders about nature- Mothers’ Groups are made aware of conservation, sensitivity mainstreaming: Sixty-five percent security has to be paid more attention to as of the sample respondents cited law in the poaching is likely to increase once conservation mainstreaming of fundamental nature-sensitivity activities begin, roads should be constructed factors as their first priority, whereas 50, 49, avoiding adverse impacts on trekking tourism 32, 31 and 29 percent of the respondents listed routes, conservation areas and commercial plan, policy, institutional capacity and investment production areas should be separated while in conservation, institutional arrangements and laying emphasis on the conservation of local human resources, respectively, as their first species, indigenous varieties should be protected priority. As the percentage of respondents giving while expanding improved varieties, farmers who factors second or lower priority was less than that conserve indigenous varieties/breeds should be of respondents giving factors giving first priority in provided with conservation grants as they are low- the course of ranking, it was clear that all those yielding. factors should be considered in nature-sensitivity mainstreaming. Factors to be considered in the conservation of cultural heritages: Restoration of temples, Perceptions about sectoral harmonisation in identification and recognition of one’s culture, development efforts: When asked what should commercialisation of cultural products, conducting be done to ensure that there is no duplication 106 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 and inconsistency in responsibilities of different the role of the High-level Coordination Committee sectors in order for development efforts to be as their third priority. nature sensitive, such as policy stability, efficient use of limited resources, grant provided in one Annex 4.4: Perceptions of respondents about sector has no adverse effect on another sector the implementation structure of the National etc, 50 and 26 percent of the sample respondents Strategic Framework cited monitoring and evaluation and legal reforms, respectively, as their first priority. To achieve As to the structure of this Nature Conservation harmonisation, accountability, documentation of National Strategic Framework, 81 percent of good practices and dissemination are not very the sample respondents suggested a separate effective; conversely, political will is impactful. Council with authority within the National Planning Commission. As this Council will be a high- level Perceptions about sectoral coordination in institution and cannot hold its meetings very development efforts: When asked how sectoral regularly, it was suggested at the meeting of coordination could be achieved in development Thematic Committees that the implementation efforts, 59 percent of the respondents gave first of this National Strategic Framework could be priority to effective joint monitoring and evaluation, effective if there was a Coordination Committee to whereas they gave second priority to the monitoring support this structure. of accountability. Similarly, the respondents cited 107 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annex 5: Details of the steering committee and thematic committee Annex 5.1: Steering committee Name Designation Organisation In the committee National Planning Commission Mr Sharada Prasad Trital Member Secretary Chairperson Secretariat National Planning Commission Dr Tirtha Raj Dhakal Joint Secretary Member Secretariat National Planning Commission Mr Gopi Nath Mainali Joint Secretary Member Secretariat Ministry of Agricultural Dr Udaya Chandra Thakur Joint Secretary Member Development Ministry of Land Reform and Mr Krishna Raj BC Joint Secretary Member Management Ministry of Science, Technology Mr Khag Raj Baral Joint Secretary Member and Environment, Mr Baikuntha Aryal Joint Secretary Ministry of Finance Member Ministry of Federal Affairs and Mr Gopi Krishna Khanal Joint Secretary Member Local Development Ministry of Forests and Soil Mr Braja Kishor Yadav Joint-Secretary Member Conservation Mr Abadh Kishor Mishra Joint-Secretary Ministry of Urban Development Member Mr Deepak Bahadur Singh Senior Programme Officer Asian Development Bank Member Mr Ganesh Karki Chairperson FECOFUN Member Mr Manfred Sibaner Programme Manager GIZ Member Mr Dandu Sherpa Vice Chairperson NEFIN Member Mr Daya Sagar Shrestha Executive Director NGO Federation Nepal Member Mr Vijay Prasad Singh Assistant Country Director UNDP Nepal Member National Planning Commission Mr Pushpa Lal Shakya Joint Secretary Member-Secretary Secretariat 108 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annex 5.2: Forestry group Name Designation Organisation In the group Environment Division, Ministry of Mr Braja Kishor Yadav Joint Secretary Chairperson Forests and Soil Conservation Environment Division, Ministry of Mr Subhash Sharma Under Secretary Member Forests and Soil Conservation Mr Madan Raj Bhatta Chief Gene Bank, NARC Member Mr Ghan Shyam Shrestha Executive Manager Hotel Association Nepal Member Prof Abhaya Kumar Das President Nepal Foresters Association Member Mr Santosh Nepal Director WWF Member Ministry of Forests and Soil Mr Rom Raj Lamichhane Under Secretary Member Conservation National Planning Commission Mr Mahesh Kharel Programme Director Member Secretariat Ms Durga Banjade Planning Officer National Planning Commission Member Department of National Parks and Mr Tikaram Adhikari Acting Director General Member Wildlife Mr Gandhiv Kafle Lecturer Agriculture and Forest University Member ACOFUN/National Advocacy Forum Mr Bhola Bhattarai Advisor Member Nepal Mr Thakur Bhandari Member FECOFUN Member Mr Ishwori Prasad Paudel Planning Officer Department of Forests Member Ministry of Forests and Soil Mr Bodh Raj Subedi Environment Officer Member Conservation Mr Raghu Ram Parajuli Assistant Planning Officer Department of Botany Member Department of Soil Conservation Mr Gehendra Upadhyay Under Secretary Member and Watershed Management Assistant Environment Ministry of Forests and Soil Mr Rajendra Dhungana Member Officer Conservation Environment Division, Ministry of Ms Madhu Ghimire Under Secretary Member Secretary Forests and Soil Conservation 109 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annex 5.3: Biodiversity and ecosystem group Name Designation Organisation In the thematic group Environment Division, Mr Braja Kishor Yadav Joint Secretary Ministry of Forests and Soil Chairperson Conservation Mr Madan Raj Bhatta Chief Gene Bank, NARC Member Senior Conservation National Trust for Nature Mr Manish Raj Pande Member Officer Conservation Ministry of Forests and Soil Mr Rom Raj Lamichhane Under Secretary Member Conservation Department of National Mr Gopal Bhattarai Under Secretary Member Parks and Wildlife Mr Ghan Shyam Shrestha Executive Manager Hotel Association Nepal Member National Planning Mrs Durga Banjade Planning Officer Member Commission Mr Santosh Nepal Director WWF Member Department of National Mr Tikaram Adhikari Acting Director General Member Parks and Wildlife Environment Division, Mr Subhash Sharma Under Secretary Ministry of Forests and Soil Member Conservation Mr Shiv Raj Bhatta Field Programme Director WWF Member Nepal Mountaineering Mr Ang Chhiring Sherpa President Member Association Ministry of Forests and Soil Mr Bodh Raj Subedi Environmnet Officer Member Conservation National Planning Mrs Bishnu Devi Pande Programme Officer Member Commission Secretariat Mr Leela Bahadur Baniya Senior Manager Nepal Tourism Board Member Environment Division, Ms Madhu Ghimire Under Secretary Ministry of Forests and Soil Member Secretary Conservation 110 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annex 5.4: Agriculture sector group In the thematic Name Designation Organisation group Food Security and Environment Dr Udaya Chandra Jha Joint Secretary Division, Ministry of Agricultural Chairperson Development Food Security and Environment Senior Horticulture Dr Ramita Manandhar Division, Ministry of Agricultural Member Development Officer Development Senior Seed Development Seed Quality Control Centre, Harihar Mr Ash Lal Tamang Member Officer Bhawan Mr Suresh Kumar Wagle Chief Fishery Research Centre, NARC Member Senior Agriculture Ms Naina Dhakal Ministry of Agricultural Development Member Economist Dr Resham Bahadur Institute of Agriculture and Animal Professor Member Thapa Science Mr Uddhav Adhikari Chairperson Farmers Group Federation Nepal Member Senior Livestock Dr Loknath Paudel Livestock Production Directorate Member Development Officer Mr Uttam Kumar Joint Secretary Ministry of Agricultural Development Member Bhattarai Senior Plant Protection Dr Hari Bahadur KC Ministry of Agricultural Development Member Officer Policy Section, Ministry of Agricultural Ms Sabnam Shivakoti Under Secretary Member Secretary Development Annex 5.5: Physical infrastructure and environment group In the thematic Name Designation Organisation group Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Mr Madhav Karki Joint Secretary Chairperson and Transport Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Mr Sundar Bhattarai Under Secretary Member and Transport Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Mr Purva Kumar Rai Senior Divisional Engineer Member and Transport Mr Shiv Prasad Nepal Senior Divisional Engineer Department of Roads Member Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Mr Kavish Tandukar Engineer Member and Transport Mr Duryodhan Karki Senior Officer Home Ministry Member Department of Water Induced Mr Madan Mohan Jha Senior Divisional Engineer Member Disaster Prevention Mr Bamsi Kumar Acharya Section Officer Home Ministry Member Department of Water Induced Ms Sarita Maske Senior Divisional Engineer Member Disaster Prevention Ms Shobha Bhandari Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Sociologist Member Chalise and Transport 111 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annex 5.6: Environment and disaster risk management group In the thematic Name Designation Organisation group Ministry of Science, Technology Mr Ram Prasad Lamsal Joint Secretary Chairperson and Environment Ministry of Science, Technology Mr Prakash Mathema Joint Secretary Chairperson and Environment Mr Nikendra Bahadur Department of Hydrology and Hydrologist Engineer Member Rawal Meteorology Mr Lila Nath Rimal Senior Divisional Geologist Department of Mines and Geology Member Garbage Mangement Technical Mr Dipendra Bahadur Oli Legal Officer Member Assistance Centre Mr Khagendra Basnet Director Department of Industry Member Ministry of Science, Technology Mr Ashok Prasad Bhattarai Under Secretary Chairperson and Environment Ministry of Science, Technology Mr Ram Hari Pant Under Secretary Chairperson and Environment Annex 5.7: Society, indigenous peoples and environment group In the thematic Name Designation Organisation group Ministry of Federal Affairs and Mr Gopi Krishna Khanal Joint Secretary Chairperson Local Development Mr Ram Sharma AssistantDirector Council of Social Services Member Nepal Climate Change Support Mr Pragati Sharma Climate Change Officer Member Programme Ministry of Federal Affairs and Mr Chakrapani Sharma Under Secretary Member Local Development Ministry of Women, Children and Mr Ram Prasad Bhattarai Under Secretary Member Social Welfare Ministry of Federal Affairs and Mr Lakshmi Pande Under Secretary Member Local Development Ministry of Federal Affairs and Mr Reshmi Raj Pande Joint Secretary Chairperson Local Development Department of Sociology and Mr Om Gurung Professor and Chief Anthropology, Tribhuwan Member University Ministry of Federal Affairs and Mr Devendra Karki Officer Member Local Development

Annex 5.8: Law and policy provision group In the thematic Name Designation Organisation group Ministry of Law, Justice, Constituent Mr Kamalshali Ghimire Joint Secretary Chairperson Assembly and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry of Law, Justice, Constituent Mr Shambhu Raj Regmi Under Secretary Member Assembly and Parliamentary Affairs Nepal Forum of Environmental Mr Dhruva Basnet Member Member Journalists Ministry of Law, Justice, Constituent Mr Bishnu Prasad Regmi Under Secretary Member Assembly and Parliamentary Affairs 112 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 6: Sagarmatha Declaration on Climate Change The world’s tallest peak Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) and subsistence, especially among the poor, and the world’s beautiful mountain ranges that marginalized groups, indigenous peoples, span to both East and West of Sagarmatha have dalits, women, and children. had a positive and extraordinary contribution in the civilization, economic-social-cultural prosperity of 3. To address the negative impact of climate the 1 billion and 300 million people, and natural change in advance and to foster social heritage as well as tourism development and other resilience in agriculture and other areas, adopt various areas. early warning system, develop a blueprint on climate change, and enhance the needed skills In recent times, the world’s climate change has in this area. affected various areas, such as human life, social and economic development, biodiversity, tourism 4. In course of preserving the mountain development, including the Himalayas. As a ecosystem, expand the currently preserved result, the risk of heavy precipitation, or very light 20 per cent area of Nepal to 25 per cent in precipitation, floods, landslides, glacial landslides the country and consolidate the forest area and drought has increased. This has had negative to 40 per cent. To explicate our commitment, impact not only on the land masses in the vicinity declare Gaurishankar and Apinapa regions as of the Himalayas but also on South Asia as well as conservation areas. on the environmental balance of the entire world. 5. Obtain support of the world community to The world is our common home. Acknowledging effectively implement projects in accordance that as much as the world as our common home with Nepal’s needs, in order to address the is important to us, it is also important to our future adverse impact of climate change on Nepal’s generations, we have been expressing bilateral social-economic sector, specially water- and multi-lateral commitments on sustainable resources, agriculture, biodiversity, forests, development and environmental preservations human life, and health. Also, endorse the since several decades. Through the Sagarmatha proposal requiring developed nations to Declaration, we would like to highlight our collective contribute at least 1.5 per cent of their GDP to commitment on climate change and areas of the Climate Change Fund. mutual co-operation. For the entire humanity to move ahead in the preservation of world heritage, 6. With the confidence that by developing clean biodiversity, sustainable economic-social-cultural energy, we can reduce carbon emission in development, tourism development, as well as the region, draw attention of developed and to help preserve mountain ranges, including neighboring countries for the appropriate, Sagarmatha, the Government of Nepal thus modern technology, its easily accessible makes this Declaration: transfer and investment. 1. We express commitment to work together with 7. Take the initiative to amend the Clean the South Asian nations as well as other nations Development Mechanism (CDM) in order to in order to protect the Himalayas and that make it more accessible and beneficial to poor mountain ecosystem that are at risk because nations and for Nepal to fully benefit from it. of climate change and to draw the attention of the world community to this issue. 8. To prevent perilous situations due to human- induced climate change, call for maintaining the 2. To launch mass awareness campaigns, at the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere local as well as the national level, on studies below 350 PPM (Parts Per Million) and the of the potential impact and ways of mitigation average temperature of the planet at the level about the adverse situations created by that existed in the pre-industrial world, not more climate change in the Himalayan ranges and than 1.5 degree centigrade. the affected areas, on the local livelihood 113 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 9. Given that very limited research has been of greenhouse gases and other activities on carried out concerning the impact of climate mountain ecosystem and the Himalayas. In change on the process of snow and glacial addition, draw attention of everyone to obtain melt in the Himalayan region, take the initiative compensation from the countries emitting to meet knowledge needs in this respect. greenhouse gases, and relief for poor nations and people adversely affected by such gases. 10.Call to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in order to mitigate the serious impact 4 December 2009 114 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 7: Conventions, protocols and agreements to which Nepal is party SN Name of conventions, protocols and agreements 1. Plant Protection Agreement of the Asia and Pacific Region, 1956 2. Convention on the High Seas, 1958 Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Test in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water, 1963 (Nuclear 3. Test Ban Treaty) Treaty on Principle Governing the Activities of the State in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space including 4. the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, 1967 (Outer Space Treaty) Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of 5. Cultural Property, 1970 Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of the Nuclear Weapons and other Weapon of Mass Destruction 6. on the Seabed and Ocean floor and in the Subsoil thereof, 1971(Nuclear Weapon treaty) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention), 7. 1971 8. Convention on for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972 9. Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping of Wastes and other Matters, 1972 10. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 1973 11. (a) Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1985 12. (b) Montreal Protocol on Substance that Deplete the Ozone Layer, 1987 (c) London Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substance that Deplete the Ozone Layer (London 13. amendment), 1990 14. Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 15. United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992 Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons 16. and on their Destruction, 1993 17. Agreement on the Networks of Aquaculture Center in Asia and the Pacific, 1988 18. Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes, 1989 19. Law of the Sea convention, 1982 20. 1982 Agreement relating to the Implementation of part XI of the UNCLOS, 1994 Annex 16, Vol. II (Environmental Protection: Aircraft Engine Emission) 1981 to the Chicago Convention on 21. International Civil Aviation, 1944 Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and or Desertification, 22. Particularly in Africa, 1994 23. International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA), 1994 24. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1997 25 Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 2001 26. International Treaty on the Plant Genetic Resource for Food and Agriculture, 2001 27. Cartagena Bio-safety Protocol, 2002 28. ILO convention No. 169, (Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989) 29. Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2003 WTO (Agreement on Agriculture, Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and 30. TRIPs), 2005 115 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 8: Excerpts of social inclusion of some nature conservation-related policies Forest Policy be handed over to the target communities ● Decentralise forest management according under lease agreements for their use, based to the concept of community forest and give on their feasibility, as farms to cultivate cash priority to those individuals within a community crops such as grass, agro-forests, medicinal who have less access to facilities. herbs, and silk and other permanent plants and ● Enhance public participation through effective trees, or as horticultural farms. environmental education and dissemination ● A participatory system shall be promoted by activities and plan according to public ensuring the involvement of the stakeholders aspiration. at the local level concerned (village, district, ● Encourage to garner more participation of region or central) in the process of formulating, women in users’ groups. monitoring and evaluating plans related to the ● Make reasonable income available to rural agricultural sector from the local level to the poor collectors who supply herbs to forest central level. material-based industries by collecting them in the forest. Agro-Biodiversity Policy ● Encourage the local community to manage ● Agro-biodiversity registration shall be initiated forest resources by taking ownership over to prepare a document for which the ownership them. shall remain with farming communities. ● The ownership of traditional and local Herb and Non-Timber Forest Product knowledge, skills, innovations, technologies, Development Policy uses and practices shall remain with the ● For the commercialisation of herbs and non- farming communities. timber forest products, public participation shall ● There shall be equitable sharing of benefits be garnered with special priority and a maximum arising from businesses based on the use of of benefit for women below poverty line. traditional and local foods, agricultural genetic ● Provision will be made for agricultural loans resources, knowledge of local communities where a part of the credits disbursed to the and intellectual property rights. poor, pro-poor and disadvantaged groups through the Local Development Fund and Land-Use Policy the Poverty Alleviation Fund will be utilised ● A land-use policy shall be formulated in a in herbs farming and market expansion and coordinated way by ensuring the participation diversification activities. of government and public agencies as well as ● The poor, the landless and marginal families the private sector. shall be collectively encouraged to cultivate ● While formulating the land-use policy, themes herbs and non-timber forest products like productivity, environmental balance and conservation, social and economic prosperity, Agricultural Policy and poverty alleviation shall be linked. ● The involvement and participation of women in all possible fields of the operation of agricultural National Transport Policy programmes shall be raised up to 50 per cent. ● The private sector shall be encouraged in the ● Seeds and technical services will be made construction of traveler and tourist friendly and available free of cost for the exploited, Dalit and short distance green roads. other marginalised and landless agricultural ● Urban roads shall be constructed with public labourers who have organised themselves into participation. agricultural production groups by obtaining agricultural land, ponds, reservoirs or river Hydropower Development Policy areas on a contract or leasehold basis. ● The private sector shall be encouraged to ● For the purpose of upgrading forests and other invest. lands and providing support to the task of ● Hydropower shall be generated for the benefit alleviating poverty, marginal lands, pastures, local people, too. This provision shall be degraded forests and waste public lands shall prescribed at the time of issuing permits. 116 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Irrigation Policy Rangeland policy ● Gender equality, positive discrimination and ● For sustainable management of rangelands, social inclusion shall be ensured in the irrigation scientific procedure and management systems sector. shall be adopted by using traditional knowledge, ● Necessary legal arrangements shall be made technologies, skills and environment-friendly in order to guarantee prior water rights. technologies with community participation. ● Arrangements shall be made for the ● The local community shall be provided with the representation of Dalits, Utpidits, disadvantaged right to, and responsibility of, the conservation, and ethnic communities as well as at least 33 promotion and use of rangelands. per cent women in a users’ group. ● Existing gender discrimination in the irrigation Tourism Policy sector shall be eradicated. – To share benefits arising from tourism ● Gender equality shall be achieved and women enterprises with women, Madhesis, indigenous empowerment-related social programmes shall peoples and the poor who have not been be carried out. included in the development process of the ● Water resources shall be managed appropriately country, an appropriate structure shall be with special emphasis on irrigation development designed and developed through inclusive and aimed at disadvantaged groups and regions. co-operative means. ● The participation of women and ethnic groups – To bring benefits arising from tourism in water users’ committees shall be ensured as enterprises within the access of communities, a prescribed. structure shall be designed and developed with the involvement of the poor, women, Madhesis, Climate Change Policy indigenous peoples, and groups that have not Climate adaptation-related activities shall be been included to date, through rural tourism. implemented by ensuring the participation of ● Local bodies, women, indigenous peoples, the poor, Dalits, marginalised ethnic groups, Madhesis, Dalits and less developed classes indigenous peoples, women, children and youths and local communities shall be encouraged in these activities. in conservation and promotion activities of local tourist sites as well as intangible cultural heritages. 117 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 9: Excerpts of social inclusion of some nature conservation-related strategies Social inclusion is mentioned to some extent in gaps observed in biodiversity management of areas the forestry, agriculture, biodiversity, irrigation outside the protected area. Lack of stakeholders’ and land-use policies, briefly in the transport, ownership over policies and strategies because rangeland, climate change and tourism policies, of their low participation in policy formulation, and insignificantly in other policies. This National implementation affected, biodiversity-related Strategic Framework facilitates social inclusion in knowledge being concentrated in youths, lack the implementation of sectoral policies. of awareness about biodiversity conservation and climate change among a majority of rural Forest Sector Strategy people, lack of sufficient participation of women Enhance the participation, efficiency and leadership and disadvantaged groups in forest users’ groups of women, the poor, Dalits, indigenous peoples, despite a significant increase in it … Because Madhesis and less developed classes in all kinds of all this, the participation of such classes in and levels of institution of the forest sector, based conservation programmes shall be enhanced and on their population, represent these people in the they shall be led to the decision-making level and decision-making process of community-based leadership roles forest programmes, emphasise the capacity building of these users, promote the inclusion National Seed Vision of such classes in soil and watershed plans Encourage the participation of women and and programmes, carry out activities of positive disadvantaged groups in producers’ groups, ensure discrimination as required for the inclusion of inclusive and equitable development, conduct such classes, coordinate the entry of such classes awareness programmes for the participation of into forestry study institutes, assess the capacity women and disadvantaged groups, the value of these classes from time to time and conduct added chain should create an environment which training and other programmes as required, and promotes women and disadvantaged groups and review conservation-related laws and regulations removes obstacles to their entry into the seed and make necessary amendments to them for the value added chain. participation of these classes National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management Agricultural Development Strategy Design and conduct disaster risk reduction- Include gender, the poor, disadvantaged and related special programmes for marginalised, less developed classes, lay emphasis on the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, based on inclusion of such classes in value added chain, priorities, control the expansion of settlements in build the capacity of all level agencies concerned unsafe areas, protect unsafe settlements as well and design an appropriate mechanism for the as relocate, or cause to relocate them as required, inclusion of such classes in policy formulation, and while relocating give priority to the poor, planning and implementation, increase the women, senior citizens and developing classes. productivity of land through the equitable and effective participation of all classes, cooperatives National Tourism Strategic Plan and the private sector, enhance the qualitative Develop employment in rural areas by enhancing and quantitative participation of men and women participation of women and disadvantaged classes, of all social groups in agricultural development promote local resources and public participation, activities carried out by all district, sub-district and enhance tourist attraction potential by enhancing community-level agencies, make the agriculture local people’s participation in management, extension programme gender-sensitive in all conservation, operation and regulation of protected districts, areas and reserves, encourage local participation in identification, preservation and development of Biodiversity Strategy the religions, cultures and traditions that promote Minimum involvement of disadvantaged groups in tourism. the decision-making process, lack of participation of women and disadvantaged social groups are the 118 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Water Resource Strategy New Physical Infrastructure – Foundation of Develop the water resource sector based on the New Nepal (2007) consultations with, and the participation of, Encourage women’s leadership in drinking water all concerned stakeholders, gender balanced and sanitation-related awareness programmes, participation of men and women, encourage introduce a housing plan affordable for the communities’ participation in water resource homeless, Kamaiyas, Dalits and single women, sector management, benefit disadvantaged encourage the use of local resources and and vulnerable groups, ensure that people technologies, emphasise the involvement of who are affected by a project are encouraged disadvantaged groups and Dalits in drinking water to take ownership by laying emphasis on their schemes, develop physical infrastructure to ensure participation. equitable benefit-sharing among all classes, communities, people of all religions, ethnic groups are secured. 119 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 10: Risks foreseen in achieving the results of sectoral strategies Strategies/policies Implicit assumptions Risks Remarks Article 15 of the CBD requires the State Parties to draft and enforce As the government’s priorities an Act on access to, and use of, are on constitution writing, The Biodiversity genetic resources and benefit holding elections to local Coordination Committee sharing. In accordance with this bodies and restoration of will pay necessary provision, the existing legal gap peace, these laws may not attention to formulation shall be filled-up by formulating be drafted by 2016. Past and ratification of these rules and laws on, among others, experience corroborates this. laws to realize the desired access to genetic resources and For example, although the bill achievements that sharing of benefits, an Act on on access to genetic resources necessitate enactment keeping wildlife in private zoos, and sharing of benefits was of these laws. control of invasive species and drafted way back in 2006, it Intellectual Property Rights, by has not yet been ratified. 2016. Impose ban on development projects in the core areas of As experience shows, there This Commission will national parks and wildlife is a high chance that these provide explicit directions reserves and integrate the concept provisions will not be complied to the concerned of greenery in the development with. authorities. of physical infrastructure in other areas. Implementation of and compliance with the measures recommended As EIAs have not been The Commission will by EIA reports for mitigating complied with in the past, this play a major role in the adverse impacts will be may not be followed. realizing this. monitored. National Biodiversity and Action Plan By 2016, the ambiguities between (2014) the Department of Forests and the Department of Livestock Services over their respective roles and responsibilities in pasture Based on analyses of the The Commission will management and between relationship and coordination provide directions, and the Department of Forests, between these authorities in carry out coordination Department of Agriculture, the past, it is uncertain whether and progress Nepal Electricity Authority and this will be followed. monitoring. Department of Irrigation over the management of wetlands outside the conservation areas will be clarified. By 2017, environment-friendly With regard to the absence of local governance district/ elected representatives in local village/municipality coordination bodies, the possibility for this is In such a situation, the committees will have been put in minimal, because of which the Commission will play a place in at least 15 districts and possibility of implementation of crucial role in translating 30 VDCs/municipalities that have the Local Biodiversity Strategy it into action. been selected for biodiversity and Plan of Action at village/ planning, coordination and municipality level is very low. monitoring and implementation. Its formulation process is at By 2015, a national strategic the final phase. However, as The Commission will framework for nature conservation its implementation requires take steps to obtain will have been prepared and government approval, its governmental approval implemented. implementation is not yet for its implementation. certain. 120 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 The increment in area does not seem feasible. On the one hand, the Agricultural Development Strategy (2014) states that there will be no MoAD and the increment in land and, on the Commission will conduct other hand, the demands for continuous monitoring The area under principal crops forest area, road, physical to ensure that the will increase from 3,087 thousand infrastructure, parks and open envisaged increment ha to 3,318 thousand ha. spaces are increasing. There in land area does not is also a target to replace take place at the cost cereal crops with high value of forests and marginal crops. Hence, all this should land. be achieved through an increase in intensity – and so it should be mentioned in the crop intensity goal. As mechanisation will not take place without increasing If the Government implements the the farm size and as the The Commission and the land-use management regulatory problem of decreasing labour Ministry of Land Reforms system effectively, farm size cannot be addressed without and Management will will increase for agricultural mechanisation, the land provide directions and mechanisation. use management regulatory monitor. system should be implemented effectively, which is quite risky. Subsistence production based forestry is developed into This activity is quite risky. As The Commission will Agriculture competitive, agriculture friendly this activity requires shifting monitor the incorporation Development and inclusive forest management from forestry to agriculture, of the activities that are Strategy (2014) practice, with a holistic and it will not be successful until common to both sectors community based landscape it is transferred to forestry. in both strategies through approach to natural resource However, it is not mentioned in joint monitoring. management and livelihoods the Forest Strategy. improvement. The processes of formulation and implementation of policies MoAC and other concerned and laws call for commitment The Commission will Ministries shall draft and enact on the part of various Ministries properly coordinate and laws on partition of land use and as the country has adopted direct agricultural and areas and contract farming for the open economy policy, there other related agencies to agriculture commercialisation. is little possibility that the land work in this direction. use zoning will be completed as predicted. There is little likelihood that priority will be placed on agro biodiversity conservation because of the provision of the policy on implementation of the biodiversity policy only The Commission will Output 2.7: Arrangements will mentions that biodiversity will properly coordinate and have been made for adequate be registered and investigative direct agricultural and investment for resource and research into Nepal’s other related agencies to capacity enhancement. biodiversity and genetic work in this direction. resources will be regulated, and it does not mention the increasing and stabilising productivity through use of such resources. 121 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 The Commission will This is very difficult because An appropriate policy environment coordinate in realising the various sectoral policies will have been created. harmony between and laws are contradictory. contradictory laws. The past experience shows weakness in the enforcement The option of reviewing and compliance of law in times such strategies and of political instability. Since presenting alternatives Availability of stable political the country is still passing should be explored. In environment and implementation through a phase of political addition, the Commission Draft Forest Sector of laws. transformation, there is doubt will monitor the state of Strategy for Nepal on the establishment of a forests, especially their (2014) stable political environment. total area and quality. Neither does the Strategy offer an alternative to it. The Strategy does not include the necessary budget. Given The Commission will that the budget for this sector Estimation of budget and facilitate the Ministry has been more dependent institutional resources of forest of Forests and Land on foreign aid in the past, authorities. Management in raising there is doubt on mobilisation funds. of necessary budget for this sector. The Strategy expects output by The Strategy has not 2027 through analysis of various included a risk analysis. The water resource-related issues Harmony has not been current risks include political such as general, social, drinking established between the instability, lack of analysis of, water and sanitation, irrigation- policy and the Act drafted and response to, integrated related, hydropower-related, after the formulation of Water Resource issues in big projects, risk legal, data-related, international, this strategy and the Strategy (2002) to water resources-related and institutional issues. It is stated targets of the Strategy. infrastructure and development that the target will be achieved This strategy needs to from natural disasters, by adopting the principles of be reviewed, as well as and instability in regional social development, economic the risks analysed. coordination in cross-border development and sustainable river systems. environment. MoAD will implement the Seed Policy and laws in all districts. Furthermore, the prevailing seed Give the current low budget MoAD will motivate the policy will be harmonised with the allocation and scarcity of National Seed Quality National Seed Vision policy of the neighbouring country human resources, there is Control Centre to work (2014) and an appropriate sui generis doubt over timely formulation on this and monitor its policy will be formulated and of this policy. progress. promoted for conservation and commercialisation of local genetic resources. The 10-year Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015, to which Nepal is It is necessary to As there is no law on National Strategy for party, calls for incorporating the risk ratify and enforce the implementation of this strategy, Disaster Management reduction concept in emergency proposed disaster risk its implementation is faced (2009) preparedness, response and management bill as an with high risk. recovery programmes in a Act. systematic manner. Develop and scale up the agricultural technologies that As the Agricultural The Commission will reduce methane emissions Climate Change Development Policy does not coordinate and ensure and identify, develop and use Policy (2011) cover this, its implementation its inclusion in the annual agricultural breeds that can bear faces risk. programme. the pressure of both water scarcity and excess. 122 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 As there is no supporting law, programme or action plan for Ministry of Land Reforms Land use zoning will be practised the policy, it is not certain when and Management will to achieve maximum benefits from it will be enforced. take the initiative in land based on land composition, Furthermore, no authority this regard and the fertility and appropriateness. has been identified policy Commission will monitor implementation at the district this. and VDC level. Notice calling up all concerned to use land only on the basis of land Land Use Policy use classification shall be issued. (2013) If there are justified reasons for changing land use, provision As the legal framework requiring introduction and Ministry of Land Reforms necessary for implementing approval of policy and institutional and Management will such policy has not been provisions will be introduced. take the initiative in prepared yet, its implementation If it is found that land use has formulating such a law. is not certain. been changed without fulfilling necessary procedures, the land will be reverted to its previous use and fine and punishment will be imposed as per law. As a timeframe has not been Necessary legal provision shall set for introducing such legal be introduced for guaranteeing provision, it is not certain prior rights over irrigation system when such a policy will be water. implemented. Ministry of Irrigation Irrigation Policy Provision shall be introduced will take initiative in (2070 BS) for channeling water from one Since implementing this formulating such a watershed or sub-watershed area requires technical guidelines, policy. to another watershed or sub- which have not been framed watershed area for irrigation only yet, implementation of this after water has been reserved for policy is uncertain. the entire irrigable land within the first area. The Commission will take Provision will be made for the initiative in this regard releasing river water either at the This policy has not been Hydropower Policy and ensure provisions rate of 10 per cent of its monthly followed so far and is not likely (2001) for its monitoring and mean or the amount shown by the to be followed in the future. compliance through the EIA report, whichever is higher. Ministry of Environment. Special measures will be adopted Since implementing this for promoting environment- requires technical guidelines, Ministry of Energy will Industrial Policy friendly industries and turning the which have not been framed take initiative in this (2010) existing industries pollution-free yet, implementation of this regard. and zero carbon. policy is uncertain. Micro and small hydropower projects will be linked to sectoral Since implementing this projects such as irrigation, health, requires technical guidelines, Ministry of Energy will Rural Energy Policy education, drinking water, small which have not been framed take initiative in this (2006) and cottage industries, and yet, implementation of this regard. ropeways and their implementation policy is uncertain. in community and institutional form will be encouraged. 123 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 If any person or group desires to cultivate, produce, process In spite of the fact that all and sell herbs, the State will these tasks cannot be carried provide concessions to such out without coordinating with person or group. Farmers will be the agricultural sector, it is not encouraged to cultivate herbs and mentioned anywhere in the The Commission will Herbs and Non-timber agricultural crops, under an inter- Herbs and NTFP Development provide directions on Product Development cropping system, in cultivable Policy that coordination will be translating the policy into Policy (2009) land and necessary technical established with the agriculture practice. knowledge and advice will be sector. Consequently, the made available to them. Existing Herbs Farming Promotion quarantine inspection capacity Programme has not yet been will be enhanced to aid export galvanised. promotion. Opportunities will be created for the landless, marginalised and small farmers with skills to access Since implementing this land by identifying options such requires technical guidelines, Agriculture Policy as effective implementation of MoAD will take initiative which have not been framed (2061 BS) existing legal ceiling, effective in this regard. yet, implementation of this monitoring of exemptions on policy is uncertain. ceiling, progressive tax system, and legal provision on contracts for farm land. 124 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 11: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of nature-sensitive development efforts Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats Strengths Organisations • Existence of organisations with determined responsibilities and availability of technology and management • Network of organisations involved in nature conservation formed • Enabling national organisational arrangements in place • Management models like protected area management and community forest management have already been established • Environmental education included in the curricula of almost all levels of education Policies and strategies • Existence of required laws and policies (more than 40) • Existence of enabling policies and strategies (more than 50) Human resources • Availability of human resources with knowledge of nature conservation in the country • Increasing educational and literacy levels Natural resources • Protected areas have already been identified • Existence of appropriate ecological conditions for different natural resources • Rich in water and forest resources • Existence of diverse physiographic conditions and existence of different ecosystems in the country International • Nepal is a member nation of different multi-lateral environmental treaties and agreements • Nepal is a member nation of different regional associations • Nepal is working abroad are introducing nature conservation-related technologies in the country Weaknesses Organisations • Though many organisations and agencies are involved in conservation, coordination between them is very weak. • Meetings of high-level councils and committees are not held regularly • Lack of education, awareness and participation • Ambiguities and duplication in responsibilities • Weak implementation • Lack of financial and human resources • Lack of capacity to take advantage of international treaties and conventions • Sectoral policies and strategies are not sensitive to other cross-sectoral issues and priorities Policies and strategies • Lack of an Agricultural Act despite being a predominantly agricultural country • Isolation in policy formulation and implementation • Contradictions in numerous existing policies • Weak legal provisions for implementation of policies • Human resources • Illiteracy is still high (37 per cent) • As nature conservation is a dynamic science, there is absence of human capacity development along with scientific exploration • Availability of only limited skilled human resources in natural resource-based industries • Both intelligent and physically strong human resources are migrating abroad • Increasing responsibility of women in agriculture and forest sectors Natural resources • Excessive dependence on natural resources for livelihood • Obstruction in commercialisation as a result of small and scattered land ownership • Declining land fertility (due to factors including land erosion and desertification) Pollution • Negative impacts of uncontrolled use of pesticides on the balance of the biological system • Mixing of urban and industrial waste in rivers and reservoirs • Lack of a clean development mechanism and strong agricultural practices Physical structures • Limited use of water resources • Weak conservation structures (such as genetic bank, herbarium and air conditioned store) • Most physical structures are not tolerant to the effects of earthquakes and are obstructed due to lack of road repairs 125 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Opportunities Political transformation • As a new Constitution is in the process of being drafted, nature conservation-related legal provisions have not yet been determined • Numerous sectoral policies are being formulated • Overexploitation of the country’s natural resources • Increasing demand for nature-based problem solution tools Learning from others • Although Nepal is lagging behind in adopting some nature conservation-related international treaties and agreements, it has opportunities to learn from others Identity of Nepal • Availability of diverse climate and ecological conditions • Rich in diverse natural and cultural heritages • Rich in carbon stock • Nepal has habitats for important species like tiger, rhinoceros, snow leopard, red panda, alligator, yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis) • Nepal has two natural and eight world heritages and nine wetlands Human resources • Those returned to Nepal after working abroad have introduced conservation-related technology • Many are seeking locally available employment International • International commitment for sustainable development • Availability of international support in climate change and adaptation Threats Organisations • Preventing violation of conservation-related laws and regulations • Achieving the government’s commitments • Agencies coming together to achieve national commitments and responsibilities Policies and laws • Clarifying ambiguities in some legal provisions • Maintaining coordination between different agencies Livelihood • Reducing excessive dependence on forest products for livelihood • Diversifying livelihood resources Loss of resources • Deforestation, encroachment and degradation • Decreasing over exploitation of resources • Decreasing degradation of soil fertility Emerging issues • Reducing increasing natural disasters caused by climate change • Reducing negative impact on ecosystems caused by industrialisation and urbanisation • Reducing negative impact on natural resources caused by increasing population and changing food habit • Managing negative impact on human health caused by increasing use of pesticides 126 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 12 : Physiographic diversity Climate Main income Geographic zone Altitude zone source Himalaya region (15 Above 3000m percent) Twenty-eight snowcapped range Polar/ Nominal Main Himalaya Above 5000m spread from east to west Himalayan agriculture, herbs, and raising yak, sheep, mountain goat, horse, etc In the north of main Himalaya and Inner Himalaya 4000-5000 m Alpine Cottage industry south of Tibetan coastal area (woolen carpet, home-spun coarse woolen blanket) Marginal Himalaya Trans Himalayan range (parallel 3000-4000 m zone costal area of Tibet) Agriculture, livestock, forest, horticulture, Hills (68 per cent) 300-3000 m cottage industry, cement and mining industries – Situated between Himalaya in the Churia range or north and Terai in the south, it has Shivalik) (12.7 spread from east to west percent): Situated in – High and low hills, wide and the south of Nepal, narrow valleys, Duns, level plots the range is parallel to of land and terrace the Mahabharat range – Area of upland from the east to the – High in the west and low in the west. east Temperate Mahabharat range Chisapani of Karnali, Devaghat (25.8 per cent): The of Kali Gandaki, Gajuri of Trishuli, range in the west of Chatra of Koshi, Palungtar, Salyantar, 60-3000 m Nepal is sloppier than Rumjatar, Phulchoki, Shivapuri, in the east. Compared Daman, Sworgadwari, etc belong to with Eastern Nepal this range. Midland refers to large level land, foothills and valleys situated between Mahabharat mountain range and Himalaya mountain range. Midland Similarly, Midland includes fertile (29.5 percent) plain land like Jarayotar, Salyantar, Chepetar, Karaputar, Beltar, Suketar, Tumlingtar, Rumjatar, Kharinitar and Battar. Agriculture, Terai (17 percent) 60-600 m Tropical medium and large industries Bhawar (4.5 percent): A 13-16 kilometer wide belt located In the north of Terai in the north of Terai proper and the 60-380 m and the south of south of Churia mountain range Churia Huge flat and surrounded by hills Inner Madhes is called Inner Madhes or Dun (8.5 percent): area. Udayapur, Sindhuli Valley, 60-610 m Between Churia and Makwanpur, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Mahabharat range Dang, Deukhuri and Surkhet belong to Inner Madhes. Source: Department of Information, 2013 127 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 13: Ethnic diversity, priority and occupation Indigenous peoples related to nature conservation The relationship between indigenous peoples and their main income sources: There is a of Nepal and nature are interdependent. longstanding and close relationship between This relationship is directly linked to the use, human society and nature. Therefore, nature management and conservation of natural conservation is not possible without human resources and is inherent not only in daily livelihood communities. If there is positive impact of clear practices of indigenous society, but also in their air, water, wildlife, flora, etc on human wellbeing, languages, norms, values and culture. It seems there will be contributions to conservation and, that indigenous peoples have been arranging if there is negative impact, conservation will their livelihoods primarily from natural resources become a complicated task. The relationship since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples can between society and nature, as well as moral be divided into five groups (Table 1) based on their dimensions in the issue of nature conservation, dependence on natural resources for livelihoods are also important. The moral dimensions mainly (Lama, 2014). Therefore, it is necessary that include the rights of indigenous peoples to natural nature conservation programmes do not impact the resources and of local inhabitants to livelihoods. base of livelihoods of these indigenous peoples. Dependence on natural resources Major indigenous peoples Forest resources (Hunting, collection, and shifting agriculture) Raute, Bankariya, Chepang and Hayu Himali, Bhote, Tamang, Gurung, and Khas (Jumli, Pastoralism and transhumance Humli, Mageli) Shifting agriculture, slash and burn, agro-forest, and Chepang, Magar, Tamang, Gurung, Rai and Limbu livelihood-oriented agriculture Tharu, Dhimal, Meche, Tajpuriya, Santhal, Urawan, Forest, agriculture and water Kumal and Newar Water Majhi, Danuwar, Bote, Raji and Darai Major ethnic populations living near rivers Rajvanshi, Meche, Koche, Kisan, Munda and and their main occupations: The geographical Santhal communities live in South Terai. structure of Nepal and location of rivers seem 2. Sunkoshi–Trishuli watershed area: The major to have guided the interaction and relationship community living in this area is indigenous between indigenous community living in those Tamang; other groups in the area are Chepang, areas and nature from different perspectives, Hayu, Thami, Jirel, Surel, Pahari, and Yolmo. and knowledge and practices have developed 3. Bagamati- Bishnumati (Kathmandu Valley) accordingly. Studies of the use of natural watershed area: In this area, the Newar resources, management and special practices of community is in a majority. conservation developed by indigenous peoples 4. Kali Gandaki – Marsyangdi watershed area: The in the main rivers and watershed areas of Nepal major population residing in this area includes should occupy an important place in the national mainly Magar and Gurung communities; other conservation policy of Nepal. communities include Chantyal, Baramu, Dura, and Kumal. There is a majority of Tharu in the The main rivers of Nepal and their watershed Terai part of this watershed. Other indigenous areas can be divided into five categories from the communities include Thakali, Dolpo and Bhote nature conservation point of view (Lama, 2014) who live in the north of this watershed area. 5. Karnali– Bheri watershed area: Khas is the 1. Arun-Tamor- Dudhkoshi watershed area: The main community in this area. Spread in this area main communities living in this area are Limbu, from Jumla, Jajarkot and Dandeldhura, Khas Rai, Lepcha and Sunuwar. Bhote, Sherpa and society has a unique relationship with nature Singsawa communities live in the north part in accordance with distinctive geographical of the area whereas Dhimal, Tharu, Tajpuria, ecological circumstances. Living In the hill area 128 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 of this area are Raute, Raji and some Magars, It is evident that there should be no obstruction whereas in the north of Humla and Mugu in the livelihoods of these ethnic groups while districts are Bhote, Vyas, etc. conserving nature in these areas. Provisions of the ILO Convention 169 also state that other people These groups have extended their respective should not interfere in livelihood sources of such communities closer to nearby rivers. They have indigenous peoples, and they should be consulted managed their livelihoods based on natural while conducting development programmes in resources available near their development sites. their areas. 129 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 14: Government of Nepal (mandates) Regulations (2012) There are only the following types of nature conservation related mandates. SN Ministry Allocation of Business • Nature conservation • Conservation, utilization, promotion and management of forests • Conservation and management of forest products • Conservation, utilization and distribution of benefit of the forest, vegetation, wildlife, bio-diversity, and protection of natural Ministry of Forests and 1 environment Soil Conservation • Conservation, promotion, development, coordination and management on the matters relating to soil and watershed conservation area, greater watershed area and lakes and water reservoir • Protection and balance of natural environment • Development of seeds • Development of breeds 2 Ministry of Agricultural Development • Development of pasture • Agro-environment and pesticide management • Bio-technology relating to agriculture 3 Ministry of Home Affairs • Disaster management Ministry of Land Reform and 4 • Protection of the record of the government and uncultivated land Management Ministry of Physical Planning, Works 5 • Protection of the strategic road and Transportation Management Ministry of Environment, Science and 6 • Pollution control, environment protection and balance Technology • Promotion and protection of culture • Archaeological monuments and collection, protection, preservation, research and excavation of archaeological Ministry of Culture, Tourism monuments/goods/substances 7 And Civil Aviation • Protection and preservation of cultural heritage, cultural resources and historically important palaces • Protection and development of language, dialect, script, art and culture, of various religions, of tribes and ethnic communities Source: Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) Regulations, 2012 130 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 15 : Some legal contradictions in nature conservation Natural Act Section Right-holder agency or community Main contradiction resource concerned The District Development Committee may impose Local Self- tax on …stones, slates, sand and on other goods Although local bodies governance 215 at the rate approved by the District Council and the Department Act (1999) not exceeding the rate specified in the district of Mines and development area. Geology both have Mines and All minerals lying or discovered on the surface the right to mobilise minerals or underground in any land belonging to an mines and minerals, Mines and there is an ongoing individual or the government shall be the property Minerals Act 3 and 4 dispute between of the Government of Nepal. The Government of (1985) these agencies. Nepal shall have the exclusive right to carry out mining operations. The District Forest Officer concerned and 22, 24, Forest Act community shall have the right to sell and distribute Although local bodies 25 and (1993) forest products pursuant to the approved work and the District 32 Forest Office both plan have been granted The District Development Committee may impose the right to sell forest tax on wool, turpentine, herbs…bankas products, there is an Forest (khar), and bone, horn, wing, and leather of the ongoing dispute as and forest animals except those prohibited, pursuant to the to which of these two products Local Self- prevailing law, and on other goods as prescribed agencies should use 215 and governance at the rate approved by the District Council this right. Regarding 218 Act (1999) not exceeding the rate specified in the district this matter, cases development area. The District Development have been repeatedly Committee may sell, as prescribed, sand, gravels, filed in the Supreme stones, slates, and soil in the rivers within its Court. area. No one shall register in his or her name or The main intention Land Revenue 24 cultivate, or cause to be registered or cultivated, of the Land Revenue Act (1978) any governmental land or public land. Act (1978) and the In an area where the land-use programme is Land Act (1964) is operated pursuant to this Act, no person shall to give importance Land Act 51G employ a land fixed for any one use in another to the land-use (1964) use without obtaining approval of the prescribed policy, but the Land committee. Acquisition Act (1977) maintains that any The Government of Nepal may, if it so deems land may be used for Land necessary, acquire any land at any place for any any purpose. This is Acquisition Act 3 public purpose, subject to compensation under a basic contradiction (1977) in the context of land this Act. use. The Local Self- The Department of Roads shall plant trees on governance Act the right and left sides of a public road, as per Public Roads (1999) (28C) has 16 necessity. It shall be the duty of the Village Act (1974) not given this Development Committee concerned to take care responsibility to of and protect the trees planted. VDCs. 131 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 16: Some Legal Provisions on Accountability • Forest managers to be responsible for the conservation of forests Forest Act (1993), Forest Regulations • Punishment to be imposed under Criminal Offense in cases (1995), Soil and Watershed Conservation relating to the destruction of forests Act (1982) • Protected area managers to be responsible for the conservation of protected areas National Parks and Wildlife Conservation • Punishment to be imposed under Criminal Offense in cases Act (1973), and different regulations relating to the destruction of protected areas • Local bodies to be responsible for the conservation of local-level Local Self-governance Act (1999), Local natural resources, wetlands and environment in collaboration with Self-governance Regulations (2000) local communities • Government, local bodies, local communities and the private sector to be responsible for the conservation of wetlands in accordance Wetland Policy (2012) with their importance • Resource Use License to be obtained to use water resources • There will be a Resource Dispute Resolution Committee to resolve Water Resources Act (1992), Water drinking water resource disputes Resources Regulations (1993) • Compensation to be paid for polluting water resources • There should be no significant adverse impact on environment Electricity Act (1992), Electricity while generating, transmitting or distributing electricity Regulations (1993) • Users’ organisations and projects to fulfil responsibilities, including Irrigation Regulations (2000)m service fee, for sustainability of the irrigation system • Service providers to be responsible for preventing drinking water resources from being polluted, maintaining their quality and Drinking Water Regulations (1998)n conserving environment • Local bodies, government offices and judicial bodies to be responsible for enforcing these Acts Land Act (1965), Land (Survey and • The Government of Nepal may instruct for specified farming in a Measurement) Act (1963) and land related specified area other regulationso • While surveying land, government and public land to be surveyed first and protected • Inspectors, customs, airports, air services, post offices, police, and local administration to be responsible for enforcing laws relating to Plant Protection Act (2007) plant protection • The National Seed Committee to be responsible to regulate and control and cause to regulate and control the quality of seeds Seeds Act (1988) produced in Nepal or imported from abroad for sale and distribution • Food producers to be responsible for loss and damage Food Act (1967) • Pesticide inspector to control other pesticides except for notified Pesticides Act (1991) pesticides • The main responsibility of protecting aquatic animals to be vested Aquatic Animal Protection Act (1960) in the Chief District Officer • As the State has ownership over all minerals, the State to be Mines and Minerals Act (1985) responsible for conserving them • Local bodies to be responsible for conserving public road side Roads Act 1974, Road Board Act (2002) plants and other natural resources • Local bodies to be responsible for managing solid waste Solid Waste Management Act (2011) • Nobody to do any act that has a significant adverse impact on Environment Protection Act (1997), environment and such act to be punishable Environment Protection Rules (1997) m Irrigation-related legal provisions have been made in the General Code 2020 and the Local Self-governance Act 1999, too. n In relation to drinking water – in addition to Drinking Water Regulations 1998 - Nepal Water Supply Corporation Act 1989, Water Tax Act 1966, Drinking Water Service Charge (Recovery) Regulations 1994, Water Tariff Fixation Commission Act 2006, Water Supply Management Board Act 2008, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Development Board (Formation) Order 1996, Small Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project Implementation Guidelines 2060BS, and Water Supply and Sanitation Co-financing Project Implementation Guidelines 2060BS have been in implementation. o Birta Abolition Act 2016BS, Ukhda Abolition Act 2021BS, Jhora Area Land Act 2028, Rangeland Nationalisation Act 2033, Guthi Santha Act 2033. 132 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 17 : Approach papers of National Strategic Framework 1. Thematic report on forestry sector - Bhawani Prasad Kharel, Bijendra Basnyat, Sony Baral Gauli 2. Thematic report on biodiversity - Ambika P. Gautam, Ph.D. and Jhamak B. Karki, Ph.D. 3. Thematic paper on physical infrastructure development and environment – Tara Nidhi Bhattarai, Ph.D 4. Thematic report on agriculture – Devendra Gauchan, Ph.D. 5. Thematic report on tourism – Rajiv Dahal, Ph.D. 6. Thematic report on water and disaster risk reduction – Dipak Paudel 7. Thematic report on climate change and renewable energy – Ram Chandra Khanal 8. Thematic paper onsocio-economic issues and regional planning- Purna B. Nepali, Ph.D. 9. Thematic report on health sector - Bandana K Pradhan, Ph.D. 10.Environmental education/Education for sustainable development – Badri Dev Pande, Ph.D. 11. Thematic paper on society, nature and indigenous peoples – Mukta S. Lama, Ph.D. 12.Thematic paper on gender equity and social inclusion –Sushila Chatterjee Nepali, Ph.D. 13.Thematic report on law, policy and institutional development- Narayan Belbase & Dilraj Khanal 133 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 18: Nature-responsiveness mainstreaming analysis Very Not Not at Excellent Good SN Evaluation criteria good good all 10 8 6 4 0 Has the strategic environmental assessment of development policies, strategies, plans and programmes related to this been 1 carried out? Has the sectoral environmental guidelines been prepared and implemented? Has a precautionary approach in issues of natural resources, ecosystems, human health, climate change, etc been adopted? 2 Have irreplaceable property and full recognition of carrying capacity of nature (sustainable use of natural resources) been identified? Have there been gender equality, green employment, income generation, and poverty alleviation programmes in integration of development and nature conservation? 3 Has it had negative impact on current livelihood opportunities of women, Dalits, indigenous peoples and other disadvantaged groups? Have the elements of good governance been adopted in 4 integration of development and nature conservation? Have there been specific programmes and budget arrangement 5 for conservation of endangered biological and cultural diversity? Have access and rights of communities, civil society and disadvantaged groups to natural resource-related information 6 and meaningful participation been ensured. Has public (private sector, local bodies, NGOs, communities and cooperatives) participation in conservation programmes been ensured? Has there been documentation of knowledge, skills and 7 technology of sectoral characteristics? Has the issue of copyright protection been addressed? Has the role (complementary, supplementary, expected, 8 synergy and joint action) of agencies responsible to maintain coordination been clear? Are there provisions for clarity in the responsibility of nature conservation integration, organisational structure and 9 responsible sections? Have resources for required investment in conservation been ensured? Has the valuing and accounting ecosystem goods and services been carried out? Is the plan for assumption analysis and 10 seriousness of risks in the nature conservation integration of development efforts clear? In addition, are the indicators of monitoring of conservation results clear and adequate? Sub-total Total As presented in the table above, there are 10 criteria. The evaluator should evaluate each of these criteria as Excellent, Very good, Good, Not good or Not at all and give mark 10, 8, 6, 2 or 0 respectively. The total mark 80 or above will be considered very sensitive, 65 to 79 sensitive, 50 to 64 less sensitive, and less than 50 not sensitive. The evaluator should suggest as required if the total mark is less than 50. 134 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 19: Evaluation period of strategies Strategy/master plan/ policy Period Proposed time for evaluation National Biodiversity Strategy and 35 year long-term plan with an action Year 2016 and 2019 Action Plan (2014) plan up to the year 2020 Agriculture Development Strategy 20 years Every five years (2013) Forest Strategy (draft) (2014) 10 years After five years As this Strategy has been formulated Disaster Risk Management National to comply with the Hugo Convention, No timeframe Strategy (2009) there is possibility of evaluation after 2015 National Seed Vision (2014) Up to 2025 Every five years National Tourism Strategic Plan Up to 2023 In five years Nepal Tourism Vision (2009) Up to 2020 Year 2020 New Physical Infrastructure – 20- year In three years and 20 years Foundation of the New Nepal (2007) Water Resource Strategy (2002) 25- year Year 2007, 2017 and 2027 Ten-year Master Plan of the Tele Communication Sector 2010 (2011- 10- year In five years 2020) REDD+ Strategy In the course of being formulated Low Carbon Strategy In the course of being formulated Bio-energy Strategy In the course of being formulated

Annex 20: Estimated budget for implementation of Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework Total expenditure (in 000) rupees (constant price of the FY 2071/72 (2014/15) Expenditure details First 3 years 4 to 8 years 9 to 16 years Total of 15 (2015-17) (2018-22) 2023-30) years Activities to be conducted for implementation of National Strategic 273,960 268,200 197,500 739,460 Framework Monitoring of National Strategic Framework 8,000 13,350 10,200 31,550 Managerial expenditure 4,300 7,800 12,000 24,100 Total 286,260 289,150 219,700 795,110 135 136 Annex 21: Conservation-related representative indicators to be monitored and evaluated Annex 21.1: Conservation-related representative indicators to be monitored and evaluated This Annex will be completed during implementation of the Framework by collecting detailed information on the FY 2069-70 (2012/13) status of thematic and sectoral representative indicators to be monitored and evaluated by this Framework, the target to be achieved, and the year of achieving target. Status of Target Thematic area and indicator Unit Source of data 2069/70 Target Reference year (2012/13 Forest sector Forest conservation and management (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) – Area covered by forests Per cent Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Ministry of Forests and Soil – Area of forests managed sustainably or scientifically Hectare Conservation (MoFSC) – Area of community-managed forests Hectare MoFSC Land and watershed conservation (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) – Watershed areas managed as per the integrated land conservation plan Hectare MoFSC – Area of the forest managed under the pro-conservation forest Number MoFSC management system in the Churia area Wetland management (disaggregated by mountain, hill and Terai) – Area of conserved and managed wetlands of national and international Hectare MoFSC importance Biodiversity Loss and degradation of forest, wetland and rangeland habitats – Degradation rates of forest, wetland and rangeland habitats Per cent MoFSC MoFS, Churia Conservation – Degradation rates of Churia and other land arc areas Per cent Committee Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Extinction of species or their number decreased – Number of endangered species increased Number MoFSC Implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2014) – Inclusion of conservation action plan in other sector policies and National Planning Commission strategies as per the National Biodiversity Strategy and the status of its Number (NPC) implementation Conflict between human and wildlife – Status of the number of conflicts between human and wildlife Number MoFSC Budget provision for conservation – Budget allocated for conservation increased Per cent Ministry of Finance (MoF) Agriculture sector Productivity increased Ministry of Agriculture – Productivity of major crops, livestock and fish increased Per cent Development (MoAD) Sustainable management of agriculture land and soil – Rehabilitation of degraded agriculture land (disaggregated by mountain, Hectare Ministry of Land Reforms (MoLR) hill and Terai) Conservation and sustainable use of agro-biodiversity Per cent – Farming and production of local varieties/breeds MoAD – Use of hybrid seeds (maize, rice and vegetables) MoAD Management of disease and insect of crops, livestock and fish – Organic farming (production) increased (disaggregated by mountain, hill Per cent MoAD and Terai) - Loss due to diseases and insects decreased Per cent MoAD Development of physical infrastructure Urbanisation, industrialisation and pollution management – Number of projects that have adopted land use policy while formulating Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Number physical infrastructure plans and Transport (MoPIT) – Status of natural sites and open spaces in urban areas (area in per Ministry of Urban Development Per cent centage of rural area) (MoUD) Physical infrastructure works management – Index of green roads increased Solid waste management – Number of municipalities with appropriate landfill from engineering Number MoUD perspectives Mine and excavation management Ministry of Industry (MoI), Ministry – Excavation projects that have passed environmental auditing of Local Development (MoLD) Implementation of the provision of environmental auditing – Action against those who have not complied with the provision of Number MoPIT 137 environmental auditing Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 138 Land management – Use of agriculture land for non-agriculture purposes decreased Per cent MoLR Ministry of Cooperatives and – Status of assurance of local livelihood (poverty) Per cent Poverty Alleviation (MoCPA) Renewable energy In Ministry of Science, Technology – Government budget allocation thousands and Environment (MoSTE) of rupees – Electricity generated from renewable energy supplied to the national Per cent Ministry of Energy (MoEn) transmission line – Rate of energy generation from the use of clean and green technology Per cent MoSTE Water resource and disaster management – Population with access to drinking water Per cent MoEn – Area irrigated throughout the year Hectare Ministry of Irrigation (MoIr) – Community with provision established for making payment in lieu of Number MoEn ecological services to the upstream community that promotes water purity – Minimum of water flow in the river maintained Per cent MoSTE, MoEn – Inclusion of the ecosystem-based disaster management system in policies Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Number and programmes MoUD, MoIr – Establishment of a disaster management unit in the local level – Women’s participation in Water Users’ Groups and Disaster Management Per cent MoEn, MoIr Committees – Certain per centage of revenue obtained from hydropower used in Per cent conservation Climate change – Sectoral strategies that have integrated and improved climate change Number MoSTE, NPC adaptation and adverse impact mitigation concerns (mention sectors) Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 – Area of forests managed in accordance with REDD+Strategy Hectare MoSTE – Mobilisation of climate fund for local adaptation Per cent MoSTE, MoLD Health – Number of people using clean toilet increased Per cent Ministry of Health (MoH) – Number of households using improved cooking stove increased Per cent MoH – Population suffering from bacteria-induced diseases Number MoH Poverty alleviation Population below poverty line Per cent Rural population below poverty line Per cent Society, nature and indigenous peoples - Harmony between projects and indigenous peoples through independent Ministry of Women, Children and Number and pre-informed consent, and reduction in conflict Social Welfare (MoWCSW) – Identification and documentation of physical and non-physical cultural Number MoWCSW heritages – Number of men and women participants of indigenous peoples Number MoWCSW – Number of people speaking mother tongues Number CBS Gender and social inclusion – Review of existing policies and legal frameworks related to gender and Number MoWCSW social inclusion of all sectors – Women benefitting from payment for ecosystem services Number MoFSC – Representation of women, marginalised and socially excluded communities in governance and decision-making processes of natural Per cent MoFSC, MoWCSW resources, and in membership Law and institutional arrangements - Work of nature conservation also to be added to allocation of business of some ministries (such as Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Irrigation, Ministry Ministry of Law, Justice and of Industry, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry Number Parlametarian Affairs (MoLJPA) of Education, Ministry of Health) related to nature conservation in the Government of Nepal (Allocation of Business) Regulations (2012) – Achieving harmony in contradictions in different acts (Annex 15) related to Number MoLJPA nature conservation – The Government of Nepal to accede the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wildlife Animals (1970) and ratify the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable - MoLJPA Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity (2010) – Formulation and implementation of an Agriculture Act - MoLJPA 139 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Annex 21.2: Examples of nature conservation-related indicators to be collected from the agencies concerned

Annex 21.1 will become a complete table like examples given below after receiving data of all indicators. Status of Thematic area and Source of Unit 2069/70BS Target Target year Reference indicator information (2012/13) Draft FSS (2014), Area covered by Percent MoFSC 39.6 40 Continuous NBSAP (2014), forests NPC (2013) Area of forests under the forest Percent MoFSC 50 100 2080 Draft FSS (2014) management plan Community-managed Percent MoFSC 39.7 60 2080 Draft FSS (2014) forests Commercially supplied Cubic annual timber in the MoFSC 1.2 12 2080 Draft FSS (2014) meter internal market Protected area Percent MoFSC 23.23 23.23 Continuous NBSAP (2014) Annual average rate of Percent MoFSC Terai 0.44 Terai 0.05 2080 Draft FSS (2014) deforestation 155 in the Number of tigers Number MoFSC 310 2092 NBSAP (2014) year 2011 Use of hybrid seeds Metric (maize, rice and MoAD 2,390 5,840 2082/83 Seed Vision tonne vegetables) Productivity of major crops, livestock and Percent MoAD fish increased Productivity of rice MT/ha MoAD 2.72 3.8 2092 ADS Productivity of wheat MT/ha MoAD 2.41 2.98 2092 ADS Productivity of milk Status of degraded Hectare MoAD 3200,000 1600,000 2092 ADS land Households with Energy National Water access to drinking Percent 85 100 2085/86 (MoEn) Plan (2005) water Households with clean National Water Percent MoEn 62 100 2085/86 latrines Plan (2005) National Water Electricity generation Mega Watt MoEn 758 4,000 2085/86 Plan (2005) Population below Percent NPC 23.8 5 2091 NPC, ADS poverty line Rural population below Percent NPC 27 10 2091 ADS poverty line 140 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 22: Direct Conservation Outcome Indicators adopted by Different Strategies Strategies Indicators • Supply of forest products from scientifically managed areas increased • Rate of deforestation and degradation decreased • Improvement in encroached forests • Rehabilitation of degraded forests • Management in additional degraded forest area through pro-poor leasehold forest management • Control of encroachment and pollution of wetlands • Collection and conservation of agronomic and horticultural genetic materials in the Gene National Biodiversity Bank Strategy and Action • Characterisation of domestic animals’ DNA Plan (2014) • Rehabilitation of degraded forests in the Himalayan area by conducting ecosystem- based adaptation programmes • Rehabilitation of forest ecosystems by conducting REDD+ strategy and ecosystem- based adaptation programmes • Control of invasive species • Conservation of wild relatives of cultivated crops • Conservation of critical land arcs, including Churia • Conservation of endangered species through different measures, including connectivity • Conservation of herbs that are over harvested • Content of soil organic matter increased • Use of crop residue in soil increased • Rate of deforestation decreased • Rehabilitation of degraded land • Productivity of land, water and labour increased Agriculture • Maintenance of forest coverage in 40 per cent of land Development • Poverty reduction in rural areas Strategy (2013) • Rate of seed replacement increased • Development of climate-resilient varieties • Number of representatives from the disadvantaged group • Food sufficiency increased • Farm land ownership by women and as joint ownership increased • Participation of 50 per cent women farmers • Maintenance of forest coverage in 40 per cent of land • Number of tigers, rhinos and wild buffaloes increased • No poaching of rhinos in any of the years Forest Sector • Carbon storage increased Strategy (2014) • Reduction of the deforestation rate in the Terai • Upgrading of the watershed area • Upgrading of the degraded forest • Upgrading of quality of the watershed area Water Resource • Systematic sanitation increased Strategy (2002) • Drinking water facility to 100 per cent of the people • Engagement of stakeholders in environment protection and management • Seed replacement rate increased • Use of registered genetic materials (number) by plant breeders National Seed • Development of climate-flexible varieties Vision (2014) • Crop productivity increased • People’s access to government seed resources increased National Strategy • Food grain storage facility in disaster-prone areas for Disaster Risk • Compulsory assessment of disaster and risk in large infrastructure development projects Management (2009) • Development of a reward system to promote good practices National Tourism • Protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritages Strategic Plan for • Use of renewable energy Nepal (2013) • Standards for trekking and travelling New Physical • Rain water harvest Infrastructure • Compulsory compliance of National Building Code for Nepal –Foundation for the • Greenery along the roads, public places and rivers increased by planting trees New Nepal (2007) 141 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 Current indicators Indicators to be added • Rates of deforestation and degradation • Encroachment and pollution of wetlands • Conservation of critical land arcs, including Churia • Conservation of endangered species • Conservation of herbs that are over • Population below poverty line harvested • Area covered by the forest • Changes in land use National Monitoring • Area covered by the protected forest • Content of soil organic matter increased and Evaluation • Watershed area • Rehabilitation of degraded land Guidelines (2013) • Measurement of CO2 emissions • Productivity of land, water and labour (National Planning • Population with sustainable access to increased Commission) safe drinking water • Upgrading of degraded land • Population with basic and safe access to • Upgrading of degraded rivers sanitation (toilet) • Engagement of stakeholders in • Rate of youth’s migration environment protection and management • Gender equality and social inclusion • Development of climate-resilient varieties and breeds • Use of renewable energy • Rain water harvest • Budget allocation to nature conservation • Ecosystem services valuing and accounting 142 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030

Annex 23: Translation of some Nepali words used in the Framework cs'zn Inefficient hLjfZd OGwg Fossil fuel cy{k"0f{ Meaningful h}ljs ®flz Biomass k|ltsfo{ Response ts{;Ët Logical ck®Dk®fut Non-conventional 5nkmn Discourse cd"t{ Intangible tLj|tf Intensity cNk;'ljwfk|fKt Underprivileged ysfg Fatigue cGt®;DalGwt Cross-cutting bdbf® Hardy cGt®If]qut Cross-sectoral bz{gdf kl®jt{g÷ cjwf®0ffdf kl®jt{g Paradigm shift cGtlg{lxt Implicit bflvn÷k|j]z Accession cg's"ng Adaptation b[li6sf]0f, kl®b[Zo Perspective cg'k"®s Suplementary wfjf, 8® Threat cjwf®0ff Concept gjf]lbt Emerging cjz]if Residue gfh's Critical Wofg glbg'÷cj1f Ignore lgjf{w Uninterrupted cfut÷k|flKt Return lgi7f Integrity cfj4 Link lgodg Regulate cfofd Dimension lgIf]k0f, lgIf]kLs®0f÷ y]u|Ls®0f Siltation cfdf]bhgs Fun kyfGt®0f Diversion pTsif{0f Emission kfngf Compliance Ct'k|jf; Transhumance k"®s, kl®k"®s Complementary tf]lsPsf]÷lsl6Psf] Focal k®eIfL Predator s'zn Efficient k4lt Regime vf]N;f Gully kof{Kttf Sufficiency vf]nf ;d'Gb|df ldng] :yfg Estuary kl®k|]Io, ;Gbe{ Context ufDeL®tf sd ug]{, gsf®fTds k|efj Mitigating kl®df0f lgwf{®0f ug'{ Quantification sd ug]{ uf}8÷;f]rljrf® Envisage klxrfg gx'g' Unrecognised uf}0f÷ck|wfg Nonessential/second rate Payment for ecosystem kfl®l:yltsLo ;]jfsf] d"No e'Qmfg services hgfb]z÷sfo{ lhDd]jf®L Mandate kfl®l:yltsLo k|0ffnL Ecosystem hl6ntf Complicacy k'g®fjt{g Recycling 143 Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development 2015-2030 k'g:yf{lkt Restore, rehabilitation ;Gd'vtf Exposure k'gM ;+of]hg Retrofiting ;dlk{t Devoted k|Tofe"t Guarantee ;Dk"0f{ ¿kn] Holistic k|ltålGåtf ÷k|ltlj®f]w Contention ;dfg's"ng Resilience k|lt®If0f Preservation ;+of]hg÷PsLs®0f Integration k'mlt{nf], r':t Smart ;+®If0f Conservation e"d08nLs®0f Globalisation ;+®]vf Align e"ld e®fjIf]q Landfill site ;®f]sf® Concern e'Qmfg Payment ;®f]sf®jfnf Stakeholder e"ld Ps¶Ls®0f Land consolidation ;jf]{Ts[i6 Flagship d~h'iff Box ;lj:tf®, lj:tf®o'Qm Comprehensive dfu{bzL{ Piloting ;+of]hstf Connectivity d'gfkmf Profit ;xlqmotf, ;xlqmof Synergy d"n, d'Vo, dfld{s leqL efu Core :jtM, o;}sf®0f, tYotM Ipso facto ;'®Iff Safety :yn Site ®~h'dfu{ Ropeway :ynut Terrestrial ®]zf Fibre ;fy{s Significant nj0fLs®0f Salinisation ;fd~h:o Harmonisation nfe Benefit ;fdlos÷;d;fdlos Current nfut Cost l;nl;n]af® Consistent nfeljd'v ju{ Disadvantaged group ;'v ljifos d"No Hedonic pricing afXotf Externality ;'wf® Reclaim Jojxf®df Nofpg' Introduce ;'®Iff Security zAb;f® Acronym ;'ljrfl®t Considered z®0f:yfg Sanctuary ;'®If0f Protection ;Í6df k®]sf] Threatened ;f]kfg÷hnk|kft÷em®gf Cascade ;Í6f;Ggtf÷hf]lvdo'Qm Vulnerability ;f}bfjfhL÷;Demf}tf Tradeoff ;tfpg] Torture Ifo, xfgL Loss 144