Nepal: Supreme Court verdict on protected areas law stalls
The Supreme Court of Nepal has put on hold the implementation of a new law that aims to protect the country's natural resources. In a verdict delivered last week, the apex court has stayed the operation of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, which was passed by the Parliament in 2019.
The Act, which replaces the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973, aimed to strengthen the protection of Nepal's natural resources, including its forests, water sources, and wildlife. It also aimed to promote sustainable development and address the needs of local communities.
However, the Supreme Court has stayed the implementation of the new law, citing concerns over the rights of local communities and indigenous people. The court has directed the government to address these concerns before implementing the new law.
"The new law is not entirely in favor of the communities that have been living in the protected areas for centuries," said Kamal Bhandari, a leader of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities.
"The government should revise the law to ensure that the rights of local communities are protected," he added.
The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1973 had protected around 18% of Nepal's land area. However, the new law aimed to increase this coverage to around 25% of the country's land area.
However, the Supreme Court's stay on the new law has stalled the government's plans to protect Nepal's natural resources. The government had planned to establish new national parks and wildlife reserves, but this will now have to wait until the Supreme Court's verdict is delivered.
"We are disappointed with the Supreme Court's verdict," said Prakash Shrestha Jha, a senior government official. "However, we will abide by the court's decision and revise the law accordingly."
The Supreme Court's verdict has sparked a debate over the protection of Nepal's natural resources. While some have hailed the new law as a major step forward in protecting the country's natural heritage, others have raised concerns over the rights of local communities.
"The new law is a welcome step," said Ang Kaji Sherpa, a conservationist. "However, the government should ensure that the rights of local communities are protected."
Author's Note:
The Supreme Court's verdict on the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act has stalled the government's plans to protect Nepal's natural resources. The court's decision has sparked a debate over the rights of local communities and the protection of Nepal's natural heritage.
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