Minister urges united action to turn climate challenges into opportunities

Patan (Lalitpur), April 5 — Minister for Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has called for collective efforts to transform climate change challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.

Speaking at a seminar organized by the Ministry of Forest and Environment on Sunday, the Minister stressed the need for collaboration, commitment, and strong determination to effectively address climate-related impacts.

She highlighted Nepal’s progress in forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and maintaining environmental balance, noting that these efforts have gained international recognition. “It is our responsibility to further strengthen these achievements,” she said.

Chaudhary also underscored the importance of coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to tackle climate challenges and move towards sustainable solutions. She emphasized the role of the private sector, civil society, and media, urging all stakeholders to share responsibility in climate action.

At the programme, Ministry Secretary Govinda Prasad Sharma said Nepal is committed to implementing its long-term National Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action Plan (2021–2050), which outlines 64 priority programmes across nine sectors. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among sectoral ministries for effective execution.

Kyoko Yokosuka, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Nepal, praised the government’s commitment to climate action and reaffirmed continued support for implementing Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

Similarly, Joint Secretary Dr Maheshwor Dhakal presented the roadmap for the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which targets a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 17.12 percent by 2030 and 26.79 percent by 2035 compared to business-as-usual levels.