International cooperation necessary to face climate-related challenges: Minister Chaudhary

Kathmandu: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Geeta Chaudhary has drawn the attention of the international community to the climate change-induced challenges seen in natural disasters and food security.

Addressing the 9th ministerial meeting of the Committee on Environment and Development of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific held in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday, she drew the world’s attention towards issues such as the rapid melting of glaciers, the risk of glacial lake outburst, and the loss of biodiversity.

Stating that Nepal needs additional international support for climate justice, adequate and accessible climate finance, technology transfer, capacity development and adaptation, she shared the important achievements made by Nepal in the fields of environmental protection, biodiversity, forest management, climate change adaptation, green economy and sustainable development, according to the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok.

Minister Chaudhary stated that Nepal, which contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, is facing serious impacts of climate change, while emphasising the need to provide preferential and easy market access to environmentally friendly and organic products produced by underdeveloped, landlocked, and mountainous countries like Nepal in the international market.

During the meeting, which will be held for three days starting on Wednesday, Minister Chaudhary also presented Nepal’s successful community forest management program, climate-friendly agriculture, promotion of renewable energy, and nature-based solutions as exemplary practices for the regional and global levels.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Chaudhary met with the Executive Secretary of the UNESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. Similarly, a bilateral meeting was held between Minister Chaudhary and Abdul Awal Mintoo, the Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change of Bangladesh, according to a statement issued by the Embassy.

Matters related to further strengthening bilateral partnerships in the areas of environment, forests, biodiversity conservation, climate change, bio-economy, disaster risk reduction, and South-South cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

The two ministers also agreed to raise the common voice of developing and climate-vulnerable countries more strongly in international forums on issues including climate justice, climate finance, adaptation, damage and loss fund.

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