World Biodiversity Day 2023: Chure region deterioration, major concern for Nepal

May 22, Kathmandu: World Biodiversity Day 2023, also known as the International Day for Biological Diversity, is being celebrated worldwide, including in Nepal, on Monday organizing various programs and events. The day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action for the preservation and sustainable management of biodiversity.

World Biodiversity Day, observed on May 22nd annually, highlights the indispensable role of biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth. With this year’s theme “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity” the event emphasizes the interdependence between biodiversity, human well-being, and the need for action to protect and promote biodiversity.

Governments, organizations, and communities worldwide are engaging in various initiatives to raise awareness and take practical steps towards protecting biodiversity. However, despite global efforts, species extinctions and habitat degradation persist, making the need for conservation even more pressing.

The degradation of forests in the Chure region (Shivalik range or Lesser Himalayan Range) of Nepal, has become a major issue of concern. This deterioration not only compromises the biodiversity in the inner-Terai region of Nepal but also significantly impacts the quality and quantity of fresh water in the outer-Terai region. The Terai region, known as the breadbasket of Nepal, relies on the Chure forests for a steady supply of fresh water for irrigation and other purposes. The deterioration of the Chure forests would lead to the desertification of the Terai region, resulting in adverse effects on both the livelihoods of the local population and the national economy.

World Biodiversity Day is a crucial reminder that the conservation of every species, from microorganisms to large mammals, is vital for the planet’s future. It calls upon individuals and nations to unite to protect and preserve biodiversity for generations.