Kathmandu: Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has said that economic prosperity and environmental protection should be taken ahead side by side amidst climate change-induced challenges.
In her address to the main function marking World Environment Day, 2026, today, Minister Chaudhary said the slogan ‘Foundation for a Prosperous Future: Climate Change and Nature Friendly Development’ would guide the sustainable development journey of Nepal.
Though Nepal has an insignificant contribution to climate change, its discernible impacts are explicitly visible from the mountains to the Tarai, she noted.
Sharing that the government has been advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation as an integral part of the national development plan, the Minister claimed the development of the green economy has been entered into the execution at the policy level.
She said that the government is focused on promoting a green economy based on the expansion of access to climate finance, forests, agriculture, energy and biodiversity.
Chaudhary emphasised a development system based on preparedness to prevent disasters rather than post-disaster rescue, while underlining the need for the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure.
Referring to Nepal’s unique international identity through community forest management, biodiversity conservation, and local community participation, Minister Chaudhary noted that the value addition of medicinal herbs and non-timber forest products can lead to prosperity alongside conservation.
Highlighting the importance of air pollution control for environmental protection, she pointed out that air quality monitoring centres established in 30 locations across the country are aiding evidence-based policy making.
She also informed that the government has put in place a policy to upgrade air pollution monitoring centres in major cities and enhance the capacity of the Central Environmental Laboratory.
Likewise, priority has been given to the formulation of the National Air Quality Management Action Plan and the Air Quality Management Action Plan for the Kathmandu Valley, Minister Chaudhary stated.
She also stated that the Department of Environment will play a pivotal role in the implementation of Nepal’s third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), emission management, and strengthening of the environmental data system.
Highlighting that climate change has severely affected the water resources system, she noted that climate events such as glacier melting, irregular rainfall, floods, landslides, and wildfires have affected life, livelihoods, and the economy.
Pointing out that climate- and nature-friendly development cannot be achieved through the government’s lone efforts, Minister Chaudhary called on the private sector, educational institutions, research centres, civil society, media, and the general public to advance this campaign as a national movement.
She stressed the need for shared commitment from everyone to achieve the goal of creating economic opportunities while conserving nature, meeting the needs of the present generation while safeguarding the rights of future generations, and building a green, progressive, and prosperous Nepal.
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