Nepal's Policy Reform Process Complex and Slow, Says Environment Minister

Minister for Forests and Environment, Madhav Prasad Chaugain, stated that the process for policy reform in Nepal is complex. Addressing a program on carbon trading in Lalitpur on Sunday, he mentioned that the process for policy reform in Nepal is cumbersome. He noted that although the process for formulating policy related to carbon trading has begun, it has not yet reached a conclusion. According to him, the slow policy formulation process is creating a situation where investors cannot enter this sector. Minister Chaugain added that due to procedural complexities and delays, only a limited group capable of taking high risks appears able to participate in the carbon market. He informed that some work related to carbon was already underway at the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC). He stated that the recent Third National Communication (NDC-3) report has created a large carbon market. According to him, the draft of the Action Plan for NDC-3 is in its final stage. He informed that further policy and programmatic work can be advanced based on that plan once it is made public. He said, 'There is a significant delay in our process when it comes to making policies. The delay in the process is frustrating people. People with little courage cannot venture into this area. It seems only high-risk takers, the market initiators, can participate in this. Some work on carbon was already being done at AEPC. Currently, talking about the NDC 3 report, it is also creating a large market. The draft of the NDC 3 Action Plan is also in the final stage. Based on that, other matters can be moved forward.' Minister Chaugain also informed that the Forest Regulations were recently amended for the third time, claiming this has eased development activities. According to him, this amendment has removed the hassle of repeatedly seeking cabinet decisions on matters like tree felling and land use rights. He stated that the amendment to the Forest Regulations has made it easier for many previously stalled development activities to move forward. – News Agency Nepal