Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary Emphasizes Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection Amidst Climate Change Challenges

Kathmandu. Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has stated that economic prosperity and environmental conservation must be advanced together amidst the challenges of climate change. Addressing the main ceremony of World Environment Day 2026, she said that the slogan 'Basis for a Prosperous Future: Climate and Nature-Friendly Development' will guide Nepal's sustainable development journey.

Although Nepal's contribution to climate change is minimal, its effects are becoming clearly visible from the Himalayas to the Terai, she said. Minister Chaudhary mentioned that the government is advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation as an integral part of national development plans, stating that the development of a green economy has entered the phase of practical implementation from the policy level. She informed that the government is focused on expanding access to climate finance and promoting green economies based on forests, agriculture, energy, and biodiversity.

She stated that priority is being given to a development system based on preparedness to prevent disasters rather than rescue after disasters, emphasizing the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure. Mentioning that Nepal has created a distinct identity internationally through community forest management, biodiversity conservation, and local community participation, Minister Chaudhary said that conservation and prosperity can be achieved simultaneously through value addition of herbs and non-timber forest products.

Stating that air pollution control is important for environmental conservation, she said that air quality monitoring centers established in 30 locations across the country are assisting in evidence-based policy making. She also informed about the government's policy to upgrade air pollution monitoring centers in major cities and enhance the capacity of the Central Environmental Laboratory.

Minister Chaudhary stated that the Ministry of Environment, under its leadership, has prioritized the formulation of the National Air Quality Management Action Plan and the Kathmandu Valley Air Quality Management Action Plan. Furthermore, she said that the department will play a significant role in the implementation of Nepal's Third National Determined Contribution (NDC), emission management, and strengthening of the environmental data system.

Stating that climate change has severely affected the water resource system, she said that melting glaciers, irregular rainfall, floods, landslides, and wildfires have impacted lives, livelihoods, and the economy. She emphasized the need for sustainable management of water resources through pollution control in water systems such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and conservation of ecological flow.

Mentioning that climate and nature-friendly development is not possible through the government's sole efforts, Minister Chaudhary called upon the private sector, educational institutions, research centers, civil society, media, and the general public to advance this campaign as a national movement.

She stated that everyone's shared commitment is necessary for the goal of creating economic opportunities while conserving nature, fulfilling the needs of the present generation while securing the rights of future generations, and building a green, resilient, and prosperous Nepal.