| Relevant National Policies The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990: Article 26 of the constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990 has adopted various state policies. Out of 16 policies mentioned in the constitution, the following sections relate to forest resources. Sub article (3): The state shall pursue the policy of mobilising the nation's natural resources and heritage in a useful and profitable manner suitable to the national welfare. Sub article (4): The state shall accord priority to check effects in the environment that might result from physical development activities, and to protect the environment by increasing public awareness about clean environment, and shall also make special arrangements for the protection of rare wildlife, forest and vegetation. The Master Plan for the Forestry Sector Nepal 1988: The Master Plan for the Forestry Sector (MPFS) Nepal 1988 has set some long-term objectives and identified primary programmes. One of the five long-term objectives is – to preserve ecosystems and genetic sources. Likewise one of the six primary programmes is – ecosystem and genetic resource conservation. The Tenth Plan (2002-2007): It has prioritized the forestry programs into 3 categories as P1, P2 and P3. Half a dozen programs including Community Forestry are placed under P1 whereas only three including genetics and biodiversity conservation are under P2. The major targets of the plan are: to maintain country's forest cover by 40 percent; to work out on registration of biological resources in the context of WTO; to establish at least 5 gene banks of non-timber forest products; record keeping of country's biological diversity; to frame National Bio-safety Framework in 12 customs; to form 2500 community forest user groups; and to prepare essential policy and laws to protect biological diversity, environment and human health from adverse effects caused by Living Modified Organisms (LMOs)/ Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to comply with International Trade Emission Treaty along with the production of high-valued medicinal plants. Nepal Biodiversity Strategy 2002: The Nepal Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) is a commitment by Nepal Government and the people of Nepal for protection and wise use of the biologically diverse resources of the country, the protection of ecological process and systems, and the equitable sharing of all ensuing benefits on a sustainable basis, for the benefit of the people and to honor obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The NBS is intended to serve as a guide to all government organizations, the private sector and civil society. It sets objectives for the protection of biological diversity in Nepal and identifies or restates Government policy on natural resources and their diversity. |
