ADB_book_18 April.qxp - Himalayan Document Centre - icimod

(xvi) Priority will be given to implementing theSustainable Development Agenda for Nepal2003;(xvii) Conservation-related traditional behavior,technology, and others will be documentedand preserved. Likewise, an environmentalinformation and database will be establishedand improved;(xviii) To establish an environment conservationcenter under the ministry concernedemphasizing the utilization of humanenvironmental resources;(xix) Prepare conservation-related directives andmethodology for the World TradeOrganization and make exports eco-friendly.(xx) Emphasize an integrated development planon the basis of the interrelationship between(xxi)highlands and lowlands;To control the environmental impacts fromglacial lake outburst floods, necessarystudies and research will be conducted,including monitoring of different variablesrelated to climate change;(xxii) Different strategies will be formulated for theenvironmental management of theindustrial, forestry, and agricultural sectorsand river systems;(xxiii) Different action plans will be formulated andimplemented regarding management ofdifferent groups of urban wastes under asolid waste management program;(xxiv) Necessary programs will be implemented incoordination with related agencies for theconservation and sustainable utilization ofthe Bagmati, Bishnumati, and Manohararivers inside Kathmandu Valley; and(xxv) Utilization of renewable energy sources willbe encouraged.The major working plans and programsapproved by the government and incorporated indifferent development plan documents (see Table9.1), that support the delivery of environmentalobjectives include the National Forestry Plan 1976;Forestry Sector Master Plan 1989; Master Plan forLivestock 1991; National Environmental Policy andAction Plan 1993; National Biodiversity Action Plan1995; Agriculture Perspective Plan 1995; NationalPlan of Action on Habitat 1996; National ActionProgram on Land Degradation and Desertification2004; and National Water Plan 2005.In addition to the above, community forestryprograms initiated in 1993 (MOFSC 1993a) have beenexpanded to almost all parts of the country. As ofMarch 2000, about 0.65 million ha of national forestshave been handed over to more than 9,000community forestry user groups. About 1 millionlocal people directly benefit from this process.Based on the experience of community forestry,the Government has also started soil conservationand watershed management activities with people’sparticipation. A participatory watershed managementsystem is in place in a number of districts forthe conservation and rehabilitation of degradedwatersheds. Community groups are now activelyinvolved in terracing and conservation plantation ondegraded hill slopes, and in water source protection.User groups have also been mobilized tomanage the buffer zones of the Terai national parksand reserves since the mid-1990s. This approach hasbeen expanded to all the protected areas in thecountry (9 National Parks, 3 Wildlife Reserves, 3Conservation Areas, and a Hunting Reserve) in aphased manner. Local user groups have beeninstrumental in managing Nepal’s conservation areasand utilizing natural resources for communitydevelopment in a sustainable manner (MOFSC1996).The Government introduced a vehicularpollution control program in 1996. Vehicle massemission standards were introduced in 1999 and in2000. The Government has also establishedmonitoring stations to ensure regular monitoring andevaluation of pollution levels in Kathmandu Valley.The Tenth Plan has also incorporated strategies,policies, and working programs for the managementof natural and human-induced disasters in thecountry. The objective is to ensure security of humanlives and property by managing natural and humaninduceddisasters systematically and effectively andby making the development and construction relatedprograms sustainable, reliable, and gainful. Whileformulating plans and policies on disastermanagement, emphasis will be given to the use anddevelopment of technologies that lessen harm to theenvironment. The relief and rescue activitiesprovided by the state will be made transparent.Programs will enhance awareness regarding disastermanagement. The Seismological MeasurementCenter and the Natural Disaster Management Centerwill be strengthened (NPC 2002).The Tenth Five Year Plan has envisaged severalplans for disaster management. These include anintegrated information system to coordinate theefforts of national and international organizationsworking in disaster management; a central databasesystem at the center and district database systems inthe districts; storing disaster relief materials instorage centers in all five regions; preparation ofgeological maps of the country; identifying areas thatcan be affected by natural disasters; collectinginformation and updating the catalogue ofChapter 9: Environmental Governance123