KATHMANDU: Minister for Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has underscored the need to conserve biodiversity and plant resources while promoting the utilization of forest products for employment generation.
Speaking at the National Plant Day event in the federal capital today, Minister Chaudhary said that biodiversity conservation is directly linked to food security, employment, and economic development. She, however, expressed concern over the growing impacts of climate change driven by human activities.
She said environmental degradation and the depletion of plant resources are serious concerns, adding that timely intervention is necessary for their protection.
“Nepal is rich in biodiversity. Herbs and non-wood forest products play an important role in our economy. The tradition of exporting them in raw form must be discontinued,” she stressed.
According to the minister, scientific cultivation of herbs, processing, branding, and competitiveness in international markets would help generate higher income. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in research and innovation, and suggested exploring partnerships with international research institutions given Nepal’s strong potential in medicinal herbs.
Minister Chaudhary further drew the attention of stakeholders to issues related to intellectual property rights, geographical indications, and product registration to strengthen branding and ensure quality production of herbal products.
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