Kathmandu, January 2, 2025
Legal hurdles have emerged as significant obstacles in addressing the challenges faced by people living between buffer zones and national parks in Nepal. During a meeting of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, Forests and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri emphasized the urgent need for legal amendments to resolve these issues while balancing national and international commitments.
Minister Thakuri expressed concern that the current legal framework lacks specific provisions to address the hardships of residents in these areas. "We need to find a middle path that balances international obligations and the problems of our people. The existing laws do not explicitly address these issues, making amendments necessary to ensure simplicity and justice," he stated.
The minister acknowledged the struggles faced by residents between buffer zones and national parks and highlighted the ministry’s continuous efforts to address these challenges since he took office. He further called for flexibility in legislation to ensure sustainable solutions.
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya echoed this sentiment, stressing the absence of clear definitions for buffer and protected zones in existing laws. He assured that upcoming legislative proposals would address these gaps, emphasizing collaboration between the Forest and Law Ministries.
"Our goal is to prevent forest degradation while enabling sustainable livelihoods for residents. Laws should balance conservation priorities with the needs of the people who have been living in these areas for over a decade," Minister Chaurasiya stated.
During the discussions, members of parliament (MPs) emphasized the need for inclusive policies that ensure environmental preservation while safeguarding the rights of local communities.
The government is currently deliberating amendments to certain Nepalese laws, with a focus on resolving these complex issues. The collaboration between the Forest Ministry, the Law Ministry, and parliamentarians is expected to pave the way for legal reforms that prioritize both conservation and community welfare.
This development underscores the need for innovative policies to address human-wildlife conflicts and promote sustainable cohabitation in Nepal’s protected areas.
