Pollution in Bishumati River in Nepal (photo courtesy of NTNC)
N
epal has experienced rapid growth and urbanization in Nepal is on an upward trend. However, the effect of the increase in human population in the urban areas and the discharge of untreated industrial effluent into water sources has led to pollution of rivers in Nepal (Bajracharya & Newton, 2006). Currently, pollution of water is the most serious issue on public health. Many studies conducted in Nepal have shown that public water supply is of poor quality since the water is contaminated with bacteria. The major sources of water pollution in Nepal have been identified as physical pollutants which are the radioactive substances emitted by nuclear power plants, industrial sources which contain both organic and inorganic effluents, oil spillage from tankers and automobiles and pesticides and fungicides (Bajracharya & Newton, 2006). The inorganic and organic effluents produce Sulphur compounds that reduce the amount of oxygen available for reducing aquatic biodiversity. It is also estimated that 75% of water pollution in Nepal is as a result of the discharge of untreated raw sewage into water bodies, these have led to the spread of water-borne diseases in Nepal. The release of hot water through industrial discharge has also resulted in thermal pollution.
Conservation measures to combat the environmental degradation experienced in Nepal has seen the emergence of community-based organizations to support the actions of both the local government and international agencies. For example, the Wildlife Conservation Nepal is a non-governmental body and it advocates for the protection of wildlife in various environment and not only those in protected areas. The second of such organization is The National Trust for Nature Conservation, which came into being in 1982 through an act of parliament (Baral & Heinen, 2007). The organization has seen the successful implementation of over 200 projects aimed at conserving the natural environment. Clean Energy Nepal is an international NGO that has aims to address the degradation of the natural environment through the continued use of fossil fuels. CEN advocates for the use of clean energy and has launched campaigns in Nepal to create public awareness and influence public opinion on the use of clean energy.
The United Nations Development Program established its offices in Nepal in the year 1963 and has been involved in the efforts of poverty alleviation. Climate Change Network Nepal, a semi-formal body, brings together seven other organizations (Bajracharya & Newton, 2006). Their coming together was to influence the government of Nepal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and also to create public awareness on issues concerning climate change. This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 13 which aims at undertaking timely actions and strategies to combat climate change. The efforts of all these international, local and non-governmental organizations in Nepal is to conserve the environment and enhance sustainable development and are in line with the sustainable development goals (Baral & Heinen, 2007).
Animals at a wildlife conservation center in Annapuma, Nepal (photo courtesy of WCN)
Sustainable Development Goal number 11 aims at making cities and human dwelling environments safe. In Nepal, the actions of international organizations like ICIMOD (International Center for Integrated Mountain Development) pursues the agenda of making sustainable the livelihood of those living in the mountain regions of Nepal specifically the Himalayan area. The activities of ICIMOD also extends to other countries for example Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, amongst others (Bajracharya & Newton, 2006). The agenda National Trust for Nature Conservation promotes conservation of natural resources; this is in line with Sustainable Development Goal number12 which aims at ensuring sustainable production and production patterns. Through NTNC, practices that encourage sustainable use of natural resources like agroforestry, organic farming and use of alternative sources of energy are encouraged and these help in the achievement of SD goal number 12. Together, these organizations and the legislations in Nepal have impacted on the conservation of natural resources in Nepal.
References
Bajracharya, S. B., Furley, P. A., & Newton, A. C. (2006). Impacts of community-based conservation on local communities in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. Biodiversity & Conservation, 15(8), 2765-2786.
Baral, N., & Heinen, J. T. (2007). Decentralization and people's participation in conservation: a comparative study from the Western Terai of Nepal. The International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 14(5), 520-531.
