Need to conserve bio-diversity
KHILENDRA BASNYA
Generally, bio-diversity describes all kinds of living being on earth, together with their ways of life and the wild places in which they reside. Actually this term was used after the Earth summit conference held in Ride Janeiro in June 1992. A this conference, the leaders of over 150 countries governments promised to protect the bio-diversity of their countries and to help poor countries to the same Due to its unique geographical location and geo-ecological variation, Nepal is considered one of the wide geo-ecological variation has promoted a variety of ecosystems , thick forests with a wealth of flora and fauna. Some of these are endemic to Nepal
The diversity of physical geography due to the latitudinal venation has made it possible to include almost all types of climate. This is why Nepal is prominent for its biological diversity and is called a naturalist’s paradise.
Due to extended latitudinal climate and broad plant bio-diversity, Nepal possesses a huge potential of many species of wetland, aqua, migratory and residential birds. Apart from this, 155 species of Pisces, 43 species of mammals, 5,055 species and other vanities of reptiles and lower invertebrates are found in this country.
Out of the total 5,000 plant species 190 are indigenous to Nepal. About 700 of them are valuable medicinal plants. Rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal adorns most of the hilly and mountainous areas. Equally enhancing are the seasonal flowers bearing significant cultural and religious importance.
The wild fowls found in Nepal’s forests are the progenitors of the domesticated chickens. Wild bananas, wild mangoes and wild apples found in Nepal are said to have immense genetic value. They have great demand in agricultural research.
Due to high population growth, intense environmental pollution and extended economic crises, deforestation has accelerated in Nepal. Consequently, bio-diversity is being threatened.
In the past, a vas sum of money was spent in the name of bio-diversity preservation. But the expected objective could not be fulfilled.
In fact, the hallmark of the Eastern Himalayas is its immense diversity of landscape and a rich variety of biological lives. Experts and policy-makers should assess opportunities and of bio-diversity and develop a long-term vision for conserving the rich bio-diversity and develop a long-term vision for conserving the rich bio-diversity of the eastern Himalayas. Actually it requires a twenty-year plan that leads to the conservation of different animals and plants present within a well designed and well managed system of protected areas.
The success of bio-diversity conservation depends on local communities support. In order to meet their growing legitimate resource needs in a sustainable manner, areas adjacent to the protected areas should be designated buffer zones this will help manage resources effectively.
Consolidation of resources and updating the park management plan are of paramount importance to address the problems and challenges encountered by the local people of the protected areas. Also, a balance between bio-diversity conservation and judicious utilization needs to be addressed for the longevity of existing life support systems.