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The government is set to host the International Expert Dialogue on Mountain, People and Climate Change starting May 22. 

The Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE) announced that the two-day event will convene experts from relevant sectors in Kathmandu with the aim of fostering consensus among mountain nations, stakeholders, and partners on shared challenges, particularly focusing on mountain-based solutions for addressing climate change concerns.

“This dialogue aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of mountain-climate issues and solutions among governments and stakeholders in mountainous regions and their allies. It seeks to foster the exchange of expertise and experiences, as well as to promote synergies,” said MoFE. 

The areas of collaboration include initiatives such as those outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) mountain work programs and mandates. The dialogue also intends to generate concrete roadmaps and strategies for mountain regions ahead of the 60th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and beyond. The SBSTA meeting is due to take place in June. 

According to Buddi Sagar Poudel, Joint-secretary and chief of Climate Change Management Division at the MoFE, around 10 participants including Harry Vreuls, chair of the SBSTA, have already confirmed their presence in the dialogue. “We have invited delegates from four fronts—ministers from neighboring and regional countries, officials from UNFCCC and mountain partnership focal point which include 63 countries, officials from 15 organizations including Climate Investment Fund and researchers, scientists and university professors,” he said.

Deepak Kumar Kharal, secretary of MoFE, expressed gratitude for the support extended by various development partners, civil society groups, and Nepali experts in the run up to the dialogue. He also urged all stakeholders, including the media, to contribute significantly to ensure the success of the event.

Mountains are invaluable natural resources, being home to 15 percent of the global population and nearly half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They provide essential ecosystem goods and services, such as freshwater and clean air, to communities worldwide, particularly those downstream. However, mountains face significant pressures from exploitation, degradation, and the impacts of climate change. 

Despite their importance, mountains often lack adequate recognition and representation in global discussions. The government is hosting the international expert dialogue to underscore the urgency of addressing the challenges and issues of mountain nations. 

Nepal has prioritized promoting the mountain agenda on the global stage lately. The COP28, held from 30 Nov to 13 Dec 2023 in Dubai, served as a crucial milestone in recognizing the impacts of climate change on mountainous regions worldwide, laying the groundwork for further action. 

In several platforms of the climate summit, high-level government officials, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that developed countries’ pledges and actions do not correspond with each other and they must raise their ambitions and urgently fulfill their commitments. They also urged the developed countries to scale up climate finance to make up for the $100bn shortfall and double the adaptation finance by 2025, and ensure fair financial arrangements without conditions, constraints, and compliances. 

As the chair of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Nepal also demanded that the loss and damage fund must be predictable, simplified, and adequate for LDCs and mountainous countries. One of the major achievements of the Dubai climate summit was the launch of the loss and damage fund to provide crucial support to vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate-related challenges. 

The international dialogue to be held in Kathmandu will feature opening and closing plenary sessions, along with thematic discussions centered around three main areas, encompassing two plenary sessions and seven dialogues addressing various aspects of climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The first theme will delve into topics such as evidence of climate change impact, vulnerability, and risks in mountainous regions, as well as emerging threats and the imperative for action within and beyond mountain environments. The second will explore areas such as community-driven adaptation, policy frameworks for sustainability, and the importance of climate justice and local perspectives. And the third theme will focus on the perspective of mountains, emphasizing the potential for economic growth through transitions to cleaner energy sources, the mobilization of climate finance, and the fostering of global cooperation and regional partnerships.

With an expected participation of over 200 representatives from mountainous countries, international organizations, development partners, NGOs, private sectors, and civil society groups, the dialogue aims to facilitate collective insights and conclusions. These outcomes will then be integrated into the SBSTA expert dialogue, including Nepal’s initiative on Sagarmatha Sambad.

Poudel, the chief of Climate Change Management Division at the MoFE, said   that concepts are being developed for the promotion of the event.  “We are also approaching our ambassadors and heads of missions abroad for the promotion, as well as inviting foreign ambassadors to Nepal.”

Poudel said that Nepal is focusing on including the mountain agenda from every front in the SBSTA dialogue to give more visibility for Nepal’s climate agenda. 

“In loss and damage, climate justice, climate finance and climate technology, we will incorporate mountain agenda,” he added.

Climate change expert Madhukar Upadhya said while incorporating the mountain agenda is a good initiative, it would be far better for Nepal to come up with a common regional voice. 

He suggested agriculture as an entry point for a common regional agenda. 

“Every country has faced a crisis in agriculture due to climate change and hence they will be more willing to take ownership of this agenda and make it a strong regional voice.”

In 2010, for a holiday spree with my wife and two daughters, we visited the Island Jungle Resort in the Chitwan National Park (mid-west Nepal). At the time, several safari resorts operated within the national park perimeter, as did the Island Jungle Resort. 

With the memories of our previous visit to Sauraha still fresh, we yearned for a new wildlife experience, something off the beaten path. And so, with a stroke of luck, we found ourselves at the Island Jungle Resort in Bandarjhola, a unique and secluded spot about 35 km northwest of Narayanghat. 

The choice we made paid off. Nestled in a dense riverine forest and surrounded by vast grasslands, the Island Jungle Resort in Bandarjhola, about 35 km northwest of Narayanghat, offered a unique setting. Unlike the resorts in Sauraha, it was hemmed in by the river Narayani on two sides, with the other two sides ringed by the river’s subsidiaries, giving it the charm of an island. The resort’s name was a perfect fit. 

And, what’s more, my two daughters were thrilled to bits when we took a boat ride across the Narayani River, the only approach to the resort. With no other nearby resorts, the wilderness seemed absolute, as wild and natural as possible. “Wow, it’s different from Sauraha,” our youngest daughter, Bubul, hollered gleefully. The rest of us nodded, grinning from ear to ear.

In 2012, the government announced the closure of luxury jungle safari hotels inside the protected zone, citing possible harm to the park’s ecology, and issued eviction notices to all seven luxury resorts there, including the Island Jungle Resort. The decree, however, allowed the resorts to relocate outside the national park perimeter.

Upon arrival at the resort, our excitement snowballed to find the setting done in genuine aesthetics, in harmony with the natural surroundings and small cozy cottages amidst a spacious garden decked with diverse trees, plants, and shrubs. The dining hall was delightfully expansive, with a well-stocked bar and seating arrangement that extended outdoors with a wooden deck almost at arm's length to the rippling waters of the Narayani River. Sheer bliss! 

Our schedule was packed with thrilling activities, including a jungle walk, a canoe ride, and the much-anticipated elephant ride. The sight of our elephant, Laxmikali, and her mahout, Kumal, working in perfect harmony was a sight to behold. The elephant ride itself was a wild adventure, leaving us all exhilarated. 

The first hour of the safari offered close views of deer, including the imposing sambars, along with a motley of birds such as jungle fowl, black partridge, a covey of quails, and the ubiquitous peafowls, not the least startled by our approaching elephant—appearing almost tame.  

But we fancied seeing a lumbering rhino, if not the most elusive of all, the mighty Royal Bengal Tiger, albeit we knew it stood a fat chance—one in a million. 

But the real excitement began when our elephant, Laxmikali, led us past a freshly stirred mud wallow, followed by fresh footprints. It was clear that a rhino had recently taken a mud bath and wandered into the woods, leaving a hot trail. ‘A rhino,’ Kumal whispered, and our pursuit began as we followed the footprints. 

Kumal masterfully navigated Laxmikali through the elephant grass, the woods, the seemingly impenetrable scrub, and thickets with spiny thorns—nothing seemed to stop Laxmikali.

The trail suddenly went cold when we assumed we were closing in. It was almost 6 pm, and the fading light reminded us that we had very little time before it would get too dark to continue. Kumal led Laxmikali to take a detour. With our fingers crossed, we kept our eyes straining hard to penetrate the thick undergrowth, trying to catch sight of our quarry as our tusker lumbered. 

As the setting sun reddened the horizon, sending diffused crimson rays through the woods, the jungle burst into life. The bulbuls, the barbets, the orioles, and a myriad of avian species that abounded the rainforest commenced chattering their loudest.

Jungle fowls fell in, calling each other lustily, and then a distant peafowl let out a shrill ‘meow’' All the resident birds seemed to join in a chorus to announce that dusk approached close—time to turn in for the day. Wait a minute! We suddenly stumbled upon the lost spoor! 

With renewed hopes and a redoubled pace, we crashed through the foliage. Twice, my foot got trapped in jungle creepers, swinging branches lashed at my face, thorns clawed at my arms, and I virtually got banged by overhead branches for all I cared.

My co-riders (my wife and daughters) were in no less harrowing condition—but no less excited. We continued our pursuit, albeit the chances of spotting the animal appeared slim. And as Kumal nudged Laxmikali back towards camp, our heart sank. Hang on! We had barely taken a few strides when we virtually bumped into it! “There it is,” Gun Bahadur Kumal called, almost in a whisper, and pointed to a clump of thorny bush.

And there stood our fearless quarry eyeing back at us, almost five feet at the shoulder and nine feet long, the pride of the Chitwan National Park, the inimitable Greater One-horned Rhino. Our pursuit had paid off.  

On our way back, Kumal suddenly stopped Laxmikali at a spot, dismounted, observed closely at some footmarks, and even ran his fingers over them. To our amazement, they were the fresh pugmarks of a male tiger. ‘Darn it! We missed the tiger by just a minute or two,’ said Kumal, shaking his head. We all froze in awe. ‘Only a few minutes? Oh, no,’ said Smi, my eldest daughter, sounding frustrated. The tiger had eluded us, leaving us in awe of its stealth. 

Back at the resort with a mug of chilled beer, I sat on the deck close to the water, enjoying the bracing breeze as I watched the nearby Narayani roll by in the darkness, the ripples mirroring the glimmer of the moonlight.

My mind kept recalling the day’s mind-boggling ride—a real humdinger. The only thing that bugged me was missing out on the privilege of clapping eyes on the king of the jungle, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Dang it! I said to myself and swore aloud. 

Just then, a night heron wailed plaintively close from the darkened river bank. Then I froze, goosebumps exploding all over my body. From the deep recesses of the jungle, a tiger roared.

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In today’s digital age, misinformation doesn’t just distort reality; it distorts justice, tarnishes reputations and erodes trust in institutions. Let’s delve into a poignant example illustrating the devastating impact of false information on society.

It was a tragic day when a young girl was found dead by hanging at her school in Chitwan. As police initiated their investigation, her family made a shocking claim to the media, alleging that she was murdered by individuals from the school after being subjected to rape. This assertion swiftly gained traction, spreading like wildfire across social and digital media platforms. Without waiting for the results of the official investigation or medical reports, the public embraced the narrative of the girl's death as a rape case orchestrated by the school administration.

Despite subsequent medical and police reports disproving the rape allegation, the damage was done. The initial misinformation had already stained the reputations of the school and law enforcement, perpetuating a false belief among the majority of the populace. Tragically, this isn't an isolated incident.

Consider the case of political leader Gagan Thapa, falsely accused of misusing funds intended for a GOAT farm project by PACT Nepal. Despite the organization's public clarification that no funds were mishandled by Thapa, opposing parties and social media activists continued to spread misleading content, tarnishing his reputation.

These examples underscore a broader societal issue exacerbated by the proliferation of digital media and the lack of critical thinking skills. With internet penetration on the rise in Nepal, there’s a pressing need for education on media literacy and fact-checking. Unfortunately, the government has failed to address this challenge, with even leaders engaging in the dissemination of falsehoods for personal or political gain.

In an era where misinformation spreads faster than truth, it’s imperative that we equip ourselves with the tools to discern fact from fiction. Failure to do so not only undermines our collective intelligence but also threatens the very foundations of our society. It’s time to confront this digital epidemic before it irreparably damages our minds and communities.

In examining the spread of false information in our society, let's delve into another compelling example: The case of Durga Prasai, a prominent medical businessman. Prasai has leveled numerous accusations against banking and financial institutions, as well as against a particular business community. This instance sheds light on how digital media not only operates on false information but also actively contributes to the destruction of our societal fabric.

Comparing this case with the previous examples underscores the multifaceted nature of misinformation’s impact. In the first scenario, false information propagated by the family of the deceased girl was mistakenly consumed as truth by the public. Conversely, in the case of Gagan Thapa, the media wrongly portrayed him as guilty, yet opposition parties and social media users accepted this false narrative as reality.

Now, consider the situation involving Durga Prasai. Despite the presence of regulatory bodies like the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) tasked with auditing and overseeing banking institutions, Prasai’s allegations hold more sway in the eyes of the public than the assurances of the NRB governor. This phenomenon highlights a disturbing trend: The erosion of trust in established institutions and the elevation of individual voices, even when based on unsubstantiated claims.

The ramifications of this trend are profound and far-reaching. If left unchecked, the proliferation of false information threatens to undermine the very foundations of our society and political system. As trust in institutions wanes and individuals are increasingly swayed by unverified claims, the fabric of governance is weakened, leaving room for manipulation and exploitation.

In confronting this challenge, we must prioritize media literacy, critical thinking, and accountability. Empowering individuals to discern fact from fiction and holding purveyors of false information to account are essential steps in safeguarding our society’s future. Failure to do so risks perpetuating a cycle of misinformation that corrodes trust, distorts reality and undermines the democratic principles upon which our society is built. It’s imperative that we act decisively to stem the tide of misinformation before it irreparably damages our collective well-being.

While reflecting on the evolution of media and its impact on society, we must acknowledge past instances where misinformation led to grave consequences. Cases like Srisha Karki’s, Anuja Baniya’s, and Rasendra Bhattrai’s are poignant reminders of the power and responsibility wielded by the media. In the past, accountable media outlets would promptly retract false information and issue apologies when mistakes were made. There was a sense of responsibility and accountability that ensured the integrity of reporting.

However, in today’s digital landscape, the proliferation of digital devices has given rise to a new breed of threats. Anyone with a smartphone can capture and manipulate images and videos to fabricate damaging narratives. The consequences of such actions are severe: Individuals find themselves at the mercy of viral misinformation, their reputations tarnished irreparably before they can even respond.

Who bears the responsibility for the damage inflicted upon the public image of these individuals? Can they ever fully restore their tarnished reputations in the eyes of society? The wounds inflicted by social media’s weapons of misinformation cannot simply be healed with time. Social media has emerged as a potent weapon in the digital age, capable of inflicting harm without the need for physical violence.

Moreover, alongside misinformation, cybercrime rates are on the rise, as reported by the Nepal Police. The younger generation, deeply entrenched in the digital world, often uncritically consumes information without verifying its authenticity. The lack of a robust fact-checking system in our educational curriculum further exacerbates the issue, leaving individuals vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.

As we navigate this digital era fraught with misinformation and cyber threats, it’s imperative that we bolster media literacy efforts and integrate fact-checking mechanisms into our education system. Only by empowering individuals to critically evaluate information can we hope to mitigate the damaging effects of misinformation and safeguard the integrity of our society.

Views are personal

The third Round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Nepal and Bangladesh was held in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal led the Nepali delegation while Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladeshi delegation.   

The two sides discussed regional issues of mutual interest, underscoring the need to revitalize SAARC and strengthen BIMSTEC for the promotion of regional cooperation. They agreed to cooperate at various multilateral forums, especially at the UN, for pursuing common interests, especially in the areas of LDC graduation, poverty alleviation, climate change, and safety and security of migrant workers.

They discussed all major issues of mutual interest and agreed to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors, especially trade and commerce, transit and connectivity, power and energy, tourism, culture and education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release.

Both foreign secretaries emphasized the operationalization of the BBIN MVA framework to contribute to the individual country’s economy not only by expanding trade and connectivity, but also by creating more opportunities to promote people-to-people contacts.

Foreign Secretary Lamsal highlighted the need to tap full potential in economic, cultural and educational sectors through a meaningful collaborative partnership between the two neighbors by involving their private sectors. 

Nepal would like to enhance trade and investment cooperation with Bangladesh, Lamsal said and asked Bangladesh to explore investment opportunities in Nepal, including in the hydropower sector. Furthermore, she requested the Government of Bangladesh to eliminate the Other Duties and Charges (ODCs) levied on Nepali products being exported to Bangladesh. Lamsal also emphasized the exchange of visits at different levels.

Foreign Secretary Momen stressed the need for an early conclusion of a power agreement between Bangladesh, India and Nepal to enable his country to import power from Nepal. He thanked the Government of Nepal for allocating land for the construction of a monastery in Lumbini, expressing hope that it would turn out to be a milestone in bilateral relations.