Submit your Article

Invasive species are non-native species that spread or expand their range, potentially harming  the aspects of the environment including the ecosystem and human health. They are one of the five major threats to the biodiversity in Nepal. Lantana Camara is one of such invasive species, which needs to be seriously researched and managed to keep the implication of the species to  biodiversity and food security within the manageable threshold.  

The native range of Lantana Camara is tropical America that ranges the countries of central  and South America as well as Mexico and the Caribbean. Today, the shrub has spread over  to nearly sixty countries and naturalized, causing a negative influence on the forest, grassland  and agricultural field and was listed as one of the world’s 100 worst alien species in 2013. They  were initially brought to India by the British around 200 years ago as an ornamental plant at the National Botanical Garden, which then spread and became invasive. From there, the species  spread widely in Asia including Nepal.  

Lantana Camara is one the worst invasive species in Nepal. The species is known as Ban Fanda or Banmara (Ban-Forest; mara-killer) in Nepali. It can withstand a range of climatic conditions  and is frequently observed in many sections of Nepal, with elevations ranging from 100 to 1950 meters in diverse arrays of habitats including boundaries of fields, grasslands, and forests.  

This plant reproduces vegetatively or by seeds, which are readily dispersed by birds, other  animals that eat the fruit, its branches take root after coming into contact with soil, it is fire tolerant and it has a high phenotypic plasticity. They can grow up to six feet, the branches contain small thorns, stems are square and may have tiny prickles, leaves are simple, hairy, and have a  strong unpleasant odor when crushed. The plant produces green berry-like drupe seeds which  after maturity turn to dark purple and are eaten by birds and animals. It`s extensive seed  production favors rat populations. Flowers are multicolored that may be white to pink, yellow  to orange to red, or may change colors over time. 

This invasive species thrives in jungle areas with no natural predators even if there are no herbivores or insects to be attacking them which means that unless this plant is physically  uprooted or cut away there is no way to control it. Its widespread distribution is causing a global  rise in numbers, limiting the growth of native plants. Its capability for rapid reproduction and  allelopathic exclusion of other plant species allows it to develop dense monospecific stands,  which can drastically lower soil fertility, and allelopathic alteration of soil properties which 

decline the agricultural system productivity and have a detrimental effect on the biodiversity  of the invaded areas. 

It has the potential to block succession and cause the displacement of native species. It can  cause striking changes in the structural and floristic composition of natural communities by  interrupting the regeneration processes of other native species thus reducing species richness.  In light of potential global change scenarios, various authors have projected the present and  future distributions of L. camara. 

Uses  

Lantana camara, despite being an invasive species, have some benefits as well. Owing to their  attractive color, they are highly used as ornamental plants. Furthermore, many communities  across the globe use them as a medicine for various diseases including ringworm, headache, aerodontalgia, malaria, fever, rheumatoid arthritis, cuts, wounds, cough, and cold. Lantana  camara is proven to have a range of medicinal properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant,  antipyretic, larvicidal, and antifungal effects. The chemical makeup of the entire L-plant and its potential medical uses have been extensively researched and investigated by scientists and  researchers worldwide during the past few decades. It is also recognized as a plant that yields  essential oils, which are sold in stores under the name ‘lantana oil’.

There have been efforts to engage local communities of Tamil Nadu, India to make the furniture  from the species through a Lantana Project. The program can be replicated in Nepal as well.  Stems of Lantana can be used to make particleboard, dusted wood, toys, artisanal products such  as carrying cages for chickens and other items.  

Control measures 

To control Lantana Camara different stakeholders have implemented diverse control measures  including the public awareness about the adverse effects of invasive species in forest and  physical control through continuous uprooting and cutting until the clear cut out. Mechanized  equipment like tractors or electric saws may be employed in such high-density zones. Promoting conservation and natural regeneration involves early detection of invasive species  like L. camara and immediate removal at the initial stage. This proactive approach aims to  prevent the spread of the species and encourage the growth of native vegetation. The control  efforts are not limited to forested areas alone; they also extend to roadsides and private lands.  

Way forward

The invasion of Lantana camara in Nepal poses significant ecological and economic  challenges, but concerted efforts are underway to mitigate its impact. Through collaborative  initiatives and innovative management strategies, stakeholders are striving to raise public  awareness, prevent further spread, and restore native ecosystems. While the threat of invasive  species remains daunting, there is reason for optimism. The resilience and ingenuity of local  communities, coupled with advancements in research and technology, offer-promising avenues  for addressing this pressing issue. By harnessing the potential of Lantana camara for medicinal  and economic purposes, we can turn a problem into an opportunity, empowering livelihoods  and promoting sustainable practices. As we navigate the complex interplay between human  activities and ecological systems, let us remember that our actions today will shape the world  of tomorrow and let us remain steadfast in our commitment to conservation and embrace a  future where biodiversity thrives and ecosystems flourish. 

The World Association of PPP Units and Professionals (WAPP) and the Nepalese Association of PPP Professionals and Practitioners (NAPPP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation.

The MoU was signed in the course of the Third Investment Summit underway in Kathmandu since Sunday.

WAPP President Ziad-Alexandre Hayek and NAPPP Chair Anup Kumar Upadhyay signed the document on behalf of their respective sides.

Both parties have agreed to collaborate in matters of mutual concerns and exchange knowledge and experiences regarding the public-private partnership.

Strengthening of physical infrastructure and PPP pipelines, preparations of PPP projects and programs, and collaboration for the promotion of international exercises in the implementation, hosting of joint gatherings and assemblies, and publications of joint journals are among the contents of the MoU.

NAPPP Chairperson Anup Kumar Upadhyay said the cooperation between the WAPP and NAPPP is expected to help Nepal enhance its knowledge and capacity regarding the PPP and strengthen projects on PPP.

WAPP President Hayek said Nepal has a long experience in the implementation of PPP-based projects and this approach has brought transformations mainly in the hydropower and clean energy sectors. Nepal's home-grown practices and its experiences are exemplary, he said.

WAPP with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, is a global non-governmental organization. It helps its members achieve their professional goals and promotes best practices in PPP to align with UN SDGs, the WAPP said.

NAPPP is said to be an association that brings together practitioners, professionals, and members from multiple sectors to promote collaboration, innovation, and efficiency in public-private partnerships and investment to contribute to sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Sakha and Company Private Limited and Anforman Group and BORE Hotel, China have signed an agreement worth Rs 100 million for cooperation in hotel business today itself.

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Nepal Tourism Board jointly organized an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Nepal on April 28, 2024.

The joint team of Nepal and the Republic of Korea successfully climbed the Jugal Himal in Sindhupalchowk district.

A renowned Korean mountaineer and honorary Nepali citizen Um Hong Gil led the South Korean team and record-setter climber Dawa Yangzum Sherpa led the Nepali team in the expedition from April 5 to April 27, 2024.

The successful expedition of the joint team is a shining example of tourism collaboration between the Republic of Korea and Nepal is .

This historic achievement strengthened our bond of friendship and showcased the beauty of Nepal’s natural landscapes and the spirit of adventure. This journey highlighted the potential for collaboration in the field of tourism to create unforgettable experiences for travelers and promote cross-cultural understanding, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang attended the Korea- Nepal Friendship Expedition ceremony 2024 in Kathmandu on 28 April 2024.

Minister Tamang exchanged a congratulatory message on the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Republic of Korea.

He also pointed out that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both countries have always respected and trusted each other, setting a good example of friendly coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields have yielded fruitful results.

Park Tae-Young, ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Nepal, emphasized the 50-year journey as a tale of shared values and mutual respect, contributing to personal and economic development. “I have shared that the Korean government has designated Nepal as a priority cooperation country for 15 consecutive years in development cooperation focusing on vocational education, health, agriculture and ICT.”

The program was attended by the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, lawmakers, diplomats, high level officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, media persons, businessmen from tourism sectors and all expedition team members.

Nepal’s media fraternity has expressed concerns regarding a surge in fake news directed at independent media outlets that have been uncovering corruption and governance failures. They say these fake news represent a deliberate and systematic campaign to undermine the credibility of independent press and misguide the general public. 

Such nefarious efforts extend beyond the media. They are also targeting the judiciary to undermine public trust in the judicial system.

Press Council Nepal has taken decisive action against sidhakura.com for disseminating fake news on April 26, 2024. The report accompanying an audio clip falsely implicated Capt. Rameshwar Thapa, chairman of Annapurna Media Network (AMN), and Kailash Sirohiya, managing director of Kantipur Media Group (KMG), Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, justice of the Supreme Court, several senior advocates and former justices, claiming they were part of a clandestine meeting purportedly aimed at dismissing over 400 corruption cases.

A video news report, including an audio clip, was uploaded by sidhakura.com, formerly part of a television program broadcast on the now-defunct Galaxy Television. The show was created by current Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who faces the allegation of misappropriating funds from a Pokhara-based financial cooperative. 

Both AMN and KMG have been covering news reports regarding the plights of the people whose deposits were misused by cooperatives .

The Press Council has instructed sidhakura.com to immediately remove the fabricated news and to furnish a clarification. It said that the deliberate misinformation, masquerading as an 'exclusive' expose, has not only undermined the press integrity but also tarnished the Supreme Court’s reputation.  

Capt. Thapa has also taken legal recourse, denouncing the malicious intent behind the false allegations. He refuted the baseless claims, asserting that they aim to manipulate public opinion and serve vested interests. In a formal complaint filed with the Press Council, Thapa underscored the ethical boundaries breached by sidhakura.com and called for legal redress against such egregious misconduct.

“These are baseless and misleading rumours intended to manipulate the people and to serve some interest groups," Thapa said. "The questionable content published under the garb of ‘exclusive sting operation’ was created with extreme prejudice and filled with illusionary characters. It was a desperate act to go viral.” 

AMN management is currently in consultation with lawyers to seek legal remedies for the reputational damage caused by the fabricated news.

Sirohiya echoed these sentiments, demanding accountability for those fabricating and disseminating fake news. He urged the authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators, emphasizing the legal consequences of such malicious conduct. He also warned against the erosion of democratic institutions, underscoring the collective responsibility to uphold truth and integrity in media discourse.

“It will be too late if the authorities fail to identify and discourage these certain groups that are actively trying to weaken the pillars of democracy through disinformation campaigns,” Sirohiya said.

Supreme Court Justice Bhattarai has also expressed astonishment at being falsely implicated in the fabricated news. He unequivocally denied any involvement in the case, stressing his unwavering commitment to judicial integrity.

“The verdict of the case has already proved that I was not involved in the case,” he said in a statement on Friday. 

Nepa Media Society, representing private publications and broadcasters, has also demanded action against those involved in creating fake news with the malicious intent of defaming some established media houses and to assassinate the characters of their owners and a sitting Supreme Court justice.

Issuing a statement on Friday, Society Chairman Subha Shankar Kandel said their attention has been drawn by the latest incident of fake news that attempts to undermine credible media institutions and judicial authorities. He called upon law enforcement agencies to combat the dissemination of misinformation and uphold journalistic integrity.

“We strongly demand that the government take action against such propaganda mills masquerading as legitimate media entities and safeguard the foundations of democracy’” he said. 

Kandel also emphasized the urgent need to address the rampant misuse of social media and technology to spread rumors and falsehoods to undermine societal cohesion.