NEPAL NATURE(2)

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES



For the large majority of Nepal’s people, Nepal’s unique heritage means very little to them. In fact, they see Nepal’s natural bounties as something that is inexhaustible and which can be taken for free. The rapid destruction of animals and their habitats has been the result. The need for maintaining, preserving, and advancing this unique natural heritage of Nepal’s country is becoming more and more urgent. This can only be brought about by imparting the true meaning of conservation to the public. This will be something we, as citizens, will need to focus on in this new century.



Conservation could, in very simple terms, be defined as "preservation", but the implications go beyond this simple definition. Everything that comes under natural resources would be under the protective umbrella of this simple word. Hence, it also means proper utilization of Nepal’s natural resources. The role that conservation plays in Nepal’s daily lives is almost unimaginable. Conservation may also be the only reason why life would still exist on earth in the future.



First of all, let us also not be under the false illusion that conservation, though a major issue, can only be organized and managed by Nepal’s government (Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation) and other mega organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund. The general public has this limited point of view, as they have been frequently exposed to large wildlife conservation projects through different forms of media. It is certainly true that larger projects do need expertise and large sums of money, but in truth, conservation has a humble beginning right at home. It is the responsibility of each individual to practice it at his own doorstep.