NEPAL NATURE(6)

MEASURES FOR THE FUTURE



Though we can boast of success stories of many of our protected areas, we must take the whole context of Nepal and ask ourselves, "Are we really succeeding, or in fact, are we losing?" The success must come from outside of protected areas as well. With population constantly increasing, the forest and natural habitats ever decreasing, plans for the future of our habitats and their occupants need to be initiated now.



The present effort of the government and different institutions and organizations are, indeed, commendable, but they have not been enough. Along with mega conservation projects, mini projects must go hand in hand. The immediate need of bringing conservation to the doorsteps of each and every home must be the goal of our conservation programs. Simple points as conservative use of water, wood, fuel, etc. go a long way in stretching our limited natural resources. Programs concerning disposal of waste at home level could greatly reduce the burden on the government. For example, households could benefit by learning how to make compost for the garden through biodegradable wastes. Vigorous and various programs creating awareness of our natural heritage among the public need to be implemented and intensified. Young children could learn through school textbooks concerning our natural heritage. Poaching, smuggling of timber, and smuggling of live animals and animal parts create a big problem for the government and are impossible to bring under control through policing only. For this problem to come under control, the people need a change in attitude. The sense of preserving nature, appreciating it and realizing its values need to be implanted in the public's mind.



If drops of water make the ocean, then, small contributions of conservative measures from every individual will help save our habitats. And saving the habitats ensures our own survival. Let us all do our own parts, be they big or small, and show that we care for life, our planet and all that is on it!