Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized the critical importance of the Himalayas as a shared natural resource and a key pillar for Nepal’s tourism during the inaugural session of the ‘Sagarmatha Dialogue’ on climate change. She highlighted that the Himalayas not only provide fresh water to millions but are also the foundation of Nepal’s mountain tourism industry.
Dr. Deuba expressed concern over the accelerated melting of glaciers and climate-induced disasters that threaten the fragile mountain ecosystems, which directly impact local communities and tourism activities. She called for enhanced efforts to protect the Himalayan environment to sustain and promote eco-friendly tourism.
Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba
The minister underscored Nepal’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and lauded the country’s progress in hydropower and community forestry as examples of sustainable natural resource management. She stressed the importance of global cooperation to address climate change challenges and support vulnerable countries like Nepal.
Dr. Deuba urged for increased awareness and funding to mitigate climate risks that threaten the mountain environment, emphasizing that preserving the Himalayas is essential for the future of tourism and the well-being of mountain communities.
