Environment in War in Nepal
By Kamala Sarup
6th of Nov is International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, celebrated
all over the world. It's main objectives is to raise awareness of wars' impacts on the environment.
Security and sound environmental policies are not usually thought of together, yet they are inextricably linked.
Conflicts create desperate circumstances which almost always lead to a degrading of the environment. The planting of
land mines instead of crops is but one glaring example. War itself can be said to be the most environmentally
destructive activity which man engages in. Yet, without basic security, how can the environment be improved long-term?
The key is, of course, greater economic benefits. People enjoying the creation of greater prosperity rarely have the
inclination for conflict creation activities. None of this can, of course, be quickly or simply accomplished. The UK is
a shining example of how a country can become environmentally sound as it raises its awareness of the benefits of
comprehensive economic development that is socially responsible, yet highly profitable.
And also a sense of security creates a sense of well being that is most conducive to the creation of such an
environment. Outlook is the key. For example, Nepal is not just a landlocked country, but, literally, a piece of heaven
on earth. Our geography, beauty, culture, traditions, national philosophy, arts and architecture are treasures not only
for Nepal but also to be offered to the entire world. There are so many values that we can offer to the world once we
have fully developed our own potential and manifested that potential in the creation of new, environmentally sound
Nepal.
If a just and equitable political settlement is reached via negotiations in 2006, then by 2007-2008, Nepal may be able
to increase its earnings from tourism by a factor of 2 to 3 times according to conservative estimates (based primarily
on the development of the Asian tourist market. This does not include the Gulf or Western markets which will also surely
increase).
And also, Increased environmental awareness begins at the grass roots level. One cannot simply decree that all will
become more environmentally aware as a solution, although this is tempting as a "quick fix" political fiat. Perhaps the
role of modern politicians is to consult with private industry to develop a comprehensive program with which to educate
the general public to the benefits of environmentally sound practices.
For example, the indiscriminate cutting down of trees for fuel, although perhaps ingrained as a solution by the people,
has the effect of degrading the environment, presenting a less attractive picture to tourists and potential foreign
investors and creating persistent air and water pollution problems.
If Nepal and private industry cooperate to develop an alternate, affordable fuel source for the people, the benefits are
greater than merely not denuding hillsides. Lower health care costs, advantages in regional competition for foreign
investment as well as increased tourism and foreign exchange are merely some of the benefits of such an environmentally
sound policy. Similarly, less polluting local transport solutions can also yield multiple benefits as has been
demonstrated in such diverse places as Switzerland, Germany and the State of Colorado in America. An American journalist
said.
Currently, we are perhaps going through a sort of transitional phase where we are trying to find an equilibrium between
our traditional roots versus the modern world. In a very short period Nepal has advanced a great deal. And we can do
even more if we all cooperate in devising and creating a socially and environmentally responsible Nepal for the 21st
century.
But still there can be little doubt that the promotion of a better environment will assist Nepal in both the investment
and health fields. Moreover, an improved environment yields additional dividends in terms of presenting a more
attractive destination for visitors. This has the effect of promoting tourism and investment simultaneously. Thus
increased environmental awareness has multiple benefits which can directly translate into specific economic gains for
Nepal.
Tourism as a whole in Nepal is a huge foreign exchange earner for the nation. Some recent estimates have it as the third
largest (behind only the textile and overseas worker remittance industries). Surely, this is only scratching the
surface. If a well-designed model is agreed upon by the concerned parties, will not all earn more money? And will this
not, if it is sustainable, be in effect a golden cow dispensing fortune for the entire country?
This is the dream which must be pursued. In designing a new model for safe environment and tourism in Nepal, we should
build upon the excellent foundation first enunciated in 1972 by the German government in its landmark study of a
sustainable ecotourism model for Nepal.
What has changed since those days? First, the science of ecology and recycling has advanced enormously. Second, there
are specific examples in other countries which can be studied and used to develop a more detailed model for Nepal.
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(This article was publish in nepalnews. Kamala Sarup is an editor of peacejournalism.com)