Mphil. researcher in Indigenous Biswash Chepang The enactment of Nepal's policy on “Construction of Physical Infrastructure Inside Protected Areas” has ignited a lot of controversy, with stakeholders, especially Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, expressing strong opposition. This amendment, initiated by Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and published in the national gazette of Nepal on January 4, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential to displace Indigenous communities from their ancestral lands. The policy prioritizes profit over environmental conservation and Indigenous rights by allowing businesses to initiate large-scale projects such as hydropower plants and tourist resorts within national parks and protected areas. The debate surrounding this policy amendment underscores the delicate balance between economic development and environmental concerns and calls for a rights-based approach to conservation in Nepal. In September 2023, over...
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