IUCN Calls for Removal of Provisions in Nepal’s Wildlife Protection Act

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL) have urged the removal of specific provisions added to Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act of 2029 BS.

In a statement released today, WCEL emphasized that Sections 5(a) and 6(1a) of the amended Act could damage Nepal’s reputation in conservation efforts and send a negative signal globally. Dr. Ravi Sharma Aryal, Chair of the Commission and former judge, criticized the provisions for contradicting international conservation standards.

Section 5(a) grants the government authority to declare any part of a national park or conservation area as “highly sensitive.” Meanwhile, Section 6(1a) allows for human intervention and exploitation of resources under the guise of investment.

WCEL argues that these amendments risk undermining legal protections for forests, the environment, and protected areas. They have called for immediate amendments to safeguard Nepal’s conservation legacy.