Posted on January, 17 2016

Nepal’s dream of establishing a Green Economic Corridor(GEC) in two major transit routes, Rasuagadhi - Kerung and Tatopani – Jammu, together with China is finally getting realized as both the countries agreed to initiate the process.
 
The decision came over recent ministerial meeting held between the Government of Nepal and People’s Republic of China on  13 January  in Beijing, China where array of issues on biodiversity conservation were discussed. Highlighting the increasing economic activities in the cross border region, which also happens to be one of the major trade routes between Nepal and China, a dire need of developing  GEC was felt if wildlife are to be protected and environmental consequences in the border regions are to be properly regulated. Green Economic Corridor refers conservation of natural resources, controlling illegal wildlife trade while at the same time generating multiple benefits for people’s livelihoods and their economy. This initiative demonstrates the world that China and Nepal are conscious of the need for sustainable development and are endeavoring to find ways in which trade and business can help conserve nature. As a next step both the countries will assign a team of experts to prepare detailed project report which will suggest the way to move forward.  
 
A Nepali delegation, led by Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Agni Prasad Sapkota and other government officials together with conservation partner WWF Nepal, also discussed and agreed for the joint initiative to protect snow leopard and their habitat. China was also supportive to establish of Wildlife Forensic Science Laboratory in Nepal with necessary equipment and technical trainings. As an exemplary in the field of community forests, Nepal has proposed China to assist on building International Center on Community Forests. China, however, did not commit anything on it.
 
The meeting was a part of a historic MoU signed between Nepal and China in June 2010 to promote cooperation in the field of biodiversity conservation, management of forest resources, protection of wildlife and control illegal wildlife trade.