First National Conference on Invasive Species on December 12-13

The first national conference on invasive species is taking place in Nepal in the third week of December.

The event aims to review the diversity, distribution, impacts, and policy status related to invasive species in Nepal.

The event, scheduled to take place in Kathmandu on December 12–13, is expected to raise awareness among concerned stakeholders regarding global and national issues related to invasive species.

The theme of the event, to be organised by the Forest Research and Training Centre under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, is “Building Consensus for the Control of Invasive Species.”

It is said that the conference will contribute to securing the objectives of the National Invasive Species Management Strategy and Action Plan.

Dr. Rajendra KC, the Centre’s Director General said that invasive species are becoming a growing challenge in Nepal as climate change and other forces reshape the environment. Records show 29 sorts of invasive plant species now spread across the country. These plants stop native plants from growing and block sunlight.

Invasive species can survive in very harsh conditions. Invasive species, in particular, cause significant damage to agriculture and become major factors in wildfires during droughts. The invasive species are believed to have entered in Nepal for 200 to 250 years. (RSS)