December 23, 2024
On 22nd November 2024, Mr. Norbu Wanchuk, the Director General of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), paid a courtesy call to the Honorable Minister for Forests and Environment, Hon'ble Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal, at their office in Kathmandu, Nepal. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation on environmental issues under Mr. Wanchuk’s leadership.
During the meeting, Hon'ble Shahi and Dr. Kharal congratulated Mr. Wanchuk on his recent appointment as the Director General of SACEP. They expressed their confidence in his ability to elevate the organization to new heights, emphasizing their anticipation of his leadership driving meaningful regional initiatives.
Additionally, both parties discussed the ongoing activities initiated by SACEP in Nepal under the PLEASE Project. The discussions highlighted the importance of Nepal's Government's active involvement in these projects and the potential for further collaboration to ensure their successful implementation.
Dr. Mahato and Dr. Kandel highlighted the critical role of SACEP as a regional organization, particularly in addressing transboundary environmental challenges such as the "triple planetary crisis" of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. They underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among member countries to tackle these pressing issues effectively.
In response, Mr. Wanchuk reiterated his commitment to fostering stronger regional collaboration and called for greater ownership of SACEP by its member countries. He encouraged active participation in SACEP’s initiatives in the coming months, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving the organization’s goals.
Both Dr. Mahato and Dr. Kandel reaffirmed their unwavering support for SACEP’s mission and activities. They pledged to work closely with the organization to address environmental challenges in South Asia, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and impactful outcomes.
