For the first time in Nepal, two primary stakeholders in the forestry sector, one on conservation and the other on harvesting and utilization, joined hands to ensure that conservation and social security are guided by a common goal that fosters sustainable forest management and puts a check on forest degradation and deforestation.

On Friday, a new program titled "Enhancing Conservation and Social Development; Decent Work: Healthy Environment" was officially launched at a ceremony in Kathmandu.

WWF Nepal, Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland and Bricks and Wood-workers International jointly launched the three-year program which is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland.

"This is a new initiative to mobilize workers to become champions of sustainable natural resource management through organized unions. The program will address the complex issue of environment conservation and improving people’s livelihoods to enhance conservation and social development in Nepal," WWF Nepal said in a statement after the official launch of the program.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Environment, Hem Raj Tater said, "it is fortunate to see the growing concern of the people from the trade union sector towards biodiversity conservation".

I believe, in the future, this union will develop as a force to combat the adverse effect of climate change," added Tater.

This program will be implemented across 10 districts in Nepal. nepalnews.com