Local Governments Demand Control Over Natural Resources Amidst Conservation Area Disputes
Summary
Local governments in Nepal's Gandaki province demand autonomy over natural resource use and revenue collection within conservation areas, citing conflicts with conservation bodies like ACAP that limit their financial and administrative powers.
Key Points
- Federalism in Nepal aims to decentralize power and resources from Kathmandu to local levels, but financial federalism remains limited at the grassroots.
- Local governments within conservation areas such as ACAP face dual governance that restricts their autonomy and ability to utilize natural resources and collect revenue.
- Current conservation policies based on outdated laws prevent local municipalities from benefiting economically from natural resources and tourism.
- Local municipalities in Gandaki province have united to demand legal amendments granting them control and revenue rights from natural resources within conservation areas to ensure balanced development and conservation.
