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It was a day in Falgun 2079 when goats returned to Acharya Agriculture Farm after grazing from the nearby jungle (Sundarnicha Jhoda community forest) at about 4 pm. After a couple of hours, they began showing symptoms such as loss of regurgitation, which was soon accompanied with swelling of the stomach. 

They then started to bleat and it seemed they were going through immense pain. After struggling for a few hours, goats on the animal farm belonging to Sushila Acharya and her family began dying one after another from 8 pm the same night. After a few hours of their death, a greenish frothy bloat was observed around their mouth. 

Within 24 hours, the farm lost 28 goats, including kids, wethers and she-goats. They did whatever was needed to protect the animals, heeding advice from other neighbors and local veterinarians. Dumbfounded as well as perplexed by the sudden and mysterious deaths, they took their dead livestock for post-mortems, which revealed that poisoning was the the cause of death. To be precise, the livestock had died after consuming “ultakande”, which is quite similar to commonly found “Lajjawati Jhar” (touch me not).

This revelation shocked the Acharyas and their neighbors, who had previously lost their livestock due to unknown causes, only to find later that the weed was the culprit. This realization prompted them to take a difficult decision to avoid grazing their goats freely in the forest. When unavoidable, they now securely peg their animals to prevent access to the weed. Despite several efforts to protect their livestock, local people have lost more than 50 of them till now, most of them due to the consumption of the weed at its young stage, says the owner of the farm, Prem Prasad Acharya. 

This is one of the tragic events that occurred in the small village of Garamani, approximately 16 km from Chandragadhi Airport in Jhapa. Sushila Acharya and her family have been struck by this devastating financial loss. The once-thriving livestock farm, which sustained them for years, has suffered significant economic losses due to an unexpected menace—Mimosa diplotricha, an invasive plant species—that came to the notice of the Acharyas and their neighbors approximately a decade ago. Initially, the weed seemed harmless and the locals were least bothered. However, its impact has now unfolded, leaving them to deal with its negative consequences.

Mimosa diplotricha is one of the invasive species, reported from Nepal in the year 2019 by Forest Action researchers along with invasive species expert Dr Bharat Babu Shrestha. Commonly known as “Aarakande”, “Ultakaanda” or “Lahare Lajjawati”, it is a leguminous thorny subshrub of neotropical origin that now has been invasive in more than 45 countries, including Nepal. Known to cause several negative impacts on agriculture, livestock, biodiversity and livelihoods in its introduced range, this species has been reported abundantly in Jhapa and Morang districts of south-eastern Nepal. 

For a family entirely dependent on the livestock farm, the loss of 28 goats in a single day had a significant impact on their income and sustainability. Since the economic effects have been quite severe, the Acharyas had to reconsider their farming methods and look for new strategies to protect their animals. Like the Acharyas, several other families from Jhapa and Morang districts have suffered the consequences of this weed, either knowingly or unknowingly, most of which are not reported. Local people, unaware as to how this species got introduced in this region, say it has been thriving in this area for about 30 years and has begun spreading in the vicinity as well through various means. 

Lending credence to the locals’ account, a research team from Forest Action Nepal has reported the presence of the weed in Sunsari district as well. 

According to Lila Nath Sharma, a researcher at Forest Action Nepal, the weed introduced in Nepal in the mid-1990s has been spreading rapidly. Despite the Acharyas’ initiative to report the issue to the municipality, their plea for financial assistance has gone unheard. This disappointing response emphasizes the critical need for support mechanisms to aid farmers grappling with the devastating impact of the invasive plant. 

Experts warn that if immediate action is not taken, the future impact of Mimosa diplotricha could be catastrophic. As the plant continues to thrive, more livelihoods will be at risk, further jeopardizing the rural economy.

The Acharya family’s experience serves as a wake-up call for both farmers as well as policymakers. The implications go far beyond individual families, encompassing entire communities reliant on agriculture and livestock for sustenance. The battle against this destructive weed requires comprehensive awareness campaigns, agricultural guidance and collaboration between farmers as well as local authorities. Together with agricultural experts and community leaders, the local government must launch comprehensive awareness campaigns and allocate resources to mitigate the crisis. 

The Vibrant Gujarat is a flagship investment summit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi which has drawn the regional leaders and leading countries demonstrating commitment and keenness to share the pie of economic growth opportunity that India offers.

Japan, Australia, the UK, the US, Norway and the Netherlands, among others, were actively seen to showcase their companies, strengths and collaboration projects at the summit where Who’s Who of India’s Business was present. At this perfect platform for networking and striking partnerships for the future, it was clear that countries wanted their share of success in Aatmanirbhar Bharat—Viksit Bharat 2047.

Days ahead leading to the summit, international diplomatic leaders could be seen highlighting their pavilion and promoting their capabilities. X and other social media platforms were full of posts from these countries on how they engaged with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he visited their pavilions. They were engaging with the media to showcase their partnership, the strengths of their collaborations and where they can make a difference in the future.

Nepal was one of the 35 partner states, who had the opportunity to host a pavilion. The Nepali delegation was led by the Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat together with Ambassador Shankar Sharma. The Indian government website of communication of government policies and outcomes tweeted around seven minutes byte of address by Mahat. Other than that, half day into the first day, there were no signs of Nepali industry, pavilion and business persons. There was no coverage in Nepali media of what Nepal could bring to the summit and in which sector. Automotive, defense, precious stones, energy, industrial innovations, tourism and education were among the country’s presentations.

 For example, Australia’s presentation at Country Seminar is under the title “Australia–your destination for business, industry, study and tourism”. Saudi Arabia, the EU, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Germany, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Oman, the UAE, Ukraine, Korea, Mozambique, and many others presented at the Country Seminar. Nepal’s country presentation was also listed  in the queue of the Country Seminar.

But the big question for now is that does Nepal leverage enough when invited? When the G20 India Summit invited Bangladesh as a special guest, there was an outcry as to why Nepal was not important enough to be invited to G20 India Summit. Perhaps this calls for an assessment in light of Nepal’s participation at Vibrant Gujarat. Does Nepali leadership at PMO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Industry work in sync to make that difference and have a strategy to reverse the imbalance in the country with higher ODA than FDI? What preparations did they do ahead of “Vibrant Gujarat”?

Today the flagship business summit of India is being attended by world class industry leaders but Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ramesh Rizal or Sushil Bhatta, CEO of Office of the Investment Board Nepal or president/leaders from Chambers of Commerce as FNCCI, NICCI, CNI or other leading businesspersons of Nepal are not visible. Interestingly, MoICS Minister Rizal attended the Nepal Country Pavilion at 6th CIIE held in Shanghai (China) toward the end of Nov 2023.  Wasn’t this an opportunity to engage with Indian and global leadership and other country leaders to showcase Nepal as a hub for tourism, service industry, mass manufacturing and winter sports. One of the most evident miss out is on Nepal’s reservoir of hydro energy and traditional medicines and herbs which contribute to green energy to better health.

Nepal will soon host its third International Summit, “Nepal Investment Summit” (NIS2024) in April 2024 and preparations are underway. This was a unique opportunity to promote NIS 2024, what it entails at the Nepal pavilion during VGGS2024. Senior leaders from Chambers of Commerce such as FNCCI, CNI and NICCI should have accompanied Mahat and engaged with international leaders on the margins of VGGS2024. With discussions on “Workforce for Future: Development of Skills for Industry 4.0”, Nepal could have showcased the diverse skill set and plans of Nepal Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Prime Minister Modi visited many pavilions but did his visit to the Nepal Pavilion materialize or not? There were no photos, commentaries, or effort at any level to use as a pre-event marketing material and how it leads to NIS 2024. This shortcoming was evident. At a time when Nepal’s FDI performance in 2022 was bleak with mere $65m and recent exits of International Corporations as Malaysia’s Axiata and Pakistan’s Habib Bank from Nepali market and high level corruption cases have potentially dented the confidence of an international investor, is Nepal not keen to grow FDI and wants to be a donor’s ODA dependent country?

Who is to be held accountable? Did such a lapse occur for the first time? Previously, on many such occasions the business community did not take interest to participate and showcase their vision. Is it merely a political transition problem or to be blamed only on bureaucratic hurdles but the fact remains that there is a lack of sync between leadership in the political and business sectors.

The Nepali Mission led by Ambassador Sharma has made great inroads across industry and sectors. In my discussions from time to time, it appears that stakeholders from Nepal are not enthusiastic or more busy in domestic politics, that they do not prioritize international visibility, dialogue and partnerships. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Nepali leaders have not leveraged the hard work and network of Ambassador Sharma and his team.

None of the above can happen till the time country leadership takes the reins of growth and the roadmap that leads to it. Vibrant Gujarat is led by Prime Minister Modi and CM Bhupendra Patel. Prime Minister Modi over the last 10 years has worked on the ground and around the world in working out partnerships for the private and public sector to implement. Even if Nepali political leadership succeeds in securing a stage to showcase and get an international commitment of investment, it is for the bureaucratic and business arm to make it happen. This is where investment summits/conferences under the GoN or chambers of commerce become more “check in the box” without actual conversions.

 The ownership, collective leadership and the will at all levels is self-defeating. Today, a Nepali is only concerned with watching his/her own interest and Nepal has been turned into an orphaned state with highest ODA in South Asia or made out as one by inaction and lackadaisical approach where more interpretation and analysis can be seen than action. Nepal had huge potential of high productivity but it has now been reduced as a trading country and treasury full of remittances, where both strategies will drive the workforce to foreign lands in search of work. It is easier said than done that foreign countries erode the richness of Nepal when its own leaders are responsible for the state of affairs. 

The author is a financial, geopolitical and security analyst

One day, back in 2014, at the Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, 19 aspiring wildlife biologists, who had taken Wildlife Conservation and Management as a major, were discussing the human influence on biodiversity, wildlife species in particular. The late Man Kumar Dhamala, who was moderating the class as a faculty, gave an example of a species—Bengal Fox. According to him, the species, which was quite common a few decades earlier, is experiencing tremendous pressure and is declining rapidly despite having a wide dietary niche. Among the 19 folks, only one person, Narayan Niraula, who also hailed from Jhapa like the late Dhamala, said he knew about the species while others had no idea. Later on, Narayan Niraula went on to conduct his Masters dissertation to explore the conservation ecology of Bengal Fox in West Jhapa. As far as I know, thus far, this is the only dissertation written in Nepal with Bengal Fox as primary subject. This highlights the attention that this species has received from wildlife biologists in the country.

Bengal Fox

Bengal Fox, a member of the Canid family, is a medium-sized carnivore species known to occur in Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan and is endemic to South Asia. The range of the species is reported up to an elevation of 1,500m, however, the claim is still debated. There is a report claiming the record of the species from Lamtang National Park, however, as the species has not been recorded in mid-hills and the Himalayan Range, the case could be one of misidentification.

Bengal Fox mostly live in the interface of agricultural fields and forests and they usually avoid heavily forested areas. They are an omnivorous species with a wide dietary niche, consuming arthropods, rodents, reptiles, fruits and birds. This dietary niche means, Bengal Fox can have wider adaptability and significant impact to balance the ecosystem.   

Threats to Bengal Fox

In a recent assessment conducted in 2016, the global population of Bengal Fox was listed as least concerned species in IUCN Red List. However, the species is facing diverse forms of threats. As the species has not been studied well, we do not have ample evidence to prove the threats facing it. However, there are incidental records of Bengal Fox killed in road accidents and some records of poaching. Furthermore, the species prefers the small scrubs or short grassland; nowadays they usually build dens in the Agricultural field, escalating the threats to the species.

Back in 2016, when I was at Sundarpur area of Udayapur district for my dissertation, I noticed a den of Bengal Fox in the middle of the paddy field. One person was nearby and I had a conservation with him, who admitted that the species is causing the damage to the field and people usually damage the den and try to kill the species. 

Furthermore, the species is widely hunted in parts of Nepal for food. According to Narayan Niraula, some indigenous groups like Satar regularly hunt and consume the species in Jhapa. Given its status in Nepal. “Status of Nepal’s Mammals: The National Red List Series” has listed the species as vulnerable (VU).  

In Nepal and elsewhere, hunting on localized scale for trade of skin, tail, teeth and claws for medicinal and charm purposes is rampant. Furthermore, they undergo population fluctuations due to prey population cycles and disease outbreaks. In some cases, they may undergo local extirpation.

Local extirpation

On 2 July 2022, I was chitchatting in Tanahun with one of my relatives in his early 60s. We were discussing how the environmental factors, especially wildlife and their distribution, have changed. He recalled his childhood and teen years when the animal called “Khyak” that looked like a jackal but was smaller than them was common in Khairanitar of Tanahun district.  Back then, the Kumal community, an indigenous group known for their clay pot making skills, used to set the animals’ den afire and kill them. 

The species is extinct now, according to him. Based on his description, I thought the species could be Bengal Fox. When I wrote a post on social media, especially Facebook, stressing the need for conversation of the species, I received many comments. Narayan Niraula said that the species is known with different names in local dialects such as Khirkhire, Khek Shyal and Khekri. Sagar Dahal, a wildlife biologist, who works on research and conservation of small mammals, informed that Kanchan Parajuli from Hetaunda, Makwanpur district, had once spotted the species in Khairenitar (Kaski district) and taken its pictures. The elevation range of Khairenitar is nearly 600m, meaning the climatic condition was suitable for the species. 

According to Shashank Sharma, who was doing a PhD on Common Leopard, in the survey of nearly 600 sq km across Tanahun, Lamjung and Kaski, he had found no trace of the Bengal Fox. He adds, even the Asiatic Golden Jackal were also missing. This highlights the fate of wild canids as a whole.

Conservation measures

Owing to threats resulting from international trade in the species, India has kept the population of Bengal Fox in their country in Appendix III of Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, the Bengal Fox Population in Nepal has not seen any such measures. 

Way forward

As we lack information about the species in Nepal, it is essential to establish a baseline. Thus, the first initiatives should be exploring the distribution of the species and the threats facing them in those areas. Furthermore, based on the baseline, we need to plan and implement tailored conservation measures. Drawing from the concluding lines of the late Dhamala’s lectures, I reiterate here that all conservation biologists should aim to keep common species common. We all have to work together to keep Bengal Fox common.

The author is an assistant professor at the Department of Environmental Science, Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University

The tobacco epidemic stands as one of the most significant public health challenges the world is confronting. Annually, tobacco claims the lives of over 8m individuals, with approximately 1.2m of these fatalities attributed to second-hand smoke exposure.

In the haze of discussions surrounding the health risks of tobacco use, the environmental toll of this pervasive habit often goes unnoticed. As the global population grapples with the consequences of tobacco consumption, a shadow looms over the very Earth we inhabit. This article seeks to unveil the intricate web of environmental challenges woven by the tobacco industry and its implications for our planet.

The tobacco production cycle exhibits a notably destructive impact. From cultivation and manufacturing to consumption, tobacco inflicts widespread environmental degradation and health hazards. 

Deforestation and agriculture

One of the least acknowledged impacts of tobacco use lies in the vast swathes of land cleared for cultivation. Each year, around 600m trees are felled to produce 6trn cigarettes. Approximately five percent of the annual global deforestation is attributed to tobacco farming. This deforestation significantly amplifies carbon dioxide emissions in the environment, contributing to adverse climate change impacts. Deforestation to make way for tobacco crops eradicates biodiversity and disrupts delicate ecosystems. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides further compounds the environmental toll, leaving a lasting mark on the lands where tobacco takes root. The cultivation of tobacco plants necessitates substantial quantities of chemicals, many of which prove detrimental to the environment and farmers' health. This exposure to harmful substances can lead to various illnesses, such as respiratory problems, skin disorders and neurological issues among those involved in tobacco farming.

Water scarcity and pollution

The cultivation of tobacco places an extraordinary burden on water resources, intensifying water scarcity in regions where it thrives. Annually, approximately 22bn tonnes of water is utilized in global tobacco production. Notably, tobacco production demands up to eight times more water than cultivating tomatoes or potatoes. The runoff of pesticides from these tobacco fields presents a substantial risk to nearby water sources, endangering aquatic ecosystems and the well-being of both the environment and local communities.

Cigarette butts, the most visible remnants of tobacco use, are a significant source of environmental pollution. Slow to decompose and laden with toxic chemicals, they pose a threat to soil and water, leaving a long-lasting imprint on the environment. Cigarette butts contain hazardous substances such as arsenic, lead, nicotine and ethyl phenol. When these butts are discarded, these substances leach into aquatic environments and soil. While the precise environmental impact of this waste remains unquantified, the substantial volume of discarded butts raises concerns about potential leachates affecting the quality of drinking water.

A cloud of environmental cost

The journey from farm to cigarette involves energy-intensive processes and the consumption of vast resources. The paper production for cigarette packaging, often derived from deforested areas, contributes to environmental degradation. The weight of non-biodegradable packaging waste adds to the already substantial burden on the planet. They contribute to an annual production of 767,000 kg of toxic waste, while 4.5trn cigarettes scatter across our cities, parks, beaches and waterways, contaminating both land and water.

Stubbing out the planet’s health

Beyond the ecological toll of deforestation and manufacturing, the plastic pollution from tobacco wrappers exacerbates urban environmental challenges. Discarded wrappers clog drains, pile up on th streets and contribute to the global plastic crisis. Cities face blockages and increased municipal waste management challenges, further emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. Moreover, discarded cigarette butts stand out as the most prevalent type of plastic waste globally.

Smokeless tobacco products are usually wrapped in a plastic packet, which poses an environmental impact. In Nepal, usually during the rainy days, major cities face a similar kind of drainage blockage resulting in flooding and disrupting daily activities. 

Air pollution 

During the intricate process of curing tobacco leaves, a cascade of harmful chemicals is released into the air, becoming a significant contributor to air pollution in regions dominated by tobacco cultivation. This airborne pollution transcends the boundaries of the tobacco fields, casting a shadow over communities and posing a direct threat to the health and overall well-being of the people residing in these areas.

Tobacco cultivation contributes to air pollution. Additionally, the act of smoking cigarettes itself significantly impacts air quality. Combusting cigarettes releases over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 69 known to be carcinogenic and many possessing poisonous properties.

A study conducted in Italy revealed that cigarettes emit particulate matter into the air at a rate 10 times higher than that of a diesel engine. The combined emissions from cigarette smoke and tobacco cultivation directly contribute to climate change.

The hazards of secondhand smoke are widely recognized, emphasizing the importance of considering it not only as a public health concern but also as an environmental issue.

Global impact and social responsibility

The link between the tobacco industry and environmental degradation cannot be ignored. As consumers, it is imperative that we consider the environmental consequences of our choices. Advocacy for corporate responsibility and sustainable practices within the tobacco industry is crucial for mitigating its global impact.

Tobacco is cultivated in 125 countries, involving around 33m farmers, often receiving direct support from tobacco companies. This labor-intensive, low-yield crop demands substantial pesticide use. According to UNICEF, if the land were utilized for food production instead, it could potentially benefit 20m hungry people.

Beyond the smoke rings

In the quest for a healthier world, we must not only address the health risks associated with tobacco use but also confront the environmental consequences. It is time to unmask the hidden toll of tobacco on our planet and collectively work towards a more sustainable and responsible future. The most impactful strategy is to cease smoking altogether and, concurrently, to launch awareness campaigns discouraging the initiation of smoking.

Unveiling the concealed toll that the tobacco industry exacts on our planet, it is incumbent upon us to collaboratively forge a more sustainable and responsible future. Governments, through measures such as environmental taxes on cigarettes, can play a pivotal role, as evidenced by the positive step of enacting an environmental tax as  taken by nations like Benin, Chad and Gambia. Such proactive measures not only serve to discourage the consumption of environmentally harmful products like cigarettes but also contribute to revenue generation for the government. The imposition of environmental taxes aligns with broader global efforts to address public health concerns and mitigate the impact of climate change. By adopting such policies, governments demonstrate their commitment to creating a sustainable and healthier future for their citizens.

The recent initiatives taken by local authorities in Nepal, particularly by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, to ban plastic-wrapped tobacco products are commendable beginnings. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court has issued a verdict to halt its implementation until the court takes a final decision. The government has the opportunity to take further steps by introducing environmental taxes on tobacco products, prohibiting the use of plastic wrappers and facilitating the transition of tobacco farms to cultivate alternative crops.

At an individual level, supporting policies banning single-use plastics, encompassing cigarette filters, smokeless tobacco pouches and disposable electronic cigarettes takes us toward a cleaner, healthier planet. In dismantling the smoke rings that shroud the environmental impact of tobacco, we embark on a collective journey toward a sustainable and responsible future.