Tiger should be linked with our tourism: PM Deuba

KATHMANDU, Oct 23: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that tigers in Nepal should be linked with tourism.

Speaking at the 40th annual celebration of the National Nature Conservation Trust on Thursday, Prime Minister Deuba, who is also the patron of the fund, said that the increasing number of tigers and humans is a challenge.

He said that the post-election government will introduce a new program by linking tigers with tourism.

In the context of the increased number of tigers, if we can develop new tourism by connecting it with tourism, it will help the country's economy. At the moment, we are on the eve of the general election in the country," said Prime Minister Deuba, "I would like to express the commitment of the new government to start a new dimension program by connecting tigers with tourism."

Prime Minister Deuba said that the fund has played an important role in the four-decade journey to implement and succeed the policies and programs initiated by the government in the field of biodiversity conservation.

He said that the trust has succeeded in setting a new trend by practicing community-based conservation.

 We are known in the world as the Annapurna Conservation Area model in the management of conservation areas. I would like to congratulate the National Nature Conservation Fund for creating this glorious history," said Prime Minister Deuba.

On the occasion of the fund's annual celebration, Bishwanath Upreti, who has made significant contributions in the field of nature, forest and wildlife conservation, has been honored with the Trust's Guardian Conservation Award of Rs 125,000.

Prime Minister Deuba honored the winner with cash and a letter of appreciation. The trust has also honored various organizations and individuals who have contributed to wildlife conservation with letters of appreciation.