Indigenous Peoples’ Voices on Biodiversity: Mr. Khim Ghale – Nepal

Mr. Khim Ghale, a journalist and a community activist from Nepal explains that Indigenous communities in Nepal have long been safeguarding biological diversity through their rich traditional knowledge and practices.

However, the government in some countries has enacted new laws that criminalize Indigenous Peoples’ very knowledge and practices. These actions aim to punish individuals who engage in traditional knowledge, unjustly branding them as criminals. As a result, the customary institutions that have been the custodians of traditional knowledge are gradually vanishing. Rather than contributing to the protection of biodiversity, such laws are causing harm.

“It is imperative for the state to amend these laws that are targeted against Indigenous traditions and practices. Their knowledge and practices should be safeguarded and protected from criminalization,” recommends Mr. Ghale.

Tamu community of Nepal is making efforts to revive the “Nalsabha” a customary institution that disappeared approximately 60 years ago. Historical records indicate that the “Nalsabha” played a vital role in the sustainable management of natural resources.

The Tamu people are resolute in their determination to preserve the rapidly diminishing biological diversity in the region through the revival of the “Nalsabha” explains, Mr. Ghale.