Kathmandu - Her Excellency Véronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union to Nepal, participated in the “National Dialogue on Media’s Role in Natural Resource Management and Green Growth” held yesterday, underscoring the importance of responsible and evidence-based journalism in addressing environmental challenges.
Minister for Forests and Environment Madhav Prasad Chaulagain also attended the dialogue, where discussions centered on balancing environmental conservation with sustainable development and strengthening public discourse on climate and natural resource governance.
The dialogue brought together policymakers, environmental experts, media professionals, and representatives of civil society to reflect on how journalism can contribute to informed decision-making in the areas of climate change, biodiversity conservation, and green economic transformation.
A key highlight of the program was the presentation of 42 new stories produced by Nepali journalists from across the country during their fellowship with the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ). The fellowship supported in-depth, field-based reporting on natural resource management, environmental governance, and green growth initiatives at the local and provincial levels.
Organizers noted that similar dialogues had been conducted in various provinces, and the national event served as a platform to consolidate insights, lessons, and emerging challenges identified through those regional discussions. The stories showcased during the event reflected diverse realities-from community forest management and biodiversity protection to climate adaptation practices and sustainable livelihood models.
Speakers emphasized that evidence-based reporting plays a crucial role in enabling informed public debate. By grounding stories in data, field research, and expert perspectives, journalists can help bridge the gap between policy commitments and on-the-ground realities.
Ambassador Lorenzo highlighted the media’s responsibility in amplifying citizens’ voices, especially in the context of environmental risks and climate-induced disasters, while Minister Chaulagain reiterated the need for coordinated efforts among government bodies, the media, and development partners to promote sustainable use of natural resources.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration between environmental journalists, government institutions, and international partners to advance transparent, accountable, and science-based discussions on Nepal’s pathway toward green growth.
