Everest with new face

The 20th century orchestrated Man’s step in moon as the biggest headline creating a swarm of curiosity over the world; similarly, today in the 21st century a new discovery has amazed people to believe in the existence of the supernatural power and its understanding. Shocking yet admirable, the new discovery of a man and women face on Mt. Everest and Lhotse has created an amazement to see the world’s top most point with a new angle of admiration and anticipation. The abstract creativity of nature synchronizing in shape is a well example of nature’s abundance where Nepal holds the pride of honoring such manifestation of mysticism. Some people say it’s the eight wonder and some say it’s divine but to reality its one of the extreme creation of nature gifted in the form of abstract art which signifies the human relation with nature. Though, people from different caste and creed have their own interpretation and meaning but reality is the image on the Mt. Everest symbolizes the enigma of human existence and survival where the spirituality and divinity comes to the level of seeing in shape of amazement. The new discovery was made by Mike Wickham who believed his discovery not to be coincidental but with a purpose. He interprets the image as of an eye opened man in deep solitude and veneration facing upwards to the sky who when reversed transforms and shows the feminine form. Mike is a US citizen who resides from Maryland. In 2007, he had visited Mt. Everest and had taken some photos. On returning to states, he studies these photos and made a startling discovery of the impression of male’s and women’s image on Mt. Everest and Lhotse. According to mike, “Since man’s conscious first registered the presence of a supreme being, the race was on to find its source. The christen quest for the Holy Grail is a fine example. From ancient time believers in the absolute have wandered where the connection between man and god might exist. To amazement, the answer was hidden with us but we neglected it. These figures are widely historical and make the Everest area the world’s greatest natural sacred wonder. The mythical Holy Grail has been found. This is the proof of the spiritual bridge many on earth have waited ages to see. These figures are balanced motion of love and devotion.” Adding more “This is the natural existence of Adam and Eve. Likewise, looking at the image the face is relevant in Mt.Lhotse but protruding from his chest is an exposed heart, Mt Everest, the highest point on earth and the closest point to the heaven above. When we combine the feminine form of creation with the masculine form of will, we then create the heart of mankind that is Mt Everest. These figures are widely historical and make this Saragmatha area the world’s greatest natural sacred wonder. The mythical holly grail has been found. This is proof of the spiritual bridge many on earth have waited ages to see. These figures are the balanced motion of love and devotion.” Looking at the prospects, he said, “Nepal should cater itself as the destination of spiritual land which has such shapes of artistic work where god had created an earthly canvas on which lays the physical proof of man’s connection to his higher form. Perhaps, the heist point on earth really signifies the connection of man with god and what ever you name it; it’s the symbol of unity and peace. ” (The discovered can be contacted at downuner1@yahoo.com)
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Yeti: Myth or reality!!!

Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the depth of time, amortizing modern technology in its legacy of stories and lore’s. Moreover, with the propagandas surrounding its presence of a furred humanoid image, the yeti still excites people in luring them to the far ends of the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet. The existence of this nature’s illusion has been controversial as well as mysterious where it has established itself as a popular icon. The controversies over existence of Yeti are warming the industry with various vague encounters and evidences brought back from the sites of remote alpine villages.Recently, on October 20, 2008, a team of seven Japanese adventurers photographed footprints of Yeti. Yoshiteru Takahashi, the team leader of the expedition and the Yeti Project Japan, said, “ The footprints were about 20 centimeters (eight inches) long and looked like human’s foot print. We are convinced; it was real, as we saw it walking on two legs like a human and was about 150 centimeters tall.” Takahashi claims to have observed Yeti on a 2003 expedition and is determined to capture the creature on film.Following the trend, in early November 2007, Joshua Gates an American television presenter and his team reported finding a series of footprints in the Everest region of Nepal claming it to be of Yeti. The footprints measured 33 cm (13 in) in length with five toes that measured a total of 25 cm (9.8 in) across. Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum, of Idaho State University examined the footprints who asserted it to be morphologically accurate to be fake or man made. Meldrum also stated that they were very similar to a pair of Bigfoot foot prints that were found in another area.In the year 1986 renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner claimed to have a face-to-face encounter with a Yeti and in his book “My Quest for the Yeti” have actually claimed to kill one. According to Messner, the Yeti is actually an endangered Himalayan Brown Bear that can walk upright.Similarly, in 1984, famous mountaineer David P. Sheppard of Hoboken, New Jersey, claimed to have been followed by a large furry man over the course of several days while he was near the southern Col of Everest. His Sherpas, however, say they saw no such thing. Sheppard claims to have taken a photograph of the creature, but a later study of it proved inconclusive.Don Whillans a British mountaineer also claimed to have witnessed a creature while scaling Annapurna in 1970. He had seen a dark shaped creature moving near his camp and the next day, he observed a few human-like footprints in the snow. On the same evening, he had also viewed a bipedal, ape-like creature from his binoculars at a distance.In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reported seeing large footprints while scaling Mount Everest where Tenzing has mentioned about the encounter of yeti in his first autobiography.In 1925, N. A. Tombazi, a photographer and member of the Royal Geographical Society, encountered yeti near Zemu Glacier. Tombazi later wrote that he observed the creature from about 180 to 270 M while descended the mountain and saw the creature’s foot prints. He described it as similar in shape to those of a man, but only six to seven inches long by four inches wide.Analyzing the series, the 1889 foot print discovery is one of the oldest link in the trail of yeti encounter. L. A. Waddell reported his guide’s describing a large ape like creature moving in the dark where its existence remains hidden and controversial.Ang Tshering Sherpa, President of UAAA said, “Yeti is a mysterious creature which has kept its existence hidden for years. To be precise the word Yeti comes from the word meti which means human eating creature. Though, it is believed to be a mystery but in reality for people who live in the region, they have reasons to believe of its existence. When we were young, we use to hear a lot of lore’s and stories of yeti. It’s true that there is an unknown creature hidden in the laps of the Himalayan where it’s completely mysterious and may be that is the reason why its so popular around the world.”“It can be capitalized in a proper way to benefit the industry and country where it has not been channelized. At first we need to conduct a thorough research about its existence. It’s both cultural as well as scientifically important where it can have a huge financial and scientific benefit for the country,” added he.He further suggested, “If we could use yeti as the brand for the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 then it would have immense result as yeti is world known and capitalizing its popularity can benefit the country and campaign.”Contemplating the image, the ethnic Tibetans fear and worship bear as a supernatural being where its lore’s and myth acclimatized the local in developing yeti as a cultural Icon. Whether you call it Bigfoot or yeti or Abominable Snowman, the yeti endures an image of enigma which isolates itself in the hidden valleys with in legacy of its mystery.Jyoti Adhikari, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) said, “Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the depth of remote areas where its existence survives in just lore’s and stories. Every year numerous propagandas are created with yeti but it’s very controversial to predict its existence as still today we lack proper evidence. On contrary, if it’s true then it should be left alone. Furthermore, it should not be bothered as it’s a creature of its kind where leaving it in isolation seems wise. Besides, Nepal is known in the world for Mountain Everest not yeti. There are only handful number of people who come in quest of yeti so intruding such a mythical creature can bring difficult situation which needs to be understood.”Yeti has evolved itself as a new marketing and promotion tool which has been drawing scientists, researchers, adventure enthusiasts etc to Nepal.Yadav Khanal, General Secretary of Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO) said, “Yeti is a mystery which lies hidden in the laps of Himalaya where its existence is unknown and mysterious. The government certainly needs to put an effort to know more about its existence where a definite research needs to be done at a professional level.Today’s marketing is about good promotion and if we could use Yeti as an effective means then we can certainly attract more tourists.”

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

An Introduction to Hanumandhoka Durbar Square

Built in the mid Sixteen century, Hanuman Dhoka is a pristine ample craftsmanship of the rich tradition and culture of the Malla Dynasty. From the prolific craftsmanship of the Mallas to the later added Western European influence by the Ranas, the Durbar Square hold a special amalgamation of the east meets the west.
Moving on from centuries, it has seen the rise and fall of many Kings from Mallas to the recent Shahs witnessing their glory of fame and pride. Registered to the world heritage site, this palace stands testament to the glorious tradition of Kingship in Nepal. With several complexes connected together spreading in about five acres explicates historical and traditional values; the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar square is a live example of the rich culture and tradition.
The durbar Square has ten courtyards flourishing with statues and artifacts enthrall the vision where one gets nostalgic towards this museum of time. The palace was once residence of the Shahs till the late seventies, when the royal residence shifted to the Narayanhiti Palace. The old palace still has its ritual and ceremonial importance where the King of Nepal were crowned and their coronation ceremonies would take place here.
Starting off from the east entrance, a big statue of Hanuman (Monkey god) welcomes you inside; it is believed that King Pratap Malla had set-up the statue there to scare away bad and evil spirits from his palace. It dates back to the 1672. Moving on to the lobby, a half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Narasimha Avatar appears on the left side of the lobby. The statue is carved in a big black stone where the craftsmanship clearly highlights the prolific style of the Malla dynasty. The statue portrays the Narshimha Avatar killing the Herainyakasyapu the demon who threaded the world with his evil and outcaste the practice of the religion.
Similarly, with the pride of royalty, a big inscription lies just in front of the palace. The inscription is laid on a stone in 15 different languages by King Pratap Malla in the glory of his regime.
Nasal Chowk
Literally meaning the Dancing courtyard, the Nasal Chowk or Courtyard is dedicated to lord Shiva where a big status of the Natraj is placed on the east side of the courtyard. The courtyard was build by the Malla kings where once it use to serve as their private residence of the then kings but in the transcending flow of time, it was further recaptured and portions were added to the current state by the powerful Ranas where the western influences can be widely seen. In the open veranda faming the pride, still lays the throne of the Malla kings which orchestrates the richness and power of the wide spectrum of their regime.
Highlighting the famous Basantapur Tower at its door step, the Nasal Chowk welcomes the arrivals with its glorious craftsmanship and tradition where the carved windows and doors simply wow in plethora of the craftsmanship. From the tower you can see the 360 view of the Kathmandu in the most profound way where the beautiful mountain range adds colors to the view. Apart from that, the stringent taste of exotic and erotic carvings with in the struts on the façade, one can feel the rich influence of the great Kama sutra. It is believed that the Malla kings use to see the city below from the towers where these towers served as a medium of observatory.
The courtyard has witnessed the rise and fall of many kings where the courtyard is live testimony to the coronation ceremony of the King s of Nepal. In this quest the Late King Birendra and the last king of Shah Dynasty King Gynandra were both crowed king here in this courtyard.
Mul Chowk
Dedicated to the Taleju Bhawani, the Mul Chowk or courtyard holds a special enigma to its presence. Located in isolation with minimal rituals happening in the courtyard is open only in specially occasion and festivals for ritual and tantric ceremonies. With in the periphery is located a two storey Pagoda style temple which holds mystery to its origin where history defines it as an enigma of Hinduism.
The goddess Taleju was the main deity of the royal Malla family where after centuries’ she still holds a strong presence among kathmanduties.
Especially in the ninth day of Dashain the Mul chowk gets lively where the priest sacrifice 108 animals in fulfill the century’s old tantric ritual. On that particular day the temple is opened for general public and it is believed that on that particular night the goddess, she comes down in the temple and endowed her presence. The temple is located at a height where it can be view from most parts of the Kathmandu.
Mohan Chowk
Built in 1649 by the Malla Kings, the Mohan Chowk or courtyard has a significant role in the history of Malla dynasty. More or less it was related to royalty and was closely associated with the Malla kings. It is believe that to become a Malla king you needed to be born in the Mohan Chowk which testifies its glory during those days. In the middle of the Courtyard lies a golden waterspout which in the ancient days was used by the Malla kings for their daily dip. Beautiful artistic tower are located in the four corners of the courtyard. Currently the Mohan Chowk is out of display.

Tribhuwan Museum
Example of the western architect, this portion of the durbar square was build by the Ranas in the 19th centuries. The Tribhuwan Museum is an explanatory example of the time and royalty that witnessed the various aspects of art, craft, technology, fashion and other amenities of the country that highlighted royalty and their lifestyle. It strongly exhibits items of stone carvings, several spectacular thrones, Jewel-studded ornaments used for coronations, weapons, furniture, wooden temple carvings, and coin collections.
With highlighting the glorious life style of the King’s of Nepal an exact replica of King Tibhuvan bedroom is also on display. Dedicated to the King Mahendra a small section on the southeast corner highlights the two thrones of the King.
The Hanuman Durbar Square is a exemplary audience that has witness the past in a glorious tradition showcasing and transcending the pride, honor and culture of the country where it stand tall with the pride of craftsmanship and culture in the most profound way of a time’s kaleidoscope.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

ICT development and its impact

The development of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and internet in developing countries has both been rewarding and has suffered the consequences due to lack of proper management. The ICT and internet are the most essential part of 21st century as everything from business to money are adapted to the World Wide Web(WWW) where lack of ICT or internet knowledge means being stagnant or left out .The present condition of developing nations are completely different as compared to the developed nations, as the developed nations adapted the growth and development of ICT and Internet constricting it within the limitation of defined rules and regulations(internet policies) where as for developing countries it is a glossy and attractive application with opportunities but also highlights innumerable serious threats of hacking, security, privacy, exploitation, pornography, frauds etc with no define application mechanism to control it. For e.g. the evolvement of web has certainly made it easy to open an email account and get connected with people thousands of miles away, which to an extent is easy and convenient but the same accessibility is used to create fake accounts and to action frauds. Likewise, today in developing countries thousand of women and children are being exploited and slugged into the sex industry with promising hopes of jobs and good payoff. The defaulters they with easy access of internet and web create lucrative website with effective promotion where women are being lured and sexual exploited. This is a concerning and alarming issue which has popped up. In recent years, the sex industry with the high demands of sexual desires and prostitutes has expanded beyond boundaries where internet is used as one of the major tools for marketing. At first the brokers lure their victims with dreams of good job and payoff through emails and websites and later when the victims arrive at their defined place, they are forced to face the consequence where they have no option expert to surrender. Similarly, in developed and developing nations teenagers are very attracted to internet, In Nepal a new problem is emerging in children below 18 as everyday groups of teenagers’ flock to Cyber cafes bunking their studies just to play the online games. The news has top major Medias where children are getting addictive to such games where they spent their precious time playing online games which in the mean time should have been addressed by their studies. More often these kids also engage themselves in watching the different pornographic sites which are not meant for them. The easy accessibility made it so convenient that you can just search them on Google or any other search engine where it has become a part of the degrading societal factor. The researchers’ have conveyed a strong opinion about the easy accessibility and the content where these pornographic site not only creating a negative images of sex but are also impacting the psychology of teenagers. Developing nations are always in the short cry of money; perhaps due to lack of proper infrastructure and resources government is not able to address all the issues. These pornographic pictures and movies not only are highly sexual and violent but alternatively are giving a wrong message about sex and its real meaning. Moreover, the developing nations are specifically targeted due to their vulnerability by the irregular groups for exploitation where what teenagers’ or adults are exploited in one or the other form. The advent of web site booming has given an advantage to offenders to seeks new destination for child sex tourism. Increasing exploitation can be seen through different websites where children are sexually being exploited through internet. Especially in countries like Thailand the cases are very high. Children and youth are increasing being lured by internet to exchange sex for survival which is growing at alarming rate where organization like UNICEF is raising awareness about the issue. Likewise, lack of proper awareness, rules and regulation also impedes the developing nation where they fall prey to the strong competent who are more secure and are technically sound. Never the less, internet has been used as a tool by wrong doers to hold scams and extort money in different way. There are in-numerable cases like the Nigerian letter and cases of private information hijacking where innocent people are being preyed. Reality is internet is a foreign application created by the developed nation for their purpose where the norms, standard and regulation everything are set according to their needs and wants. And Internet and ICT was certainly passed on by the developed nation to the developing nations without adapting the pros and cons of its implementation. “Internet more of is proving to be curse then boon for countries who lack behind “Thus, the fact that ICT and Internet development certainly has boosted the process of development in developing countries but the aspect of its lack of preparation and awareness simply hinders at times where people are suffering the consequences. The best option is awareness where individual effort counts so let’s make an effort to save the other from being exploited and cheated, spreading the awareness of Internet Governance.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

The Spark of Change

Everyday, we think about the change where we create our own image in giving it the description of our imagination. This description further gets influenced by the acts that are happening around us. We search reasons and questions for the acts but in reality we strees our brain so much and we get confused where we just accuse or throw words or blame others. But we forget that when we point one finger at others four fingers point at us.It’s said that “don’t hate the game hate the players;” likewise, Nepal’s politics today has turned into a garbage; a garbage full with pollutants of selfishness, corruption, and Hippocrates.Whether it Nepali Congress or UML or the Maoist party there is not a single politician or leader who could be respected or worth getting the respect. All of them, they are so limited and bounded by their selfish motives and games that they forget they are the servents of public. More or less, they indulging themselves to luxury of life with the hard earned money of tax payers and citizens disgarcing their oath of serving public.In fact reality is Politician is such a respectable position where we trusts the leaders to play a crucial role in overall development of the country but till date we see them engaging themselves in corruption, power politics, commission rackets, favoritism, social discrimination, lobbing selfish motives, accumulating people money in foreign banks etc . I bet there is not a single Politician who would be respected in true sense. They disgrace the societal value of socialism where they take the oath of serving the nation but alternately support their individual party in strengthening their forces and power.The problem here is not with the leaders, the problems here is with us the normal people, we select these leaders and when they get power they play and manipulate us in their desired ways but we keep our mouth shut, we just move to their rhythm where they treat us like nobody. I say and believe every Nepali has the bloody right to ask each of the leaders about what they did and what they are planning to do coz its our country and we pay taxes for the operation of the country. We pay tax in everything from buying a chocolate to sewage to cold drinks, evrything thing is tax but still we are least bothered group. Moreover, the hard earned money completely goes in vain paying hefty salary and comforting their luxury. It’s our responsibility to remind them of their mistake where we lack.Likewise, we blame everything upon them which is completely erratic and irresponsible, as they are selected by us. We do protests, do blockades, Chaka Jam, Bandhas etc on useless things but regarding our politician and their acts we keep silence making it limited with in the voices of a unknown tables and chairs.The fascinating part is we say politics is a dirty game, but it’s our garbage. Just by saying it bad or disgracing it, things won’t change. We have two choices either we keep our mouth shut and let the things that’s happening go on or do something about it in any way possible. It’s upon our efforts and we need to dig our hands into the garbage and clean it.We the young blood the so called generation-X need to wake up to this call and say that yes we are determined not just to blame but to take charge. We have to take resposibilitie in every possible way of being a good citizen and wrok our way in the system. It might take days or years, but change is suppose to happen and it will happen no matter what. We have the skills and courage and let’s unite to bring change.This is not just a call for me, you or anyone, it’s a call for every Nepali who feels pride to say he or she is Nepali and if you care spread the awareness and save our nation. Lets take the promise to bring change not just by words but by social awareness and by social change where our small effort counts and each individual matter to say that he or she is a part of this society and we can play a crucial role for the development of our country. Let’s make Nepal a better Nepal for the coming generation to be proud of where we can held our heads high to say we brought the change.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Nepal’s position paper for the Copenhagen Negotiations (COP15)

Nepal is a small landlocked country situated between massive global economy of China and India. Nepal has considerable stake admits its strategic location where climate changes has drastically affected its major resources including the fragile mountain ecosystem and most importantly the human settlement. With the unstable economy and label of under developing country, Nepal is struggling to meet the standards of globalization where it suffers in different ways social, financially and ecologically.

It lacks proper institutional, scientific and economic resources to adapt the climate changes making it more vulnerable to externalities of Climate change. Recent incidents of the glacial lake out-burst (Cho-Rolpa) in Nepal is the implications of the climate change which threats similar other glaciers and the whole Himalayan region.

Apart from the fossil fuels, deforestation and the changes in the land uses are also responsible for net increases in the carbon dioxide emissions where Nepal is moving towards adapting different strategies of Mitigation and Adaptation. Therefore, climate change seeks action at two major areas. First is the mitigation of the greenhouse gases and the second is the adaptation to the climate change.

Nepal’s Mitigation and Adaptation strategy towards Climate Change
Mitigation and adaptation are the strategic tools that deal with the cause and effect part of the global climate change. A mitigation strategy tries to eliminate the cause of global climate change whereas adaptation strategies try to minimize the adverse effects of the climate change.
-With the donor-driven Mitigation activities rather than the country driven, Nepal’s national priority is not the global environment but the local one. Moreover, the efforts have resulted in improvement of the local pollution, raising awareness, energy conservation, and technology transfer.

– Adaptation to the climate change is the area where Nepal has more stakes. Implications of the climate changes to the fragile mountain ecosystem, fresh water, and extreme weather events, agriculture, human health and others are taking its toll where the people living in the selected area are facing serious problems.

Main focus of the Conference

Focusing UFCCC and Kyoto protocol in implementing the Bali road Map: The Bali Roadmap mandates the implementation of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, creating a secure, full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC with priority to mitigation, adaption, technology transfer and financial support. This will further help in reducing emission rate for developed countries according to the standard set under the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.

Cooperation and Flexibility in responsibility: The developed national should take responsibility for the past degradation of the climate and further move on to reduce their emission with regards to the standards set according to future agreement. They should further help in assisting the most impacted countries with possible resources including technological transfer and take proactive measures to adapt and mitigate the climate change. The agreement should also focus on charging the high GHG emitting members according to their emission rate.

Creating an effective mechanism: The Conference should focus on creating an effective mechanism to adapt mitigation, adaption, technology transfer and financial support. It should give equal priorities to the weakest links giving them opportunity to stand up and facilitate them with effective resources. Nevertheless, financing and technology are indispensible means to achieve mitigation and adaptation where the mechanism should focus on the effective technology transfer.

Nepal’s position is very clear in context of COP 15, as climate change has hit us hard, so we believe in the implementation of Bali agreement and further move ahead with the second phase of Kyoto Protocol in adapting the most effective measures in reducing the Green house gas effect. The developed nation should further move to reduce their emission rate effectively in supporting the most impacted country in every possible way socially, financially and by transferring effective technologies.

Global warming or climate changes is a concern of everyone so the COP 15 should further move in cooperation and coalition addressing the needs and problems of the climate change in securing the future. The conference should also focus on giving substance to the voices of the smaller countries and try to understand the pragmatic grounds of developed nation. The efforts should be diverted towards a mutual point of being responsible in making united efforts of saving our earth.

Strategies of Adaptation

1. A new climate change agreement must consist of a shared vision to combat climate change and contain a clear regulatory framework that is valid for a long period of time, ideally until 2050, in order to provide enduring incentives for climate-friendly investments. Interim targets should also be established to trigger immediate action through incentives that are effective in the short-term. A system with medium and long-term targets is necessary both to give enterprises the necessary investment and planning security and to ensure that targets are met.
2. Development of innovative technologies and technology transfer. The development and application of innovative technologies and technology transfer are decisive to combat global climate change. So effective research and development need to be given adapting the best of what can be achieved.
3. The least developed countries and those facing the greatest threats should be supported in adapting to the consequences of climate change. The financial resources of the existing Adaptation Fund, which was established for this purpose, should be increased with grants from the public and the private sector. Industry can contribute to adaptation measures in particular through developing and providing appropriate technologies.
4. The international climate change agreement must aim to minimize competitive distortions on the markets through a globally uniform price for greenhouse gas emissions
5. Enhanced action on adaptation, dealing more specifically with:
Ø Objectives with respect to adapting to the impacts of climate change
Ø Supporting and undertaking the implementation of adaptation actions
Ø Addressing risk reduction, management and sharing of efforts to adapt to climate change
Ø Institutional arrangements to assist in the implementation of adaptation actions, and
Ø Monitoring and reviewing mechanisms for adaptation actions

Strategies of Mitigation

1. In order to combat climate change in a globally effective and cost-efficient way, the post-2012 agreement must include further development of the project-based on Kyoto Joint Implementation (JI) and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). These provide the opportunity to finance clean technologies and implement climate change measures in emerging and developing countries.
2. All efforts to reduce emissions must be measurable and verifiable as mentioned in the Bali Roadmap. An effective compliance system must be developed to enable transparent and verifiable comparison of the climate change efforts of the different countries. The post- Kyoto agreement must include an effective sanctioning mechanism for non-compliance with reduction targets. Improving CDM and JI
3. Development of innovative technologies and technology transfer is another aspect of Mitigation. The development and application of innovative technologies and technology transfer are decisive to combat global climate change.
4. CDM and JI projects should be used more widely for the transfer of environmental technologies as in view of the trend in the worldwide distribution of CO2 emissions, projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would be particularly efficient and effective in developing and emerging countries.

5. Enhanced action on mitigation, dealing more specifically with:
Ø objectives with respect to adapting to the impacts of climate change
Ø supporting and undertaking the implementation of adaptation actions
Ø addressing risk reduction, management and sharing of efforts to adapt to climate change
Ø institutional arrangements to assist in the implementation of adaptation actions, and
Ø monitoring and reviewing mechanisms for adaptation actions
Many emerging countries such as China and India have considerable current account surpluses with which they are able to acquire technologies on the market. Developing countries need financial support to obtain key technologies for mitigating climate change.

Executive Summary

Nepal being an under developed country and having less emission rate certain portrays it preeminence but the impact of the climates change and GHG in it territory has been immense where it needs to further raise questions for mitigation and adaption. The past experiences of the temperature rise in the Himalayan region have brought inevitable conditions where the drastic changes have suffered the consequence in both Visual Appearance of snow melting and accidents.

There is no argument that, economic development policy of Nepal should not compromise with the policies to mitigate GHG emissions but Nepal’s policies should try to flow in cooperation creating an effective scenario of saving the changes by effective measure of both mitigation and adaption where effort counts.

Amid the changing environment a framework should be devised targeting the adaptation and mitigation measures, which would ensure a smooth flow of both excluding conflicting outcomes. The goal for long-term cooperation should be comprehensive that should consists of sustainable development, mitigation, adaptation, financing and technology adapting the developed to the least developed countries with addressing their need and problems. In terms of mitigation, the developed countries as a whole should reduce their GHG emissions according to the standard set by the conference on mutual understanding.
Thus the Copenhagen Climate Conference should focus on full, effective and sustained implementation of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol prioritizing positive outcome, for mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and financial support.

Acronyms

COP- Conference of Parties
GHG- Green House Gas
GLOF- Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding
CDM- Clean Development Mechanism
UNFCCC- United National Framework Convention on Climate Change
REDD – Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries
NAMAs- Nature of nationally appropriate mitigation actions
IPCC- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Nuclear energy is not an option for combating Climate Change

Nuclear energy or power is an alternative solution for subsidizing the global green house gasses emission rate but is not a permanent solution [1]. As nuclear power is not a clean or renewable form of energy [6], so to an extent it can be used as an effective means of reducing the green house gasses emission rate but not a permanent solution where better option are being explored and new technologies are being developed.
Professing, the role of production of green house gasses, a large percentage of the emission is also related to electricity production where great quantities of fossil fuels are used in producing electricity. The Nuclear energy provides a better option in producing the non fossil electricity [1] but the high investment, dangers of radiation or inevitable risks of catastrophic nuclear accidents and also increases the threat of nuclear weapons expansion and research [6] [7].
It’s neither the cheapest of the non-fossil fuel alternatives, nor is it the cleanest, but still the demand of nuclear power is growing due to its flexibility of operation and mass energy production capacity [2].
Moreover, the booming of the renewable technologies has outstripped the nuclear power in development and performance, while ensuring the cost, effectiveness and efficiency, but is yet struggling to adapt the market. There are variable options like Wind Power, Solar Photo Voltaic, Solar Thermal, Geo Thermal, Hydro electricity; Bio Mass, Land gasses etc which are being explored and small fraction of it are being used in different parts of the world [4]. More or less, whether it’s nuclear or any form of energy, if it helps in reducing the rate of emission in any way should certainly be capitalized where its pros and cons should be well evaluated [3].
Now, looking back to the Nuclear energy prospects, the initial investment for setting up a nuclear plant may be huge or in billions but the average cost of producing nuclear energy is less than the cost of using fossil fuel or coal or hydroelectric which seems very lucrative and adaptive. Moving on the advancement in technology will bring the cost down further in the future but inherently the threats of nuclear power station also shadow its prospects [5].
Nuclear energy is well recognized as an alternative energy where its demand has reached to the priority of developed and developing nation. To the level, Nuclear power is regarded as one of the options available for alleviating the risk of global climate change and Green house gases s effects, where controversies are raised in and against the use of Nuclear power [4]. Further research and development is necessary in order to assess the technical and economical feasibility of those applications where the renewable options should be give chance on the basis of efficiency and effectiveness [3]. As it’s said that an effort of a person is not a worth but the idea is worth catching thousand of mind where we as an individual can make a difference.

References

1. In December 1997 governments met in Kyoto, Japan, where they agreed the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, meaning that governments were committed to stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions to levels that would minimize climate change. The electricity generating sector contributes a large percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions by burning fossil fuels. Nuclear energy, along with renewable such as solar, wind and hydro generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.
Nuclear energy provides a fully developed non-fossil electricity generating option with the potential for large scale expansion. A continued steady growth of nuclear energy will allow countries to avoid emitting greenhouse gases from their electricity sector and help them to meet their Kyoto commitment.
http://www.climatechange.org/

2. In the United States, for example, no new nuclear power stations have been ordered since 1978. This has happened in a country which launched the Pressurized Water Reactor design and which houses many more nuclear reactors than any other country. Construction and operating costs have risen so dramatically, especially since the extra safety demands made after the accident at Three Mile Island, that some companies have faced bankruptcy.
In the United Kingdom, after a review of the privatization of the nuclear power industry, the government dismissed the industry’s demands for public funding to build new reactors to combat global warming. Six months later, British Energy cancelled two proposed stations, leaving the UK for the first time in over 40 years with no plans for new nuclear power stations.
http://archive.greenpeace.org/comms/no.nukes/nenstcc.html

3. In the Kyoto Protocol, agreed upon by the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 1997, Annex I countries committed to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Also, the Protocol states that Annex I countries shall undertake promotion, research, development and increased use of new and renewable forms of energy, of carbon dioxide sequestration technologies and of advanced and innovative environmentally sound technologies. One important option that could be covered by the last phrase, and is not specifically mentioned, is nuclear energy which is essentially carbon free.
In this connection, the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has investigated the role that nuclear power could play in alleviating the risk of global climate change. The main objective of the study is to provide a quantitative basis for assessing the consequences for the nuclear sector and for the reduction of GHG emissions of alternative nuclear development paths. The analysis covers the economic, financial, industrial and potential environmental effects of three alternative nuclear power development paths (“nuclear variants”).
Ø Variant I, “continued nuclear growth”, assumes that nuclear power capacity would grow steadily, reaching 1 120 GWe* in 2050.
Ø Variant II, “phase-out”, assumes that nuclear power would be phased out completely by 2045.
Ø Variant III, “stagnation followed by revival”, assumes early retirements of nuclear units in the short term (to 2015) followed by a revival of the nuclear option by 2020 leading to the same nuclear capacity in 2050 as in variant I.
http://www.nea.fr/html/ndd/climate/climate.html

4. Challenges for the Nuclear Industry
Ø Variant I: The main challenges would be to ensure that nuclear power retains and improves it economic competitive position relative to alternative energy sources, and to enhance public understanding and acceptance of nuclear power.
Ø Variant II: The nuclear sector will be challenged to meet the need for maintaining capabilities and know how to ensure the safe decommissioning of nuclear units and final disposal of radioactive wastes. Nuclear industries in a number of OECD countries have demonstrated already that capability. This variant might exacerbate challenges within the non nuclear energy sectors, in regard to long term security of supply and meeting UNFCCC commitments.
Ø Variant III: would challenge the nuclear industry to ensure that technical and economic preparedness would be maintained and enhanced during more than two decades of stagnation, in order to keep the nuclear option open. A revival of nuclear power by 2015 is assumed to be based upon technologies that are able to compete favorably with advanced fossil fuelled technologies, renewable sources and other options for alleviating the risk of global climate change.
http://www.nea.fr/html/ndd/climate/climate.html

5. Nuclear energy is expensive. It is in fact one of the least expensive energy sources. In 2004, the average cost of producing nuclear energy in the United States was less than two cents per kilowatt-hour, comparable with coal and hydroelectric. Advances in technology will bring the cost down further in the future.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/14/AR2006041401209.html

6. Nuclear waste is produced at every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining to the reprocessing of spent nuclear. Much of this waste will remain hazardous for thousands of years, leaving a deadly radioactive legacy to future generations.
At nuclear power stations, highly radioactive waste has to be regularly removed from the reactor and at most sites this spent fuel is being stored temporarily in water-filled cooling ponds. According to independent experts, the global quantity of spent fuel produced without a climate based radical expansion of nuclear power is expected to increase from 145,000 tones in 1994, to 322,000 tones by the year 2010. Whilst a variety of disposal methods have been under discussion for decades, there is still no demonstrated method for isolating nuclear waste from the environment for adequate time periods.
As part of the routine operation of every nuclear power station, some waste materials are also discharged directly into the environment. Liquid waste is discharged into the sea and gaseous waste is released into the atmosphere.
http://archive.greenpeace.org/comms/no.nukes/nenstcc.html

7. Nuclear Weapons: Uncontrollable World-wide Proliferation
Plutonium is an inevitable consequence of nuclear power production. The plutonium is contained in the spent nuclear fuel. It is one of the most radiotoxic and dangerous substances in existence. A single microgram, smaller than a speck of dust, can cause fatal cancer if inhaled or ingested and a sphere of plutonium smaller than a tennis ball can be used to make a nuclear bomb capable of killing many thousands of people.
The links between the civilian use of nuclear technology and military applications is one of the most disturbing aspects of the nuclear age. The very first, crude nuclear reactors were specifically built in the 1940s and 1950s to produce plutonium for the US, former Soviet Union and British bombs. Only later were they adapted to generate nuclear electricity.
As nuclear technology spreads around the globe, so does the risk of nuclear proliferation. Nuclear weapons can be constructed using plutonium from either military or civilian sources.
http://archive.greenpeace.org/comms/no.nukes/nenstcc.html

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Climate Change Combating Initiation in Nepal

Nepal is a small country in respect to development or globalization. From the past various efforts has been made to combat climate change or to control the emission of greenhouse gas, in this league the outlaw of the VIKRAM TEMPOs in 1999 was major step taken by the Nepal’s government in highlighting the adaptation measures against the green house gas emission .
The two stoke diesel Tempos not only emitted dangerous gases but were proving to be a threat to Kathmandu’s climate. Over the last two decades air pollution in Kathmandu had worsened due to increased of Nitrogen oxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels. The move to ban two-stroke and diesel engine vehicles not only brought the issue of green house gas effect in lime light but on contrary befalls the ban on older vehicles in Nepal.

After that move, the government announced 22 point agenda to improve the vehicle emission level in the country along with the introduction of Nepal Vehicle Mass Emission Standard 2056 on 23 December 1999.

Likewise, with the fall of Vikram tempos, the Electric Vehicles (EVs) Safa Tempos were introduced as an alternative to support the old means of transportation. In recognition of the fall of the vital public system, Vikram Tempo owners were given subsidies, loans and tax free on import of vehicles that met the Euro- I standards. Since then, EVs or Safa Tempo, have been steadily increasing in numbers. Now, according to one of the retailer, Shree Eco Visionary (SEV), there are more than 1000 EVs plying Kathmandu streets handling more than 0.15 million people regularly on daily basis.

Nepal had introduced the first vehicle emission standard in 1995 after the completion of Nepal Kathmandu Valley Vehicle Emission Control Project submitted its report where the emission standard were often modified in the past with pressure from transport entrepreneurs, but now things have changed. The new Vehicle Mass Emission Standard 2056 has set 65 HSU (Hartridge Smoke Unit) for new diesel vehicles and 75 HSU for old ones. For petrol vehicles it was set at 3 percent Carbon Monoxide (CO) for new and 4.5 percent CO for old where the atmosphere of Kathmandu is at eased.

The Improvement in vehicular exhaust emissions came as a result of the government’s promptness in realizing the threat which further helped in channelizing and materializing the policies in assuring the enforcement of a progressively tighter vehicular emission standards where the policy are set in to protect and facilitate the climate.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

The Non State Actors in Climate Change diplomacy in Nepal

Non state actors are all the reaming forces except the state fighting against raising awareness about climates change. The force includes different stakeholders’ like public pressure groups, environment clubs, INGOs, Local NGOs etc. Most prominently in Nepal the INGOs are very active in raising the issues of climate change and its effects. The major of the organizations working in the field are given below:

World Wide Fund (WWF) Nepal
WWF is working to restore and reconnect natural landscapes across the Eastern Himalayas. By 2012, they aim to develop a shared vision with the governments of Nepal for the conservation and sustainable development of the Eastern Himalayas.World Wide Fund, has been actively working in Nepal for raising awareness.
Famed Nepalese climber Apa Sherpa reached the summit of the planet’s highest mountain on 21 May, 2009 and unfurled a WWF banner saying: “Stop Climate Change – Let the Himalayas Live!”As part of the Climate for Life Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of climate change impacts in the Himalayas, the expedition reminds world leaders of their responsibility towards preserving the region as a global heritage. And it calls on them to reach a global climate deal at Copenhagen this December.

International centre for integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
ICIMOD Nepal has been successfully working in the field of raising awareness in the Himalayan region where the changes have been prominent. It has organized different campaigns
Children express their concerns about climate change and its impact on their environment through art and letter writing competitions, – June, 2009

Himalaya – Changing Landscapes photo in Germany exhibition showcasing the prominent changes in the Himalayan region, – June 2009

Holding different international research for collecting data’s and working in the field to create awareness. More than 40 representatives from global conservation organizations in 15 countries met at a workshop organized by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in Kathmandu, Nepal, to discuss a strategy for coordinated research on global change in mountain biosphere reserves, and especially the possibilities for implementing the ‘Global Change in Mountain Regions’ research strategy (GLOCHAMORE) at different sites around the world, particularly in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, -Nov 2008

The World Conservation Union (IUCN)
IUCN Nepal has been celebrating Environment Day every year, to renew public commitment towards the environment conservation and also help involve social sectors towards channeling environmental values and broadening public support for the cause. Every year the Organization celebrates the environment day to spread awareness about the increasing environment problems
The IUCN in collaboration with National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), WWF Nepal and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), will conduct scoping visits, organize multi-stakeholder consultations to review the draft constitutional provisions, and finalize the constitutional provisions on environmental rights. The project aims at mainstreaming environmental rights and sustainable development principles that represent the interests of all Nepali citizens, with particular attention to those of women, poor and marginalized people into the new constitution of Nepal.

IUCN had recently hosted the 4th Asia Regional Conservation forum in Nepal from September 10-14 2007 and I had covered the news. The regional conference covered the issues of growing energy demand in the region requiring more burning of fossil fuels and increase in greenhouse gas emission in the region. The conference had submitted it drafts and agenda to the related ministry but with the orthodox bureaucracy, it was stocked in pile with the rest.

A lot of activities and things are happening in Nepal regarding raising awareness of climate change. Most of them are either focused in spending their grant money or allocated money but to a level the people have been reached and awareness is flowing in a steadily way. But on real grounds, Nepal face turmoil due to lack of proper environment policy and the orthodox system that lacks effectiveness in monitoring and evaluating these INGOs and NGOs in regard to their work and reports forwarded by them.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Climate Change Negotiating delegation in Nepal

In Nepal the Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology(MoEST) is the national coordinator which deals for and against the issues, problems and awareness of environment. Though, the ministry receives a small amount from the yearly budget but the Ministry’s work has been limited to an extent.
The Ministry has adopted high priority over the vehicle pollution and its emission issue where recently it initiated the banned of two stoke tempos’ which emitted a lot of green house gases from the valley. Apart from that the ministry has also facilitated the use of the Electric vehicles (EV) known as the Safa Tempos. More or less, there are things happing where the ministry holds rallies and awareness campaign on environment day focusing the various aspects of pollution and conservation, but is limited and questionable.
Facilitating the environment, the Ministry in coordination with the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation has established various programs of community forest and tree plantation which to an extent have given successful results in raising awareness about environment in the locals. Amid the limited resources, orthodox system and bureaucracy, this seems more than what could be expected.
Regarding the international organization, basically there are more than a dozen of international organizations working in the field; most prominently the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), World wide fund (WWF) and IUCN are the basic organizations that work for the cause. The big INGOs with huge grants and funds, hosts various meeting and conferences in 5 star hotels where the donation money is waste in lavish parties. Contemplating the scenario only a negligible amount of money is spent on the real cause. These International organizations highlight their concern over the growing environmental problems within the reports and presentations which are just limited within conferences and meetings. On real ground nothing checks in where Million of dollars are being wasted in the name of awareness.
In one of my experience in a discussion program on climate change and its affects, one of the participant state that, “Nepal being a small country stands no point in the international arena. Our voice stand no where and our contribution towards green house gases is also very less but reality is global warming has hit us hard where physical evidences are clearly visible. In fact raising awareness in Nepal has no point because it would not effect in any way where our voice do no count in the international arena.”
The discussion ended in a controversial way but reality is do we need awareness because till the time powerful countries like US, and UK realize that their emission has affected the atmosphere and till the time they take action against it, I think raising awareness in somewhat like treating nose when u have a tooth ache.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi