Report on Infrastructure Development in Nepal’s Protected Areas and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In January 2025, Nepal’s Supreme Court invalidated a 2024 law that permitted infrastructure projects within protected areas. Despite this ruling, the government has continued to approve such projects, as the full text of the court’s decision remains unpublished. This report examines the ongoing developments, associated environmental and cultural concerns, and their implications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Developments

1. Supreme Court Ruling: The Constitutional Bench of Nepal’s Supreme Court struck down the 2024 law allowing infrastructure development in protected areas outside vaguely defined “highly sensitive zones.” The ruling emphasized the need to preserve protected areas for future generations, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land).
2. Government Actions Post-Ruling: Despite the ruling, the government has approved several controversial projects, including:
   • The 81-kilometer Muktinath Cable Car Project, valued at 57.6 billion rupees (~$416 million), passing through the Annapurna Conservation Area.
   • The Sikles Annapurna Cable Car Project, a 6.5 km cable car with environmental clearance, involving significant tree removal.
   • Opening hotels within restricted areas and permitting extraction of construction materials such as timber, gravel, and sand from national parks.
3. Private Investment in Protected Areas: The government has indicated interest in allowing private investments, including commercial extraction of natural resources from protected zones, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

Environmental and Cultural Concerns

• The Muktinath Cable Car Project threatens the ecological and spiritual sanctity of the Annapurna Conservation Area, a site revered by Hindu and Buddhist communities, impacting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15.
• The Sikles Annapurna Cable Car Project involves cutting down 3,801 trees, including native species such as rhododendron, potentially undermining conservation efforts and biodiversity.
• Local communities residing in and around protected areas face restrictions on infrastructure, energy access, and livelihood options, affecting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Legal and Governance Issues

• Petitioners argue that the 2024 law contradicted Nepal’s Constitution and international environmental treaties, highlighting the importance of governance aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
• Delays in publishing the full Supreme Court verdict have allowed the government to continue approving projects, raising concerns about accountability and rule of law.
• Legal challenges continue, with ongoing petitions against projects like the Sikles Annapurna Cable Car, awaiting detailed judicial guidance on balancing development and conservation.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 15 – Life on Land: The expansion of infrastructure and resource extraction in protected areas threatens biodiversity, forest conservation, and ecosystem services.
2. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Tourism infrastructure development must balance economic benefits with preservation of cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
3. SDG 1 – No Poverty & SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: While projects may create jobs and boost local economies, they risk marginalizing local communities and degrading natural resources critical for livelihoods.
4. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Transparent governance and adherence to legal rulings are essential to uphold environmental justice and public trust.
5. SDG 13 – Climate Action: Protecting forests and natural habitats in conservation areas contributes to climate mitigation efforts.

Recommendations

• Implement the precautionary principle and intergenerational equity in decision-making to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
• Publish full Supreme Court rulings promptly to provide clear legal frameworks guiding infrastructure development in protected areas.
• Engage local communities in planning and benefit-sharing to align development projects with social and environmental sustainability.
• Promote alternative sustainable tourism models that protect biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Restrict commercial extraction activities within protected areas to safeguard ecosystems and comply with national and international conservation commitments.

Conclusion

Nepal stands at a critical juncture where infrastructure development in protected areas poses significant challenges to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and social equity requires transparent governance, adherence to judicial decisions, and inclusive planning processes. Upholding the integrity of protected areas is essential for Nepal’s sustainable future and global biodiversity conservation efforts.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land – The article discusses issues related to protected areas, conservation, and biodiversity, directly linking to SDG 15 which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Infrastructure development, including cable cars and tourism facilities in protected areas, relates to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The promotion of tourism and job creation through infrastructure projects connects to fostering sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The role of Nepal’s Supreme Court in striking down laws and ensuring government accountability ties to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The concerns about commercial extraction of timber, gravel, and stones from protected areas relate to sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.4: Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area – implied by concerns over tree cutting and habitat disruption in protected areas.
   • Indicator 15.4.2: Mountain Green Cover Index – relevant to the conservation of mountain ecosystems like Annapurna Conservation Area.
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.4.1: Total expenditure on the preservation, protection and conservation of cultural and natural heritage as a proportion of GDP – implied by debates over infrastructure projects affecting cultural sites.
3. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.9.1: Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate – linked to the government’s promotion of tourism via cable car projects.
   • Indicator 8.9.2: Number of jobs in tourism industries as a proportion of total jobs – related to job creation claims from the projects.
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services – implied by concerns about government accountability and transparency.
   • Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population – indirectly related to rule of law enforcement.
5. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP – connected to commercial extraction of natural resources in protected areas.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: news.mongabay.com