Environmental experts and activists on Friday urged political parties to place greater emphasis on environmental protection, forest conservation, climate resilience, nature, and biodiversity in their election manifestos as campaigning intensifies ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.
Speakers at the event cautioned that environmental concerns have repeatedly been pushed aside by power-driven politics, resulting in adverse impacts on public health, climate adaptation efforts, and national security.
The call was made during a dialogue titled “Environment, Forests, and Biodiversity: Tackling Wildlife Crime in the 13th National Parliament Elections,” held at the National Press Club in the capital.
Participants also stressed that election commitments should go beyond rhetorical promises and instead outline clear, measurable, and actionable plans.
