KATHMANDU, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali government Thursday announced programs to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity declared by the United Nations.

    "Nepal is one of the countries rich in biodiversity and it is the need of the hour to join hands to protect the nation's flora and fauna," said Deepak Bohara, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC).

    The programs will be launched across the country to create awareness on preserving biodiversity, according to the MoFSC.

    The biodiversity unit of the MoFSC revealed the programs at a meeting of National Biodiversity Coordination Committee (NBCC).

    "The Biodiversity Year 2010 infused enthusiasm in us," said Krishna Chandra Paudel, head, environment division of the ministry.

    The first meeting of the NBCC was held in 2005.