A review of the status and threats to wetlands in Nepal

IUCN has been working to raise awareness regarding the values of wetland ecosystems, the threats to wetlands, wetland dependent peoples and species, and to build capacity for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in Nepal. This report is the result of a significant project development effort undertaken by IUCN Nepal over the last two years, which was to design a national project for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in the country. IUCN Nepal commissioned comprehensive studies of wetland flora and fauna, legal and policy framework governing the use of wetlands and wetland resources, the status of wetland ecosystems, and the values and socio-economic aspects of wetlands in Nepal. In short, drawing on these various studies, the report presents an overview and status review of wetlands in Nepal, particularly a review of the environmental and biodiversity context, especially their global significance; national policy and government institutional context for wetland management; an analysis of key threats and root causes of wetland degradation and loss; and, opportunities for wetlands conservation in Nepal.