Empowering communities for the sustainable management of wetlands around Pokhara valley

The Pokhara valley lies on the lap of the Annapurna Mountain Range in the mid-hill (600-1400 masl) region of the Western Development Region of Nepal. The valley is rich in natural wetlands and is popularly known as ‘city of lakes’. Out of eight lakes, only three have visibly remained as lakes in terms of size and water volume while others are in the verge of being lost. Rupa lake (about 600 masl, 115 ha) is the third largest lake and is located at about 16 kilometres east of Pokhara town. The lake's eastern hill slope is covered with the mixed forest of Schima wallichii and Castonopsis indica and western hill slope mostly with cultivated land. The slopes to the north of the lake have been cut to terraces for cultivation of agricultural crops. The lower leveled and irrigated terraces, are used for rice cultivation while the upper non-irrigated terraces, have maize-based cropping systems. Initial studies on the biodiversity of Rupa lake have shown that there are over 450 species of flora and fauna in and around the lake amongst which the common otter, wild rice and its relatives, and over 24 species of indigenous fresh water fishes. Over 200 species of birds including migratory birds such as Siberian crane have been reported. Over 23 species of wetland flora, such as white lotus and water chestnuts, have been directly linked with daily livelihoods of local communities and are being used as wild edible foods, fodder and for traditional medicinal purposes. Agriculture is the main source of livelihoods but for the majority of households food from own production is only sufficient for less than 6 months, so most are engaged also in off-farm income generating activities. There are around 70 families of Jalahari (indigenous fisher tribe) and a number of socially excluded families belonging to ‘untouchable’ ethnic groups who are mostly landless and completely dependant on fish and other aquatic resources for their livelihoods. Rupa Lake has no protected status and, therefore, is highly vulnerable to excessive use and degradation. Major threats include continued siltation, encroachment for crop cultivation, use of new farming technologies with increased use of chemicals, commercial fish farming and the introduction of exotic fish species, overgrazing, construction of rural roads and lack of awareness and capacity for sustainable management of the lake. LI-BIRD implemented a project entitled “Community based Management of Wetlands Around Pokhara Valley for the Conservation of Wetland Biodiversity and Enhancing Livelihoods of the Wetland Communities” with financial support from Small Grants for Wetland Programme in 2005 - 2006. The project identified good practices, approaches and methods for the sustainable management of wetland. initiatives like the institutional strengthening of community based organizations, community based conservation actions, and linking wetland products to the market need to be monitored and supported for some period of time. There is also a need for strengthening these initiatives and building the capacity of farmers group for its long term sustainability. The goal of the project is to promote the sustainable conservation and utilisation of wetland resources around Pokhara valley and improve livelihoods for the user communities. In order to achieve this goal, the project has set out the following specific objectives: 1) To strengthen existing initiatives on community-based management of Rupa lake wetland resources for conservation and sustainable use and 2) To enhance the capacity of farmer groups in value addition and marketing of wetland products to local and national markets.

The project mainly focused on continuation of conservation efforts and initiation of value addition and marketing of local wetland products in Rupa Lake Area so that dual goal of livelihood enhancement and wetland biodiversity conservation is fulfilled. Accordingly, capacity building events, revolving fund mobilization, market research, value addition and marketing of wetland products and conservation actions were implemented in the area with active participation of local community groups. Cooperative-based fishery management has created an overwhelming trend of generating revenue for local community while maintaining wetland health. It has increased motivation of local people in using their time for wetland conservation initiatives as well. Disadvantaged groups and women were given highest priority in the project process. Upstream catchment of the lake has been rehabilitated using bioengineering techniques. Habitat conservation blocks have been maintained in the lake area. A wetland resource and information centre has been established and equipped with necessary resources. Electronic database of community biodiversity registers has been prepared. Community groups have been given training on the efficient mobilization of revolving fund for upliftment of livelihood of resource poor farmers. All the project activities were accompanied with conservation awareness among local people. The project has been successful in building capable local institutions in taking responsibility for wise use and sustainable management of wetland resources. A good foundation has been established to initiate wetland-based eco-tourism and payments to ecosystem services scheme.