Freshwater Programme

Geographical location:

Asia/Pacific > Southern Asia > Nepal

Summary

Although Nepal is considered to be the 2nd richest country in the world in terms of water resources, a 2001 State of Environment report raised concerns that its people do not have access to enough water to meet their needs and, further, the available water is not drinkable. Meanwhile, demand for water continues to increase, putting pressure on water resources.

Recognising that a water crisis could be imminent, WWF Nepal has instigated an initiative to work on emerging freshwater issues. The 1st year of this programme focuses on networking, communication, coordination, and fundraising to develop and pilot the freshwater programme within WWF Nepal.

Background

Almost 70% of the planet’s surface is covered by water, but less than 3% of this consists of freshwater. According to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO 1997 estimates, 2.24% of this 3% is inaccessible - polar icecaps, glaciers and deep ground water. This leaves just 0.26% of the world’s water as accessible freshwater, found in lakes, aquifers, and rivers. Water conservation and the wise use of water is therefore crucial to conservation work with freshwater.

Nepal is considered to be rich in water resources with over 6,000 rivers (including major flows fed by snowmelt from the Himalayas), 660 lakes with stagnant surface water of more than one ha in area and about 1,700mm mean annual rainfall, of which 75% occurs during the monsoon season.

However, the State of Environment report (2001) argues that people are not getting enough water to meet their needs, nor is the available water potable. Demand for water is increasing, leading to intense pressure on the water resources and high levels of groundwater extraction. Drainage for irrigation and fishing to sustain livelihoods also directly affect the freshwater ecosystem, including the health of wetlands and river systems.

Worldwide, 70% of water it is used for agriculture, 20% for industry and 10% for household use. In Nepal, however, around 99% of water is used for agriculture, 1% for household and almost 0% for industry (the Food and Agriculture Organization (AQUASTAT-FAO) 1999). The latest physiographic data, according to the Nepal Biodiversity Strategy (NBS) 2002, shows that of its total land area, Nepal comprises around 21% agricultural land and 2.6% water. In a country like Nepal, agriculture provides employment to millions of people, but also contributes to serious environmental and social problems by extracting huge amounts of water for farming thirsty crops, leading to damage to wetlands and freshwater ecosystems.

Nepal has many different types of wetlands that range from areas of permanently flowing rivers to areas of seasonal streams, lowland oxbow lakes, high altitude glacial lakes, swamps and marshes, reservoirs and ponds and deep water agriculture lands, which are the most productive ecosystems and are important natural resources for economic and developmental sustainability.

Often perceived as swamps, mud flats and mosquito havens, the wetlands and rivers making up freshwater habitats are in fact natural sponges filtering harmful substances and purifying water for human use. Their significance in terms of biological, ecological, economic, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values has always been appreciated by people involved in their conservation.

According to Hussain (1994), as stated in NBS 2002, the values of wetlands can be grouped into 2 categories:

1) Ecological values or indirect use values derived from the functions of wetlands as wildlife habitats and from their essential contribution to maintenance of ecological balance in the immediate area and beyond.

2) Economic values or direct use values derived from the productivity of wetland systems and the sustainable harvest of their resources.

However, wetlands are considered one of the most threatened habitats because of their vulnerability and the unsustainable use of resources. Many ethnic groups depend on wetlands for their livelihoods. Therefore, maintaining wetland diversity and functions is particularly important to the community's livelihoods.

Objectives

1. Work as a focal point for WWF in Nepal on issues related to high altitude wetlands and freshwater.

2. Strengthen partnership with government agencies, NGOs and freshwater professionals (individuals/organizations).

3. Develop a freshwater strategy and integrate the freshwater programme within WWF Nepal and implement it, including activities such as awareness raising, research and monitoring, policy work and projects at various levels (field based, national and regional).

Solution

WWF is working with partners through a shared approach to managing rivers and wetlands, redirecting harmful infrastructure, curbing water waste in agriculture by seeking better management practices and promoting poverty reduction compatible with environmentally strong water policies.