Freshwater in Nepal
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We inhabit a “water planet” where almost 70 per cent of its surface is covered by water, out of which less than 2.5 per cent is freshwater. Of this small portion, 2.24 per cent is inaccessible (polar icecaps, glaciers and deep underground water) and only 0.26 per cent is accessible in the forms of lakes, aquifers and rivers (WMO/UNESCO, 1997).
Freshwater ecosystems have a higher species density than either terrestrial or marine habitat and of the globally known species, 2.4 per cent live in freshwater habitats. However, this critical resource is under great threat than any other habitats. During recent decades, at least 20 per cent of the world’s 10,000 freshwater fish species have become endangered, threatened with extinction, or have already become extinct.
Recognizing that we are on the brink of a water crisis, WWF is working globally with its partners on a shared approach 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.
Climate change is a global threat and has become the biggest challenge for us as it has direct impacts on water resources which affect the environment, biodiversity and people's livelihoods. Himalayas are very sensitive in terms of climate change and lot many changes have already been visible. Almost 67 per cent of the glaciers in the Himalayas have retreated and in Nepal , this process is as rapid as 10m a year. In the future, this will result in water scarcity in Nepal and for more than a billion people living downstream who depend on glaciers and snow as a source of fresh water.
WWF Nepal began the Freshwater Program in October 2004 with an overall aim to minimize impacts and threats to freshwater resources and promote sustainable utilization and conservation of water for future generations. The major focuses of the Freshwater Program are the Koshi River Basin Management and conservation of High Altitude Wetlands. Climate change has been one of the key focuses and the program is implementing climate change adaptation on water resources with the help of local communities. Besides, awareness raising and capacity building on freshwater conservation and climate change impacts is also an important part of the program.
Freshwater ecosystems have a higher species density than either terrestrial or marine habitat and of the globally known species, 2.4 per cent live in freshwater habitats. However, this critical resource is under great threat than any other habitats. During recent decades, at least 20 per cent of the world’s 10,000 freshwater fish species have become endangered, threatened with extinction, or have already become extinct.
Recognizing that we are on the brink of a water crisis, WWF is working globally with its partners on a shared approach 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.
Climate change is a global threat and has become the biggest challenge for us as it has direct impacts on water resources which affect the environment, biodiversity and people's livelihoods. Himalayas are very sensitive in terms of climate change and lot many changes have already been visible. Almost 67 per cent of the glaciers in the Himalayas have retreated and in Nepal , this process is as rapid as 10m a year. In the future, this will result in water scarcity in Nepal and for more than a billion people living downstream who depend on glaciers and snow as a source of fresh water.
WWF Nepal began the Freshwater Program in October 2004 with an overall aim to minimize impacts and threats to freshwater resources and promote sustainable utilization and conservation of water for future generations. The major focuses of the Freshwater Program are the Koshi River Basin Management and conservation of High Altitude Wetlands. Climate change has been one of the key focuses and the program is implementing climate change adaptation on water resources with the help of local communities. Besides, awareness raising and capacity building on freshwater conservation and climate change impacts is also an important part of the program.