World Wetlands Day and the Importance of Nepal’s Ecosystems

Kathmandu. Today, World Wetlands Day is being celebrated globally through various programs. The day is observed with an emphasis on programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of wetlands and their conservation, as these areas are increasingly under threat due to human encroachment.

According to the National Wetland Policy 2002, the wetland areas of Nepal's Terai region alone are home to 32 species of mammals, 461 species of birds (15 of which are rare), 9 species of turtles, 20 species of snakes, and 28 species of fish. 

Additionally, wetlands provide natural protection against floods, landslides, and extreme rainfall or drought. The marshy soils of these wetland areas produce the rice consumed by approximately 3 billion people worldwide.

Ten sites in Nepal are listed on the Ramsar list, covering an area of 60,561 hectares. Nepal's Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was first included in the Ramsar list on December 17, 1987. Along with Koshi Tappu, Beeshazar and its surrounding lakes, the Ghodaghodi Lake area, Jagadishpur Reservoir, Rara, Phoksundo, and Gosainkunda and its surrounding areas are also listed.

Similarly, Gokyo and its surrounding lakes, Mai Pokhari, and the lakes of the Pokhara Valley have also been listed. However, in recent times, these Ramsar areas have been steadily declining.