Wetland sites

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Wetland sites
by \| 25-09-2014 12:58 0
A wetland is a area that is saturated with water permanently or seasonally. Primarily, the factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic Vegetation that is adapted to its unique soil conditions. Wetlands consist primarily of hydric soil, which supports aquatic plants. The water found in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater, or brackish. Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water purification, flood control, and shoreline stability. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life. Wetlands of Nepal constitute an important ecosystem that harbors a large number of endemic wildlife species, many of which are on the brink of extinction.It is estimated that about 750,000 hectares (nearly 5 percent of the total surface area of the country) of wetlands exist in Nepal.Some 240 wetland sites are known to exist in Nepal of which,IUCN ,the world Conservation Union,has already inventoried 163 in the Terai (southern Plains) region.The wetlands of Nepal ,however,range from the torpid ponds of the subtropical Terai to the glacial lakes of the High Himalayas which indicates the diversity in the species of wildlife that might be expected to be supported by them. According to National wetland policy 2003,the wetlands of Nepal provide habitat for several species of wildlife.The wetlands of the country's lowland alone support 32 species of mammals,461 species of birds(among which 15 species are rare),9 specie of turtle,20 species of snake and 28 species of fish. Also Nepal I signatory to a number of international conventions and treaties to protect the environment and biodiversity.They are 1) Convention on wetlands of International importance,especially Waterfowl habitat (Ramsar Convention),signed on 17 december 1987 2) Agreement on the Network of aquaculture Centres in Asia and Pacific,signed on 8 January 1988,and 3) Convention on Biological Diversity,signed on 15 June 1992 Regardless of the all the efforts they are still going through many problems like invasive species,pollution,climate change etc. There are 9 lakes around and inside the city I live,they are not enlisted in the Ramsar site but they do have great importance here economically,socially and from biodiversity point of view.Also they were proposed to be enlisted in the Ramsar site( http://www.ekantipur.com/2014/01/24/national/9-pokhara-lakes-up-for-ramsar-recognition/384376.html) . I'm going to start my awareness campaign soon.I hope I can make a difference and help in the conservation of these important sites.

Dormant user

7 Comments

Rohan Kapur says :
Yes Alina YOU can make a difference. Nepali ambassadors are indeed very active in highlighting the local issues.
By signing the conventions the Govt. has also shown its commitment.
Nepal is rich in natural resources & wetlands forms an important part of nature. Preservation & augmentation of wetlands is an important part of achieving sustainable existence.
Looking forward to your more inputs, All the best.
Posted 30-09-2014 00:22

says :
Alina!

I know Nepal is a fabulous and spectacular country, being your Indian neignbour.
I have a long desire to visit the Himalaya's.
Hopefully I can make it very soon.

And yes the article is simply superb.
Fingers crossed.
Cheers.
Posted 28-09-2014 03:21

Arushi Madan says :
Thanks , Alina , for highlighting Nepal's impressive wetlands biodiversity.
Apart from signing many conventions and treaties to protect environment & biodveristy , lot more sincere commitment of Nepal is needed to conserve the wetland habitats , ensure the sustainable management and conservation of nationally and globally important wetland biodiversity along with enhancing sustainability of environmental services.
Nice to know that you would starting awareness campaign on this. Looking forward to your further reports after your campaign. When such campaigns are carried out with sincerity and focus , they sure make a difference and so will yours do. All the best.
Posted 27-09-2014 16:03

Dharmendra Kapri

Dharmendra Kapri says :
Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems, comparable to tropical evergreen forests in the biosphere and play a significant role in the ecological sustainability of a region.Wetlands in India, as elsewhere are increasingly facing several anthropogenic pressures. Thus, the rapidly expanding human population, large-scale changes in land use/land covers, burgeoning development projects and improper use of watersheds have all caused a substantial decline of wetland resources of the country.
Thanks for sharing, Alina :)
Posted 26-09-2014 18:05

says :
Thank you Alina, Korea is also a member country of Ramsar Convention :)
But due to massive infrastructure projects, many parts of wetland in Korea have got severely damaged. As you wrote on the article, wetland plays important roles in ecosystems. I hope Nepal can preserve the precious wetlands as it has been from very long time ago.

Posted 26-09-2014 16:04