Description
The 1971 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially for Waterfowl Conservation (hereafter referred to as Ramsar) is historically and currently important from several standpoints. It came into force in 1975 and is the oldest of the international conservation conventions and the only one that protects one general ecosystem type. Through the main text and various policy documents published over the past 30 years, Ramsar provides signatory nations with many general and specific guidelines for conserving and managing wetlands resources and their associated wildlife. Here we consider the implementation of Ramsar within Nepal, a Party since 1987, based on the country’s national policy that came into force in 2003. The most important (and oldest) Ramsar site in Nepal is Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is important biologically as 1) the habitat for the last Nepalese population of wild Asiatic buffalo, 2) an overwintering site for several dozen species of ducks and geese and, 3) a stopover site for dozens of species of shorebirds that overwinter along the coasts of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Thus, in spite of its inland location, Koshi Tappu is significant for the conservation of species that use marine resources throughout their life cycle. Koshi Tappu is also under increased threats of encroachment and resources (e.g. fish, grasses) are harvested regularly by local residents.
On the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Nepal and its implications for regional waterfowl conservation
The 1971 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially for Waterfowl Conservation (hereafter referred to as Ramsar) is historically and currently important from several standpoints. It came into force in 1975 and is the oldest of the international conservation conventions and the only one that protects one general ecosystem type. Through the main text and various policy documents published over the past 30 years, Ramsar provides signatory nations with many general and specific guidelines for conserving and managing wetlands resources and their associated wildlife. Here we consider the implementation of Ramsar within Nepal, a Party since 1987, based on the country’s national policy that came into force in 2003. The most important (and oldest) Ramsar site in Nepal is Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is important biologically as 1) the habitat for the last Nepalese population of wild Asiatic buffalo, 2) an overwintering site for several dozen species of ducks and geese and, 3) a stopover site for dozens of species of shorebirds that overwinter along the coasts of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Thus, in spite of its inland location, Koshi Tappu is significant for the conservation of species that use marine resources throughout their life cycle. Koshi Tappu is also under increased threats of encroachment and resources (e.g. fish, grasses) are harvested regularly by local residents.