Background

Lakes and wetlands, habitats for amphibians as well as aquatic lives, are areas of variable size filled with water that contains the basin and is surrounded by land. The lakes are a very important natural heritage from diverse perspectives like the water cycle, biological diversity, economic and social fame, tourism, and biogeochemical cycle. Moreover, history reveals that the development of human civilizations is closely related to lakes and adjacent water resources. Lakes/wetlands provide the services for basic of life ranging from food such as fish, fruits and vegetables, fodder, water to medicinal and decorative plants. In addition, lakes/wetlands are also important for religious and spiritual values, as they are the sacred place for festivals, sports, beauty and recreational activities, source of pleasure, formal and informal education can also be obtained from the lakes.

Often addressed as kidneys of the mother earth, Lakes and wetlands constitute important habitat and food resources for a diverse array of fish, birds, aquatic life, and wildlife. Lakes are highly valued for lacustrine deposit, pollination, water reuse, and purification. In addition, Lakes/wetlands harmonize temperature, precipitation, and absorbing greenhouse gases to moderate climate change, accumulate water, soil, and nutrient for agriculture, and manage floods, drought, and landslides to control natural disasters and play a significant role to maintain and balance the ecological system.

Lakes can be naturally formed as well as artificially constructed and their life span varies accordingly. Loss, degradation, change, and fragmentation of lakes are caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Climate change, outbursts of lakes due to landslides and siltation, and watershed dried out are some natural factors whereas encroachment and unplanned land use are anthropogenic causes for the degradation of the lakes which in turn disrupt the entire ecosystem.

For a geographically diverse and agriculturally engaging nation like Nepal, the conservation of lakes are very important and vital. With the motto of the conservation and management of wetlands and lakes in Nepal, National Lake Conservation Development Committee is formed.

What is National Lake Conservation Development Committee, Nepal?

National Lake Conservation Development Committee (NLCDC), is a premier Technical Organization of Nepal for the conservation and management of wetlands and lakes in Nepal. NLCDC is entrusted with the general responsibilities of initiating, coordinating, and furthering in consultation with the State, federal and local governments concerned, and schemes for control, conservation, and utilization of wetlands and lakes throughout the country.

Importance of conserving lakes and wetlands of Nepal.

Lakes are the part of the historic and social landscape of the region for many centuries, delivering water-related needs to the community not just for household requirements but also for livelihood purposes. As a common property resource, the conservation of lakes and wetlands is vital for the whole environment, ecology, and socio-economic growth of the entire community.

13 percent of the Nepali ethnic population are dependent on lakes and wetlands for their livelihood, and these lakes and wetlands have been playing a very specific role in the overall socio-economic development. Degradation and disappearance of Nepali lakes and wetlands, captivating the occupancy of these natural forms and hindrance towards the biodiversity in them has been a common phenomenon in Nepal, NLCDC is entirely dedicated to preserving and managing Nepali lakes and wetlands and managing them in a broader perspective of environmental management. NLCDC views Nepali lakes and wetlands within a framework of a broader perspective of environmental management in Nepal and it has been working for the conservation, development, expansion, adornment, and promotion of entire lakes and wetlands under the Development Board Act 2013.

Formation of NLCDC.

Acknowledging the roles of lakes and wetlands, The Government of Nepal (GoN) formed the National Lake Conservation Development Committee (NLCDC) through the cabinet meeting held on 23rd Falgun 2063 (March 7, 2007) for the conservation, development, expansion, adornment, and promotion of entire lakes and wetlands of Nepal, under the Development Board Act 2013 and wisely conserve and manage biodiversity of all lakes and wetlands of Nepal.

As the apex body for the conservation and development of lakes across the country, NLCDC also gives related policy advice on program planning and implementation to the GoN.

Since then, NLCDC has been the national key institution for the conservation and development of lakes and wetlands, and the committee functions under the Ministry of Tourism and civil aviation.