Kathmandu. World Wetlands Day is being observed across the globe today. Stating that wetlands are under threat due to human encroachment, the Day is being observed to raise awareness about its protection and importance.
According to the National Wetlands Policy, 32 species of mammals, 461 species of birds (15 of which are endangered), 9 turtles, 20 species of snakes and 28 species of fish are found in the wetlands of Nepal. Apart from this, wetlands also provide natural protection against floods, landslides, heavy rains, and droughts. The marshy soils of these wetlands produce the rice that some 3 billion people eat from the world’s population.
There are 10 areas in the Ramsar list of Nepal. Ramsar covers 60,561 hectares of land in Nepal. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve of Nepal was enlisted in the Ramsar list for the first time on December 17, 1987. Koshi Tappu, Bishajari and surrounding lakes, Ghodaghodi lake area, Jagadishpur reservoir, Rara, Phoksundo, Gosaikunda and surrounding areas are enlisted in the list of Ramsar.
Similarly, Gokyo and surrounding lakes, Mai Pokhari and lakes of Pokhara Valley have also been enlisted. But lately, the Ramsar area has been declining.
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