Wetlands in Nepal are in a sorry state. Loss of birds there is an alarm bell

It has been a few years that conservationists and stakeholders have been speaking about the diminishing state of wetlands in Nepal. They observe being a country that is rich in water resources has not helped Nepal overcome the threats, protect the wetlands or stride towards a better future. As the world celebrates 51st World Wetlands Day, conservationists say there is so much more to do for wetlands in Nepal.

Of the global wetlands, over 90 per cent have been degraded since the 1700s. The condition of wetlands in Nepal is not different either as they have been degrading for various reasons. For now, Nepal has over 5 per cent of wetlands, but the future is in limbo. One of the indications that the threat against wetlands in Nepal has been out of control is the gradually decreasing number of birds, both migratory and resident ones .