Experts' Meeting on Understanding Freshwater Ecosystem in Koshi Basin, Nepal: Priority for Research and Policy
Date03 Feb 2015VenueHotel Himalaya, Lalitpur, NepalContact PersonsDr Shahriar WahidTypeMeetingProgrammesRiver Basins, Koshi Basin ProgrammeBackground
Freshwater in the Koshi River Basin is an important ecosystem, and its interface with other ecosystems is crucial for managing ecosystem services in the longer term. In particular, the Koshi River Basin has high potential for hydropower and irrigation in the downstream. Thus it contributes significantly to the economic development of the region. However, freshwater ecosystems in the basin are increasingly at risk due to anthropogenic changes as well as climate change. Threats to water supply are of greatest concern. In the changing sociopolitical context, and in view of the emerging opportunity for state restructuring in Nepal, Koshi Basin Programme (KBP) is discussing a possible financial instrument for managing ecosystem. To that end, it seeks to develop a mechanism for sharing benefits among upstream and downstream communities, with a focus on water as a central element of the ecosystem services.
In late 2013 and early 2014, an initial field visit was carried out together with other initiatives and partner institutions of ICIMOD. In late 2014, a local level expert meeting was organized. Based on the primary visits, the expert meeting and a review of secondary literature, a concept framework has been developed for freshwater ecosystem assessment in the Koshi Basin. The framework emphasizes 1) fresh water ecosystem assessment 2) valuation of freshwater ecosystem, with particular focus on water (irrigation and hydropower), and 3) pilots in benefit sharing mechanism (one each in hydropower and irrigation).
In this context, there is a need for greater understanding of the status and patterns of change in freshwater ecosystem in the Koshi River Basin. The proposed expert consultation aims to bring biodiversity experts and professionals to discuss and scope research priorities that can possibly be linked to policy in Nepal.
Programme Agenda
Moderator: Laxmi D. Bhatta and Tanya Doody
| Time | Program Description | Presenter |
| 9:20 AM | Welcome note and an overview of ICIMOD programmes, with particular focus on River Basins | Dr Eklabya Sharma, Director of Programme Operations, ICIMOD |
| 9.30 AM | Integrated River Basin programme, linking national initiative to regional scale | Dr Arun Bhakta Shrestha, Regional Programme Manager |
| 9:40 AM | Knowing each other |
|
| 9:50 AM | Objective of expert consultation and plan | Tanya Doody |
| 10:00 AM | Freshwater ecosystem in the Koshi: Drivers of change and local livelihoods | Laxmi D. Bhatta, S. Wahid and team |
| 10:15 AM | Floral diversity in the Koshi Basin | Prof. Ram P. Chaudhary |
| 10:30 AM | Morning tea |
|
| 10:50 AM | Agriculture systems and fisheries | Prof. Khem Raj Dahal, and Prof. Madhav K. Shrestha |
| 11:05 AM | Aquatic life and faunal diversity | Prof. Khadga Basnet |
| 11:20 AM | Birds and birdlife | Dr Hem Sagar Baral and Dhan Chaudhary |
| 11:35 AM | Herpitofauna and reptiles | Dr Karna B Shah, Dr Surya Ghubhaju |
| 11:50 AM | Wetlands and livelihoods | Top B. Khatri and/or An Nath Baral, Kabir Uddin |
| 12:05 PM | Large fauna /terrestrial biodiversity | Dr Shanta Raj Gnawali and/or Narendra Pradhan |
| 12:20 PM | Lunch |
|
| 1:00 PM | Discussions and experts’ inputs Key Questions:
| Tanya Doody, Laxmi Bhatta, and S. Wahid (in each group) Group work
3 groups – suggested based on key questions, 1 hr- group work + 5 min presentation each |
| 3:30 PM | Coffee break |
|
| 3:50 PM | Summary/next steps | Tanya Doody |
| 4:10 PM | Vote of thanks | Laxmi |
Radio interview with Laxmi Bhatt about Koshi Basin