PAANI PROGRAM | पानी परियोजना TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (January 1 – March 31, 2019)
Cover photo: A group of local fishermen use traditional approaches to fish in the Karnali River, Rakam, while the Third National River Summit took place along the river bank from March 26- 31, 2019.
Photo credit: USAID Paani Program / Nabin Baral
PAANI PROGRAM | पानी परियोजना TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (January 1 – March 31, 2019)
PROGRAM TITLE: USAID PAANI PROGRAM DAI PROJECT NUMBER: 1002810 SPONSORING USAID OFFICE: USAID/NEPAL IDIQ NUMBER: AID-OAA-I-14-00014 TASK ORDER NUMBER: AID-367-TO-16-00001 CONTRACTOR: DAI GLOBAL LLC DATE OF PUBLICATION: APRIL 30, 2019
This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by DAI Global LLC. The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS V SECTION 1: ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 1 SECTION II: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 SECTION 1I1: ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION 8 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF CAPTURE FISHERIES 8 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR WATER MANAGEMENT 13 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND MINING 17 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES 19 STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION21 STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: IMPROVE RIVER BASIN PLANNING 23 STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER 26 STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: SUPPORT CSOS TO ADVOCATE FOR TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE HYDROPOWER DECISION-MAKING 29 STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: STRENGTHEN POLICY AND PLANNING FOR INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (IWRM) 31 STRATEGIC APPROACH 4A: LEARN AND DISCOVER (GENERATE KNOWLEDGE) THROUGH A RESEARCH AGENDA THAT INFORMS SAS UNDER IRS 1 AND 2 34 STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: SUPPORT CAPACITY BUILDING, LEARNING, AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING IN ACADEMIC AND OTHER LEARNING SPACES 38 PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATION, KNOWLEDGE SHARING 42 CROSS CUTTING ISSUES 45 SECTION IV: ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 61 CONSTRAINTS AND PROPOSED REMEDIES 62 PERSONNEL UPDATES 65 PROPOSED ADAPTATIONS OF THE ACTIVITY 66 GRANTS- COMPLETED, ONGOING, AND IN THE PIPELINE 66 SECTION V: LEARNING 70 RESULTS OF ANALYSTIC WORK, ASSESSMENTS, AND EVALUATIONS 70 LESSONS LEARNED AND HOW THEY ARE USED TO INFORM PROGRAM PERFORMANCE71 SECTION V1: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER 77 STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: INTEGRATE INTO ACADEMIC AND OTHER LEARNING SPACES 96 ANNEXES 98 EXHIBIT A1: GESI BREAKDOWN FOR PAANI ACTIVITIES IN Y3 Q3 98 EXHIBIT A2: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1A 108 EXHIBIT A3: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 4A 116 EXHIBIT A4: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1D 117 EXHIBIT A5: NEFEJ ANALYTICS IN Y3 Q3 125
FIGURES AND TABLES
FIGURE 1: PAANI DEVELOPMENT HYPOTHESIS ...... 3
FIGURE 2: GESI BREAKDOWN OF PARTICIPANTS IN THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT ...... 46
FIGURE 3: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY RIVER BASIN Y3 Q3 ...... 100
FIGURE 4: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY ACTIVITY Y3 Q3 ...... 102
FIGURE 5: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY SUB-ACTIVITY Y3 Q3...... 103
FIGURE 6: THREAT FACTORS TO FISHERIES IN MIDDLE KARNALI WATERSHED ...... 110
FIGURE 7: FISH SPAWNING AND NURSING AREAS IDENTIFIED DURING FISH VULNEARIBILITY ASSESSMENT IN LOWER MAHAKALI WATERSHED ...... 112
FIGURE 8: FISH SPAWNING AND NURSING AREAS IDENTIFIED DURING FISH VULNEARIBILITY ASSESSMENT IN WEST SETI WATERSHED ...... 113
FIGURE 9: TREND OF SPRING DISCHARGE LEVELS BY WATERSHED ...... 116
FIGURE 10: DISTRIBUTION OF AQUACULTURE FACILITIES IN RIVER CORRIDOR OF LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS ...... 119
FIGURE 11: INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS IN LAKES OF LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS ...... 122
FIGURE 12: METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED FOR THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES ...... 124
TABLE 1: MEETINGS WITH USAID/NEPAL AND OTHER USAID PROGRAMS...... 42
TABLE 2: MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS ...... 43
TABLE 3: INDICATOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING TABLE ...... 51
TABLE 4: KEY ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT TASKS COMPLETED DURING Y3 Q3 ...... 61
TABLE 5: ADDRESSED CONSTRAINTS FROM THE Y3/Q2 REPORT ...... 62
TABLE 6: PAANI PERSONNEL UPDATES Y3 Q3 ...... 65
TABLE 7: COMPLETED AND ONGOING PAANI GRANTS AS OF Y3 Q3 ...... 66
TABLE 8: PAANI GRANTS PIPELINE AS OF Y3 Q3 ...... 69
TABLE 9: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER ...... 77
TABLE 10: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY RIVER BASIN/ ACTIVITY Y3 Q3 ...... 98
USAID.GOV PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN 1 – MARCH 31, 2019) | iii TABLE 11: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY ACTIVITY/SUB-ACTIVITY Y3 Q3 ...... 99
TABLE 12: GESI PARTICIPATION IN NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS Y3 Q3 ...... 107
TABLE 13: FISH SPECIES CAPTURED AND RECORDED IN CAACG-LED MINI ASSESSMENT IN JHIMRUK AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHED ...... 108
TABLE 14: FREQUENCY OF THREATS AMONG THE STUDY SITES IN MIDDLE KARNALI WATERSHED ...... 111
TABLE 15: FLAGSHIP SPECIES IDENTIFIED DURING FVA IN LOWER MAHAKALI AND WEST SETI WATERSHEDS ...... 111
TABLE 16: FISHING GEAR AND PRACTICES USED IN LOWER MAHAKALI WATERSHED AND THEIR SENSITIVITY TO FISH ...... 114
TABLE 17: FISHING GEARS AND PRACTICES USED IN WEST SETI WATERSHED AND THEIR SENSITIVITY TO FISH ...... 115
TABLE 18: DISTRIBUTION OF SPRINGS BY WATERSHED ...... 116
TABLE 19: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR BHAGRAIYA LAKE MANAGEMENT, LOWER KARNALI117
TABLE 20: EXOTIC AQUATIC SPECIES IDENTIFIED IN LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS ...... 117
TABLE 21: ESCAPE OF EXOTIC FISH INTO NATURAL WATER OF LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS ...... 121
TABLE 22: NEFEJ TV SHOW EPISODES BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3 ...... 125
TABLE 23: NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y3 Q3 ...... 130
TABLE 24: NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD IN Y3 Q3 ...... 133
TABLE 25: NEFEJ ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS HELD IN Y3 Q3...... 135
TABLE 26: RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS ...... 136
TABLE 27: ANALYTICS OF HAKAHAKI WEB PORTAL IN Y3 Q3 ...... 138
TABLE 28: ANALYTICS OF HEALTH REPORT VIEWS THROUGH HAKAHAKI ANDROID APP IN Y3 Q3 ...... 139
ABBREVIATIONS
AAABA Aquatic Animal and Aquatic Biodiversity Act
AABCB Aquatic Animals and Biodiversity Conservation Bill
ADB Asian Development Bank
AEPC Alternative Energy Promotion Centre
ANUKULAN Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters
APS Annual Program Statement
ASHA Adaptation for Smallholders in Hilly Areas (project)
AWP Annual Work Plan
BAFER Balchaur Forest and Environment Resource Development Centre
BCRWME Building Climate Resilience of Watersheds in Mountain Eco-regions (project)
BCTS Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakuri and Sanyasi
BFIs Banks and Financing Institutions
BMP Best Management Practice
CAPA Community Adaptation Plans of Action
CAT Catch
CBAPU Community Based Anti-Poaching Units
CBF Community Business Facilitator
CBR Community Biodiversity Register
CCA Climate Change Adaptation
CDES Central Department of Environmental Science
CFPCC Central Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Center
CFG Community Fishing Group
CFUG Community Forest User Group
CIA Cumulative Impact Assessment
CMDN Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal
CREEW Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water
USAID.GOV PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN 1 – MARCH 31, 2019) | v CRG Community River Groups
CS Citizen Scientist
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
CS: MAP Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project
CSO Civil Society Organization
DANAR Dalit Association for Natural Resources
DDC District Development Committee
DFID Department for International Development
DG Director General
DHM Department of Hydrology and Meteorology
DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
DoAD Department of Agriculture
DoFD Directorate of Fisheries Development
DoLIDAR Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Road
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction
DSCO District Soil Conservation Office
DTO District Technical Office
DTMP District Transport Master Plan
EAP Emergency Action Planning
EECCC Energy, Environment, Climate Change Coordination Committee
EFLGF Environmentally Friendly Local Governance Framework
EDC Energy Development Council
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
FAA Fixed Amount Award
FECOFUN Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal
FEDWASUN Federation of Water and Sanitation Users Nepal
FEWS Flood Early Warning System
FGD Focus Group Discussion
FIRDO Fulvari Integrated Rural Development Organization
GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
GCC Global Climate Change
GIS Geographic Information System
GLOF Glacier Lake Outburst Flood
HbD Hydropower by Design
HSAP Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol
HWEPC Human Welfare Environmental Protection Centre
ICH International Centre for Hydropower Norway
IPPAN Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal
KISAN Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition project
LDCRCC Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Coordination Committees
LDCRC Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Committees
LAPA Local Adaptation Plans of Action
LTTA Long Term Technical Assistance
IBN Investment Board Nepal
ICID International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage
ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
IDE International Development Enterprises
IFC International Finance Corporation
IPM Integrated Pest Management
IPPAN Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal
IR Intermediate Result
IRBM Integrated river basin management
IRBMP Integrated River Basin Management Platforms
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature
USAID.GOV PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN 1 – MARCH 31, 2019) | vii IWMA Integrated Watershed Management Activity
IWMI International Water Management Institute
IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management
ISET-N Institute for Social and Environmental Transition - Nepal
KII Key Informant Interview
KU Kathmandu University
LDCRP Local Disaster Risk Management Planning
LVRE Low Volume Roads Engineering
LWF Lutheran World Relief
MEDEP Micro-Enterprise Development Programme
MEWRI Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MHP Micro-hydropower
MoAD Ministry of Agriculture Development
MoE Ministry of Energy
MoFALD Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development
MoFE Ministry of Forest and the Environment
MoFSC Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation
MoI Ministry of Irrigation
MoPE Ministry of Population and Environment
MRDCC Mallarani Rural Development Concern Center
MSC Multi-Stakeholder Consultation (workshops)
MWU Mid-Western University
MUS Multiple Use Water System
NARC Nepal Agriculture Research Council
NBA Nepal Bankers Association
NCCSP Nepal Climate Change Support Programme
NHA Nepal Hydropower Association
NHDP Nepal Hydropower Development Project
NENCID Nepal National Commission on Irrigation and Drainage
NEFEJ Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists
NEFIN Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities
NFIWUAN Nepal Federation of Irrigation Users Associations
NPC National Planning Commission
NRBCF Nepal River Basin Conservation Fund
NRCT Nepal River Conservation Trust
NRSAS Nepal Road Sector Assessment Study
PAHAL Promoting Agriculture, Health, and Alternative Livelihoods project
PEA Political Economy Analysis
PES Payment for Environmental Services
PHG People’s Help Group
PSC Project Steering Committee
PTC Project Technical Committee
RAP 3 Rural Access Programme
RFA Request for Application
RHF Resources Himalaya Foundation
RVWRMP Rural Village Water Resources Management Project
RSM River Stretch Management
SA Strategic Approach
SEED Social, Environmental and Economic Development office
SEN Small Earth Nepal
SOW Scope of Work
STTA Short Term Technical Assistance
SWAT Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)
TAL Tarai Arc Landscape
TNC The Nature Conservancy
USAID.GOV PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN 1 – MARCH 31, 2019) | ix TOC Theory of Change
TROSA Transboundary Rivers of South Asia
TU Tribhuvan University
USFS United States Forest Service
USG United States Government
VDC Village Development Committees
VCA Vulnerability Capacity Assessments
WECS Water and Energy Commission Secretariat
WMO World Meteorological Organization
WMS Watershed Management Specialist
WUMP Water Users Management Plans
WWF World Wildlife Fund
YAE Youth Alliance for the Environment
SECTION 1: ACTIVITY OVERVIEW The USAID Paani Program – युएसएड पानी परियोजना – aims to enhance Nepal’s ability to manage water resources for multiple uses and users through climate change adaptation and the conservation of freshwater biodiversity. Paani employs an integrated, whole-of-basin approach with activities at the watershed, river basin, and national scales, to reduce threats to freshwater biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of targeted human and ecological communities in the Karnali, Mahakali and Rapti river basins through improved water management.
At the community and watershed levels, Paani increases the knowledge, engagement, and benefits of local water users in target river basins to build water management capacity (Intermediate Result 1). At the river basin level, Paani’s activities focus on sustainable hydropower, flood risk reduction, and participatory governance (Intermediate Result 2). At the national level, Paani focuses on policy and the enabling environment and improves coordination among stakeholders at all levels (Intermediate Result 3). Underlying its support across these three levels, Paani expands the knowledge base and Nepal’s capacity for on-going learning in the areas of freshwater biodiversity, climate change and water resources management (Intermediate Result 4).
In June 2017, the program shifted its approach to planning and implementation around 11 strategic approaches (SA). Each approach provides a logical path for understanding Paani’s work under each strategic theme. Results chains were then developed to set forth a pathway for each of the SAs, which are grouped under the four intermediate results as follows:
• Intermediate Result 1: Increased knowledge, engagement and benefits for local water users. To improve integrated water resource management, sustainable use of resources, and collaboration and investment on a significant scale, Paani is helping stakeholders build capacity through collaboration with local government, NGOs and other locally active stakeholders to address problems in their particular watersheds. Paani is helping stakeholders establish effective collaborative decision-making (governance) processes across five strategic approaches carried out at the watershed level: o SA 1a: Improve management of capture fisheries o SA 1b: Improve local capacity for water management o SA 1c: Improve local capacity for regulation and management of local road construction and (riverbed) aggregate mining o SA 1d: Improve local capacity for managing invasive species o SA 2b: Improve local capacity for disaster risk reduction (also applicable at the river basin level, under IR 2)
The experience and trust developed in these collaborative relationships will help Paani stakeholders work more credibly with other levels of government, and other stakeholders, donors, and decision- makers at the river basin (IR 2) and other (IRs 3 and 4) levels.
• Intermediate Result 2: Improved basin-level resource management. At the basin level, activities take into consideration entire catchment areas and the high level of connectivity of freshwater systems. Paani is building on watershed-level experience to carry out four approaches at the basin-level: o SA 2a: Improve basin level planning o SA 2b: Improve local capacity for disaster risk reduction (also applicable at the watershed level)
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o SA 2c: Support sustainable hydropower (also linked with a strategic approach under IR3) o SA 3b: Support CSOs to advocate for transparent and accountable hydropower decision-making (also cross-cutting at the national level)
• Intermediate Result 3: Strengthened coordination and enabling environment o SA 3a: Strengthen policy and planning for integrated water resource management (IWRM) o SA 3b: Support CSOs to advocate for transparent and accountable hydropower decision-making (also applicable at the basin level)
• Intermediate Result 4: Expanded knowledge base o SA 4a: Learn and discover (generate knowledge) through a research agenda that informs the strategic approaches under IRs 1 and 2 o SA 4b: Support capacity building, learning and knowledge sharing in academic and other learning spaces over the long term
With the understanding that IRs still provide the broad framework for Paani’s work, the program plans and implements according to the above SAs. Therefore, and in line with the Paani Year 3 (Y3) Annual Work Plan (AWP), this quarterly report documents project activities according to the 11 SAs and the tasks that fall under them. Nonetheless, the Strategic Approaches are interwoven differently in each river basin or watershed. To ensure that activities under each SA complement each other effectively across areas of implementation, Paani has identified focused initiatives, as described later in this section.
Paani believes that by demonstrating the value of freshwater biodiversity, strengthening governance and stakeholder relationships at all levels and strengthening the base and use of evidence, the program can catalyze transformative change in Nepal’s capacity to manage its freshwater resources and enhance resilience to a changing climate - from Nepal’s high mountain slopes to the rich waterways of the Tarai.
Paani is a sister project to the USAID-funded Nepal Hydropower Development Project (NHDP) and to complementary projects funded by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The program also builds on USAID/Nepal’s experience and on-going projects in terrestrial conservation, extending successful community-based models for reducing threats to key species and for building resilience.
Paani is a part of USAID’s on-going investment in strengthening natural resource management in Nepal. The Task Order was signed on April 11, 2016 for a 56-month period that ends on December 16, 2020. In mid-July 2016, the Government of Nepal (GON), Ministry of Finance and USAID signed an implementation letter that enabled DAI to formally begin coordination and planning with the GON and other partners to carry out the Paani program. The program is helping the GON achieve results related to several national policies, strategies and action plans, both existing and under formulation. Paani is also making real the provisions in the country’s new Constitution, particularly in integrating improved water governance intothe newly established provinces. The overall development hypothesis upon which Paani is based is presented in Figure 1.
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FIGURE 1: PAANI DEVELOPMENT HYPOTHESIS
• There is improved scientific information to inform decision making; • Better capacity to manage freshwater resources; IF: • Effective governance; • Local solutions that enhance resilient livelihoods and promote freshwater conservation; and • A stronger policy and institutional enabling environment to coordinate the multiple uses of water,
The government and people of Nepal will: THEN: • Conserve freshwater biodiversity, • Adapt to climate change, and • Maintain the natural resource base needed for sustainable economic growth.
To translate this theory of change into action, Paani is applying five key principles that are integral to an overall integrated river basin management (IRBM) approach that connects upstream and downstream stakeholders—including women and lower caste members—in taking actions that will strengthen water resources governance, management and protection. Indeed, promoting stakeholder engagement and collaboration flows through all five principles:
• Engage Paani stakeholders through user-centered design • Foster upstream-downstream linkages • Apply theories of change and adapt activities to reflect evolving political, ecological and economic circumstances • Focus on sustainability • Integration of technical components and modalities to mutually reinforce tasks
By December 2020, Paani will have helped stakeholders accomplish the following:
• Improved river basin and watershed management in the Rapti, Karnali and Mahakali river basins. Each basin will have reduced threats to freshwater ecosystems, conserved biodiversity, and enhanced human well-being. • Communities and water users from local to national levels will have increased their knowledge and capacity to deal with climate vulnerabilities through climate smart practices. • Through centers of excellence, champions of sustainable water management will network well with each other and connect effectively with other stakeholders. Champions at multiple levels will provide insights and perspectives that are respected by decision-makers and contribute to widespread beneficial changes in watershed management and climate change adaptation practices. • Issues related to integrated and basin-level water management, freshwater biodiversity, gender and social inclusion will be accepted as essential to national discourse and policy development on water, energy and development. • In multiple watersheds throughout the three river basins, baseline and end-line surveys will have demonstrated significantly reduced threats, increased resilience and other benefits through implementation of watershed and basin level plans with the following key features: upstream and downstream linkages, gender and social inclusion (GESI), climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR), monitoring by local people, and “green” infrastructure. • A long-term funding mechanism for river basin management and innovation will have been established.
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• Multiple users of water and freshwater biodiversity will have improved their understanding, attitudes, values and behaviors relating to the conservation and sustainable use of water and freshwater biodiversity.
Paani Year 3 Focused Initiatives
During the Annual Planning retreat held in mid-June 2018, the Paani team identified the need to have greater focus to ensure that different activities carried out complement each other and, in some geographies, have a greater impact. Paani staff working at the national, basin and watershed scale spent a day and a half reviewing their current efforts, assessing opportunities and refining work plans so that Paani might leverage emerging strategic opportunities from Year 2 that offer the greatest potential for impact by 2020. To identify opportunities, teams explored the level of partner or community buy-in, alignment with prioritized watershed issues, and presence of complementary activities.
The Paani team identified the following four kinds of focused initiatives that provide opportunities for significant impact. Progress on these initiatives—which include both place-based projects in specific basins/watersheds as well as broader national-level change initiatives—will be critical for accomplishing Paani’s objectives by the end of the project in December 2020. These initiatives leverage existing activities from Paani’s project portfolio and facilitate greater coordination and alignment, both internally, across Paani’s strategic approaches, and externally, with partner activities. Only those initiatives that were identified as ripe for action are included in the summary below. Planned implementation of these initiatives is woven throughout Section 3: Tasks. Successful collaboration with sub-contractors, USAID and the GON will be critical to leveraging these opportunities.
A. Collaborative Aquatic Resource Management: Work with stakeholders to develop at least one model of successful Collaborative Aquatic Resource Management in the Karnali River Basin working across different government scales. This may include: 1. Helping stakeholders to develop a collaborative mechanism for restoring viable and healthy populations of selected high biodiversity value aquatic species. 2. Fostering the creation of a co-management framework between the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) and local community(ies) in the Upper and Lower Karnali River Basin. 3. In the Middle Karnali/Jhimruk Khola, developing a model collaborative watershed management framework where multiple stakeholders demonstrate how to work across multiple sectors (e.g. irrigation, fisheries, hydropower, etc.) to manage a stretch of river.
B. Help local governments better plan and design local infrastructure. Work with local governments to better understand the long-term implications of poor quality development and the increased potential benefits of better planning and design of local infrastructure. This may include:
1. Supporting a municipal government project to fund green road design and maintenance in the Jhimruk Kola and/or Middle Karnali that demonstrates cost effective, durable and resilient infrastructure development. C. Inform and strengthen multi-stakeholder vision. Building on watershed and river basin level experience, including initiatives in the two categories above, to inform Nepal’s vision and capacity to balance development and conservation in the Karnali River
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ecosystem. This may include strengthening protection of at least one of the main tributaries of the Karnali River ecosystem. Initial activities at the basin level may include: 1. Supporting a multi-disciplinary research survey transect along the main of the Karnali River to highlight key ecological drivers; collecting information about aquatic resources, stream system functions, and riverine health; and describing the socio- environmental values that characterize the Karnali River basin from the headwaters to the Ganges River confluence. The goal of this activity is to provide the scientific foundation to develop a culturally informed, locally supported integrated water resource management framework on the main stem of the Karnali River, with the hope that the data collected during the project can help support the introduction of wild and scenic legislation in Nepal. 2. Engaging diverse stakeholders in a pilot multi-objective trade-off analysis in a major tributary of the Karnali River to help them develop a shared understanding of the consequences of different siting decisions for major dams and to demonstrate how consideration of ecological and biodiversity factors can strengthen river master planning. These activities will help develop among the Karnali River basin’s diverse stakeholders (a) a shared, holistic understanding of the river system’s values, including ecological and biodiversity factors as well as hydropower and irrigation, and the costs and benefits of different development options, (b) agreement on a "road map" for sustainable development investment and (c) accountability structures and procedures to ensure that investments and mitigation measures safeguard environmental and social values and principles. During Year 3, Paani will also help empower advocates to ensure sustainable practices and summarize existing and internationally accepted best practices to advance a rationale for sustainable hydro in Nepal.
D. Inform and strengthen multi-stakeholder platforms. Building sustainable capacity for integrated river basin management (IRBM) and integrated water resources management (IWRM) can begin during Year 3 through: 1. Work with WECS and provincial governments to develop the Project Technical Committee (PTC) into a platform for multi-stakeholder discussions on water resources at the national and/or provincial levels. 2. Support for a Third National River Summit that builds on the First and Second National River Summits' twin emphasis on local communities and youth (students) and expands participation to include MEWRI, MWU, and IPPAN (see Task No. 3.2.2).
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SECTION II: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This quarter, the Paani-supported Third National River Summit was a success. Co-led by NRCT and the Karnali Provincial government in Rakam, Middle Karnali Watershed, the Summit convened 200+ national and international experts and concerned citizens along Nepal’s longest river, to discuss how to balance conservation and development. The Summit concluded with a 19-point declaration aiming to maximize the cultural, religious, economic, and biodiversity value of the Karnali; encourage local governments to leave certain ‘wild and scenic’ sections of the river free-flowing to maintain their pristineness; and to introduce ‘Wild and Scenic River’ legislation for the Karnali River. Paani will share a detailed Summit report in Y3 Q4.
Alongside the Summit, Paani facilitated a youth competition on innovative watershed model design as a platform to USAID PAANI PROGRAM / NABIN BARAL engage a diverse group of Nepali youth on The National River Summit is a conference unlike any other— watershed management issues. The 10 where participants experience the Karnali River while engaging in dialogue on freshwater biodiversity and conservation. selected youth (four from Rakam and six college students from MWU, KU, and TU) worked together to construct a physical watershed model of the Rakam area, which was presented to the Mayor of Aathabis Municipality as a tool for planning and decision-making that factors in watershed health and threats.
"My hearty gratitude to Paani Program for such an amazing opportunity to connect with experts, share and learn new things…in the 3rd National River Summit 2019." —Aadesh Sharma, Tribhuvan University, youth participant in Paani’s watershed model design competition
Paani’s ongoing research yielded new results in Y3 Q3. Highlights include the following:
• Paani identified 202 native fish species belonging to 38 families through a Fish Vulnerability Assessment in the Karnali, Mahakali, and Rapti Rivers and some wetlands of the Lower Karnali Watershed. • In stretches of the Karnali, Mahakali, and Rapti Rivers, Panni identified four unique flagship fish species and nine threatened fish species, which This flagship fish monograph is an example of a Paani knowledge includes four from IUCN’s Red List product aimed at communicating research findings with target of Threatened Species. stakeholders and users.
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• Paani generated a roadmap to support sustainable capture fisheries in target river stretches by identifying 11 spawning zones, 13 nurturing zones, and 22 over fishing zones of keystone fish species in lower Mahakali and West Seti Rivers. • e-DNA study results showed that the concentration of some fish species was 8-10 times higher in Karnali water samples versus Trishuli River samples, due to the effect of hydropower. • e-DNA analysis detected Mayflies (an aquatic insect sensitive to pollution) in Karnali River samples, a clear indicator of aquatic health. • Paani mapped 4,222 spring sources across five watersheds. Water Quality Index tests confirmed that the spring water quality was within the acceptable range prescribed by WHO guidelines and Nepal drinking water guidelines.
Paani continues to promote watershed management best practices, this quarter focusing on water harvesting and bioengineering in Jhimruk and Middle Rapti Watersheds. Paani helped form 11 new Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Groups (CAACGs) in Lower Mahakali and Rangun Watersheds this quarter, equipping members with enhanced capacity to monitor aquatic resources, and ultimately, to establish river stretch co-management arrangements. Aditionally, outcomes from past advocacy work can now be seen. For example, in the Madhuban Ward 4 community of Lower Karnali Watershed, community forest groups have mobilized to put an end to river mining practices after participating in Paani-supported awareness campaigns on fish and freshwater biodiversity conservation. One highly mobilized CAACG in Middle Rapti, Baikha Machha Samuha, initiated its own fundraising campaign of collecting ‘a rupee per day for fish conservation,’ setting a positive example for other CAACGs to strengthen their conservation efforts.
Several new and exciting partnerships kicked off this quarter. Paani is collaborating with WWF on a series of new assessments to inform system scale planning in the Karnali River Basin. These cross- cutting studies will explore a whole-of-basin planning approach for the Karnali, with support from a strong global team of experts from The Nature Conservancy, University of California- Berkeley, Stanford University, and McGill University. At the Third National River Summit, Ms. Hannah Baleta of WWF presented on her experience with a similar study in Myanmar, highlighting Nepal’s potential to find balance between energy generation and free-flowing rivers, guided by an understanding of the options for expanding electricity systems. When complete, this work will generate new knowledge and help increase visibility on river conservation issues in Nepal.
Paani also signed a new grant with private sector partner, Independent Power Producers' Association- Nepal (IPPAN), who will build capacity of Nepal’s hydropower developers and operators in effective Emergency Action Planning.
This quarter, Paani prepared for a USFS-led technical field visit to design and demonstrate environmentally friendly rural road construction in Rakam, Aathbis Municipality of the Middle Karnali Watershed. Local government counterparts in Aathabis Municipality demonstrated their commitment to Paani and USFS's technical support by allocating their own funds for rehabilitation of the road.
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SECTION 1I1: ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION This section covers progress on tasks under each strategic approach (SA). Participation broken down by gender and caste/ethnicity for events and select activities across the program that are mentioned under these SA’s are outlined in the Annex, Exhibit A1.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF CAPTURE FISHERIES The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce threats to freshwater biodiversity and fisheries livelihoods by reducing poaching, destructive and illegal fishing, and overfishing.
During the quarter, Paani identified four flagship fish species, identified threats to fisheries in the Lower Mahkali and West Seti Watersheds, formed 11 Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Groups (CAACGs) in Lower Mahakali and Rangun Watershed, and enhanced the capacity of these groups to monitor aquatic resources, which communities can use to establish river stretch co- management arrangements. Based on experiences, field activities, and learning, Paani shared a framework for governance of river stretch co-management during the Third National River Summit to secure government and stakeholder buy-in for co-management development. Paani also facilitated local governments (two rural municipalities and one municipality) in the Middle Rapti Watershed with the development of Aquatic Animal and Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Acts (AABCA), which will be an instrument to initiate river stretch co-management. The team, with STTA support, conducted a feasibility study of aquaculture and culture-based fisheries in Karnali Province to inform the Karnali Provincial Government’s plans to develop a capture fisheries livelihood program focused on livelihoods for fisher and marginalized communities that are dependent on capture fisheries, thus reducing pressures on in situ systems. Paani also continued to learn about the biodiversity and ecology of fish unique to the Karnali, Rapti, and Mahakali Basins, and continued to develop capture fisheries technical guidelines to direct development of conservation, and advance legislation for the restoration of high-value aquatic biodiversity. Paani continued its awareness efforts, including multistakeholder discussions, wall paintings, hoarding boards, publications, distribution of IEC materials, and outreach campaigns, as well as capacity building efforts for government line agencies byengaging in technical dialogues to collaboratively manage aquatic biodiversity.
Progress over the quarter is reported below.
SA 1A Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer 1.1.1: Assess • Conducted eight mini assessments of fish and Middle Rapti, Jhimruk HWEPC, capture non-fish species (Jan. 3-6 in Middle Rapti & Watershed MRDCC fisheries Mar. 13-24 in Jhmiruk) involving citizen scientists and CAACGs, which identified and recorded 28 fish species and 6 species of crustaceans and mollusks (non-fish) from the Rapti and middle stretch of Jhimruk River (Annex A2). The assessment process improved the CAACG’s capacity to effectively monitor aquatic biodiversity. • Household surveys identified destructive Middle Karnali Watershed RHF fishing practices and over-fishing as a major threat to fisheries in Middle Karnali Watershed (Annex A2). The assessment will be used to inform the development of capture fisheries guidelines.
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SA 1A Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer • Organized multi-stakeholder Fish Vulnerability West Seti and Lower Paani Assessment workshops for Lower Mahakali Mahakali and West Seti(Feb 8 & Feb. 26). Identified high biodiversity value fish species such as Schizothorax sp., Neolissochilus hexagonolepis and Tor putitora in West Rapti, and Schizothorax sp., Tor putitora and Bagarius yarelii in Lower Mahakali (Annex A2), 12 and 24 locations of fish spawning and nursing areas in Lower Mahakali and West Seti Watersheds, respectively (Annex A2) and major threats, including fishing gears and practices such as gill net, water diversion, poisoning (Annex A2) employed to harvest/catch fish from natural waters. Workshop outcomes will be used to develop technical guidelines for restoring fish species and implementation of river stretch co-management process. (Linked to Task 4.1.2 and 4.1.5). • CAACG identified eight destructive fishing Middle Rapti Watershed HWEPC areas during a survey (15-16 Mar.) of the Middle Rapti Watershed. Awareness hoarding boards will be placed in the identified areas and a plan to declare them as “no destructive fishing zones/areas” through adaption of AABCA is in development. • NARC, inspired by Paani supported National Nepal participation in the International Mahseer Agricultural Conference (IMC) in Paro, Bhutan (Dec. 2-8), Research has developed a research proposal on an Council (NARC) aquatic ecology study of Mahseer, which has been proposed into its regular program budget. The outcome of the research will contribute to the identification of migratory routes and high biodiversity areas to propose a fish sanctuary. (Linked to Task 4.1.3). • Conducted a feasibility study of aquaculture Surkhet, Salyan, Jajarkot, Nepal Fisheries and culture based fisheries in Karnali Pradesh. Dailekh & West Rakam Society (NEFIS) Based on the draft report, the survey districts of Karnali identified 1505 potential areas for Pradesh aquaculture and culture based fisheries in five districts of Karnali Pradesh. The survey also identified areas for engaging traditional fisher communities and marginalized groups in aquaculture, culture-based fisheries and allied economic activities as means of alternative livelihood in order to reduce fishing pressure in natural waters. (Linked to Task 3.1.3, Sub- Tasks C1.1.4-1, P1.3.3-2 and P1.3.3-4) 1.1.2: Build • Paani supported local government to draft Middle Rapti Municipalities, capacity for Aquatic Animal & Aquatic Biodiversity HWEPC, Paani fisheries co- Conservation Act (AABCA). After a series of management consultation with stakeholders, Rapti Rural (GESI aware) Municipality, Rajpur Rural Municipality & Lamahi Municipality in the Middle Rapti Watershed have endorsed the act. The act will be an instrument to initiate river stretch co-management in the Watershed. [Linked to Task 3.1.1]
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SA 1A Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer • Sustainable capture fisheries guidelines (SCFG) Middle Karnali, Middle RHF in Middle were submitted to Aathabisa Municipality, Rapti, Jhimruk & Lower Karnali, HWEPC Middle Karnali for endorsement. Consultation Mahakali in Middle Rapti, for the development of SCFG are in progress MRDCC in for other watersheds. (Linked with C1.1.2-2). Jhimruk, NEEDS SCFG guide the CAACG for the Nepal in Lower implementation of the Aquatic Animal and Mahakali Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Act (AABCA), • Five CAACGs in Lower Mahakali and six Lower Mahkali, Rangun NEEDS Nepal, CAACGs in Rangun Watersheds were formed Watershed NNSWA and registered in respective municipalities. These local institutions will be instrumental to initiate fisheries management in the broader framework of River Stretch Co-Management (RSM). • A consultation workshop in collaboration Middle Karnali RHF with local governments (5 R/Municipality) and five CAACGs formed a10-member advisory committee and 11-member coordination committee including CAACG members and representative of local government in Middle Karnali (Feb.) for the implementation of the AABCA and to guide and implement River Stretch Co-management (RSC) • Provided two-day (4-5 Jan. & 1-2 Feb.) Jhimruk & Middle Rapti MRDCC in capacity building training on fisheries Jhimruk, management for 40 members of the two HWEPC in CAACGs in Jhimruk Watershed. Provided Middle Rapti eight training events (21-22 Feb. & 26-27 Feb.) to 80 members of four CAACGs in Middle Rapti on fisheries management, including control of destructive fishing practices.These trainings strengthen CAACGs’ capacity to effectively implement related legislation and guidelines. • Held resource monitoring training (Feb. 20- Jhimruk Watershed MRDCC 21) for a CAACG to build their capacity to identify, monitor, and record aquatic resources and to familiarize them with aquatic natural resource guidelines. (Linked with C1.1.2-8). The orientation will be helpful for groups to assess the changing pattern of aquatic resources and to inform RSM. • Held two trainings for local stakeholders and Middle Rapti HWEPC government representatives to inform them on aquatic resources and aquatic biodiversity available in the watershed and the importance of AABCA and CFMG for resource conservation. The meeting will be catalytic for the stakeholders to realize the need for AABCAs and CFMGs for biodiversity conservation. • Provided four training events (Mar.11-13) for Middle Rapti HWEPC 77 members of four CAACGs on business plan & entrepreneurship development. The trainings are expected to motivate CAACGs to initiate skill-based enterprise as alternative income generating activities. • Conducted multistakeholder fish value chain Jhimruk MRDCC analysis workshop (Mar. 23-24) to identify a potential fish market subsector where fishers
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SA 1A Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer could have an opportunity to engage in income generation. • CAACG conducted river patrolling (Feb. 18) Jhimruk MRDCC to encourage locals to control destructive fishing practice in the Lower Jhimruk River. • Organized four visits of the community based Lower Karnali BAFER Nepal anti-poaching unit (CBAPU) of community forestry user groups (CFUG) to raise awareness among locals about controlling destructive fishing practices and unregulated riverbed extraction. • Held an interaction meeting with the Sonaha Lower Karnali BAFER community and local government to share the findings of the Sonaha study report. Recommendations of the study were internalized by the local government, which is reflected in the announcement of 6.0 million rupees in support of a housing facility for the Sonaha community. • Rapti Municipality, Middle Rapti Watershed Middle Rapti HWEPC, Rapti encouraged CAACG activities byproviding Municipality office space to institutionalize conservation activities. This is agood example of community-government partnership building good understanding, effective communication, carrying out activities, and monitoring the progress on aquatic biodiversity conservation. • CAACG, Baikha Machha Samuha, initiated a Middle Rapti HWEPC, Baikha spontaneous fundraising scheme with Maachhaa campaign to collect a rupee per day for fish CAACG conservation. This could be an example for other CAACGs to follow, which eventually could illicit support from other sectors to strengthen CAACGs’ conservation efforts. • Organized monthly CAACG meetings to Rangun and Middle Rapti NNSWA in collect feedback, fundraise, and prepare plans Watersheds Rangun, to monitor and patrol aquatic resources. HWEPC in These review meetings will be helpful for Middle Rapti CAACG members to learn from past activities and plan activities for future conservationefforts. 1.1.3 Improve • (See section on Strategic Approach 1D: capacity on Improve local capacity for managing invasive invasive species species) control 1.1.4 Support • The Government Fisheries Agency (GFA) Lower Mahakali and West Paani Extension type participated in fish vulnerability assessment Seti watershed continuing workshops (four participants in two events) education conducted to understand the status and programs potential threats to freshwater biodiversity in Lower Mahakali and West Seti Watersheds. Participation of the GFA in technical meetings and workshops will enhance their understanding and capacity of aquatic natural resource management (Task linked with C1.1.4-1). • Provided a one-day training (Feb. 16) for 8 priority watersheds Paani RBTL and WMS on fish identification tools and water quality, which will help guide local grantees and CAACGs in fish identification. • Organized one-day MSC workshop (Jan. 13) Lower Karnali BAFER Nepal on reducing water pollution in the Karnali
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SA 1A Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer River through managing waste. It is expected that the participants will foster continued communication and adapt good practices to maintain a clean aquatic environment. • Installed six hoarding boards with aquatic Lower Karnali BAFER Nepal biodiversity conservation messages in strategic locations on the lower Karnali to create awareness of the importance of biodiversity and dissuade the use of unsustainable fishing practices. • Published and distributed poster with Lower Karnali BAFER Nepal messages of aquatic biodiversity conservation, including causes of fish decline. • Provided a 3-day training of trainer (TOT) for Rangun Paani, NNSWA grantee NNSWA staffs on climate smart watershed management practices and fisheries management. Later the grantee provided the three events of 3-day training for 75 participants including fisher. • Organized an outreach campaign at six Rangun, Jhimruk NNSWA in locations in the Rangun Watershed and four Watershed Rangun, locations in the Jhimruk Watershed to MRDCC in counter poaching and illegal fishing practices. Jhimruk It is expected that there will be a significant decline in destructive fishing practices with the adoption of good practices in these watersheds. • Made wall paintings with messages of Jhimruk Watershed. MRDCC sustainable fishery management and control of destructive fishing practices in 80 strategic locations of the Jhimruk Watershed for public awareness. • Conducted a cooperative education campaign Jhimruk MRDCC (Jan. 10 & Feb. 23) in Jhimruk Watershed to mobilize fishers to engage in cooperative management and a saving/credit scheme for strengthening livelihoods. • Shared Paani’s governance framework for Middle Karnali Paani, National river stretch co-management during Third River National River Summit (Mar. 28-31) to gain Conservation responses and support from goverment and Trust (NRCT) stakeholders.
Challenges and constraints:
Implementation of Sub-Task P1.3.3-2 Market & value chain assessment for Q3 was constrained by the delay in receiving SNV-STTA support due to delays in approvals (See Constraints and Remedies Section). Paani, through receiving SNV-STTA support, will assess aquatic resource-based livelihoods, practices, and ecotourism development in Nepal’s selected river basins in Y3 Q4 (Task linked with SA 4A).
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR WATER MANAGEMENT The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-aggravated conflicts resulting from water supply scarcity and/or water quality issues, including infrastructure damage from disasters, decreased agricultural productivity, food shortages, and health risks.
Many of the activities in this strategic approach are being implemented through Paani grantees. In this quarter, KIRDARC completed ward-level Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCAs) and is in the process of preparing two Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs): one in Rajapur Municipality of Lower Karnali Watershed and another in Naraharinath Rural Municipality of Middle Karnali Watershed. Eco-agro also completed ward-level VCAs and is currently preparing two Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Plans (LDRCPs), one for Jorayal and Badikedar Rural Municipalities of Thuilgad Watershed. In Y3 Q3, CREEW revised their sub-watershed delineation, conducted questionnaire surveys and prepared a database for two sub-watershed management plans in Thuligad Watershed. NEEDS Nepal prepared and installed ward-level flood hazard maps based on their VCAs to inform local stakeholders in Lower Mahakali Watershed of imminent hazards in their area. In addition, NEEDS Nepal's tunnel farming activity for growing off-season vegetables has increased the potential for income generation opportunities for local communities. The Mahakali Municipality executive board has decided to allocate 100,000 NRS (roughly USD 1,000) each in wards 10 and 3 to help uplift the livelihoods of poor and marginalized groups.
This quarter, Paani promoted watershed management best practices, such as water harvesting and bio-engineering. MRDCC focused on bioengineering, recharge ponds, and water source protection USAID PAANI PROGRAM / MRDCC activities in Jhimruk Watershed, Jhimruk community members participate in a practical training on while Paani, in collaboration with bioengineering techniques led by Paani grantee, MRDCC. the USAID PAHAL project, promoted bioengineering activities in the same watershed. PHG emphasized water source protection activities in Middle Rapti Watershed, while KIRDARC focused on water harvesting in its respective watershed areas. RDC, NNSWA, and Samudayik Sarathi conducted trainings on watershed management in this quarter as well. These capacity building activities have enhanced the knowledge and capacity of local stakeholders on watershed management and best practices, which has helped local stakeholders and user groups seek support from local government. The Madhuban-4 community in the Lower Karnali Watershed has initiated activities to stop river mining. This is being done in partnership with community forest groups, most of whom were involved in awareness campaigns on fish and freshwater biodiversity conservation.
In addition, Paani supported USAID IWMA and their NMEL team by providing coordination support for field visits this quarter, and furnishing data on relevant indicators. Paani supported IWMI's Digo Jal Bikas Project's dissemination workshops in Kathmandu and Dhangadhi by coordinating with relevant speakers for panel discussions and facilitating the participation of a provincial-level national planning commission member. Progress from this quarter is reported below.
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SA 1B Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer
1.3.1 • Sub-watersheds (three in Jorayal and five in Jorayal and Badikedar CREEW Develop/ Badikedar Rural Municipalities) were re- Rural Municipalities, update delineated based on discussion with the Paani Thuligaad watershed watershed/sub team. watershed management • Conducted a questionnaire survey to plans understand the current status of conditions in Thuligaad watershed and the perception of the local community on the state of water resources, climate change impact and adaptions and prominent disasters. This will serve as one of the basis for sub-watershed prioritization planning. The data analysis is in process.
• Prepared a sub watershed wise database (e.g., bio-physical and socio-economic) to finalize the sub-watershed management plan 1.3.2 • Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments Joryal and Badikedar Rural Eco Agro Facilitate the (VCA), at ward levels of Joryal and Badikedar Municipalities, Thuligad preparation of Rural Municipalities have been completed and watershed CAPAs, 2 LDCRPs for these rural municipalities are in LAPAs, and the process of finalization. WUMPs
• Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) Rajapur Municipality in KIRDARC at ward levels of Rajapur Municipality in Lower Karnali watershed Lower Karnali and Naraharinath Rural and Naraharinath Rural Municipality in Middle Karnali watershed have Municipality in Middle been completed and 2 LAPAs for these Karnali watershed municipalities are in the process of finalization. • Based on the VCA, 10 ward-level flood hazard Mahakali Municipality and NEEDS Nepal maps were prepared and installed in public Bhimdutta Municipality, places in Mahakali Municipality to inform local Lower Mahakali stakeholders of vulnerable locations. Similarly, watershed five ward level flood hazard maps were prepared and installed in five strategic locations in Bhimdutta Municipality 1.2.3 Develop • Conducted a town hall meeting on drying Godam, Alital Rural NEFEJ and promote water sources. Following earlier consensus, Municipality, Rangun climate smart the meeting furthered commitment to Watershed best creating an enabling environment to address management the issues of drying water sources by water practices harvesting, conservation and management of forests.
• Conducted town hall meeting on drought and drying water sources. Consensus actions included the formation of a water coordination committee, water harvesting, Dullu municipality, plantation, equitable water distribution and Dailekh, Middle Karnali solving water issues collaboratively. watershed
• Farmers have started selling their agriculture Mahakali Municipality, NEEDS Nepal products from tunnel/poly house farming in Lower Mahakali Mahakali Municipality. A first harvesting of the watershed crops was inaugurated by the Mayor. Farmers have promoted seasonal and off seasonal crops as a source of income generation. (A total of 140 kg of cucumber from 6 tunnels in Airy ward no.12 and 142 kg from two tunnels in ward no. 9 were sold up at local market. Similarly,
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SA 1B Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer
203 kg from 7 tunnels in Kutiyakabar and 73kg from 4 tunnels in Purnagiri tole, ward no.3 of Mahakali Municipality were marketed). After this successful model of tunnel farming, the executive board of Mahakali municipality decided to allocate one lakh (100,000 NRs: 1 USD~110 NRS) each for tunnel farming in ward no.10 and ward 3 for uplifting the livelihoods of poor and marginalized groups).
• Collected existing best management practices, Jorayal and Badikedar CREEW which included: tree plantation, poly house Rural Municipalities, farming, drip/sprinkler irrigation system, water Thuligaad watershed conservation pond, and rain water harvesting, bioengineering practices. • Established bioengineering intervention sites Phopli and Luplug, Jhimruk MRDCC (two in Phopli and three in Luplung) to Watershed control soil erosion and stabilization of slope. • The Bamboo Watling structures are installed as bioengineering. • Conducted field visit and selected the site for Kulakhola CFUG, Bahane Paani and bioengineering in the Kulakhola CFUG, Naubahini RM, Jhimruk PAHAL Bahane Naubahini RM. Paani supported watershed bioengineering in the two big landslides areas of Kulakhola CFUG and PAHAL supported the bioenginerring of dry stone walls and gabion walls in the Buka khola of CFUG in order to stabilize landslide and to reduce the runoff water in the Buka khola. • Two recharge ponds (one each in Luplung and Naubahini Rural MRDCC Khusey, Naubahini RM) were established to Municipality, Jhimruk enhance water recharge and conservation by watershed reducing runoff and improving infiltration. • Supported four water source protection Phopli, Naubahini RM, MRDCC initiatives in Ratopani, Toribang Nauhate and Jhimruk watershed Luplung with the installation of bioengineering works, recharge pits and fencing works in source areas. • Supported the protection of a water source in Kakrahawa, Gadhawa PHG Kakrahawa, Gadhawa RM by installing brush RM, Middle Rapti wood check dams and loose stone check watershed dams to control gulley formation, check gravel/ boulders and harvest/recharge runoff water.
• Supported the revitalization of Gothari Simsar water source at Ranibas Community Forest, Ranibas Community Jamunibas and Dahakholi Simsar in National Forest, Jamunibas and forest of Gadhawa Rural Municipality by National forest of creating recharge pits and water collection Gadhawa RM, Middle ponds there. Rapti watershed
1.2.2 • Conducted two events for bioengineering Naubahini RM-8 Phopli MRDCC Training and training (One each in Naubahini RM and and Pyuthan Municipality-3 support for Pyuthan M) in order to transfer skill and Bhakundepata, Jhimruk watershed knowledge on bioengineering to the CFUG watershed management and local people of landslide-affected area. activities. After bio engineering training, people have (implementatio initiated bamboo watling in 31locations in n) Jhimruk watershed.
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SA 1B Progress Y3 Q3 Task Progress Location Implementer
• Spring improvements were promoted by RDC Alital Rural Municipality, RDC Nepal Nepal in four micro-watersheds: (Kalarah Rangun Watershed Khola micro-watershed, Sunkhola micro- watershed, Baghkholi micro-watershed, and Bhangreri Khola micro-watershed) in the Alital Rural Municipality to enhance their knowledge and capacity in integrated watershed management. • Conducted the following three types of trainings for local user groups in micro- watersheds: i) - institutional arrangement and leadership development, ii) - low-cost soil conservation technologies, and iii) - role of women and marginalized groups in building climate resilient watershed
• Conducted two training events (two days in Rajapur Municipality of KIRDARC length) on rain water harvesting and water Bardiya, Lower Karnali resource management to representatives of Watershed local government and local communities. Naraharinath Rural Municipality of Middle Karnali Watershed
• Conducted a one-day refresher orientation on Lower Karnali Watershed Samudayik watershed management and leadership Sarathi development in the water user groups of Thakurbaba Municipality, Madhuban Municipality, and Geruwa Municipality. This will help enrich coordination of water user groups with local government authorities.
• Conducted an orientation training for the Budar, Doti Paani (WMS- NNSWA technical team on the technical and Rangun social aspects of watershed management in watershed and order to enhance their knowledge and help RBTL-Mahakali them deliver this training to the local river basin) communities.
• Conducted three training packages for local Simalkhet of Parashuram NNSWA communities on the technical and social Municipality (2 events) and aspects of watershed management to enhance Godam of Alital Rural knowledge on watershed management (that Municipality (1 event), included management of water, land, crops, Rangun watershed energy and other natural resources) and to help to integrate them into their watershed management planning • Conducted three training packages on GESI Alital Rural Municipality NNSWA for newly elected women leaders and female and Parashuram community leaders, which focused on Municipality, Rangun watershed management, and integrating GESI watershed related activities into local level planning processes. Paani’s GESI officer helped to designing and deliver the training in a close coordination with NNSWA.
• Conducted four climate change adaptation Middle Rapti watershed HWEPC trainings for fisher groups in order to orient them on climate change.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND MINING The desired outcome of this strategic approach is to reduce watershed degradation resulting from sedimentation and landslides by reducing the negative impacts of: 1) rural roads and 2) unregulated and unsustainable aggregate mining.
This quarter, Paani collaborated with the United Stated Forest Service (USFS) to plan field visits for USFS’s International Expert, Mark Weinhold, who is supporting Paani stakeholders in the Middle Karnali Watershed with the design of environmentally friendly rural roads. This will be used as a demonstration site, in collaboration with the local government, Aathbis Municipality, Dailekh. In preparation, the Paani team conducted scoping visits to prioritize road stretches and to coordinate with Aathabis Municipality representatives. In turn, the Aathbis Municipality demonstrated its commitment to this Paani/USFS activity by allocating some of its own funds towards the rehabilitation of the road.
Given that Paani’s needs under this strategic area are well defined for the remainder of the program, a strategic decision was made to replace the LTTA Green Infrastructure (GI) Specialist position with a procurement contract, which was subsequently awarded to Scott Wilson Nepal during this quarter. SILT will no longer be proving LTTA support for this task. In addition, Paani paired an Aquatic Biodiversity Specialist STTA, with a Geologist (STTA/SILT) to assess the impact of aggregate mining on aquatic biodiversity.
TASK 1.2.1: CLIMATE-SMART ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY (EF) GRAVEL MINING Early this quarter, the GI Specialist and RBTL-Karnali River Basin visited the Middle Karnali Watershed to coordinate with Aathabis Municipality for the upcoming visit by Mark Weinhold (USFS), who will support them in designing and demonstrating environmentally friendly rural road construction. This technical support was planned for two existing rural roads in Rakam, Aathbis Municipality, identified by Paani in Y3 Q2. Aathbis Municipality showed its commitment towards supporting Paani and USFS's technical support by allocating its own funds for the rehabilitation of the road. Mr. Weinhold’s visit, which was initially planned for February, was postponed to April due to the US government shutdown.
Aditionally, at the Paani PTC meeting with WECS, the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation
(DOFSC) learned of the collaboration between the USFS, Paani and the Aathbis municipality, which USAID PAANI PROGRAM / JEREMY KEETON resulted in the IWRMS meeting with the DOFSC A poor rural road in Rakam, Athabis to discuss the green road approach. After the Municipality, the site of a Q4 technical discussion, the DOFSC has decided to establish a support visit by Paani and USFS to design demonstration site for environmentally friendly and demonstrate environmentally friendly rural road construction. rural road construction near the Kathmandu valley so they can also learn from the USFS about low volume road construction. The DOFSC is also working on bioengineering along the rural roads to stabilize landslides and control erosion as one of the watershed management activities.
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Paani’s GI Specialist (LTTA/SILT) resigned, effective early March. In order to more strategically implement its road activities, Paani consolidated all of its remaining roads activities and issued a broad request for proposals in January to identify qualified support to fulfill these activities. Based on the proposal evaluation, Scott Wilson Nepal was awarded this assignment and a kick-off meeting was held at the end of Y3 Q3.
Similarly, a SoW was prepared for an Aquatic Biodiversity Specialist, who will work together with a Geologist (STTA/SILT) to assess the impacts of mining on aquatic biodiversity. The new specialist will focus on the aquatic and environmental aspects of the mining impacts, whereas the geologist will focus on technical aspects. A candidate has been selected and the new contract is currently in the approval process. This quarter, the geologist initiated a review of EIA/IEE documents linked to gravel mining.
Also, in this quarter, NEEDS Nepal prepared draft gravel mining guidelines for Bhimdatta Municipality of the Lower Mahakali Watershed. They conducted a consultative workshop in January in Bhimdutta Municipality where they shared draft guidelines and received feedback in the presence of the municipality executive board, ward chairpersons, and other relevant community members and stakeholders from the watershed. A revised version of the guidelines will soon be endorsed in an upcoming municipal council meeting.
FECOFUN organized an informative watershed-level workshop on Environmentally Friendly Local Governance (EFLG) guidelines and Rural Road Construction at Aathbis Municipality in Middle Karnali Watershed on 22 March, aimed at representatives of local government and road contractors. Following the workshop, the local government and road construction committee pledged to ensuring quality road construction in the future. The Mayor of Aathabis Municipality committed to collaborate and invest in quality, environmentally friendly, green road construction.
BAFER conducted a sharing meeting mid-March on an impact assessment of aggregate mining, which they conducted in Balchaur, Lower Karnali Watershed last quarter. The assessment revealed that river mining is one key reason for declining fish stocks in Lower Karnali, due to the destruction of fish habitats. There were 38 participants representing local stakeholders of DCC Kailali, Lamkichuha Municipality, Tikapur Municipality, Janaki Rural Municipality, CFUG members, contractors, and local CSOs. The local government authority showed interest in controlling illegal mining and enforcing IEE/EIA reports.
Lastly, NEFEJ conducted two town hall meetings: one on rural road issues in Middle Karnali Watershed on January 10, and one on aggregate mining issues in Lower Mahakali Watershed on January 20. As a result, stakeholders of Kamalbajar Municipality, Achham, in Middle Karnali Watershed reached a consensus on building environmentally friendly rural roads by allocating funds to conduct technical feasibility studies, engage local authorities and communities and minimize bulldozer and plantation embankment construction. From the town hall meeting on mining issues, stakeholders of Mahakali Municipality, Kanchanpur, in Lower Mahakali Watershed reached consensus on preparing IEE/EIA reports to determine impacts; regular and timely monitoring of mining; generating awareness among local stakeholders on the impact of mining; and fixing rates for sand, stone, and gravel.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES The goal of this strategic approach is to minimize watershed degradation and its negative impact on natural resource-based livelihoods and freshwater biodiversity by reducing the population of non- native fish species and the total area affected by invasive plant species.
Throughout the quarter, Paani made progress towards the desired results for this strategic approach. For example, Paani has prepared fisheries and biodiversity inventories, which will inform plans for aquatic invasive management for both fish and plants. Paani assessments identified the aquatic invasive problems, community perception on invasive management, and research and management needs, which will inform stakeholders’ collaborative actions and approaches to monitor the problems, analyze the risks, and regulate aquaculture and fishery activities to control aquatic organisms that have dominant and invasive characteristics. Paani also initiated the procurement of a water mower, which will be piloted as an instrument to control invasive aquatic plants. This machine will demonstrate differences in lake appearance and persistence of native aquatic biodiversity among the stakeholders. Progress over the quarter is reported below.
TASK 1.1.3: IMPROVE CAPACITY ON INVASIVE CONTROL SUB-TASK C1.1.1-1 PREPARE FISHERIES & BIODIVERSITY INVENTORIES In this quarter, Paani interns made progress with assessments on aquatic biodiversity of Bhagaraiya Lake, Bardiya and Sati-Karnali Lake, Kailali, specifically identifying biodiversity-related problems and potential solutions for the management of these lakes (Annex A4). Lake Bhagaraiya hosts 25 native fish species, four species of crabs, nine species of macrophytes, five species of mollusk, and one species of ghariyal, indicating its importance for conservation. Over the past 40 years, settlements have encroached on 80% of the lake area. Today, 85% of the lake’s surface area is covered by aquatic invasive plants, such as water hyacinth and pistia. Conflicts among different interest groups contribute to poor lake management. Solutions include: removal of invasive aquatic plants by the community, control of siltation by strengthening embankment, and delineation of the lake area to stop further encroachment. Local government has shown interest in forming a legitimate autonomous body to undertake such lake management activities. Based on these assessments, Paani, through its grantee, FEDWASUN, has plans in Y3 Q4 to facilitate dialogue with local government and lake stakeholders to improve governance and form/reform an independent Lake Management Authority, as well as extend support for developing a lake development plan, including invasive management.
SUB-TASK C1.1.3-2 SUPPORT THE GoN TO DEVELOP POLICY/REGULATIONS FOR FISH FARMERS Paani organized a field-level survey to design, test, and validate a methodology to assess the impacts of aquatic invasives, as a means for supporting policy and regulations related to invasive control. The methodology included tools, such as FGD, KII, and transect walk, and was tested in Lower Mahakali, Lower Karnali, and Middle Rapti Watersheds. The assessment concluded that growth and feeding behavior of most of the native and exotic fish species and their associated economic values are well known by the community. However, there appeared to be a severe lack of knowledge and understanding amongst the community on the invasive characteristics of some fish and plant species, including their negative impact to the aquatic environment and human society. Most often, negative impacts of exotic fish species, such as tilapia, African catfish, piranha, and pangas, are overlooked by the community because of economic and livelihood incentives arising from the farming of these species.
Perceived information and transect visits revealed that exotic species (plant and aquatic animals) are apparent in the watersheds and may expose invasive characteristics if they escape to natural waters. Most of the exotic fish species are carnivorous, reproductively prolific in nature, and invade aquatic environments by means of escape from nearby aquaculture facilities and would likely prey on native
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 19 fish species (Annex A4). A large number of fish farms exist in these watersheds that are growing mostly exotic fish species recommended by the government, except for African catfish and rupchanda, which are also grown by the farmers. Due to the high economic return from aquaculture for these exotic species, compared to farming cereal crops, the adaptation of fish farming is growing at a rapid pace. Many fish farms growing exotic fish species, are located in corridor of the lower reaches of the Mahakali, Karnali, and Rapti rivers, and it is likely that these rivers could be vulnerable to exotic/invasive fish which could escape from fish farms (Annex A4).
Most of the aquaculture farms Paani visited have a poor configuration of pond dikes and are therefore prone to flooding, which releases invasive fish into the natural environment. Both FGD and KII informed Paani that accidental release of these species have occurred in the past, most likely during floods (Annex A4). Of the fish grown in aqua farms, tilapia, pangas, and African catfish are likely to affect the native fish in rivers and streams, upon escape. Currently, the government does not have a regulatory framework to monitor and control the negative impact from all kinds of aquaculture to the natural water environment and its biodiversity. In Q4, Paani will organize multi- stakeholder technical meetings with NARC, CFPCC, and others at the central level, to discuss and advocate for the development of guidelines on good aquatic invasive management practices and to draft policy provisions to regulate invasives.
The spread of aquatic invasive plants in most of the surveyed lakes and wetlands have negative effect on aquatic biodiversity, persistence of fish habitats, aesthetic value, and size of the lakes. Exotic invasive species, such as water hyacinth and pistia in Bhagariya and Badhahiya Lakes of Lower Karnali, hydrilla in Chamborala Lake of Middle Rapti, and giant reed grass in Rani Taal of Lower Mahakali have all covered the water surface area of these lakes (Annex A4). Manual or mechanical removal of these aquatic plants could be USAID PAANI PROGRAM one primary technical intervention to improve the lake Next quarter, Paani will pilot the use of a environment. In Q4, Paani, through the FEDWASUN water mower, one proposed intervention grant program, will demonstrate the mechanical for mechanical removal of harmful and pervasive aquatic plants, such as these method of weed removal in Bhagaraiya Lake. Water Hyacinth and Pistia, found in Bhagaraiya Lake, Lower Karnali. The survey conducted by Paani this quarter in Lower Mahakali, Lower Karnali, and Middle Rapti Watersheds clearly showed the potential threat of invasive fish and plants in natural water systems of the studied watersheds (Annex A4). The methodology did not support understanding the full scale and magnitude of the impact of exotic species to native fish and their environment. In Q4, Paani will organize multi-stakeholder technical meetings with NARC, CFPCC, and related stakeholders at the central level to identify prospective private or public institutions to conduct multidisciplinary studies that addresses the origin and mode of spread of invasive species, the trade-off between invasiveness and economic attribute of a species in different ecological and business scenarios and the intensity of impact to suggest management measures. In Q4, Paani will also develop a scope of work for STTA services to assess the impact of exotic fish and plant species on freshwater biodiversity.
SUB-TASK C1.1.3-9 FACILITATE SELECTIONOF CONTROL MEASURES This quarter, Paani submitted FEDWASUN’s second grant program for approval, which includes procurement, maintenance, and piloting of the water mower to control invasive aquatic plants. This application of this machine will demonstrate differences in lake appearance and persistence of native aquatic biodiversity among the stakeholders. Also, in this quarter, BAFER Nepal mobilized Community Based Anti-Poaching Units (CBAPU) of Community Forestry User Groups (CFUG) along the Karnali River Corridor in Lower Karnali Watershed to control illegal activities (e.g., gravel
20 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV mining, destructive fishing, illegal harvesting of forest products, etc.) and translocation of invasive species. The CBAPU will continue to work on invasive management through patrolling and restricting the transportation and translocation of species that has invasive character.
Challenges and constraints:
The implementation of Sub-Task C1.1.3-10 Provide Training and/or technology transfer on proven methods was proposed for Y3 Q3, but field-level information on the status of aquatic invasive species in the watershed were gathered to support this task in Q3. Based on the assessment (Sub-Task C1.1.3-8 Conduct consultation), Paani will organize a training on invasive management in Y3 Q4 with resource persons from NARC and CFPCC.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION The goal of this strategic approach is to develop the capacity of Nepal’s communities to be less vulnerable to negative impacts resulting from disasters, including loss of life, injury, infrastructure damage, and economic hardship, by strengthening the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s (DHM) hydro-met observation network, Emergency Action Planning (EAPs), and EFLG framework.
Most of the tasks and activities of this SA have been built into an in-kind grant to the GoN's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). This was approved by USAID in February and sent to DHM for signature. Paani has been awaiting counter-signature, pending a DHM-initiated request for Ministry-level approval of this activity.
Paani conducted field assessments and identified two ideal sites to establish flood early warning systems: one each in Thuligad and Jhimruk Watersheds, both flood prone areas. Paani will establish low-cost flood early warning systems technology in these sites. Paani will finalize vendor selection for this activity next quarter. In March, Paani signed a grant with IPPAN to build capacity of hydropower developers on Emergency Action Planning (EAP). Paani helped identify relevant watershed and river basin stakeholders to participate in a workshop this quarter on disaster risk reduction and dam safety, led by Nepal Hydropower Development Project (NHDP) and HATCH (see SA 2C for more details.).
TASK 2.2.2: SUPPORT DHM TO EXPAND THE RIVER OBSERVATION NETWORK An in-kind grant to DHM was approved by USAID on 4 February and sent to DHM for their signing. Paani’s IWRMS met with the new Director General (DG) of DHM and briefed him on the in-kind grant activity with Paani. Based on the discussion, the DG requested Ministry-level approval before proceeding with the activity. Therefore, DHM prepared a memo to inform and seek consensus from their Ministry (MoEWRI). Paani is in regular contact with DHM to follow up on the status of Ministry approval and is awaiting counter-signature to begin implementation. (See Constraints and Proposed Remedies section for more details.)
TASK 2.2.3: SUPPORT DHM AND LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS TO IMPROVE FLOOD RISK WARNINGS In Y3 Q3, Paani conducted a feasibility assessment of potential sites to establish low-cost flood early warning systems technology in Thuligad and Jhimruk Watersheds. Based on the field assessment and desk analysis, two sites were identified: one in Jhimruk (at Bagdula) and one in Thuligad (at Badikedar). Both were selected based on their flood vulnerability downstream, lead time for risk warning to downstream communities, and for the sites’ appropriateness to install water level
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 21 monitoring equipment. Paani met with Rob Ryan Silva (DAI Maker Lab) to discuss technical specifications of a stream gauge and then developed a SOW based on these specifications, to identify a vendor to design and develop a low-cost stream gauge, to install it and establish a flood early warning system. This will include a business case for marketing these systems locally. Paani will finalize vendor screening and selection next quarter.
Paani conducted a review of local adaptation plans, which revealed that there are number of projects and programs, such as Nepal Climate Change Support Program (NCCSP), Multi-stakeholder Forestry Program (MSFP), Hariyo Ban, Adaptation of Small Holders in Due to Nepal’s limited climate Agriculture (ASHA) program, and Building Resilience and information database, LAPAs are generally not informed by scientific Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters knowledge. (BRACED), which are all working towards developing and The inclusion of hydro-met and implementing Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) climate information could and Community Adaptation Plans of Action (CAPAs) in considerably improve the technical quality and usefulness different parts of Nepal. The LAPA design process is of LAPAs, moving forward from participatory and aims to identify the perceived climate simple perception, to evidence- change threats to prioritize community-based responses. based planning. In many cases, there are no such mechanisms established that seek out and incorporate available scientific knowledge into the planning and decision-making process. Nepal has limited data and a very sparse network of hydro-met stations across the country. Therefore, hydro-met data and climate information is not readily available to inform local planning processes. Generally, historical temperature and rainfall data are considered where available and future climate impacts were solely assumed based on the people’s perception and experience on the climate risks. The inclusion of hydro-met and climate information could considerably improve the technical quality and usefulness of LAPAs, moving forward from simple perception to evidence-based planning. This report will be reviewed and finalized in the next quarter.
Similarly, DRR STTA prepared draft disaster profiles of Lower Karnali, Lower Mahakali and Rangun Watersheds by conducting a review of available information, including watershed profiles. The disaster profiles cover the current status of watershed flood vulnerability and ongoing program activities. These will be prepared for Paani’s remaining priority watersheds in the coming quarters. Paani will also prepare flood hazard maps for flood-prone areas in 10 out of 12 Paani watersheds, under the DHM grant, once signed. Two meetings were conducted with HKH SERVIR/ICIMOD to learn about each other's program activities. Based on the discussion, Paani shared water-level data from Aurahi Bridge in Lower Karnali Watershed, as well as seasonal discharge data collected for use in validating their model for river discharges. They are currently using longer-term DHM data for their validation, which is underway.
TASK 2.2.4: STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY ACTION PLANNING FOR HYDROPOWER OPERATIONS
In Y3 Q3, Paani signed a grant agreement with private sector partner, Independent Power Producers Association (IPPAN) and had a kick-off meeting on March 21. This activity includes a plan to identify potential hydropower projects willing to collaborate on the development of EAPs. Through the grant, Paani will build the capacity of hydropower developers and operators to understand and design effective EAPs (linked to 2.1.3). IPPAN started work on its inception report this quarter.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: IMPROVE RIVER BASIN PLANNING The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce Nepal’s vulnerability to conflict over water resources and to protect its freshwater ecosystem through environmentally appropriate water management, including basin-level planning, sustainably sited and designed dams, and minimizing negative impacts of water diversions.
Throughout the quarter, Paani made significant progress towards planned outputs for this strategic approach. For example, Paani supported NRCT to organize the Third National River Summit, which brought more than 200 stakeholders together on the banks of the Karnali to engage in discussions on development and conservation in the River Basin. The event was well supported by high level provincial government and received ample positive media coverage (see Communications section). Also in Y3 Q3, Paani identified a Private Sector Engagement Conservation Fund Development Specialist, who will join Paani in Y3 Q4 to help establish the Nepal River Basin Conservation Fund (NRBCF). Late this quarter, Paani kicked off a partnership with WWF US/Nepal on a set of studies that will generate new learning on whole-of-basin planning options for the Karnali River Basin (more detail on in sections SA 2C and SA 3B). Through NEFEJ, Paani held its first river basin-level roundtable discussion on disaster management in the Karnali for more than 80 stakeholders, which served as a pre-event for the Summit. NEFEJ also held 9 town hall meetings in 6 watersheds, some in Paani’s newer priority watersheds and others as follow up meetings to those conducted earlier in the program year. Paani continued to foster dialogue at all levels and create watershed-level platforms that will bring diverse stakeholders together around common issues. At the Summit, Paani introduced the idea of a “Friends of the Karnali” network, which will bring those dedicated to an economically viable and sustainable Karnali together for effective river basin planning. Progress over the quarter is reported below.
TASK 2.1.2: EXPLORE DEVELOPMENT OF NEPAL RIVER BASIN CONSERVATION FUND (NRBCF) In Y3 Q3, Paani received approval from USAID to share its report on the findings of the scoping mission held in Y3 Q1 to explore the feasibility of setting up the NRBCF. In addition to sharing the report with select stakeholders, Paani and the DAI team who led the scoping study provided a remote PowerPoint presentation to the USAID Environment and Energy Team Leader/Paani COR and the Environment Specialist from the SEED Office to explain the highlights of the report and to outline the action plan shared in the previous quarter. In March, Paani’s Chief of Party (COP) presented the NRBCF to interested international fund managers such as Althelia, CDC, and Bid Network at the One to Watch “Nepal Development Conference” forum in London. The COP also presented similar ideas to key conservation stakeholders in Washington, D.C. including IUCN, IFC, USAID FAB, and the USAID-funded BRIDGE Program. Also, during the quarter, Paani began hiring the necessary staff to implement the next steps of the action plan. By the end of Y3 Q3, Paani had identified a Private Sector Engagement Conservation Fund Development Specialist, who will join Paani in Y3 Q4 and manage the set-up of the NRBCF. Next quarter, Paani will hire a Co-Creation Specialist, who will develop the SOW for and lead the co-creation workshop, which is tentatively scheduled for August 2019. To find potential fund managers, Paani will release a call for Expressions of Interest for organizations interested in attending the workshop and competing for the grant that will provide seed money for the NRBCF.
TASK 2.3.1: CREATE INTEGRATED RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS (IRBMPS) Over the quarter, grantee, MRDCC continued to work with Airawati Rural Municipality (RM), Naubahini RM, and Pyuthan Municipality to form three watershed-level platforms in Jhimruk Watershed, bringing local government and other stakeholders together to address upstream and
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 23 downstream issues facing the watershed, such as declining fish stocks, water use conflict, disasters, and drying water sources. Paani will build on this experience bringing groups together across the watershed in the formation of river basin-level platforms. At the Third National River Summit, Paani introduced the idea of forming a network of those with common interest in river conservation, development, and management from different watersheds and rivers throughout Nepal. As a first step towards this concept, Paani will initiate ‘Friends of the Karnali,’ which will serve as the base for a river basin platform in one of USAID’s priority geographical areas, with a goal of eventually transferring it into local ownership. Additionally, once the PEA initiated in September 2018 is completed (see SA 3a, Task 3.1.1), Paani will map all potential working groups and champions to carry the IRBMPs forward. Paani will also continue to identify champions through Paani grantee activities, such as fisher group formation and the NEFEJ TV series, which profile water champions at the watershed and river basin level.
TASK 2.3.2: ORGANIZE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES Paani and IFC met early in Y3 Q3 to discuss topics and timelines for the next workshop. Both agreed that the Third National River Summit would serve as the next event in the series, with Paani taking the lead. Paani supported NRCT in organizing the event from March 26-31, with NRCT and the Karnali Provincial government as co-organizers. The Summit hosted national and international experts to facilitate discussions on how to balance conservation and development along Nepal’s longest river. Representatives from other USAID programs and projects also participated in panel discussions, including SEED, Feed the Future, Democracy and Governance, the Nepal Hydropower Development Program (NHDP), WWF Nepal, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Integrated Water Management Activity (IWMA), as well as USG’s Millennium Challenge Activity (MCA). The Summit started with a roundtable discussion on Mar. 26 in Chisopani led by NEFEJ on disaster management in the USAID PAANI PROGRAM / NABIN BARAL Karnali River, followed by an Opening The Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Mr. Mahendra Dinner/Ceremony in Surkhet on Mar. 27-28. Bahadur Shahi, inaugurates the Third National River Participants then traveled to Rakam Karnali for Summit during the opening session. three days of presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on activities from Mar. 29-31 on the banks of the Karnali River. The Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, inaugurated the Summit.
In contrast to the two previous Summits, Paani emphasized the importance of including discussions on sustainable hydropower, including one panel facilitated by IWMA team leader, Suman Basnet. Representatives from MCA, IPPAN, Paani, NHDP, and the Nepal Electric Authority (NEA) served as panelists (see more details under SAs 2C: Task 2.2.1 and 3B: Task 3.2.2). The Summit concluded with development of a 19-point declaration aiming to maximize the cultural, religious, economic, and biodiversity value of the Karnali, including designating 5 km on each side of the Karnali River a ‘Sacred Karnali River Corridor.’ The declaration encourages local governments to leave certain ‘wild and scenic’ sections of the river free-flowing to maintain their pristineness, and to introduce ‘Wild and Scenic River’ legislation for the Karnali River. Paani will share a detailed Summit report with USAID in Y3 Q4.
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TASK 2.3.3: HOLD LOCAL AND BASIN-LEVEL INFORMAL ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
As mentioned above, NEFEJ held its first river basin-level roundtable discussion on disaster management as a pre-event to the Third National River Summit. Mr. Ajaya Dixit from the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET) Nepal served as moderator and gave a presentation on impact, adaptation and preparation and current challenges in managing disasters that affect the river, along with Mr. Krishna Kumar Gautam from Red Cross Bardiya. A panel of seven speakers representing national, provincial, local government and parliament shared their thoughts and experience on the topic, and then engaged in a lively question and answer session with different stakeholders, including local indigenous communities, water champions, policy makers, conservationists, other parliamentarians, and entrepreneurs. Ultimately, the panelists committed to and signed a seven-point declaration, which included acting on compliance of the IEEs and EIAs prepared for river bed mining and extraction. Provinces 5, 6 and 7 also agreed to coordinate to approach the federal government to address the flooding problem caused by the Kailashpur Barrage and to create policies and programs that support the Raji, Sonaha and Badi communities to manage capture fisheries in the Karnali River. Finally, they agreed on implementation of law and policies on environmental protection. Next quarter, NEFEJ plans to hold one roundtable discussion in Middle Rapti to bring together fisher groups and water user groups from both upstream and downstream which have been formed through local APS grants in Jhimruk and Middle Rapti watersheds.
During the quarter, NEFEJ also held nine town hall meetings in six watersheds, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss priority issues in the watershed. The topics included: unmanaged local road construction; environmentally friendly mining of river resources; drought and drying up of water sources; alternative livelihoods for the Dalit community; problems due to river cutting, deposition, flooding and impact on livelihoods of the Sonaha Community; water source conservation; and watershed and soil conservation. In six of the town hall meetings, the local government committed to developing policies and/or allocating funds to develop environmentally friendly roads, conserve aquatic biodiversity, control human-wildlife conflict, and support alternative livelihoods for indigenous communities. For example, in Thuligaad and Rangun watersheds, Chure Rural Municipality and Aalital Rural Municipality committed to developing an Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Bill with support from Paani. In Tila and Middle Karnali, the Khada Chakra and Kamalbajar municipalities committed to developing policies on environmentally friendly rural road construction and to conducting IEEs/EIAs for such construction, an action no longer legally mandatory, though highly encouraged. Annex, A5 provides more in-depth information on issues covered in the town hall meetings and full consensus of action points.
TASK 2.3.4: PROVIDE BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION FOR BASIN LEVEL PLANNING On January 28, Paani joined the Inception Workshop on Hydropower Development Master Plan, an activity under the WECS Project, “Preparation of River Basin Plans; Hydropower Development Master Plans and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA)”. (See SA 2C, Task 2.1.4 for more details.)
In Y3 Q3, Paani continued to follow up with WECS on the development of the Freshwater Center of Excellence online portal. However, by the end of the quarter, Paani had not yet received the completed template provided last quarter, nor any further information from WECS regarding this task. In the meantime, Paani continues to distribute news and other information about aquatic biodiversity, climate change resilience, and other water-related issues through NEFEJ’s online portal http://www.hakahakionline.com/np/ and its Android app by the same name. Paani is also coordinating with DAI’s Measuring for Development Results (MfDR) team, who will help create an
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MfDR database for Paani, which may also serve as a broader platform where stakeholders can access data, information, and knowledge products related to Paani.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-induced conflict over water resources and conserve its freshwater ecosystem through environmentally appropriate water management, including sustainably sited and designed dams, and minimizing negative impacts of water diversions.
Paani’s Y3 Q3 progress under this strategic approach includes a roll-out workshop for the environmental and social monitoring checklist/tool, held in Chameliya-Darchula District bringing together local government and CSOs to begin discussing their roles as watchdogs for compliance and monitoring of hydropower project developments in Naugad sub-watershed and Chameliya Watershed. Also, this quarter, two new collaborations kicked off: a grant agreement with private sector partner, IPPAN, to build the capacity of hydropower operators, and a WWF/Paani collaboration on three assessments that will examine a range of factors impacting the energy /ecosystem tradeoffs in the Karnali River Basin (more detail in SA 3B). Progress over the quarter is reported below.
TASK 2.1.1: ORGANIZE AN INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT Three upcoming studies with WWF US/Nepal (more detail under SA 3B) will generate new knowledge on planning options for the Karnali River Basin, which can be shared at Paani’s Y4 seminar on sustainable hydropower development. The WWF-led partnership covers three new assessments: an energy options assessment for Nepal; a study on the High Conservation Value (HCV) Rivers of Nepal; and a study on system scale planning (SCP) for the Karnali. The studies bring together a global research team, including experts from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the University of California- Berkeley, Stanford University, and McGill University. Paani led a virtual kick-off meeting with WWF US/Nepal late this quarter with 11 members of the team, in order to discuss planning and logistical details, data and information exchange, travel arrangements and approvals. In Y3 Q4, the team will form advisory committees for the HCV and SSP studies.
In Y3 Q3, Paani supported NRCT in organizing the Third National River Summit held in Rakam- Karnali Dailekh, with the theme, "Managing Rivers for Life." Paani helped organize and manage all technical sessions, with Paani specialists presenting in several sessions, including one on the environmental, social, economic, and technical dimensions of hydropower development in Nepal. Distinguished speakers from KU, NEA, MCA Nepal Compact, NHDP, and IPPAN presented on dimensions of hydropower development in Nepal. The session moderator, IWMA Team Leader, Suman Basnyat, summarized the session’s lively discussion:
"It’s true that ‘sustainable hydropower is hydropower that is built,’ but we must also consider local ownership, dialogue and cooperation, affordability, minimizing negative impacts, and escalating benefit sharing." —Mr. Suman Basnyat, IWMA Team Leader, and session moderator at the Third National River Summit
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Another Summit session moderated by WECS covered case studies from Nepal’s hydropower sector, presented by Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited and International Finance Corporation (IFC)/SAN Solutions’ researcher, followed by experiences shared by impacted communities of GMR Upper Karnali and Rani Jamara Kuleria’s Irrigation Project. Lastly, IWMI presented their Digo Jal Bikas-produced hydro-economic modelling tool.
Overall, the Summit was a good platform for continuing dialogue on different elements of sustainable hydropower development and to discuss Paani’s forthcoming International Seminar on Sustainable Hydropower Development with relevant participants. In Y3 Q4, a seminar facilitator will be hired, and a half-day workshop will be organized with relevant hydropower development stakeholders (including IPPAN, EDC, NHA, etc.) to set the seminar’s dates and agenda.
TASK 2.1.3: BUILD HYDROPOWER OPERATOR CAPACITY TO USE HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION AND MODELLING In Y3 Q3, Paani signed a grant agreement with IPPAN to build capacity of hydropower operators. Next quarter, Paani and IPPAN will jointly lead a training on the use of hydro-met data. Paani is continuously engaging with the MWU and met with them in Y3 Q3 to discuss preparations to initiate an upcoming grant through which MWU will facilitate a course on Applied Hydrology and on Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for hydro and civil engineering students (see SA 4B: Task 4.2.5 for more details).
In January, Paani supported a workshop on disaster risk reduction and dam safety led by the Hydropower Development Project (NHDP) and HATCH, by identifying and selecting relevant participants from Mahakali Basin – Api Hydropower Company (Chameliya); Karnali Basin – Kalanga Group of Companies (West Seti) and Rapti Basin – Jhimruk Hydropower, Butwal Power Company (Jhimruk). Additional hydropower operators were requested to join the event through IPPAN. HATCH shared their experience after the assessment of impacts of natural hazards on hydropower projects, including the Jure landslide, Gorkha Earthquake 2015, and GLOF event in the Bhotekoshi River. NHDP supported IBN to review the Arun III Disaster Management Plan (DMP), with a suggestion to rename the proposed DMP as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (DRRMP), in alignment with the Nepal National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. HATCH also shared their recommendations through a draft Dam Safety Management Plan for Nepal.
TASK 2.1.4: DEVELOP MONITORING PROCEDURES AND TRACK COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS Based on feedback received in the Surkhet workshop, in Y3 Q3 Paani revisited its tools and checklists, translated workshop materials into Nepali, and rolled it out in the Chameliya Watershed, Mahakali River Basin through a workshop, on strengthening local capacity (Government and CSOs) to monitor procedures and track compliance with environmental and social safeguards. Although Chameliya is not included among Paani’s priority watershed, it was selected for this task because a number of hydropower projects are planned, or already underway there. The workshop was co-led with FECOFUN and NFIWUN Darchula, and targeted participants from the Chameliya Watershed and Naugad sub-watershed (where Naugad Hydropower, Upper Chameliya, and other projects are under construction). This workshop brought together 53 participants to discuss national environmental legislation requirements; E&S safeguard issues within Naugad and Chameliya watersheds; and application of the checklist and tools to both strengthen local government’s capacity to serve as on-site monitors and also to strengthen local community groups’ capacity to serve as watchdog organizations. The workshop was well received by 53 participants from
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Provincial Government, local governments (including R/Municipality and district officials), local NGOs, CSOs, and Sarokaar Samittees. In Y3 Q4, Paani will explore collaboration with Sikta Irrigation to rollout these tools in the project area in West Rapti Watershed, following adaptation of the checklist to the respective phase of the irrigation project.
On January 16, Paani joined a stakeholder consultation on mapping and valuing ecosystem services and prioritizing investments in catchment management, an activity under the World Bank Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, led by the Natural Capital Project of Stanford University. The project’s key objective is to improve catchment area treatment (CAT) to benefit hydropower plants. Using the case study of economic loss at the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)-owned Kali Gandaki A Hydroelectric Plant (KGAHEP), the group discussed methodology for mapping and valuing ecosystem services; sediment budgeting and impacts on ecosystem services; benefits of sediment reduction on operation of KGAHEP; and landslides as source of sediment in Kaligandaki. Paani added to the discussion, noting that Fisheries and Tourism were missing as key ecosystem services and suggesting a recalculation of sediment load at KGAHEP and upstream high mountain contribution, once KU data is available.
On January 28, Paani participated in a WECS-led inception workshop on the Hydropower Development Master Plan, an activity under WECS Project, “Preparation of River Basin Plans; Hydropower Development Master Plans and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA).” The group discussed hydropower project selection criteria and financial considerations, including import/export of electricity rates. However, given that the energy-exchange modality and rates for export will continuously change, the World Bank encouraged the group to plan and prioritize based on a more reliable method, such as how much energy a basin or watershed can generate and through which development model (i.e. Reservoir-cascade run-of-river or PROR- cascade-run-of-river). Paani raised questions about the basis for selection of 10% downstream release while designing the hydropower projects. The study team agreed that not all river basins have similar characteristics and therefore ecological and social components shall be carefully taken into account while allocating weighting for evaluation of projects. Further, in response to Paani’s query on the inclusion of impacts on capture fisheries as a source of livelihood for communities in socio-economic criteria, the study team lead confirmed that the SESA team will look into these details when they begin their work, and that the study team will collaborate with Paani when their work begins in the Rapti, Karnali, and Mahakali Basins.
TASK 2.2.1: SUPPORT THE NEPALI GOVERNMENT AND IWMI TO PROMOTE E-FLOW ADOPTIONS In Y3 Q3, Paani continued liaising with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) to receive e-flow results and products from Digo Jal Bikas (DJB). Paani participated in the IWMI DJB closing Workshop, “Towards an Inclusive Vision for Sustainable Water Futures in Western Nepal" and learned that the e-flow calculator is under finalization and it will be available on the IWMI website soon. Delays in IWMI’s sharing of the calculator and values of e-flow for the rivers and rivulets in Paani’s three river basins has hindered Paani in making timely progress with this task. Further, while tributaries of Karnali and Mahakali were surveyed, the main river stem was not, thus resulting in incomplete products and data. In Y3 Q4, Paani will liaise with IWMI and IPPAN to begin dialogue on designing guidelines and rolling out the e-flow calculator among hydropower and irrigation users.
An informal discussion was carried out among select participants from IWMI, WWF, SAN Solutions, and Upper Tamakoshi for a roundtable discussion on the e-flow and its applicability. In Y3 Q4, Paani will explore organizing a roundtable discussion among stakeholders who are
28 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV involved in e-flow and fish passage design and implementation, in order to better understand what is/ is not working in Nepal’s context.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: SUPPORT CSOS TO ADVOCATE FOR TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE HYDROPOWER DECISION-MAKING Most of the tasks under this SA are linked to those under SA 2C. Results under the advocacy strategic approach will contribute to Paani’s priority focused initiative to strengthen Nepal’s vision and capacity to balance development and conservation in the Karnali River ecosystem.
Steady progress was made on all tasks under this SA in Y3 Q3. Paani worked closely throughout the quarter with WWF US/Nepal to finalize a SOW for conducting several nationwide assessments, including an assessment of High Conservation Value (HCV) Rivers, and an energy options assessment, to inform system scale planning (SCP) on the Karnali River Basin using multi-objective tradeoff analysis. Paani also developed a plan for a ‘writeshop’ to get input from federations and other civil society organizations (CSOs) for development of bilingual CSO guidelines. Detailed progress over the quarter is reported below.
TASK 3.2.1: CARRY OUT ANALYSES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT In Y3 Q3, Paani continued to work closely with WWF Nepal Whole-of-basin planning approach to finalize the SOW for SSP (e.g., Hydropower by Design for the Karnali [HBD]) in the form of a pilot multi-objective trade-off Paani is collaborating with WWF on an analysis for the Karnali River Basin, which will be led by ‘energy options assessment’ to WWF Lead Scientist Dr. Jeff Opperman. This approach inform system scale planning in the Karnali River Basin. At the Third works to direct development toward hydropower dam sizes National River Summit, Ms. Hannah and sites that have lower impacts and that avoid the most Baleta of WWF presented on her damaging hydropower dam sites, minimizing impacts and experience with a similar study in Myanmar and highlighted Nepal’s restoring key river functions through better design and potential to find balance between operation of individual dams; and offseting those impacts that energy generation and free-flowing cannot be avoided, minimized, or restored by investing in rivers, guided by an understanding of the options for expanding compensation such as protection and management of nearby electricity systems. rivers that provide similar benefits. Under the SOW, which ‘Balancing the Karnali’s energy was approved by USAID during the quarter, the study will generation and ecosystems could generate three assessments: 1) an energy options assessment help protect Nepal's high valued for Nepal that quantifies costs and benefits of alternative aquatic creatures.’ pathways for development electricity systems, including an option that pursues increased investment in solar, wind, and pumped storage; 2) a report detailing the HCV rivers of Nepal, based on characteristics such as connectivity, sediment, fish habitat, and other aquatic biodiversity, and cultural, social, and economic value to communities; and 3) a report and decision support database on SCP for the Karnali. This report will describe the approach and demonstrate how the database can be used to explore tradeoffs, make those tradeoffs visually clear and understandable, and to search for a set of investment options (defined in terms of location, design and operation) that perform well across a range of economic, social, and environmental objectives. This task will also be informed by Paani’s ongoing work developing monitoring tools and procedures and tracking compliance of environmental and social safeguards (see SA 2c, Task 2.14). At the Third National River Summit this quarter, Ms. Hannah Baleta of WWF presented on her experience with SCP in Myanmar, in which she explored the balance between ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Ms. Baleta and the WWF Nepal team will conduct a similar study in
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 29 the Karnali River Basin through the Paani Program, specifically looking at whole-of-basin planning options which balance natural resource utilization with natural resource capacity-based development.
The WWF partnership kicked off late this quarter with a global conference call involving 11 members of the study team from different continents. At the recent River Summit, Ms. Baleta of WWF/US was introduced to the Paani water experts and other stakeholders with whom she will collaborate on the upcoming study. In Y3 Q4, Paani plans to meet with WWF US/Nepal to develop a detailed plan for implementation.
TASK 3.2.2: DEVELOP BILINGUAL CIVIL SOCIETY GUIDE TO HEALTHY RIVERS, CLIMATE RESILIENCE, AND SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER AND STRENGTHEN CIVIL SOCIETY VOICES This task was largely put on hold during the quarter due to the delayed release of Paani funds and subsequent reprioritization of activities. However, early in Y3 Q4, this activity will resume by STTA consultant Mr. Chris Butler, who will work on a detailed outline of the guidelines. In May, he will facilitate a ‘writeshop’ to get input from federations and other potential contributors on an initial draft of the guidelines, which will be shared with select stakeholders for feedback.
"The Summit also gave voice to the most voiceless of Nepal's riverine communities." —Mr. Dipak Gyawali, former minister of water resources, and keynote speaker at the Third National River Summit
CSOs contributed their voices and valuable perspectives throughout the Third National River Summit this quarter. For example, a panel on sustainable hydropower development, moderated by IWMA Team Leader, Suman Basnyat, offered a rare platform for CSOs and individuals from affected communities to engage in dialogue with local government representatives about proposed development and the impacts of hydropower in the Karnali River Basin. Keynote speaker, Mr. Dipak Gyawali, former minister of water resources, reflected on the CSO and community’s role at the Summit in an article he wrote, stating, “The Summit also gave voice to the most voiceless of Nepal's riverine communities, the Majhis and Rajis …whose livelihoods have been devastated by normal development of bridge building and river diversion for hydropower – all much-needed projects, no doubt – without providing alternative means of livelihood.” He added that representatives of these groups shared their experiences observing traditional festivals to worship the river, encouraging Summit leadership to help get national recognition for these local water festivals that are observed by many of Nepal’s ethnic groups.
TASK 3.2.3: DEVELOP NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT In Y3 Q2 and Q3, Paani discussed incorporating a review of the hydropower sustainability assessment protocol (HSAP) into the SCP exercise modeled on HbD (see Task 3.2.1). The WWF Nepal team has agreed to include this in their analysis. Now that the SOW has been approved, Paani will clarify if/how the HSAP should be tailored to fit the Nepali context.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: STRENGTHEN POLICY AND PLANNING FOR INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (IWRM) The goal of this strategic approach is to increase the capacity of the GON and sub-watershed/basin level actors to integrate climate change and biodiversity into policy and basin level planning.
Throughout the quarter, Paani made progress towards the desired results for this strategic approach and the focused initiatives that fall under this SA. Paani utilized the information gained from consultation meetings, FGDs, and KIIs that ISET researchers conducted in Y3 Q2 to move forward activities this quarter. Consultation workshops organized on the draft of Karnali Province's Aquatic Animals Conservation Bill in Rukum (West), Jajarkot, and Surkhet districts further helped inform the Provincial Bill with the knowledge, practices, concerns, and aspirations of provincial-level communities, local government representatives, fisher communities, and NGOs. As members of the Aquatic Animal Conservation Bill Drafting Committee and the Bill Preparation Taskforce, EPLE and RBTL (Karnali) further revised the draft Bill, incorporating feedback from stakeholders of the three districts before submitting it to the Secretary and Minister of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative (MoLMAC) on March 21 for finalization.
Paani also provided technical assistance to Rapti Rural Municipality, Gadhawa Rural Municipality, and Lamahi Municipality in Middle Rapti Watershed to develop aquatic animals and biodiversity conservation bills, which were passed in this quarter. Technical support provided to MPLMAC and the local governments in Middle Rapti Watershed will support two focused initiatives: collaborative aquatic resource management; and to inform and strengthen multi-stakeholder platforms and help river basin stakeholders work towards a common vision and implement actions for conservation and sustainable use of aquatic animals and their habitat. In Y3 Q4, representatives and staff of local government, fisher and other communities, and CSOs of Pyuthan District will participate in a consultation workshop on a draft of the local aquatic animal and biodiversity bill, in order to provide their feedback and to ensure the law addresses issues of aquatic biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and is GESI-friendly. As Paani has received written requests for providing technical support to develop aquatic animals and biodiversity conservation law from Chure, Jorayal, and Mohanyal Rural Municipalities, it will hold consultation meetings to initiate the law drafting process in Thuligad Watershed. This quarter, Paani revised and submitted a SOW for the development of Rara Lake’s Site Management Plan, as part of a request for support to Paani from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). Progress over the quarter is reported below.
TASK 3.1.1: IDENTIFY CHAMPIONS FOR FRESHWATER POLICY CHANGE In Y3 Q3, ISET Nepal developed reports on the environmental, social, economic, and political contexts of Paani’s river basins; freshwater aquatic ecosystem analysis and management in Mahakali, Karnali, and West Rapti River Basins (MKWRBS); biodiversity in Nepal; review of policies, acts, regulations, and institutions; indigenous and local knowledge and practices in conservation and management of freshwater ecosystem in MKWRBs; and indicators of riverine ecosystem health. They also developed a list of stakeholders of different thematic sectors, such as aggregate mining, agricultural development and management; flood control, irrigation, hydropower, natural resources conservation, and water supply and sanitation. ISET is revising these reports based on Paani input and suggestions. ISET has also developed a preliminary list of potential champions, and has submitted a draft report on PEA context, PEA and Conceptual Framework, Stressors and Drivers, and Methods and Practices for Promotion of IWRM and Settlements, Sub-watershed, Watershed and River Basin scale for Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation. ISET will revise these reports based on
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Paani's feedback in Y3 Q4, and will also identify and categorize stakeholders by sectors and themes from all 12 watersheds, in addition to organizing training programs for them.
TASK 3.1.2: DEVELOP AN ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES WHITE PAPER As some of the findings from the PEA study (currently underway) will very likely provide a basis for the preparation of the white paper, Paani put this activity on hold in Y3 Q3. Next quarter, Paani will develop a SOW for preparing this white paper based on the findings of the PEA study.
TASK 3.1.3: SUPPORT WECS AND OTHER GIVERNMENT BODIES TO REVISE, UPDATE, AND DRAFT NATIONAL POLICIES Provide support to revise and finalize integrated National Water Resources Assessment (GESI-responsive) Revising the draft Fisheries Development Policy based on comments and suggestions received from the peer review took more time than expected. Therefore, FFS will revise draft Policy in May 2019, after which Paani will submit it to the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Paani’s facilitation of participants from the three river basins for a consultation workshop on the draft Water Resources Bill was delayed in Y3 Q3, pending WECS’ decision on dates and venue. Once logistical details are confirmed by WECS, Paani will make necessary arrangements to support the participation of select stakeholders, including potential champions from the three river basins.
Support to develop a statute for formation and handing over of river stretch to community aquatic animal conservation group Paani reviewed, provided comments, drafted, and rewrote different provisions and sections of the draft of the statute developed by grantee, Resources Himalaya Foundation (RHF) to register community aquatic animal conservation groups and hand over a river stretch for the management of aquatic animals and biodiversity. RHF revised the draft in Y3 Q3 based on Paani’s input and shared the revised version with local governments and aquatic animal conservation groups in Middle Karnali Watershed. RHF registered the groups at respective local governments, per the revised version of the statutes.
Provide support to develop Aquatic Animals and Biodiversity Conservation Bill at local levels As requested by the chairperson of three rural municipalities of the Middle Rapti Watershed, Paani developed detailed provisions of the Aquatic Animals and Biodiversity Conservation Bill (AABCB) and organized a consultation workshop to further review and revise the Bill, which took place with Rapti Rural Municipality in Bhalubang, Middle Rapti Watershed on January 21. Participants included the chairperson of Rapti Rural Municipality, Rajpur Rural Municipality, and Gadhawa Municipality, the Deputy Mayor of Lamhi Municipality, ward chairpersons of these local governments, members of the fisher community, and local NGOs, along with the Paani COP. Together, they thoroughly reviewed the provisions of the Bill. Input from participants included that: 1) the Bill should require the agency that constructs a dam to ensure maintenance of 15-25% of e-flow; 2) it should prohibit mining of boulders, stone, and sand from rivers without permission of the local government or if it is contrary to the standards they have set; 3) it should control the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural fields that are on the bank of the Rapti River and its tributaries; 4) the criteria for handing over a river stretch to a community should include whether that community has
32 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV traditionally been dependent on the river; and 5) the fine proposed for using mesh of a different size than approved by the Bill should be reduced.
Paani revised the Bill along with WMS (Jhimruk and Middle Rapti) and RBTL (Rapti River Basin), incorporating suggestions from the participants and submitted it to Gadhawa Rural Municipality on January 25, and to Rapti and Rajpur Rural Municipalities and Lamhi Municipality in Middle Rapti Watershed on January 27 and 28, respectively. Although Gadhawa passed the Bill from the meeting of Rural Municipality Executive, the other three local governments duly passed the AABCB from their respective Assembly in February and March.
Formulate Wetland Management Plan of Rara Lake – A Ramsar Site The DNPWC requested that Paani provide financial and technical support to develop the Site Management Plan of Rara Lake Ramsar Site. This quarter, Paani developed a SOW for this task and shared it with the Conservation Officer of Rara National Park on March 22, requesting comments. Following a meeting with the Deputy DG and Management Officer at DNPWC on March 29 and further revisions, the Deputy DG requested a formal letter along with the revised SOW be sent to the Director General for official approval, which is expected in early Y3 Q4.
Support provincial government to draft Provincial Aquatic Animal Conservation Law In this quarter, MoLMAC and Paani jointly organized a consultation workshop on the draft of Karnali Province's AABCB in Rukum (west), Jajarkot, and Surkhet Districts. Workshop participants included the Chief of the District Coordination Committee; the Mayor; the Chief District Officer; the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of Rural Municipalities; the district line agency staff, fishers, and NGO representatives of the respective districts. In Surkhet, the Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives also participated.
Participants suggested a provision regulating the use of nylon thread and mesh in fishing gear, and stringent punishment to those who mine gravel and stone. Some participants suggested increasing 25% e-flow to 50%, while others suggested making it 33%. To increase representation of women in the Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Management Council, some participants suggested first increasing the representation of local government in the Council to make the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson eligible to be Council members. They also suggested that the law should provide for establishing Council at the local government level. Another challenge raised was enforcing compliance with the provisions of law equally among all the members of society, without any kind of discrimination based on class or caste.
The Secretary and one officer of MoLMAC participated in all consultation workshops. Paani also held consultation meetings on the different aspects of the Bill with members of the Badi community and others in Syal Khola, Ward 3, Chaur Jahari Municipality, Rukum (west) District; fishers in Chheda Chaur, Shivalaya Rural Municipality, Jajarkot District; and Thapa Dera Ward 2, Barah Tal Rural Municipality, Surkhet District. Paani then revised the Bill, incorporating suggestions from the district level consultation workshops and community level consultation meeting, and submitted it to the Secretary, MoLMAC and Minister, MoLMAC respectively as a member of the Aquatic Animal Conservation Bill Preparation Task Force; and as a member of the Aquatic Animal Conservation Bill Drafting Committee on March 21 to make arrangement to table the Bill in the meeting of the State Assembly currently underway.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 4A: LEARN AND DISCOVER (GENERATE KNOWLEDGE) THROUGH A RESEARCH AGENDA THAT INFORMS SAS UNDER IRS 1 AND 2 The goal of this strategic approach is to fill gaps in knowledge necessary for effective implementation of watershed management and basin-level planning and thereby better inform holistic national, provincial and local-level policy making. This strategic approach underpins the other Paani strategies, informs Paani grant programs, and serves as an organizing framework for annual research agendas to support the different strategic approaches.
Throughout the quarter, Paani made progress towards achieving desired results for this strategic approach. For example, the program carried out compilation, analysis, and consolidation of field data to draft profiles for an additional four watersheds, completed water spring source mapping for five watersheds stretched across middle mountain areas, completed freshwater biodiversity assessments using e-DNA and bio-assessment methods and shared provisional results disseminated publicly during the Third National River Summit. A research proposal by FAN was approved this quarter and field implementation is already underway. Paani engaged watershed and local-level stakeholders to assess the value of Paani-produced knowledge products by target groups and outreach. Feedback will be used to inform design of activities to reduce threats and strengthen resilience of human and ecological communities.
Research highlights from the quarter include:
• A total of 202 native fish species belonging to 38 families were identified through a Fish Vulnerability Assessment carried out by KU and CMDN across different river stretches of the Karnali, Mahakali, and Rapti Rivers and some wetlands of the Lower Karnali Watershed. • A total of four unique flagship fish species were identified in stretches of the Karnali, Mahakali, and Rapti Rivers, based on their economic and ecological value and their abundance. Nine fish species were rated as threatened species, inclusive of four fish species described under IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. • Paani generated a roadmap to support sustainable capture fisheries in target river stretches by identifying 11 spawning zones, 13 nurturing zones, and 22 over fishing zones of keystone fish species in lower Mahakali and West Seti Rivers. • A CMDN study revealed that e-DNA concentration of fish species, especially Schizothorx and Barilius, was 8-10 times higher in Karnali water samples as compared to Trishuli River samples, due to the effect of hydropower. • eDNA analysis detected Mayflies (an aquatic insect sensitive to pollution) in Karnali River samples, an indicator of aquatic health. • YAE mapped 4,222 spring sources across five watersheds in middle mountain areas. Water Quality Index (WQI) tests revealed that the spring water quality was within the acceptable range prescribed by WHO guidelines and Nepal drinking water guidelines.
Detailed progress over the quarter is reported below.
TASK 4.1.1: CONDUCT RAPID CLIMATE VULNERABILITY AND BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENTS SUB-TASK C4.1.1-1 PRIORITY WATERSHED PROFILES AND HEALTH REPORTS As of Y3 Q3, Paani has finalized and submitted all 12 watershed profiles. In tandem, Paani has drafted and submitted all but four watershed health reports as of this quarter. Four health reports remain: Tila, Rara Khatyad, Phoksundo Suligaad, and West Seti, which will be finalized and submitted to USAID
34 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV in Y3 Q4. A set of knowledge products developed from the watershed profiles and health reports is being produced, in close collaboration with Paani’s communications team, and will be distributed widely among relevant stakeholders.
TASK 4.1.2: CONDUCT FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY INVENTORIES SUB-TASK C4.1.2-1 ASSESSMENT OF DIVERSITY THROUGH E-DNA METHODS CMDN carried out a comparative e-DNA analysis for aquatic species’ richness and relative abundance in the free flowing Karnali River, compared to the highly exploited Trishuli River. While the total number of fish species identified was comparable (26 in Karnali, and 25 in Trishuli), the e- DNA concentration of major species (i.e. Schizothorx and Barilius) was 8-10 times higher for Karnali. The E-DNA analysis also detected Mayflies in the Karnali, an aquatic insect commonly used to indicate a healthy aquatic ecosystem, given its sensitivity to pollutants. An assessment on the impacts of dams on the size of large fish, such as Gardi, Goench, Rajabam, and Sahar, found that the mass of fish species above the dam decreased by 18-49% compared to those below the dam. 1
SUB-TASK C4.1.2-2 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF FISHERY DIVERSITY This quarter, Paani completed Fish Vulnerability Assessments in the Lower Mahakali and West Seti Watersheds through consultative multi-stakeholder workshops. Communities identified higher fish diversity in the warmer Lower Mahakali (40 species) as compared to the cooler waters of the West Seti (13 species), confirming the strong correlation of fish diversity and water temperature. Earlier work showed a similar trend where a higher distribution of fish species diversity was linked to warmer water temperatures and vice versa.
Stakeholders developed a rationale to identify keystone fish species according to their ecological and economic value, as well as their overall abundance. Warm water fish species, such as Sahar and Goonch, were reported as dominant in the lower stretches of the Mahakali River, while the Asala species was found in upper reaches, with cooler water temperature. Asala and Guthi are dominant species in the upper reaches, while Sahar is dominant in the lower stretches of the West Seti River.
Along with the identification of flagship fish species2, Paani also mapped areas for spawning, nurturing, and fishing grounds in stretches of the lower Mahakali and West Seti Rivers. With the help of fisher communities, Paani identified a total of 11 spawning, 13 nurturing, and 22 over fishing zones (Annex A3), which provides a roadmap for delineating river stretches with special efforts to support sustainable capture fisheries.
SUB-TASK C4.1.2-3 IMPACT OF HYDROPOWER ON FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY KU conducted a study of the Jhimruk Dam and concluded that hydropower dams have an adverse impact on freshwater biodiversity, given a significant decline in species diversification above the dam
1 ADB (2018). Impacts of Dams on Fish in the Rivers of Nepal. Asian Development Bank. 2 Flagship fish species identified against criteria agreed beforehand with river communities. These include fish species with ecological, economic and biodiversity value.
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 35 site, as compared to below. The study revealed 27 species (19 genus) with diverse economic and ecological values.
The study found the highest diversity downstream of Jhimruk Dam. Above the dam, most of the fish species found were of small type/size, such as Asala (Schizothorax spp.), with very low growth of migratory species, such as Tor tor and Tor putitora. The difference was mainly associated with the warmer water and better quality of foraging and nurturing grounds below the dam site.
During this study, the team recorded four species from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, including Bagarius bagarius (Near Threatened), Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (Near Threatened), Schizothroax richardsonii (Vulnerable), and Tor putitora (Endangered), suggesting that these species still persist under natural rivers.
SUB-TASK C4.1.2-4 FIELD VALIDATION OF WATERSHED BOUNDARY During this quarter, the Paani field team validated river hydrology and flow direction boundaries for the West Seti and Lower Mahakali Watersheds. Following a stakeholder consultation workshop, the watershed boundary for West Seti Watershed was found to be correct without need for revision, whereas the boundary for the Lower Mahakali was updated, shifting its boundary by approximately 10km².
TASK 4.1.3: IDENTIFY AREAS THAT COULD BE PROPOSED AS FISH OR OTHER FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY SANCTUARIES / PROTECTED AREAS (PA) During this quarter, Paani continued exploring possible areas with significant biodiversity value, and gauged community and government interest in declaring certain river stretches conservation areas or fish sanctuaries. Guidance for river stretch co-management was developed, following a review of Paani-implemented activities. Paani concluded that its project activities should be targeted to areas that could be declared as fish sanctuaries. A protocol required to declare conservation areas will be developed under an APS research grant. Recommendations received this quarter from the NRCT- led Karnali River Expedition will be reviewed in Q4 to locate potential areas for river stretch co- management and the declaration of fish sanctuaries and conservation. In addition, a river-stretch co- management framework was presented during the Third National River Summit for feedback this quarter (see SA 1A for more detail).
TASK 4.1.5: ASSESS THE IMPACTS OF INVASIVES ON FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY Paani documented the impacts of invasive species on two wetlands in Lower Karnali Watershed as part of a three-phase project being conducted by KU and CDMN. Through an e-DNA analysis, CMDN detected the following invasive species in the freshwater system: African catfish, common carp, goldfish, bighead carp, and a hybrid of common carp and goldfish. As a follow-up, a Paani team led by FFS carried out a field assessment to test the methodology and tools for measuring the extent and distribution of invasive fish species and their impacts on capture fisheries. The outcomes of the field study will be shared with national-level stakeholders in Y3 Q4. (See SA 1D for more detail.)
TASK 4.1.3.6: MAP WATER SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY AND IDENTIFY SYSTEMS REQUIRING REHABILITATION, BOTH ECOLOGICALLY AND FOR HUMAN USE In Y3 Q3, YAE, along with Paani citizen scientists, mapped water sources and discharge points, and tested water quality for Jhimruk, Bogatan, Lagam, Karnali, Middle Karnali, Thuligaad, and Rangun Watersheds. YAE’s research focused on mapping water sources, sources of water pollution or
36 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV stresses, and exploring options to improve local water availability. Spring source mapping was done during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
YAE mapped 4,222 spring sources across five watersheds. Community members interviewed at water collection spots reported a decrease in water discharge from 74% of spring sources, an unchanged discharge rate in 23% spring sources, and dried out sources at 1.6% of springs. Water quality test results indicated that the water was safe for domestic use and for irrigation. An analysis of the water poverty index (WPI) revealed differing levels of water access between communities, and by caste and ethnicity, indicating likely conflicts that arise due to unequal access to water sources. Discharge rates from most spring sources have decreased, and in some cases, have dried out completely (Annex A3.) A rainfall and temperature analysis revealed variable trends and patterns, which seem to be one cause of the drying spring sources. Despite decreasing discharge rates, the study found water quality to be within the range prescribed by the WHO and Nepal drinking water guidelines.
TASK 4.1.3.7: IDENTIFY PRESSING WATER SECURITY ISSUES SUCH AS FUTURE SUPPLY AND DEMAND SCENARIOS AND CLIMATE STRESSES ON WATER RESOURCES OVER SEASONAL TO LONGER TIMESCALES Under the same grant, YAE compiled a WPI to analyze the present situation of water supply in two selected municipalities: Alital Rural Municipality of Rangun Watershed and Chamunda Bindrasaini of Middle Karnali Watershed. WPI is a tool that can help local governments prioritize and plan for issues linked to water resources and water stress management. The indicators included Resource (R), Access (A), Capacity (C), Use (U), and Environment (E). The results showed that Alital has a medium/low intensity of water poverty, while Chamunda Bindrasaini has medium intensity of water poverty. Both communities presented a clear picture of water stress, although priority issues to target for improving water security or reducing WPI are water use in Alital, and capacity in Chamunda Bindrasaini.
TASK 4.1.3.8: CONDUCT ANALYSIS OF GENDER AND CASTE BIASED ACCESS TO AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES Paani’s GESI assessment report was shared in Y3 Q3. Highlights from the findings include: (i) dissonance between supporting Paani’s conservation goals versus livelihood needs (e.g., in the context of food insecurity, time poverty for women, patriarchal values, etc.), (ii) perception of project agenda as supply-driven versus demand-driven, based on the local communities’ needs, (iii) lack of GESI outcome indicators to measure and report against in terms of GESI-responsive intended and unintended outcomes; and (iv) lack of a designated GESI project budget. Paani worked with prospective grantees to redesign grants based on recommendations from the GESI assessment. Unlike initial grantees’ proposition to thinly spread GESI actions across eight watersheds, the proposal now focuses on watersheds and river stretches where Paani’s interventions under river stretch co-management will be implemented, especially Karnali River and the Rapti River Basin. These are the areas where GESI actions will be implemented through river groups which are already formed or under formation.
TASK 4.1.3.9: CONDUCT OUTREACH TO COMMUNITIES A key contributor to Paani’s success and potential impact is whether its knowledge products are made available and accessible in the public domain, to better inform the freshwater research agenda
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 37 within Nepal and abroad. In Y3 Q3, Paani research grantees, including KU, CMDN, and YAE, developed knowledge products, which were shared during the Third National River Summit. The research grantees have also been writing manuscripts to disseminate their work more widely by publishing in scientific journals.
Based on feedback received from stakeholder consultation workshops conducted last quarter, Paani confirmed that users are keen to own and use Paani’s knowledge products. While some knowledge products can be made available through Paalika’s website, many products will need to be produced in print form, in Nepali, and disseminated locally through various extension mechanisms.
Also based on feedback, Paani began to design different types of knowledge products best suited for direct beneficiaries. These include a poster format, which will be in Nepali only, and briefer format (4-page brochure-style product), in both English and Nepali, both of which are based on key information from the watershed profiles and health reports. These two sub-products will target a wide range of users, including government line agencies, CSOs, district technical staff and focal points (all of whom can use the products to guide watershed decision- making, prioritization, and resource allocation or planning), as well as donors, IPs, and broader users who can use the This is a prototype of the Nepali-version watershed health poster, a sub-product of the watershed profiles and health products to increase their awareness of reports. Paani will produce one per watershed and will begin watershed management or biodiversity dissemination to target users in Y3 Q4. issues and priority areas for intervention.
Paani is also exploring the issue of knowledge product ownership. Further discussion at the provincial and federal government levels is needed for some products to have joint ownership between local government and USAID. Paani will forward this issue to the USAID Paani Technical Committee, headed by the Joint Secretary of WECS, for further guidance.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: SUPPORT CAPACITY BUILDING, LEARNING, AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING IN ACADEMIC AND OTHER LEARNING SPACES The goal of this strategic approach is to build local capacity for watershed and basin management by building the capacity of Nepal’s educational institutions (schools, universities), government agencies, NGOs, community groups, and research institutions to integrate academic/non-academic curricula and programming that will develop future career professionals and community advocates in the Karnali, Mahakali, and Rapti River Basins who are committed to protecting Nepal’s water resources, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Throughout the quarter, Paani made progress towards the desired results for this strategic approach. For example, as part of the Third National River Summit this quarter, Paani facilitated a youth competition on innovative watershed model design as a platform to engage and link Nepali youth from diverse backgrounds and geographies on watershed management issues. Altogether, 10 youth were selected—four from Rakam and six college students from Mid-Western University, Kathmandu University, and Tribhuvan University representing different ethnicities and castes, and with varying
38 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV knowledge about water resource management issues. At the Summit, the youth team worked together to construct a physical watershed model of the Rakam area, which features a stretch of the river overseen by a community based Aquatic Animal Conservation Group (facilitated by Paani), various destructive fishing practice zones, a rural road demolition site in the vicinity, and the site of a landslide caused by haphazard rural road construction. The group presented the completed model to the Mayor of Aathabis Municipality, who said it will help him to visualize and make development plans that factor in watershed health and threats.
“The connection with people, their valuable inputs and the overall Summit helped me understand the value of water management.” —Aadesh Sharma, Kathmandu Engineering College, Tribhuvan University, and 1st runner up in Paani’s Youth Competition on Innovative Watershed Model Design
Paani continued its support of grant partners to deliver trainings on technical and social aspects of fisheries co-management, which helped participants to better understand aquatic biodiversity conservation and get involved in patrolling of destructive fishing practices as well as aquatic resource monitoring in their respective communities. The training on climate-smart watershed management practices helped participants implement low-cost bioengineering technologies for soil erosion control and slope stabilization, and to use rainwater harvesting technologies to combat water scarcity problems. The training on leadership development motivated several fisher groups to join cooperatives and pursue entrepreneurship development.
Progress over the quarter is reported below.
SA 4B Progress Y3 Q4 Task Progress Location Implementer Task 4.2.1 • Facilitated the participation of several MWU students National MWU Develop and in field activities for USFS environmentally friendly implement a green rural road surevey and demonstration site at Middle engineering strategy Karnali Watershed. (This task is linked with SA 1C). and curriculum • Provided support to MWU in planning the implementation of IWRM, LVRE, Applied Hydrology, ESIA course training on climate smart watershed management, fisheries co-management and development/implementation of environmental journalism through academic and non-academic education designing of university career fare program. Also provided support for laboratory equipment to teach applied Hydrology course in a more meaningful way.
Task 4.2.3 • Conducted a youth competition event on March 19 National Paani Engage youth on Innovative Watershed Model Design for students (school and from three different universities (20 participants), university) in and from a diverse range of disciplines, including freshwater environmental science, environmental management, biodiversity and hydrometeorology, development studies, sustainable climate change development, and engineering. The activity provided a platform for youth to understand the concept of a watershed management. The winners participated in the 3rd National River Summit. • Supported youth (KU-2, TU-2, MWU IWRM-2, Middle Karnali Paani Rakam Karnali-4) to prepare a detailed physical model of the Middle Karnali Watershed area, and presented it to the mayor of Aathabis Municipality. The model captured the themes of destructive fishing
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SA 4B Progress Y3 Q4 Task Progress Location Implementer practice zones, CAACG zones, and haphazard road construction impact. One of the participating Rakam youth used to be involved in destructive fishing practices, but realized the negative consequences and committed to advocating against that. • Supported students on sketch work to prepare National Paani pictorial guide on citizen science procedures for macroinvertebrate sampling and spring source inventory. Final illustrtations were displayed at Third National River Summit, where Summit participants found them to be easy to understand and applicable in the field. This learning will be used to develop additional knowledge products in the future.. 4.2.5 Training on technical and social aspects of fisheries co-management Develop and (linked with SA 1A) implement • Conducted two trainings for two fisher groups - Jhimruk MRDCC workshops and Damti Dovan and Bangeraha (40 participants), Jan 4- (Pyuthan-8, training programs 5 & Feb. 1-2 on aquatic biodiversity conservation and Damti and related to group management. After the training, all of the Airawati) freshwater fisher group members have been involved regularly in biodiversity patrolling and resource monitoring at Airawati, and conservation and destructive fishing practices have been reduced. climate resilience Looking at their good work, the fisher groups of lower Bangeraha have started to demand support for a similar type of group formation. • Conducted two leadership skill development Jhimruk MRDCC trainings on cooperative management for Amilya (Pyuthan Raha fisher group and Kumal Community of Municipality-3 Ratamata (87 participants), Jan 10 and Feb 23. Ratamata) Training focused on cooperative management and saving/credit schemes for strengthening livelihoods. • Conducted refresher training on fish identification 8 priority Paani tools and water quality for Paani RBTL, WMS, and watersheds FTD (14 participants), Feb. 16. Training focused on using tools for fish identification so as to further guide local grantees and CAACG. • Conducted training for four fisher groups Baam, HWEPC Baikha, Raini and Rawa (75 participants), Feb 7-8; training focused on on climate change and its causes Middle Rapti and adverse impact on human/aquatic biodiversity (Rapti -5, and adaptation measures. Gadhawa -6, Rajpur-2) • Feb 21-22, 80 participants trained on sustainable
fishery management in river systems, the status of
capture fisheries in Nepal and Dang, small scale
aquaculture, site selection and integrated
aquaculture.
• Feb 26-27; training on commonly used traditional and
destructive fishing practices and aquatic animal
conservation bill.
• Mar 11-13; entrepreneurship development training. After the training, participants showed interest in vegetable and mushroom farming, vegetable shops, fishing gear enterprises, homestay enterprises, river bed farming, and hotel enterprises. • Groups are now involved in patrolling, resource monitoring and maintenance of the resource book. Due to the mobilization of the Baam fisher group, electro fishing practices have been reduced. In addition, the group is receiving support from police officials in controlling destructive fishing practices after their requests. Baikha Machha Samuha has set a slogan for fish conservation.
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SA 4B Progress Y3 Q4 Task Progress Location Implementer • Conducted two trainings for local-level watershed MRDCC management platform members (35 participants), Feb 27-28 & Mar 6-7. After the training, the representatives from the local bodies made important decisions on fish conservation, local water management and environment friendly development works. After this, they held a meeting of Karyapalika of Naubahini RM and decided to ban fishing in Lung khola during the breeding season. Jhimruk • Similarly, the Pyuthan municipality level watershed (Airawati and management platform decided to launch a ward Naubahini) chairperson program for watershed management. It has even announced implementation of gulley control measures through low cost soil conservation technologies and creation of recharge ponds in each village tole. The municipality has set a slogan “one village one pond. Airawati Rural Municipality decided to create one recharge pond in each community forest user group totaling around 52 recharge ponds created in 52 community forest user groups. • Conducted training on resource monitoring for Jhimruk MRDCC CAACG members Rakasa Raha Majhi Samuha (22 (Airawati Rural participants), Feb 20-21. Training focused on Municipality, restoring fish species, monitoring procedures, Kathkura) database formats and work plan preparation. This fisher group is now involved in patrolling and resource monitoring of river systems on a weekly basis.
• Conducted two trainings on aquatic biodiversity Middle rapti HWEPC conservation for local representatives and (Rapti-5, stakeholders (40 participants), Mar18-19. Training Kalapani and focused on protecting aquatic biodiversity and Gadhawa -6) controlling destructive fishing practices, as well as the importance of the Aquatic Animal Conservation Bill, its provisions, penalties, and implementation. After the training Baikha and Baam fisher groups received free space in Rapti rural Municipality to support institutional set up of fisher groups. The office space has helped to conduct meetings and trainings as well as support their daily administrative work.
Training on technical and social aspects of climate smart watershed management (Linked with SA 1B). Promoted activities that address water scarcity • Conducted training on rain water harvesting and Lower Karnali KIRDARC water resource management (34 participants), Mar (Rajapur, 24-25 and Mar 29-30 for 35 participants. After the Naraharinath) training, Rajapur, formed a Model Resilience Community, initiated the construction of a plastic pond, and held further meetings on the conservation of their three natural ponds. Promoted activities that address disaster risk reduction and natural hazard management • Conducted bioengineering training for six different Jhimruk MRDCC CFUG members (18 participants), Jan 11-13. Training (Naubahini-8 focused on low cost bioengineering techniques such Phopli, as bamboo crib walls, watling, fascine, palisades, Municipality-3 brush layering and hedge brush, and ‘A’ frame Bhakundepata) construction for contour line creation. After this training, they installed bamboo watling structures, palisades, and fascines to control soil erosion and slope stabilization at Phopli, Luplung, Arneta, and
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SA 4B Progress Y3 Q4 Task Progress Location Implementer Bhakunde Pata area. The benefited households will then plant vegetation to make it durable. • Conducted bioengineering training on Mar. 17-19 (20 participants); participants then practiced palisade, brush layering, and fascine creation in landslide areas. • Conducted training of trainers to the NNSWA Budar, Doti Paani technical team on the technical and social aspects of watershed management in order to enhance their knowledge and help them deliver this training to local communities.
• Conducted three trainings on the technical and social Rangun NNSWA aspects of watershed management for water user (Simalkhet, groups (75 participants). Participants are now kuda-6, planning to work for integrate watershed Godam, Alital) management activities. • Conducted training on low cost soil conservation Rangun (micro- RDC technologies in sub-watershed spring sources for watersheds- resource management sroups and Alital Rural Kalarah Khola, Municipality members (251 participants), Feb 10-12, Sunkhola, Feb 13-15, Feb 17-19, Feb 20-22, Mar 6-8, Mar 9-11. Baghkholi, • Role of women and marginalized groups in building Bhangreri climate resilient watershed for local government Khola). (Alital Rural Municipality), RMGs and RMCs members (55 participants) Feb 25-Mar 11. • Institutional arrangement and leadership development for Resource Management Group members (55 participants), Jan 29-31, Feb 1, 4 & 5, Feb 6-8. Training focused on networking, communication, coordination and negotiation, and natural resources management decision making. • All four Resource Management Groups (RMGs) registered their statues in Alital Rural Municipality. They are now able to hold monthly meetings for RMC members and are trying to receive a budget from the rural municipality for springshed improvement. • Conducted three trainings on GESI focused Rangun Alital NNSWA watershed management and aquatic biodiversity Rural conservation for newly elected women leaders and Municipality community women leaders (72 participants). Training and focused on integrating GESI in local planning Parashuram processes for integrated watershed management. Municipality
PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATION, KNOWLEDGE SHARING
The following table represents Paani’s coordination activities with USAID/Nepal and other USAID activities for Y3 Q3:
TABLE 1: MEETINGS WITH USAID/NEPAL AND OTHER USAID PROGRAMS
MEETINGS WITH USAID/NEPAL AND OTHER USAID PROGRAMS
PARTNER/PROJECT NAME DATE OF MEETING OUTCOME OF COLLABORATION IWMA NMEL January 7 DCOP, IWRMS, GIS Specialist and M&E Specialist met Basan Shrestha (CAMRIS/IWMA NMEL) and discussed on IWMA indicators and information from Paani watersheds. GIS specialist shared list of wards in Rangun, Lower Karnali and Middle Karnali watersheds where Paani activities are ongoing and planned in future.
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USFS February 1 COP, DCOP, GIS Specialist, and IWRMS held a Skype meeting with Mark Weinhold and Justin Green (USFS) to discuss itinerary details of Mr. Weinhold’s upcoming rural road construction technical visit to Nepal. IWMA NMEL March 6 IWRMS, M&E Specialist and DAM met Basan Shrestha (CAMRIS/IWMA NMEL) and discussed on the indicator data and information details. USFS March 14 COP, DCOP, and IWRMS held a Skype meeting with Mark Weinhold and Justin Green (USFS) to discuss final itinerary of Mr. Weinhold’s Nepal trip in April, and to discuss overall planning and management of meetings and field visit. IWMA March 19 IWRMS attended IWMA meeting at Winrock Office. IWMA team presented their observation and findings of their field visit (in Feb) in Rangun and Lower Karnali watersheds and discussed on the integration activities identified and follow ups.
The following table represents Paani’s coordination activities with stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, GoN, and other development partners in Y3 Q3:
TABLE 2: MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
PARTNER/PROJECT NAME DATE OF MEETING OUTCOME OF COLLABORATION NRCT Jan- March Paani held a series of meetings with NRCT and other organizers throughout the quarter to plan for the Third National River Summit. Over the course of Y3 Q3, the technical team established in Y3 Q2 met bi-weekly to review proposals, determine chief guests/ speakers/ panelists, assign roles, travel to the event site, select a vendor, and manage logistics for the week-long event held in Chisopani, Surkhet, and Rakam Karnali from March 26-31. Aathabis Municipality, Dailekh January 14 GI Specialist and RBTL-Karnali met the Mayor of Aathabis Municipality and discussed the planning and preparations for Mark Weinhold’s (USFS) visit for collaboration on designing and demonstrating environmentally friendly rural road construction. During the meeting, Aathabis Municipality committed to allocate funds for rehabilitation of the roads with the technical support of USFS, which is a significant achievement in terms of collaboration with local government. HKH SERVIR/ICIMOD January 16 COP, DCOP, GIS Specialist, and IWRMS discussed data sharing, integration, and collaboration possibilities with ICIMOD on watershed management. Discussions were conducted on ICIMOD’s existing river flow simulation model shared under the Tethys platform, and possibilities for validation with Paani collected field-level data. FMIST January 21 CBHES, PM had a meeting with FMIST patron Prachanda Pradhan and Navin mangal Joshi to support for Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS) Promotion Trust organized Eighth International Seminar on “Institutional Challenges and Water Security in Irrigation Systems, Hotel Himalaya in Lalitpur on May 6-7. Paani committed to a financial payment of up to the requested amount of Paani will also participate in one hour plenary session on system scale planning.
HKH SERVIR/ICIMOD January 28 IWMRS, DAM, and GIS Specialist met and discussed available data sharing by Paani for their model validation. Following the meeting, Paani shared stream gauge data
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(Aurahi Khola, Lower Karnali watershed) and seasonal discharge data for their model validation.
DHM February 13 IWRMS met the new Director General of DHM and briefed him on Paani’s in-kind grant to DHM. Department of Forest and Soil February 17 IWRMS met Prakash S. Thapa (Technology Development Conservation (DOFSC) Officer) and discussed Mark Weinhold’s (USFS) upcoming visit on designing environmentally friendly rural road construction in Middle Karnali. Planned a meeting with Mr. Weinhold in April. Community Development & February 19 CBHES, FTD, IWRMS met with Nagdev Yadav, President, Advocacy Forum Nepal CDAFN to discuss knowledge sharing related to (CDAFN) improving local water management and disaster reduction best practices. The discussion is moving forward for a learning visit and its replication in Paani watersheds. Nepal Water Conservation March 13 CBHES participated in NWCF’s flagship program, Pani Foundation’s (NWCF) Satsang, focused on river and nature conservation. The invited speaker, Minket Lepcha, presented on how community cultures can preserve haphazard development works carried out across rivers and forests.
MWU March 14-15 CBHES, GM met with MWU, Surkhet- Ass. Campus Chief Lalit Jung Shahi, Ass. Dean- Birendra Khadka, Ass. Prof. Sagar Shrestha, Finance off. Shailendra on MWU's grant II. Developed program description as well as budget and submitted to Paani's technical team for review. Also discussed MWU involvement in upcoming USFS visit for environment friendly rural road construction. Total of 46 students attended LVRE course with support from Paani. MWU planned to make all arrangements for LVRE students and faculty for this purpose. MWU March 23 CBHES had a Sykpe meeting with MWU-Lalit Jung Shahi and discussed March 22 internal Paani meeting among COP, DCOP, CTS, Hydropower Specialist, IWRM Specialist, CBHES and GM on MWU proposed program description and budget for both Grant II and In-kind grant of MWU. Suggestions from the meeting were also shared for revision. Scot Wilson Nepal (SWN) March 28 IWRMS and M&E Specialist met with the SWN team to discuss their MEL and GESI plans. Paani shared relevant documents with SWN. Department of National Parks March 29 Paani met with the Deputy Director General (DDG) and and Wildlife Conservation Management Officer at DNPWC to brief them on (DNPWC) different elements of the SOW for the development of Site Management Plan of Rara Lake. The DDG reviewed the SOW and suggested including, among others, a review and analysis of relevant policies and laws, as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and Convention on Biological Diversity; trail improvement around the Lake for cycling and bird watching, and recommendations on the most appropriate site for construction of a watch tower without any significant adverse impact on the Lake and the Rara NP. He also suggested to send a formal letter along with the revised SOW to the Director General for DNPWC's approval.
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Mayor, Aathabisa Municipality, March 31 CTS, FFS & RBTL (KRB) met with the Mayor of Dailekh Aathabisa municipality and members of one CAACG to discuss the effective implementation of the Aquatic Animal Biodiversity Conservation Act. The documented outcome was that the Aathabisa Municipality agreed to expand CAACG membership to include all engaged in fishing activities, to provide orientation training on provision of act and conduct awareness program to the general public. The meeting also concluded that the municipality would develop an aquatic biodiversity profile within the administrative boundary of municipality, initiate process to establish a fish cooperative by involving CAACG members and streamlining the fish market as well regulating fish harvest from natural water. The municipality should also include green road infrastructure development, regulation for gravel mining, and waste disposal in its annual work plan, as well as identify a focal point for managing aquatic biodiversity and related activities.
CROSS CUTTING ISSUES
GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION (GESI) In Y3 Q3, Paani’s GESI work included trainings on institutional arrangement and leadership development, GESI inclusion, the role of women and marginalized groups in building climate-resilient watersheds, and support to women and marginalized groups on climate-smart vegetable farming and disaster preparedness through the installation of hazard maps, among other activities. This work contributed towards achieving the following Y3 GESI goals for Paani:
1. Create enabling space for co-management of natural resources to ensure rights of indigenous people and Dalits. 2. Strengthen local governance mechanisms that encourage GESI integration into institutions to support social change-focused development.
In this quarter, Paani finalized and submitted to USAID the GESI Assessment Report under Task 4.1.8, which provided a situational analysis of GESI knowledge, practices, and gaps in different watersheds in order to identify the capacity needs of partners and local governments to mainstream GESI into all Paani activities. The assessment found that livelihood options for women, poor, marginalized, and vulnerable communities must be met in order to ensure their meaningful participation in the sustainable management of freshwater biodiversity in their areas. Furthermore, the assessment confirmed that limited capacity for GESI-integrated planning amongst partner organizations and local government remains a key challenge. Main recommendations for Paani include the suggestion to screen all new proposals and reports for GESI inclusion, apply a mechanism for tracking and reporting on GESI expenditures and outcomes, develop GESI training materials, provide trainings on GESI and diversity to local government, river groups and partners, and to secure funding sources for local action plans.
In Y3 Q3, Paani continued to track the GESI breakdown of participants in Paani activities and events. (See Annex A1). In total this quarter, 53% of participants in Paani events were women, although this figure decreases to 33% for national-level events. By ethnicity, the participation of BCTS, Dalit, Janajati, Newar, and others were at 45%, 12%, 41%, 1.17%, and 0.75% respectively for the quarter. Looking at participation in Paani’s Third National River Summit as an example (Figure 2), while women and marginalized communities were well represented in the audience, only one woman served as a panelist in the week-long event, and the overall participation ratio of women and of diverse ethnicitieswas low. This further demonstrates the ongoing challenge of ensuring activities,
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 45 especially national-level events, are accessible to and inclusive of marginalized groups, such as women and underrepresented ethnicities in Nepal.
FIGURE 2: GESI BREAKDOWN OF PARTICIPANTS IN THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT
Third National River Summit Third National River Summit Participation by Gender Participation by Ethnicity 237 250 10.1 199 10.5 200 150 16.5 58.6 100 38 50 4.2
0 Total Male Female BCTS Dalit Janajati Newar Others
Progress over the quarter is reported below.
GESI PROGRESS Y3 Q3 Activities Location Description Outcomes Training on Rangun RDC Nepal conducted three trainings on Three NRM groups were Institutional Watershed, institutional arrangement and leadership registered in Alital Rural Arrangement and Alital Rural development to NRM groups and newly elected Municipality, Dadeldhura Leadership Municipality, members. The major objectives of the training after this training. Development Dadeldhura were: (i) to convey a conceptual understanding (x3) District about the importance of watershed institutions, networking, communication, coordination, and negotiation; and (ii) to enable RMC members to make necessary decisions on natural resources management, which consider inclusiveness for all community representation. GESI Training Rangun NNSWA conducted three days of GESI training Three groups prepared (x3) Watershed, to mother groups, CAACGs, newly elected integrated work plans for Alital Rural members, and CFUGs, in order to integrate GESI- the sustainable Municipality, related activities into local level planning management of Dadeldhura processes for the sustainable management of watersheds to address District aquatic natural resources. The training GESI issues. demonstrated, through intensive exercises, how GESI mainstreaming can be done in local planning, to ensure the meaningful participation of marginalized groups in designing, implementing, and managing natural resources, particularly on aquatic biodiversity conservation. Training on role Rangun RDC Nepal conducted three days of training to Three groups prepared of women and Watershed, NRM groups and newly elected members on the GESI-integrated Action marginalized Alital Rural role of women and marginalized groups in building Plans. groups in building Municipality and climate-resilient watersheds. The training climate-resilient Parsuram objectives were to develop conceptual watersheds (x3) Municipality, understanding about the concept of sex & gender, Dadeldhura equity, equality and GESI analysis, and to make District RMC members capable of preparing GESI- integrated action plans. Support on Lower Mahakali NEEDS Nepal supported a vulnerable community The executive board of Climate Smart Watershed, with organic tunnel farming, in close coordination Mahakali Municipality Vegetable Mahakali Rural with Mahakali Municipality. The vulnerable allocated one lakh each Farming Municipality, community sold around 558 kg of organic for organic tunnel Kanchanpur cucumber through end of March. farming in Wards 10 and District 3, to help uplift livelihoods of poor and marginalized groups.
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Installed Hazard Lower Mahakali NEEDS Nepal installed ‘hazard maps’ in all wards Following this activity, Map (x10) Watershed, of Mahakali Municipality to share information the Bhimdatta Mahakali about vulnerable locations due to climate-induced Municipality, with Municipality, disasters. The aim was to raise awareness and support from its local Kanchanpur preparedness among those most vulnerable in ward office, installed five District disaster-prone areas. hoarding boards of its own hazard maps. Sharing Lower Karnali, BAFER Nepal organized a one-day sharing Local governments workshop of Tikapur workshop to communicate findings from the committed to new house Sonaha Municipality, Sonaha Study report. BAFER Nepal facilitated construction for the Community Kailali District linkages between the Sonaha community and local Sonaha community and Study government units, to enhance livelihood support to ensure alternative and to help protect their traditional occupation. livelihoods of fishing communities.
Business plan Middle Rapti HWEPC conducted four three-day trainings on Four fisher groups cum Watershed, business plan entrepreneurship development for developed business plans; entrepreneurship Rapti RM-7,6 fisher group members in Middle Rapti Watershed. ward chairperson development Gadhawa RM-6 The main training objective was to support fisher committed to allocate training (x4) and Rajpur RM-2, group members in starting small enterprises. budget in upcoming Dang District planning. International Middle Karnali This year’s theme for International Water Day The interviewed member Water Day Watershed, was ‘leave no one behind.’ To commemorate this, of Parliament committed celebration Surkeht, Paani interviewed a member of Parliament about to raise issues of equal Birendranagar restricted access to water resources (i.e. public water access, especially taps) experienced by the Dalit community in for the Dalit community. Karnali Province. NEFEJ supported Paani in celebrating this day by raising the voice of the Dalit community.
COMMUNICATIONS As described in detail under SA 2A, Paani supported NRCT to hold the Third National River Summit, with events in Chisopani, Surkhet, and Rakam Karnali from March 26-31. The event brought more than 200 stakeholders together for a roundtable discussion, opening ceremonies with high level government representatives from Provinces 5, 6 and 7, and presentations, panel discussions and Q&A sessions on the banks of the Karnali River. The event was well covered by local media, with articles in Naya Patrika Daily, Kantipur Daily (second article here, another article here and feature article here), News of Nepal, Spotlight magazine, Hakihaki Online, and Down to Earth, Hamrakura Online and Radio Paschim Awaj. Paani’s weekly TV show prepared by NEFEJ also broadcasted a feature show on the event from Avenues TV. Paani will submit a detailed report with highlights from the event in Y3 Q4.
Paani supported additional pre-events to the Summit as well in the form of two photo exhibitions, showcasing 50 photos from NRCT’s 44-day expedition (Y3 Q1-Q2) from the headwaters of the Karnali River in Tibet to the Ganges Confluence in India. The exhibition, inaugurated by Karnali Province's Chief Minister Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, attracted an estimated 400 visitors a day during the week it was on display at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The event was covered by Himalaya TV, Pahilo Post, Nepali Times, Setapati.com and Kathmandu Post. The following week, the exhibition travelled to Surkhet, where it was displayed at Suva Hotel for the opening dinner and ceremony and inaugurated by Mr. Nanda Singh Budha, Karnali Provincial Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment.
Media and communication activities under the NEFEJ grant continued steadily throughout Y3 Q3 across Paani’s priority watersheds. By the end of the quarter, 26 stories covered in 13 episodes of the 25-minute reality TV show “Paani” had been aired. This quarter’s episodes covered a range of themes, such as aquatic biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism potential in Rara Lake and other watersheds, drinking water management, community forest management in relation to watershed health, small
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 47 farmer irrigation, sustainable fish farming, community involvement in small hydropower development, rural road construction, preservation/promotion of indigenous groups’ livelihoods, and development of aquatic biodiversity conservation, among other topics.
Twenty male and three female champions were profiled through the TV show, as well three community groups. The breakdown of the caste/ethnicity of the 23 individual champions was as follows: 13 BCTS, five Janajati, and four Dalits. The TV show is broadcast on Avenues TV every Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. A complete list of this quarter’s topics and champions can be found in Annex A5.
The NEFEJ radio program covers water-related issues and includes profiles of champions and communities, town hall meeting discussions, and expert interviews. Twelve episodes were broadcasted from 19 radio stations (Annex, Exhibit X) on Monday evenings between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. during the quarter. Thirty-three topics were covered through the radio program (each episode covers two to three different topics in 30 minutes). Eleven male (10 BCTS and one Dalit) champions were profiled through the radio program. For a complete list of this quarter’s radio episode topics, see Annex A5.
This quarter, NEFEJ held its first river basin level roundtable discussion on disaster management as a pre-event to the Third National River Summit, culminating in a seven point declaration signed by local government with commitments to mitigate the impact of disasters in the Karnali. NEFEJ also held a total of nine town hall meetings in six watersheds, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss priority issues in the watershed. Topics covered included: unmanaged local road construction; environmentally friendly mining of river resources; drought and drying up of water sources; alternative livelihoods for the Dalit community; problems due to river cutting, deposition, flooding and impact on livelihoods of the Sonaha Community; water source conservation; and watershed and soil conservation. In six of the town hall meetings, the local government committed to developing policies and/or allocating budget to develop environment-friendly roads, conserve aquatic biodiversity, control human-wildlife conflict and support alternative livelihoods for indigenous communities. These are described in more detail in SA 2A, Task 2.3.3, and a list of all topics covered with consensus of action points can be found in Annex 5.
Sharing of news and information on water-related issues and aquatic biodiversity through NEFEJ’s online portal http://www.hakahakionline.com/np/ continued over the quarter. In Y3 Q3, the website had 12,819 visitors with a total of 44,309 views. One hundred and twenty-two water-related stories were published, including 16 on aquatic biodiversity (see Annex A5). All the TV show episodes and radio programs are made available through the portal, along with articles on the town hall meetings, water and other environmental issues. NEFEJ also shares news and research through its Android app, also named hakihaki.
In addition, other grantees conducted a variety of outreach/communications activities in Y3 Q3. For example, MRDCC completed wall paintings on aquatic biodiversity conservation in 80 different locations of Pyuthan Municipality (M), Airawati Rural Municipality (RM) and Naubahini RM, Jhimruk watershed and held four awareness raising events on sustainable fishing in Baraula Airawati RM, Kardip Airawati RM, Damti Chautari Pyuthan M and Ratamata Pyuthan M 192 people. MRDCC also hosted 13 multimedia shows in different locations of Jhimruk watershed to raise awareness on disaster management and resilience to climate change, screening videos on these topics and facilitating discussions for a total of 356 people.
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In Y3 Q3, PHG prepared 10 hoarding boards on tunnel farming technology in Middle Rapti watershed. BAFER Nepal displayed posters and installed hoarding boards as well to raise awareness on aquatic biodiversity conservation. Posters were distributed to/displayed at local government, CFUGs, markets, schools, CSO offices, and fisher groups. BAFER Nepal also designed 6 hoarding boards to raise awareness on illegal fishing, gravel mining and aquatic biodiversity in Lower Karnali watershed. These various outreach activities reinforce messages to specific target audiences and complement those that NEFEJ is disseminating more widely to the public.
The Paani Facebook page continued to gain followers during the quarter. By the end of Y3 Q3, the page had 664 followers, up 101 followers from the end of last quarter. Paani credits some of this increase to the promotion of the Third National River Summit on its Facebook page. Paani made an effort to cross-post with DAI Global, USAID Nepal and other organizations with representation at the River Summit, such as the Mahseer Trust. In addition, USAID Global Waters published a story featuring Paani’s work, Collaboration for Watershed Conservation in Nepal, on Medium.com on March 20 for World Water Day. This garnered additional interest in the project and site. According to information provided by the author of the article, it had received more than 340 views and 125 reads (37% read ratio) just after the end of the quarter, higher than average statistics for stories they publish on Medium.
Finally, in Y3 Q3, Paani created a list of knowledge products to be developed, including watershed profile sub-products, posters, brochures and briefers, as well as a video on the Paani program and research activities. Paani will continue development of these products, as well as a dissemination plan for them in Y3 Q4.
INDICATOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING TABLE Table 3 presents Paani’s overall performance against targets for Y3 Q3. For consistency with Paani’s Y3 AWP, the indicators are presented by Paani’s Strategic Approaches, the program’s guiding management and implementation framework.
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TABLE 3: INDICATOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING TABLE
PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) GOAL: Enhance Nepal’s ability to manage water resources for multiple uses and users through climate change adaptation and the conservation of freshwater biodiversity OBJECTIVE 1: Reduce threats to freshwater biodiversity in the Karnali, Mahakali, and Rapti river basins
OBJECTIVE 2: Increase the ability of targeted human and ecological communities to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change through improved water management
Number of hectares of Watershed profile and/or health report biologically significant areas review/validation consultations (“exit workshops”, showing improved biophysical Outcome TBD roundtable discussions, etc.) have been just carried conditions as a result of USG out in the remaining four of the selected priority assistance (EG 10.2-1) watersheds. Through these discussions, stakeholders have prioritized issues, prepared action plans and/or designed monitoring mechanisms for the watershed indicators. These will be further refined, which will enable more precision in regard to the quality of the improved management (and its expected impact on conditions) [cf. EG 10.2-1]). Number of hectares of Please see above. biologically significant areas 155,854 under improved natural Outcome resource management as a result of USG assistance (EG 10.2-2)
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) Number of people using Total: Total: Total: Q2: The deviation is due to the fact that town hall climate information or 628 994 442 meeting data from NEFEJ and exit MSCs in four new implementing risk-reducing Outcome 100 400 755 1844 M:492 M:639 M: 288 watersheds were not considered while setting actions to improve resilience F:136 F:342 F:154 targets. to climate change as BCTS: BCTS: BCTS: supported by USG assistance 470 581 252 (EG 11-6) Dalit: 83 Dalit:175 Dalit: 90 Janajaat:7 AJ: 210 Janajati: 0 Newar: 100 Newar:4 10 Other:1 O: 3
Number of people with increased economic benefits derived from sustainable natural resource management Outcome 0 1140 (NRM) and conservation as a result of U.S. assistance (EG 10.2-3). Number of institutions with improved capacity to assess or address climate change Output 15 risks supported by USG assistance (EG 11-2) Percentage of participants This figure is based on the GESI training for grant reporting increased partners held in the quarter. The higher agreement with the concept achievement (than the target) is likely due to the that men and women should fact that the training was completely GESI focused, Outcome 20% 50% have equal access to social, as compared to other trainings which may have GSI economic, and political 44% elements but are not solely dedicated to GESI. resources and opportunities (GNDR 4)
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) Number of policies/regulations/ Respective assembly of Aathabis Municipality and administrative procedures in Dullu Municipality, Dailekh district, and Turmakhand each of the following stages of Rural Municipality, Achham district passed the development as a result of Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Bill in USG assistance in each case: July. Stage 1: Analyzed; Stage 2: Drafted and presented for Output 1 3 public/stakeholder consultation; Stage 3: Presented for 1 legislation/decree; Stage 4: Achieved Passed/approved; Stage 5: Passed for which implementation has begun (1.4.1-2,) EG.10.2-5 Number of laws, Upon a request from the Ministry of Land policies, or regulations that Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives for address biodiversity technical and financial support to develop the conservation and/or other Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Bill for Karnali environmental themes 1 province, Paani is providing support for the 2 officially proposed, adopted, Output In In development of the Bill. or implemented as a result of progress progress USG assistance Consultation meetings are done and feedback from these meetings are being submitted for further review.
EG.11-3 Number of laws, policies, regulations, or standards addressing climate change adaptation formally 0 1 proposed, adopted, or Output implemented as supported by USG assistance
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) Number of people trained in Total: Total: Total: climate change adaptation 305 740 170 supported by USG assistance M: 57 (EG 11-1) M:138, M:651 F: 113 F: 138 F: 663 BCTS: Output 300 215 500 1036 BCTS: BCTS:28 54 221 4 Dalit: 17 Dalit: 50 Dalit:139 Janajati: Janajaati: AJ: 311 98 33 Newar :3 Newar: 1 Newar:1 O:3 % of leadership positions in 83.8% This figure is based on the different groups formed USG supported community to date. The high deviation is likely due to the fact management entities that are that the fisher groups and farmer groups specifically filled by women or member targeted Janajatis and marginalized communities, Output 10% 80% of a vulnerable group (1.3.2- bringing the value up to 95%. In comparison, the 1). figure is only 13% in watershed management platforms (which did target marginalized communities). Number of people trained in Total: Total: Total: sustainable natural resources 291 532 905 management and/or M: 355 biodiversity conservation as a M:153 M:205 F: 550 result of USG assistance (EG F:138 F:327 BCTS: 10.2-4) 323 BCTS:15 BCTS:14 Dalit: Output 600 550 250 1263 2 0Dalit:60 106 Dalit:31 Janajati: Janajati: Janajati:9 326, 455 9 Newar:2 Newar: Newar:7 Other:4 13 Other:2 Others: 8 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: Improve Management Of Capture Fisheries
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) # of fishing groups to which One of the biggest achievements of the quarter was municipalities have given the registration of four fisher groups in Jhimruk exclusive access rights and watershed. Registration was done in the respective Output 7 the legal authority to manage Agriculture Service Center (ASC). In addition to their river fisheries under this, a training on Fishery Co-Management was agreed guidelines conducted for seven grant partners. These are some P/A of guidelines developed of the prerequisites for the development of through participatory process Output 0 6 guidelines.
# of municipalities/rural municipalities that have Output 3 6 endorsed sustainable fisheries guidelines % of observed fishing effort by fishing group members for each fishing group that includes only sustainable Outcome 3 80% fishing practices*, defined according to the Guidelines for each fishing group STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: Increase Local Knowledge, Engagement and Benefits For Local Water Management
# of communities and Output 0 10 5 15 On Local APS grantees are preparing to facilitate the municipalities/rural progress. development/updates of local level plans. For municipalities in targeted example, in Karnali River Basin, grantees will watershed which have facilitate the development/updates of 8 local level developed and endorsed the plans. local plan (CAPAs, LAPAs, LDCRP, sub watershed Q3 update: One CAPA is finalized in Naraharinath management plan) municipality, Kalikot. Seven more local level plans are towards finalization. # of target municipalities/rural Grants are still largely under implementation with municipalities that have taken support from Paani. They have not yet reached the initiative or received funding Outcome 1 2 point where they would seek funding from other from a source other than Not sources. achieved
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) Paani for implementation of an adaptation activity
# of municipalities/rural Local APS grantees have begun to train and municipalities implementing promote climate-smart watershed management climate-smart watershed activities in various municipalities/rural municipalities Outcome 2 8 management activities (tied to in their catchment areas, e.g., bio-engineering CAPAs and/or LAPAs) On track training and support, spring shed improvements and resilience design in different watersheds, etc. STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve Local Capacity for Regulation and Management of Roads and Mining # of user groups that In some watersheds, a preliminary interaction on advocate for environment- rural roads at different levels, e.g., town hall 1 6 friendly road designs Output Not meeting, has taken place, which supports advocacy. achieved However, in the absence of grantees to work on # of municipalities/rural rural roads, no further improvements have been municipalities that prioritize implemented. To address this issue, Paani is funds for projects with Not considering a grant modification. environment-friendly road Outcome 1 2 Achieved designs
# of user groups aware of national guidelines and impact Output 0 6 of gravel mining # of user groups that advocate for better regulated Output 0 2 gravel mining STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: Improve Local Capacity For Managing Invasive Species % (#) of CFOPs, sub Paani team reviewed the invasive management plan watershed management plans, adopted in Nepal. BAFER Nepal has formed 13 and buffer zone management Community Based Anti-Poaching Units (CBAPU) in plans with invasive control Output 2 2 1 5 On track Lower Karnali. These activities have not yet reached section [with removal targets] the stage to contribute to these indicators. in place for affected waterbodies
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) % (#) of community groups meeting removal targets for Outcome 2 5 On track affected waterbodies P/A of regulations in place and enforcement of fish farms in targeted affected Output 0 1 waterbodies in selected watersheds % of fish farms implementing [complying with regulations] Outcome 0 0 bio-control methods in targeted affected waterbodies STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: Improved Basin Level Resource Management P/A of women and Working groups will be formed once champions are marginalized groups as active 10% Present identified through PEA, whose of in 3 members of each working Output Delayed approval/implementation was delayed. Once these group gro working working groups are convened, they will come up ups groups with proposals for solutions. The PEA grant # (%) of multi-sectoral agreement was approved in August 2018. Paani and proposals for solutions that selected grantee ISET-Nepal, held two rounds of represent the concerns of meetings in relation to the concept, tools and marginalized groups and methodology for the study. women Output 60% 1 Delayed March, 2019_update: We haven't yet formed the working groups. We do have the beginnings of basin level groups in Rapti, i.e., watershed platforms have been formed and will be brought together next quarter in a roundtable # (%) of multi-sectoral discussion. We also pitched the idea of a platform proposals for solutions that for the Karnali at the River Summit. Results from are consistent with the the PEA will also identify people who will participate Integrated National Water Output 1 1 Delayed in these groups, but it is not yet finished. Therefore, Resources Management as of now, these targets have not yet been met, (INWRM) policy (link to 2a although the foundations are being laid to meet Basin-level planning) them in year 4.
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: Improve Local Capacity For Disaster Risk Reduction # of DDRPs in place for flood During a visit to Upper Trishuli Project (UT1), Paani risk districts (covering learned that as a PDA requirement, UT1 has vulnerable Municipalities/ Output 0 0 0 0 5 produced a draft Disaster Management Plan (DMP), Communities) which also includes Emergency Planning in the project area. Hydropower operators have water level monitoring systems in place, but they are not obliged to inform # of hydropower operators downstream communities beyond their project with EAPs that warn Outcome 1 0 0 0 0 area. This limits the function of hydropower downstream communities. operators as early warning informants for further downstream communities during flood emergencies. Therefore, this indicator has been dropped. # of communities that are warned in sufficient time to respond to flooding and other Outcome 0 0 0 0 10 climate hazards in flood risk Districts/Communities STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: Support CSOs to Advocate for Transparent and Accountable Hydropower Decision Making # of smaller hydropower IPPAN submitted a grant proposal to Paani, which is projects that have hydro-met under review. Once the grant is in place, IPPAN will Output 0 2 data and tools (DHM has begin capacity building work for hydropower hydro-met database) projects and operators. # of hydropower developers IWMI informed Paani that it will release its initial and operators that have e- Output 0 2 assessment reports in Y3 Q2. flow information # of CSOs that understand In Y3 Q1, the 5th in the Paani-IFC Advancing sustainable hydropower and Sustainable Hydropower Development in Nepal have improved capacity for workshop series was organized. The objective of constructive engagement Output 1 6 7 the workshop was wider dissemination of MoFE’s [review and revise and this recently approved EIA manual for Hydropower indicator] Projects. The manual provides guidance on good practices. The workshop helped enhance
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) stakeholder understanding of its content, support needed for its implementation, and future capacity building opportunities. Paani is in discussion with IFC about workshops for the upcoming quarters.
Number of Civil Society Paani is still looking to identify CSOs involved with Organizations (CSOs) sustainable hydropower in the Paani watersheds. Not receiving USG assistance Output 1 6 7 Some CSOs have received information at the achieved engaged in advocacy national level through activities such as joint interventions (EG 2.4.1-9) Paani_IFC workshops, as described above. STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Improve Policy And Planning For IWRM # of IRBPMs established Output 0 1 P/A of "white paper" of recommendations with Output 0 1 champion input P/A of effective National Water Resources policy
Output 0 1
STRATEGIC APPROACH 4A: Knowledge # of action research where findings were used by end users who were also involved in design of the research. Outcome 0 2
# of research findings which are used to inform policy, planning and management at Outcome 0 5 different levels.
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PAANI’S INDICATOR PERFORMANCE Y3 Q3
INDICATOR INDIC. YEAR 3 TARGETS YEAR 3 QUARTERLY STATUS TYPE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Explanations, reasons for deviations, if any Target (Y3) STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: Integrate into Academic Spaces [ Changed to Capacity Building Of The Institutions] % of scholarship recipients who are women or from disadvantaged groups
Output 0 60%
# of courses developed in the areas of freshwater biodiversity and sustainable Output 0 6 water management
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SECTION IV: ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT Administration and management of Paani is based on five main modalities of Paani’s technical and financial resources, which mutually reinforce each other:
• Research, • Training, • Technical Assistance (well-targeted, through a mix of Nepali and international long-term and short-term specialists), • Events (workshops, conferences, public education events, and working groups), and • Grants
Throughout the quarter, especially after the Pause and Reflection Workshop, both the Kathmandu and Nepalgunj-based grants teams and select technical team members met with potential local APS grantees to help them refine their proposed grant applications to ensure they cover the breadth of geographical areas and activities in the Y3 AWP as well as watershed plans. Grants and technical teams also evaluated the full applications received from the 3rd-5th rounds of the 2017-2018 local APS grants solicitation and the concept notes received from the 1st and 2nd rounds of the 2018- 2019 local APS grants solicitation.
During this quarter, the Paani Operations team facilitated three large procurements to support technical requirements as follows:
• Feasibility Study Aquaculture • Environmental Rural Road Construction Design Activity • 3rd National River Summit
Key administrative and management tasks completed from January 1 – March 31, 2019 are presented in Table 4.
TABLE 4: KEY ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT TASKS COMPLETED DURING Y3 Q3
Y3 Q3 KEY ADMINISTRATIVE & MANAGEMENT TASKS TASKS COMPLETED BY IT and Database Manager LTTA recruited and approved, will join Paani on Apr 5, 2019 March 2019 Program Manager for System Scale Planning for Power System Development STTA (WWF) March 2019 identified. Will submit to USAID for approval Aquatic Biodiversity and Environmental Specialist STTA identified. Will submit to USAID for approval March 2019 Private Sector Engagement and Conservation Fund Specialist STTA identified. Will submit to USAID March 2019 for approval Identified and approved Co-Creation Specialist is no longer available. New candidate for the Co- March 2019 Creation Specialist identified. Will submit to USAID for approval Watershed Management Specialist for Middle Karnali watershed recruited and approved. Joined March 2019 Paani effective Apr 1, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist for Middle Rapti watershed recruited and approved. Joined Paani March 2019 effective Apr 1, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist for Rara watershed recruited and approved. Joined Paani effective March 2019 Mar 25, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist for Phoksundo Suligaad watershed recruited and approved. Joined March 2019 Paani effective Mar 25, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist for West Seti watershed recruited and approved. Joined Paani March 2019 effective Mar 5, 2019
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Field Finance Officer position eliminated. Field Finance and Administration Manager position created. March 2019 The Field Finance Officer filled in the new Field Finance and and Administration Manager effective Mar 23, 2019 Communications Specialist STTA approved, started working with Paani effective Mar 23, 2019 March 2019 Transition of LTTA IWRM Specialist, Field Team Director and Rapti River Basin Team Leader from March 2019 WWF subcontract to LTTA positions under DAI’s Nepal PANI Task Order approved and completed effective March 16, 2019. This change is at the request of WWF Nepal due to registration difficulties they are experiencing with the Government of Nepal’s Social Welfare Council. Lead Freshwater Scientist for System Scale Planning for Power System Development STTA (WWF) March 2019 approved. Joined Paani effective Mar 12, 2019 Freshwater Scientist for System Scale Planning for Power System Development STTA (WWF) March 2019 approved. Joined Paani effective Mar 12, 2019 Water Resources Specialist for System Scale Planning for Power System Development STTA (WWF) March 2019 approved. Joined Paani effective Mar 12, 2019 Program Officer for System Scale Planning for Power System Development STTA (WWF) approved. March 2019 Joined Paani effective Mar 12, 2019 Team Lead cum Socio-economist for Fisheries Livelihood Assessment STTA (SNV) approved. Joined March 2019 Paani effective Mar 13, 2019 International Fish Biologist for Fisheries Livelihood Assessment STTA (SNV) approved. Joined Paani March 2019 effective Mar 13, 2019 National Fish Biologist for Fisheries Livelihood Assessment STTA (SNV) approved. Joined Paani March 2019 effective Mar 13, 2019 Ecotourism Expert for Livelihood Assessment STTA (SNV) approved. Joined Paani effective Mar 13, March 2019 2019 Graphic Designer recruited and approved. Joined Paani effective Mar 7, 2019 March 2019 Green Infrastructure Specialist resigned effective Feb 28, 2019 February 2019 FAS Specialist STTA recruited and approved. Joined Paani effective Feb 17, 2019 February 2019 Data Scientist for Paani MEL Data System STTA approved. Joined Paani effective Feb 13, 2019 February 2019 Senior Software Developer for Paani MEL Data System approved. Joined Paani effective Feb 13, 2019 February 2019 Principal Database Administrator for Paani MEL Data System approved. Joined Paani effective Feb 13, February 2019 2019 Software Development Coordinator for Paani MEL Data System approved. Joined Paani effective Feb February 2019 13, 2019 Junior Software Developer for Paani MEL Data System approved. Joined Paani effective Feb 13, 2019 February 2019 Technical Advisor STTA (SNV) approved. Joined Paani effective Feb 11, 2019 February 2019 Workshop Facilitator STTA recruited and approved. Joined Paani effective Feb 5, 2019 February 2019 Finance and Administration Manager recruited and approved. Joined Paani effective Jan 17, 2019 January 2019 Human Resource Officer STTA (SNV) approved. Joined Paani effective Jan 11, 2019 January 2019 DAI filed company document to Office of Company Registrar (OCR) as per annual requirement. January 2019 DAI filed annual tax returns along with the audited financial statements to the Inland Revenue January 2019 Department. IT Specialist position eliminated. IT and Database Manager position created. The IT Specialist filled in January 2019 the IT and Database Manager position Senior Grants Manager position created. One of Grants Manager filled in the Senior Grants Manager January 2019 Position
CONSTRAINTS AND PROPOSED REMEDIES Last quarter, Paani identified four issues confronting the program. One of these issues has been addressed, as summarized in the table below. Three issues have been identified for the current quarter, which are described below.
TABLE 5: ADDRESSED CONSTRAINTS FROM THE Y3/Q2 REPORT
ADDRESSED CONSTRAINTS FROM Y3 Q2
Y3 Q2 ISSUE STATUS
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Issue 1: Delay in implementation of activities due to Resolved. Upon return of USAID/Nepal’s Contracting delayed feedback/approvals of STTA and grants. Officer (CO) from maternity leave, the majority of outstanding approvals was addressed. Paani would like to In Y2 Q2, and heading into Q3, a number of grants, express its sincere appreciation to the USAID/Nepal STTA and deliverable approvals were outstanding, team for ensuring they were approved this quarter, which which resulted in significant delay to implementing key has allowed the program to move forward on work plan activities. Paani included a table outlining implementation of many previously delayed activities. these outstanding requests in the last quarterly report.
Issue 1: USAID request to slow down activities because of delayed release of funds
The U.S. government shut down from Dec. 22, 2018 - January 25, 2019 continued to affect approvals and timelines this quarter. Earlier in Y3 Q3, USAID/Nepal notified Paani that the next tranche of funding would likely not be disbursed until end June/early July 2019. As a result, Paani is operating on limited existing funds and has had to reprioritize and slow down implementation of activities. For example, Paani has requested that the team limit the number of staff traveling to sites/events and to reconsider certain workshops or other activities planned for the coming quarter. Activities such as the online Freshwater Center of Excellence and implementation of grant activities have been paused in light of this. Although Paani has received approval of grants, it has had to delay the purchase of equipment under in-kind grants, for example, and direct grantees to focus on planning but to hold off on implementation. In addition, since the DAI team that had planned to help set up a database for Paani will not be able to travel this quarter, Paani will not be able to test the planned database for a full year as originally intended.
Remedy: Paani is coping with the funding delay by reprioritizing activities to implement the most critical ones, as well as focusing on designing, preparing and planning. The program is positioning itself to begin implementing as soon as funding is released. Paani is communicating regularly with grantees, partners and consultants so that they can also position themselves accordingly. In the case that some grants require an extension, Paani will work on new schedules and periods of performance by the end of the quarter. Paani is appreciative to USAID/Nepal for the received as a stop gap measure, which prevented the program from ceasing work completely after March and enabled Paani to continue working beyond April, and until June.
Issue 2: Continued challenge implementing Local Compensation Plan (LCP) for consultants
Paani continues to experience difficulties finding local expert consultants whose rates fit within the USAID LCP. In some cases, Paani has had to hold lengthy discussions with consultants who were not hired under the current LCP, but are now expected to take a rate reduction. Approval of their STTA has slowed down activities, as Paani has had to seek Mission Director approval for this staff. Some subcontract staff looked for work elsewhere, as they were unhappy with the revised rates and the length of time approvals were taking. Previously, Paani took on work itself since subcontractor staff was not yet approved to work on the task as originally planned (e.g. environmental and social checklist for hydropower). In this quarter, Paani has tried hiring other STTAs who fit within the LCP, which has proven time-consuming, as the burden to advertise, interview and hire falls on Paani rather than on subcontractors. This also limits the pool of available candidates, since most consultants who
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 63 have worked with other international organizations expect rates higher than the LCP. As a result, candidates willing to join Paani under the current LCP are more likely to have worked only with local organizations and may lack international experience.
Remedy: During the quarter, Paani met one-on-one with each subcontractor to explain the situation and manage expectations. USAID/Nepal also met with the DAI contracts team and Paani management, which led to a productive discussion on how to address the issue. In addition, some of the approvals were resolved once the CO returned to post. Paani continues to explore ways to bring on qualified staff under the LCP.
Issue 3: Changes in key staff at WECS resulting in less communication and delayed activities.
As mentioned last quarter, the designated point of contact (POC) at WECS for Paani changed twice in Y3 Q2. Paani met with and briefed the first new POC as designated by the WECS Joint Secretary in November, but learned in December that he was reassigned to a different department in Karnali province. The WECS Joint Secretary then served as Acting POC again; however, this quarter, Paani learned that he has been promoted and transferred to another agency. As a result, the POC with whom Paani has had the strongest relationship, and who knows the project best, will no longer be engaged. Although WECS has designated a joint- secretary as POC, who was assigned to attend the Third National River Summit at the last minute, Paani no longer has a POC with leadership and decision-making authority. These constant changes and uncertainty around who Paani should engage with directly hinders Paani’s relationship-building efforts with its government counterparts and slows down implementation of joint activities.
Remedy: Paani will continue to keep in regular communication with WECS and ask for updates. Paani also suggests that USAID call quarterly meetings with WECS and Paani, to emphasize the importance of regular communication and coordination between WECS and the project.
Issue 4: Significant delays with DHM grant signing
Paani is experiencing a delay in the signing and kick-off of its grant with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), resulting in slowdowns for most other activities in SA 2B (Improve Local Capacity for Disaster Risk Reduction) as most sub-tasks under SA 2B are linked to the DHM grant. Paani received USAID approval for this grant in early February, following a six-month wait, during which a new DG was appointed at DHM. The new DG was less familiar with the Paani grant activity, and following his orientation, he requested that DHM first get explicit approval to proceed by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, under which it currently falls. This is a first for any Paani grantee, and not typically part of the Paani grant process. As such, Paani has experienced a 2+ month delay in grant signing while DHM awaits a Ministerial response.
Remedy: The Paani technical lead on this activity has been in regular contact with DHM, first to orient the new DG to the grant activity, and then to follow up on the status of DHM’s requested Ministerial approval. As of end-April, the DHM-drafted memo was sitting with the Ministry awaiting action.
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PERSONNEL UPDATES Individuals who joined or supported Paani between Jan. 1 – March 31, 2019 are presented in Table 6.
TABLE 6: PAANI PERSONNEL UPDATES Y3 Q3
PAANI PERSONNEL UPDATES NAME ROLE LTTA Dhruba Adhikary, Apr 5, 2019 IT and Database Manager Sudeep Acharya, Apr 1, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist – Middle Karnali Min Kumar Mahatara, Apr 1, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist – Middle Rapti Bandana Awasthi, Mar 25, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist – Rara Ang Bahadur Lama, Mar 25, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist – Phoksundo Suligaad
Dipak Raj Bhatta, Mar 23, 2019 Changed position from Field Finance Officer to Field Finance and Administration Manager Basant Pratap Singh, Mar 5, 2019 Watershed Management Specialist – West Seti Neela Pradhan, Jan 17, 2019 Finance and Administration Manager Binita Shrestha, Jan 1, 2019 Changed position from Grants Manager to be Senior Grants Manager Mahendra Prasad Lamsal, Jan 1, 2019 Changed position from IT Specialist to IT and Database Manager STTA Kimberly Keeton, Mar 25, 2019 – Jul 19, 2019 Communications Specialist Jeffrey J. Opperman, Mar 12, 2019 – Dec 15, 2019 Lead Freshwater Scientist for System Scale Planning for Power System Development (WWF) Michele L. Thieme, Mar 12, 2019 – Dec 15, 2019 Freshwater Scientist for System Scale Planning for Power System Development (WWF) Rajesh Sada, Mar 12, 2019 – Dec 15, 2020 Water Resources Specialist for System Scale Planning for Power System Development (WWF) Natalie Shahbol, Apr 10, 2019 – Dec 16, 2020 Program Officer for System Scale Planning for Power System Development (WWF) Arthur E. Neiland, Mar 13, 2019 – Jul 31, 2019 Team Lead cum Socio-economist for Fisheries Livelihood Assessment (SNV) Martin Van Brakel, Mar 13, 2019 – Jul 31, 2019 International Fish Biologist for Fisheries Livelihood Assessment (SNV) Madhav Shrestha, Mar 13, 2019 – Jul 31, 2019 National Fish Biologist for Fisheries Livelihood Assessment (SNV) Ram Chandra Sedai, Mar 13, 2019 – Jul 31, 2019 Ecotourism Expert for Livelihood Assessment (SNV) Peter Newsum, Feb 8, 2019 – Sep 30, 2019 Technical Advisor (SNV) Annapurna Sthapit, Jan 11, 2019 – Dec 16, 2020 Human Resource Officer (SNV)
John Mataya, Feb 13, 2019 – Apr 30, 2019 Data Scientist for Paani MEL Data System Jeff Bleam, Feb 13, 2019 – Apr 30, 2019 Senior Software Developer for Paani MEL Data System Satyadev Malladi, Feb 13, 2019 – Apr 30, 2019 Principal Database Administrator for Paani MEL Data System Trevor Olexy, Feb 13, 2019 – Apr 30, 2019 Software Development Coordinator for Paani MEL Data System Joshua Lurie, Feb 13, 2019 – Apr 30, 2019 Junior Software Developer for Paani MEL Data System Bidhan Rajbhandari, Mar 7, 2019 – Feb 28, 2020 Graphic Designer Vahe Shakyan, Feb 17, 2019 – Feb 27, 2019 FAS Specialist Marjo Curgus, Feb 5, 2019 – Jul 15, 2019 Workshop Facilitator
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PROPOSED ADAPTATIONS OF THE ACTIVITY Following DAI’s internal ‘Pause and Reflect’ Workshop held in February, the Paani team agreed that each of its basins and watersheds would develop a 20-month strategy for how Paani will work in that watershed, and for what desired outcomes. The watershed strategy will serve as Paani’s strategic plan for action in each watershed to guide grant development, grantee actions, partnerships, and research. The strategies will be a holistic summary of all Paani activity, not simply the WMS work plans, and they will be the focus for strategic discussions about Paani’s final 18 months during the Annual Work Plan workshop in Y3 Q4.
GRANTS- COMPLETED, ONGOING, AND IN THE PIPELINE TABLE 7: COMPLETED AND ONGOING PAANI GRANTS AS OF Y3 Q3
COMPLETED AND ONGOING GRANTS GRANT GRANTEE GRANT TITLE AMT DISBURSED STATUS NO/ TYPE G-KAT-001 Dali NGO Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Completed, Fixed Federation Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the processing Amount (DNF) Central and Grassroots Levels - Dalit final payment Award Members (FAA) Watershed: Tila G-KAT-002 Federation of Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Completed Fixed Community Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Amount Forest Users Central and Grassroots Levels - Forest Award Nepal Users (FAA) (FECOFUN) Watersheds: Middle Karnali and Phoksundo Suligaad G-KAT-003 Himalayan Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Completed, Standard Grassroots Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the processing Grant Women’s Central and Grassroots Levels - final payment Natural Resource Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Management Resource Management Association Association (HIMAWANTI) Nepal (HIMAWANTI) Watershed: West Seti G-KAT-004 Federation of Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Completed FAA Drinking Water Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the and Sanitation Central and Grassroots Levels - Drinking Users Nepal Water and Sanitation Users (FEDWASUN) Watersheds: Lower Karnali, Jhimruk, Mugu Karnali G-KAT-005 National Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Completed FAA Federation of Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Irrigation Water Central and Grassroots Levels - Irrigation Users Water Users Association Nepal Watersheds: Seti Nadi, Thuli Gaad, (NFIWUAN) Rangun Khola G-KAT-006 Nepal Federation Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Completed FAA of Indigenous Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Nationalities Central and Grassroots Levels - (NEFIN) Indigenous Nationalities Watersheds: Lower Mahakali, Middle Rapti, G-KAT-007 Nepal Forum of Strengthening knowledge and partnerships Completed Standard Environmental on healthy watersheds Grant Journalists (NEFEJ) G-KAT-008 Midwestern Advancing Freshwater Biodiversity, Completed Standard University Climate Change Adaption and integrated Grant (MWU) Surkhet Water Resources Management through
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COMPLETED AND ONGOING GRANTS Community Based and Advance Academic Education at Mid-Western University G.KAT-009 Water and Strengthening Institutional Capacity of Completed In-Kind Energy Nepal's Waters and Energy Commission Grant Commission Secretariat (WECS) Secretariat (WECS) G-KAT-010 Nepal Forum of Strengthening Knowledge of Nepal’s Completed In-Kind Environmental Citizens on Healthy Watersheds and Grant Journalists Healthy River Basins Through Media (NEFEJ) Channels, Technologies and Platforms G-KAT-011 Nepal National Strengthening Institutional Capacity- Completed In-Kind Committee on Support Nepal National Committee on Grant Irrigation and Irrigation and Drainage (NENCID) Nepal Drainage in organizing 8th Asian Regional (NENCID) Conference (ARC) on Irrigation in Support of an Evergreen Revolution (2-4 May, 2018, Kathmandu, Nepal). G-KAT-012 Center for A Multi-Disciplinary Assessment of Completed, Molecular Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Status of pending final Dynamics-Nepal the Karnali River of Nepal report and (CMDN) final payment G-KAT-013 Kathmandu River Health and Biodiversity Profiling in On going University (KU) the Karnali and West Rapti Watersheds: Implications to Basin Planning and Sustainable Water Resource Management in the Western Nepal G-KAT-014 Youth Alliance Mapping and Assessing Pollution Stresses Completed, FAA for Environment on Water Resources in four Watershed pending final (YAE) (Jhimruk, Middle Karnali, Thuligad and report and Rangun) of Midwestern and Far western, final Nepal payment. G-KAT-015 Institute for Political Economy Analysis to Identify On going FAA Social and Champions for Freshwater Policy Change Environmental and Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity Transition-Nepal (ISET-Nepal) G-KAT-016 Balchaur Forest Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Project On going FAA and Environment (ABC) Resource Development Center, Nepal (BAFER-Nepal) G-KAT-017 Center of Climate Smart Watershed Management at On going FAA Research for the Selected Sub-Watersheds of Thuligaad Environment Watershed Energy and Water (CREEW) G-KAT-018 Eco Agro DRM Development/update of DRR Harmonized On going FAA Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA) in Thuligaad Watershed, Doti G-KAT-019 Federation of Promoting Environment Friendly Roads On going FAA community and Climate Smart Watershed Forestry Users' Management Practices to Increase the Nepal Climate Resilience of Community through (FECOFUN) Grassroots Capacity Building. G-KAT-020 Human Welfare Sustainable Economic Growth through On going Standard and Environment Freshwater Biodiversity Grant Protection Conservation in Rapti River. Center (HWEPC) G-KAT-021 Karnali Integrated JAL KACHAHARI: A Multi-Stakeholder On going FAA Rural Process for Resilient Water Resources Development and Management in Karnali Basin
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COMPLETED AND ONGOING GRANTS Research Center (KIRDARC) G-KAT-022 Mallarani Rural Jhimruk Watershed Management Project On going Standard Development Grant Concern Center (MRDCC) G-KAT-023 National Community Based Watershed On going FAA Environment and Management Initiatives of the Lower Equity Mahakali Watershed Development Society (NEEDS) G-KAT-024 Nepal National Strengthening Community Resilience in On going FAA Social Welfare Rangun Khola and Lower Mahakali Association Watersheds (NNSWA) G-KAT-025 Nepal River Karnali River Corridor Management On going FAA Conservation Project Trust (NRCT) G-KAT-026 People’s Help Effective and Efficient Water Use On going FAA Group (PHG) Techniques to Combat Climate Change G-KAT-027 Nepal Agriculture Strengthening Institutional Capacity of On going In-Kind Research Council Nepal Agriculture Research Council on Grant - Gov (NARC) Molecular Biology Studies G-KAT-028 Research and Increasing Adaptive Capacity of On going FAA Development Communities in Upper Rangun-Khola Sub- Center Nepal watershed through Improved Water (RDC Nepal) Resources Management G-KAT-029 Resources FISH (Fostering Indigenous Sustainable On going FAA Himalaya Harvest) for Climate Resilient Livelihoods Foundation in Middle Karnali Watershed of Karnali (RHF) River Basin G-KAT-031 Samudayik Sarathi Increasing Community Resilience and On going FAA Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation in Lower Karnali River basin, Nepal G-KAT-040 Department of Strengthening DHM Hydro-Met Stations On going In-Kind Hydrology and and Flood Risk Warning in Paani Grant Meteorology Watersheds (DHM) G-KAT-041 Forest Action Assessment of the Conservation Status of On going FAA Nepal Aquatic Biodiversity in Karnali and Mahakali River Basins G-KAT-043 Conservation Enhancing Community Ability to Manage On going FAA Development Watersheds for Reducing Threats to Foundation Freshwater Ecosystem in West Rapti (CODEFUND) River Basin, Nepal G-KAT-044 Independent Sustainable Hydropower Development On going Standard Power Grant Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN) G-KAT-045 Nepal Forum of Strengthening Knowledge on Healthy On going Standard Environmental Watersheds Grant Journalists (NEFEJ) G-KAT-046 Nepal Forum of Strengthening Knowledge on Healthy On going In-Kind Environmental Watersheds Grant Journalists (NEFEJ)
TOTAL
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TABLE 8: PAANI GRANTS PIPELINE AS OF Y3 Q3
GRANTS PIPELINE
NO ORGANIZATION PROPOSAL TITLE ESTIMATED DESCRIPTION AMT (USD) G-KAT- Dolphin Conservation Action to Establish Dolphin Science USAID approval 032 Center (DCC) Through Institutional Development submission preparation and Community Learning in the Lower Karnali Watershed G-KAT- Rural Development Mobilizing Local Institutions to USAID approval 033 Center (RUDEC) Enhance Awareness and Capacity for submission preparation Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in Bogatan Lagam Karnali Watershed. G-KAT- Sustainable Agriculture Action to Support Aquatic USAID approval 034 or Environment & Water Biodiversity Conservation Through submission preparation Source Conservation Promoting River Stretch Co- Center (SAEWCC) Management Practices in Middle Karnali Watershed. G-KAT- Multi-Dimensional Strengthening Actions for Fostering USAID approval 035 Resource Center (MRC) Community Resilience through submission preparation Integrated Water Management and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Gadhawa Rural Municipality of Middle West-Rapti Watershed (SAFoR) G-KAT- Federation of Drinking Actions for Capacity Enhancement of USAID approval 036 Water Supply and Local Users Aligning With Aquatic submission preparation Sanitation Nepal Biodiversity Conservation and Climate (FEDWASUN) Change Adaptation Practices in Jhimruk and Lower Karnali watershed (ACACA) G-KAT- Kalika Development Reduction of Vulnerability Through USAID approval 037 Center Nepal (KDCN) Local Water Management and submission preparation Livelihood Improvement G-KAT- Creation of Innovative Increasing Community Capacity for USAID approval 038 Society (CIS) Climate Adaptation and Fisheries Co- submission preparation management
G-KAT- Fulvari Integrated Rural Community Mobilization on Road and USAID approval 039 Development Mining for Management of Jhimruk submission preparation Organization (FIRDO) Watershed G-KAT- Environment Action to Conserve Aquatic USAID approval 042 Coordination Biodiversity Through Disaster Risk submission preparation Committee (ECC) Management Capacity of Local Government and Fishing Communities in Thuligaad Watershed G-KAT- Mallarani Rural Jhimruk Khola Watershed Grant design and pre 047 Development Concern Management Project award assessment Center (MRDCC) G-KAT- Human Welfare and Sustainable Economic Growth through Grant design and pre 048 Environment Protection Freshwater Biodiversity award assessment Center (HWEPC) Conservation in Rapti River.
G-KAT- Central Department of SuChaK: Surface Water Change and USAID approval 049 Environmental Science, Knowledge Enhancement: An submission preparation Tribhuvan University Indicator Assessment of Aquatic (CDES-TU) Biodiversity, Habitat Disturbances and Conservation Options in West Seti River Watershed, Nepal G-KAT- Women Act Empowering Women and Marginalized Grant design and pre- 050 Groups in Freshwater Biodiversity award assessment Conservation and River Resources Management
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GRANTS PIPELINE
G-KAT- National Federation of Enhancing Local Capacities to Improve Grant design and pre- 051 Irrigation Water Users Aquatic Biodiversity and Community award assessment Association Nepal Resilience (NFIWUAN) G-KAT- United National Community Capacity Enhancement Grant design and pre- 052 Development Forum for Sustainable Freshwater award assessment (UNDF) Biodiversity Conservation and Watersheds Management G-KAT- Working for Access and Strengthening Capacity for Climate Grant design and pre- 053 Creation (WAC) Nepal Change Adaptation in Land and Water award assessment Management at the Middle Karnali Watershed Areas. G-KAT- Sonaha Bikash Samaj Strengthening Community Capacity Grant design and pre- 054 (SBS) for River Stretch Co-management award assessment G-KAT- Sundar Nepal Sanstha Adaption to Climate Change for Grant design and pre- 055 Sustainable Livelihood of Targeted award assessment Communities in Surkhet District G-KAT- Multipurpose Building Community Resilient for Grant design and pre- 056 Development Society Rangun Khola Watershed award assessment (MPDS) Management in Alital Rural Municipality in Dadeldhura District G-KAT- Rural Community Resilience via Ecological Restoration Grant design and pre- 057 Development Centre of Sub Watershed through award assessment (RCDC) Community Engagement (RERCE), Doti G-KAT- Research and Increasing Adaptive Capacity of Grant design and pre- 058 Development Center Communities through Improved award assessment Nepal (RDC Nepal) Water Resources Management (Second Grant) G-KAT- Karnali Integrated Rural JAL KACHAHARI: A Multi- Grant design and pre- 059 Development and Stakeholder Process for Resilient award assessment Research Center Water Resources Management (KIRDARC) (Second Grant) G-KAT- Hydro LAB Sustainable Hydropower Grant design and pre- 060 Development award assessment G-KAT- Mid-Western University Advancing Freshwater Biodiversity, Grant design and pre- 061 - 2nd Grant Climate Change Adaption and award assessment integrated Water Resources Management through Community Based and Advance Academic Education at Mid-Western University (Second Grant) TOTAL GRAND TOTAL
SECTION V: LEARNING
RESULTS OF ANALYSTIC WORK, ASSESSMENTS, AND EVALUATIONS Paani is supporting YAE to assess water security using the Water Poverty Index (WPI) in two municipalities with reportedly decreased water availability. The research results were found to be very useful for prioritizing water supply schemes among communities and local government. In addition to researching specific factors responsible for decreasing availability of water in some
70 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV communities, Paani also conducted WPI for watershed areas with drying spring sources, although the data obtained from spring source samples did not yield information about aquatic biodiversity, or uses, such as irrigation and consumption. To make this research more meaningful, Paani would like to identify uses and users of water and further analyze contributors to increased water availability.
Paani is supporting KU to investigate the link between distribution of freshwater biodiversity and construction of hydropower infrastructure. Due to the lack of functional fish ladders, initial results revealed that different fish types exist above and below hydropower dams. Above the dams, there are fewer fish species, and those found tend to have smaller biomass compared to those downstream. This is associated with the introduction of regulatory fishing practices and the continuing river flow available for fish migration downstream. An important follow-on study in the future could explore the deviation of fish diversity for hydropower dams without functional fish ladders or fish passage that allow free migration of fishery diversity.
Paani has been working to make its knowledge products more widely available and in formats most useful for multiple users, including communities, local governments, and research and academic institutions. Some local municipal governments and technical line agencies (e.g., watershed management offices and forest development divisions) agreed to publish Paani’s knowledge products on their websites. Paani must confirm the local owners/custodians of its knowledge products, especially those which present issues at the river basin and watershed–levels, before the products are made available publicly. Further dialogue is needed to find suitable ‘homes’ for these products.
LESSONS LEARNED AND HOW THEY ARE USED TO INFORM PROGRAM PERFORMANCE Incentives and support for local implementation of AABCA: Observation of fishing practices and discussions with representatives of local government and CAACG members at Rakam Karnali (Middle Karnali Watershed) revealed that effective implementation of the Aquatic Animal and Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Act (AABCA) through co-management arrangements would require a few key actions: i) mass awareness raising program about the provisions of the AABCA, ii) mandatory meetings of Conservation Coordination Committees (CCA), and iii) conservation incentives for CAACG. Paani, through its grantee program, could facilitate local governments and CAACGs in leading their own awareness raising campaigns, and to identify agendas for CCA’s regular meetings. Effective and meaningful participation of CAACGs in implementing the AABCA could be entrusted to CAACG members, but they must see and receive the values and benefits of their engagement in conservation of aquatic biodiversity. A large volume of fish is harvested from the middle section of the Karnali River every year and the harvest benefit is rarely accessed by CAACG due to their limited access to the fish market value chain. In Y3 Q4, Paani will facilitate CAACG and local governments in developing fish cooperative business models linking with river stretch co- management arrangements that will provide a form of incentive to CAACGs for effectively engaging in aquatic biodiversity conservation activities.
Generating interest and involvement from national-level stakeholders in provincial/local issues/events: WECS had agreed to send a Joint Secretary-level staff to the Third National River Summit. However, because one of the senior Joint Secretaries was promoted and moved to another Ministry just before the Summit, WECS sent a representative of a slightly lower level. While understandable due to the last minute change in plans, Paani realized how much more valuable it would have been if higher level representation with leadership and decision-making power could have attended the Summit. Similarly, although invited, high level representation from agencies, such as MOEWRI, MOFE, and DOE were not present at the
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Summit, which meant that they missed an opportunity to engage with local stakeholders and hear the perspectives of provincial and local governments and communities on ‘integrated’ water resources management. Although provincial governments and communities expressed a clear interest in sustainable economic development in their areas, including proper implementation and compliance of IEEs and EIAs, representatives from the agencies actually responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance, were absent. In conclusion, Paani believes that MOEWRI/WECS, or MOFE/DOE should be encouraged to host this type of Summit, even if held outside of Kathmandu. This would guarantee their attendance, leadership, and engagement.
Facilitating inclusive and effective roundtable discussions: In the past quarter, Paani has observed some areas of improvement related to the format and structure of its roundtable discussions, facilitated by NEFEJ. Just before the Third National River Summit, Paani held the first of three planned roundtable discussions aimed at encouraging dialogue between fisher groups and water user groups at all levels from upstream and downstream, to jointly discuss river basin- related issues and solutions. With more than 80 stakeholders present, the first roundtable discussion took place in Chisapani, Kailali on March 27 on the topic of disaster management. It included a set of panelists (mainly decision-makers from the region) who sat in front of an audience on an elevated platform, in a format where they were expected to provide answers or explanations directly to the audience before them—much like a town hall format. Unfortunately, this structure was not conducive to the open, non-hierarchal dialogue the roundtable was meant to encourage. Further, the topics raised in roundtable format should have been pre-filtered based on previous community input and priority, so that higher-level participants, such as provincial- level stakeholders and decision-makers could engage in proposed solutions. Paani has shared this feedback with NEFEJ in order to improve the structure and format of the remaining two roundtable discussions.
Fostering collaboration among research grantees to generate a consolidated knowledge base: The review of knowledge products produced by individual grantees revealed that they are producing results that could complement other program research. To make knowledge products more meaningful and effectively inform policy and strategy they need to produce knowledge collaboratively that will ease the development of a consolidated knowledge base. Paani facilitated the quarterly review and reflection meeting that fostered dialogue, improved knowledge and encouraged a culture of collaboration among grantees, which can be carried forward beyond Paani. As a result of the enhanced collaboration the research grantees [KU, NARC, CMDN and TU] have come up with an agreement to design an interdisciplinary project harmonizing the expertise held with each partner focusing on multiple dimensions of water and river basin management, including governance.
Engaging youth to grow the next generation of conservationists: The success and positive feedback from Paani’s youth engagement activity at the Third National River Summit provides a lesson on the value of providing youth with a platform within the water resource management space, and also in providing a platform for those from different geographies, ethnicities, castes, and backgrounds to engage and work together.
Feedback received from the Rakam youth following the Summit demonstrated that they gained a lot from the experience. Not only was it an opportunity to engage with peers they likely would not have met otherwise, it also allowed them to apply their unique local perspectives for the betterment of their watershed area. Their local knowledge and insight proved valuable in the model construction, as they could indicate features not easily found in existing maps, such as sites where CAACGs formed, or locations where destructive fishing practices are prevalent. In fact, one of the
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Rakam youth, Bimal Mohara, is part of a local fishing group as well as a Paani-supported Citizen Scientist, who used to be involved in electro fishing himself. Though he has abandoned the destructive fishing practice and now advocates against it, he was able to pinpoint where the practice takes place to enhance the model. His actions set a positive example for others in his community and beyond.
"The [Rakam] youths possessed the will to learn new things and do something for the community…During the experience, they gave their own inputs on the Rakam region." —Aadesh Sharma, Kathmandu Engineering College, Tribhuvan University, and 1st runner up in Paani’s Youth Competition on Innovative Watershed Model Design, Third National River Summit
USAID PAANI PROGRAM/ NABIN BARAL Winners of Paani’s youth competition on innovative watershed model design collaborate with their peers from Rakam to build a physical watershed model at the Third National River Summit this quarter.
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SECTION V1: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER Table 9 presents the major activities planned for the period of April 1- June 30, 2019. For consistency with Paani’s Y3 AWP, the activities are prepared according to strategic approaches.
TABLE 9: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: Improve Local Management for Capture Fisheries SA Lead: Freshwater Fisheries Specialist (Suresh Wagle)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
Municipalities, rural 1.3.3 Support P1.3.3-2 Market & Aquatic resource National Conservation X X X X municipalities & Implementation of value chain based livelihoods, governance framework communities have EFLG assessment practices and available (Report) greater technical framework ecotourism capacity in sustainable development in fisheries management Nepal’s selected (Environmentally river basis assessed friendly enterprises through STTA are enabled) services (linked to SA 4a) Biological & 1.1.1: Assess C1.1.1-1 Prepare Mini assessments Middle Rapti (MR) & Assessment report X X X X socioeconomic capture fisheries fisheries & of fish and aquatic Jhimruk Khola (JK) with local name and information available biodiversity plant resources in Watershed scientific name for commercial and inventories 2 priority CC impacts (Greater Watersheds. Task understanding of incorporated in impact of destructive MRDCC, HWEPC. fishing and CC) [Rapti & Jhimruk WS] NEW Feasibility Feasibility study of Karnali Pradesh (Karnai Final Report with X X study of aquaculture and River Basin) recommendation (1 aquaculture and culture based report) culture based fisheries in Karnali fisheries Pradesh conducted (Vendor’s services received) NEW Develop MSC workshop on Middle Karnali One workshop & one X X framework of fish fish cooperative report on framework
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: Improve Local Management for Capture Fisheries SA Lead: Freshwater Fisheries Specialist (Suresh Wagle)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
cooperative to framework link support river with river stretch stretch co-management management NEW Study of Mai Khola (Ilam), Khimti Case study report X X X Case study on the functionality of fish (Ramechaap), Sikta (Banke), impact of fish ladder and passes Babai (Bardiya) ladder and passage and their impact on fish migration, survival and habitat fragmentation [Task linked with SA 2C and SA 4A] Communities NEW Build capacity C1.1.2-4 Information National Report on lessons X X X X empowered to on sustainable Generate lessons generated during learned will inform co- manage their fisheries about community watershed profiling management guidelines fishing resources Management resource processes, value (communities involved (information about management to chain assessment in monitoring institutions & apply to and fish enforcement of incentive related to community fishing vulnerability regulations against fishing from 4.1.1 and assessment will be irrational fishing) information available synthesized to about policies & laws understand the from SA 3A) status and prospects of resource management by community (STTA/Intern services received)
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: Improve Local Management for Capture Fisheries SA Lead: Freshwater Fisheries Specialist (Suresh Wagle)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
C1.1.2.2 Facilitate MSC workshops JK, MR, LK, MK,LM 2 workshops X X X X participatory will be conducted conducted development of by Local APS sustainable Grantee to feed in capture fisheries the draft guidelines and co- to address the management needs of the guidelines community and how they can contribute to conservation Communities 1.1.4 Support C1.1.4-1 Provide Paani will engage National Government agency X X X X understand sustainable extension-type technical DoFD and NARC engaged in 5 events fisheries management continuing expertise to (extension and guidelines education programs DoFD and research NARC on organization of sustainable government) in fisheries & fisheries aquaculture management related workshops and policy and guideline dialogue forum
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: Improve Local Capacity for Local Water Management SA Lead: Integrated Water Resources Management Specialist (Bhawani S Dongol)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE
Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
Participatory 1.3.1 C1.3.1-2 CREEW will prepare 2 sub Thuligaad (TG) No. of plans supported X X X X (GESI aware) Develop/update Harmonize with master watersheds plans in adaptation plans watershed/sub plans, basin strategic Thuligaad watershed
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: Improve Local Capacity for Local Water Management SA Lead: Integrated Water Resources Management Specialist (Bhawani S Dongol)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
(LAPAs, CAPAs watershed plans, and catchment and WUMPs) management plans management plans are developed (WMPs and endorsed 1.3.2 C1.3.2-1 Mapping of vulnerable JK, LK, LM, TG, MR, RK, Information created for X X (plan Facilitate the Conduct vulnerability areas in rural MK, Bogatan Lagam local bodies to set priorities development) preparation of assessments & identify municipalities/municipalities Karnali (BL) in their plans/program CAPAs, LAPAs, actions to reduce in eight watersheds in each and WUMPs. vulnerability river basin. C1.3.2-2 Orientation workshops on JK, LK, LM, TG, MR, RK, # of stakeholders and X Increase community LAPA framework in rural MK, BL participants having awareness municipalities/municipalities knowledge on LAPA in eight priority framework increased watersheds C1.3.2-3 LAPA review/integration X Integrate CAPAs, LAPAs workshops in the rural & WUMPs into local & municipalities/municipalities national planning in eight watersheds in each river basins DDC/VDCs C1.3.2-4 Provide local grants TG, MK, LK, LM # of adaptation activities X X X X implement Support plan implemented adaptation plans implementation and Eco Agro will prepare 2 through assess effectiveness of LDCRPs in Thuligaad participatory learning and adaptive watershed processes. (plan management. implementation) KIRDARC will prepare 2 LAPAs and 5 CAPAs in Middle Karnali and Lower Karnali watershed
NEEDS will prepare/update 2 LAPAs in Lower Mahakali watershed Better (GESI 1.2.3 C1.2.3-2 Collect success stories of JK, LK, LM, TG, MR, RK, # of success stories X X X X aware) local Develop and Promote best practices climate smart watershed MK, BL collected/promoted level land and promote climate- through existing management practices water smart best mechanisms (NGOs, etc.) (road construction, source
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: Improve Local Capacity for Local Water Management SA Lead: Integrated Water Resources Management Specialist (Bhawani S Dongol)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
management management protection and green practices practices livelihoods, etc.) through implemented federations and NEFEJ from Paani priority watersheds C1.2.3-3 Broadcast some cases of JK, LK, LM, TG, MR, RK, # of radio program episodes X X X X Develop & disseminate good practices through the MK, BL broadcasted BMPs for road "Watershed Management construction & Radio Program" on local maintenance FMs in all eight watershed areas Communities 1.2.2 C1.2.2-2 Training and support for JK, LK, LM, TG, MR, RK, # of CFUGs trained in low X X X X have equitable Training and Training on reforestation, low cost techniques to MK, BL cost techniques to control access to skills support for etc. control landslides using landslides through bio- and resources to watershed bio-engineering principles engineering implement management in all eight watersheds appropriate activities C1.2.2-4 Provide local grants JK, LK, LM, TG, MR, RK, X X X X climate smart (implementation) Provide grants for MK, BL and watershed implementation activities management activities. (5) (implementation)
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve Local Capacity for Regulation and Management of Roads and Mining SA Lead: Green Infrastructure (GI) Specialist (IWRM Specialist, Bhawani Dongol, after February)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
User groups 1.2.1 C 1.2.1-2: Advocacy on EF rural road for MK, # number of participant X X X X advocate for better Climate-smart Raise awareness of community engagement and aware of EF road road construction road construction community road accountability by USFS and LU and and building/maintenance settlement planning environmentally- groups and local elected
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve Local Capacity for Regulation and Management of Roads and Mining SA Lead: Green Infrastructure (GI) Specialist (IWRM Specialist, Bhawani Dongol, after February)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
friendly (EF) gravel bodies of better road mining construction (link to 4.1.9 outreach) Municipalities/rural 1.2.1 C 1.2.1-4: Demonstration site selected by MK, # Demonstration site X X X X municipalities Climate-smart Assist Paani will be finalization by USFS prioritize funds for road construction municipalities/rural roads with EF and municipalities/local designs environmentally- elected bodies in Conduct field survey for road MK, # Survey data X X friendly (EF) gravel developing criteria design mining (Construction guidelines) for Training on EF rural road design MK, # number of participant X X prioritizing funding and by USFS aware of EF road assuring contracts that design includes environmental clauses (Link to 1.3.3: EFLG) Road user groups 1.2.1 C 1.2.1-5: Orientation to communities and MK, JK # Local government X X develop better Climate-smart Develop IEC materials local government on IEC and grantee initiate for designs of roads road construction for capacity building of material preparation by USFS IEC preparation and municipalities/rural environmentally- municipalities and friendly (EF) gravel contracting engineers mining on better road construction (potentially add training) Information 1.2.1 C 1.2.1-7: NEEDS will share gravelling LM # No of participant will X X available on mining Climate-smart Assess and document mining status and IEE/EIA report be aware of gravel impacts road construction the impact of mining on in community mining and communities and environmentally- ecosystems friendly (EF) gravel mining
Sustainable 1.2.1 C 1.2.1-9: STTA (Gravel mining) will review National #Summary of the X X X X aggregate mining Climate-smart Review and update Chure-Terai-Medhesh master report guidelines in place road construction guidelines and CHURE plan
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve Local Capacity for Regulation and Management of Roads and Mining SA Lead: Green Infrastructure (GI) Specialist (IWRM Specialist, Bhawani Dongol, after February)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
and TERAI, MEDHESH environmentally- master plans in friendly (EF) gravel consultations with mining communities and DoLIDAR, ensure they align with other policies (Link to 4.1.8: GESI)
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: Improve local capacity for managing invasives SA Lead: Freshwater Fisheries Specialist (Suresh Wagle)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Apr May Jun Y4 Q1 Reduced area affected 1.1.3 Improve C1.1.1.3-3 Mini assessment Rapti River Basin (RRB) Assessment Report X X X X by invasive plant capacity on invasives Conduct (HWEPC, control (Information control freshwater MRDCC), (Link available about the biodiversity with SA 4A) impact of invasive inventories species on aquatic biodiversity) Community 4.1.5 Assess SOW will be LK Assessment Report X X X groups/landowners impact of non- developed for understand and select native fish and multidisciplinary control measures plant on collaborative freshwater assessment and biodiversity implemented through STTA C1.1.3-9 Facilitate Piloted water LK Demonstration Report X X selection of mower operation control measures (built in FEDWASUN program)
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: Improve local capacity for managing invasives SA Lead: Freshwater Fisheries Specialist (Suresh Wagle)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Apr May Jun Y4 Q1 Reduced populations C1.1.3-2 Support Multi stakeholder LK, National 2 meetings & 1 X X X of non-native fish GoN to develop technical meetings workshop species policy/regulations and workshop (sustainable for fish farmers conducted to aquaculture develop draft of policy/guidelines guidelines on good developed by GoN); management Fish farms comply practices (GMP). with regulations and remain economically viable
STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: Improve Local Capacity for Disaster Risk Reduction SA Lead: IWMR Specialist (Bhawani Dongol)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/ Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4Q1
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Communities and 2.2.2 C 2.2.2-3 Follow up on DHM grant signing Rangun Khola DHM grant X X X X other Support DHM Provide DHM agreement stakeholders are to expand the with equipment Conduct meeting with DHM for activities signed able to respond hydro-met and TA to implementation to floods and observation expand Vendors other climate network Follow up on procurement process with selected for risks C 2.2.2-4 Paani operations flood hazard Repair broken mapping and monitoring equipment systems installation
C 2.2.2.-5 Select and award local vendor from RFP call National Local vendor X X X X Pilot custom identified for made remote Follow up and guide implementation based low cost flood sensing on RFP assignment early warning technologies system that can be establishment manufactured in Nepal Communities and 2.2.3 C 2.2.3-1 Conduct Flood Hazard Mapping in Paani 10 Watersheds out of 12 Draft of flood X X X X other Support DHM Support GON watersheds hazard maps stakeholders are and local to disseminate able to respond stakeholders plans to floods and to disseminate Disaster profiles other climate information Review and prepare disaster profiles of risks on flood risks Paani watersheds (STTA) and warnings linked to local P 2.2.3-2 Review and finalize report of local plans in Paani watersheds as Review report X X X and Facilitate use of terms of use of hydro met available community hydromet data data/information/early warning system based in IWRMP, response LAPAs, CAPAs plans. (GESI informed)
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Hydropower and 2.2.4 C 2.2.4-2 Follow up on IPPAN grant implementation National Action plan X X X irrigation Build capacity Create or activities on EAPs operators are to implement update EAPs able to warn Emergency downstream Action Plans communities in emergency
STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: Improve river basin Planning SA Lead: Communications Specialist (Sarah Gray)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May June Y4 Q1 Basin-level groups 2.3.2 Organize C2.3.2.-1 Meet with IFC to conceptualize and develop National X convened with distinguished Conceptualize and plans for next workshop in distinguished representation on speaker series develop plans for speaker series (IFC-led) priority topics distinguished speaker series Conduct speaker Conduct Speaker series (IFC-led) National 1 workshop held X series # of speaker series # of participants
2.3.3 Hold series of C2.3.3-1 Convene Conceptualize and develop plans for JK, LK, LM, TG, 10 town hall X X X X roundtable roundtable roundtable discussions and town hall MR, RK, MK, meetings and 1 discussions at rural discussions meetings at rural municipality/municipality BL basin level mun/mun. (and and river basin level (NEFEJ) roundtable basin) levels RRB discussion Conduct round table discussions (NEFEJ) 2.3.1 Create C2.3.1-1 Convene Through PEA grantee ISET-Nepal, map JK, LK, LM, TG, Stakeholder map X X X X Integrated River and engage stakeholders/champions for IRBMPs (Linked MR, RK, MK, created, # Basin Management stakeholders with PEA), (based on stakeholder BL champions Platforms (IRBMPs). C2.3.1-2 engagement, KII, FGD, MSC workshops) KRB, MRB, RRB identified X X X X Stakeholder mapping Identify existing working groups in all three # of existing river basins who could participate in IRBMPs working groups IWRMPs supported 2.3.4 Provide Explore potential partners beyond WECS to National Meetings with X X with best available biodiversity and share Paani research findings. Continue to potential hosts of
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: Improve river basin Planning SA Lead: Communications Specialist (Sarah Gray)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May June Y4 Q1 biodiversity and climate information C2.3.4-1 Share Paani share research widely through an online portal climate info for basin level research http://www.hakahakionline.com planning. information Development of in- X Confirm partner and contract a vendor to kind grant or for design and develop an online information platform platform (TBD) Watershed profiles, X X X X Upload Paani research materials and any health reports and other relevant information to river basin other research planning shared with partners NRBCF designed 2.1.2 Explore C2.1.2-1 Prepare Hire Co-Creation Specialist Co-Creation X development of feasibility and design Specialist hired Nepal River Basin study Develop SOW for Co-Creation Workshop Conservation Fund SOW for workshop X (NRBCF) Plan for Co-Creation Workshop developed
Plan for workshop developed X X C2.1.2-3 Provide Finalize hiring of Private Sector Engagement PSCEFD Specialist X technical support to Conservation Fund Development (PSECFD) on boarded NRBCF operations Specialist Work plan X developed for NRBCF
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower SA Lead: Sustainable Hydropower Specialist (Pradip Gautam)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May June Y4 Q1 The profile of 2.1.1 Organize C2.1.1-1 Organize Continue discussion and finalize Concept National, Karnali Basin Concept note and X sustainable an international a seminar note outlining potential themes and topics program hydropower seminar on for the event (5-day seminar) development sustainable is raised in hydropower Continue dialogue with IPPAN, EDC, NHA X Nepal development to and WECS Secretariat and help them raise the profile prepare a grant proposal for the of sustainable international seminar hydro. Draft detailed program plan and finalize themes and topics, develop participant Grant application X guidelines, timing of call/submission for submitted papers, and finalize other logistical arrangements per program plan
Work closely with WWF team to carry out Informational meetings X X X X initial work sharing data and information held Private (IPP) 2.1.3 Build C2.1.3-1 Conduct Through IPPAN grant, conduct needs National, Karnali Basin and govt hydropower needs assessment assessment of hydropower operators from X hydropower operator of hydropower three Paani basins to determine levels of operators capacity to use operation knowledge and technical capacity to use (NEA) have hydro- hydro meteorological information and greater meteorological modeling capacity to information and X X use hydromet modeling Through IPPAN grant develop Program Plan information & Training Program (Manuals) for and modelling hydrological and climate modelling for operations Support Mid-Western University (MWU) X through grant to develop and deliver academic courses on Advanced Hydrology and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for students pursuing a Bachelor’s in Engineering (Hydropower and Civil)
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower SA Lead: Sustainable Hydropower Specialist (Pradip Gautam)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May June Y4 Q1 Improved 2.1.4 Develop C2.1.4-1 Train Update the framework and checklist based Karnali, Rapti and 1 final checklist X capacity to monitoring national, DCC, and on feedback from the Jhimruk, Tila and Mahakali River Basin monitor procedure and rural municipalities Middle Karnali watershed (local level). compliance track to monitor with compliance with compliance Explore collaboration with hydropower Environmental Environmental projects in planning and construction phase I event in Mahakali X and Social and Social C2.1.4-2 Build in Chameliya watershed Mahakali. basin safeguards safeguards capacity of CSOs and community Further, Paani will explore collaboration groups as with Sikta Irrigation to rollout these tools in watchdogs the project area in West Rapti watershed.
C2.1.4-3 Develop Paani will conduct at least one debriefing tools and about these tools to inform relevant checklists to track provincial ministries in a Province. 1 event in the X environmental and Based on the watershed and basin province respective province social safeguards level feedback, Paani, together with NESS and IFC, will explore integration of these tools into national guidelines
Explore and Identify Chameliya or other watersheds where potential or existing hydropower projects, to see the potentiality of the project to develop as a sample site for interdisciplinary monitoring X X demonstration. Work closely with NESS, Basin, watershed team, and local governments and user Federations.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower SA Lead: Sustainable Hydropower Specialist (Pradip Gautam)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May June Y4 Q1 E-flow 2.2.1 Support C2.2.1-1 Liaise with IWMI for E-Flow products and National, Rapti River E-Flow Implementation requirements the Nepali Guidelines for e- design guidelines Basin, Karnali River Guidelines developed X X X understood Government flows design Basin, Mahakali Basin and High Value and identified and IWMI to Review e-flow requirements of products Conservation Rivers for each basin promote e-flow C2.2.1-2 identified based on all adoption Guidelines for e- Trade-off analysis of e-flows in local context proposed flows Multi-objective trade-off analysis, including projects and implementation e-flows and other flow uses (irrigation, for each hydropower, etc.) at basin or sub-basin level project Develop E-Flow Implementation Guidelines and outreach strategy
STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: Support CSOs to Advocate for Transparent and Accountable Hydropower Decision-making SA Lead: Communications Specialist (Sarah Gray)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3 Q34 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Apr May June Y4 Q1 CSOs better 3.2.1 C3.2.1-3 Hold kick off meeting KRB Inception workshop X understand Carry out analysis on Analyze and with WWF held sustainable environmental and disseminate hydropower social costs and info on social Hold inception benefits of costs and workshop Analysis initiated X hydropower benefits Begin analysis X X
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CSOs have increased 3.2.2 Develop detailed National Detailed outline X capacity for Develop a bilingual outline for feedback developed constructive civil society guide to from Paani and other engagement and to healthy rivers, climate stakeholders advocate for resilience and sustainable sustainable Hold writeshop with hydropower hydropower and federations and other Writeshop held X strengthen civil contributors society voices Begin drafting chapters of guidelines First draft of chapters X completed
CSOs have increased 3.2.3 C3.2.3-1 Review national National Updated HSAP capacity for Develop norms and Review and norms and guidelines developed/shared X constructive standards for share norms relevant to with select engagement and to sustainable and standards sustainable stakeholders advocate for hydropower (Linked (promote IFC hydropower sustainable with 3.2.2) and other best development Review and compile hydropower industry feedback on updated X practices) Analyze HSAP internationally adopted HSAP in local context
Develop norms and guidelines for Sustainable Hydropower Development
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Strengthen Policy and Planning for IWRM SA Lead: Environmental Policy and Law Expert (Narayan Belbase)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q3 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1
Develop a 3.1.1: Identify C 3.1.1-1 Conduct Document and analyze local knowledge National Report on local knowledge X network of champions for Political and practices relating to water and aquatic and practices on champions for freshwater Economy biodiversity conservation management and use of freshwater policy change. Assessment aquatic resources report policy change X Identify and categorize stakeholders by Draft report on champions sectors and themes at settlement, watershed, and national levels X Basin level validation workshop
C 3.1.1-1 Conduct Organize capacity development training Basin Training manual X Political for champions Report on recommended Economy Identify methods for management of methods and practices for Assessment freshwater biodiversity promotion of IWRM White paper on 3.1.2 Develop C 3.2.1-1 Prepare Develop and revise SOW for preparing National RFA finalized and published X X governance / an issues and white the issues and opportunities White Paper in a newspaper policies issues opportunities paper to analyze and white paper institutional options opportunities and Finalize the RFA and publish it in a developed opportunities for newspaper holistic and integrated water management to support policy
Local levels and 3.1.3 Support C 3.1.3 -1 Provide Provide written suggestions to MoAD to National Suggestions in writing to X Province WECS and technical support in revise the draft Fisheries Development revise the draft Fisheries supported to other revising and Policy Policy develop GESI government finalizing integrated smart bodies to national water Provide opportunity for select laws/policies revise, update, resources stakeholders from Mahakali, Karnali and Input of local stakeholders and draft assessment Rapti river basins to participate in the on the Bill X X national workshop to be organized by WECS in policies
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Strengthen Policy and Planning for IWRM SA Lead: Environmental Policy and Law Expert (Narayan Belbase)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q3 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1 Kathmandu to solicit feedback on the draft Water Resources Bill 3.1.3 Support C. 3.1.3 - 3 Provide Develop the draft of a GESI smart Watershed Draft of the Bill X WECS and support to develop LAABCB in consultation with local (Jhimruk Khola) other Aquatic Animals governments and communities government and Biodiversity Organize consultation workshop on the bodies to Conservation Bill at draft Bill revise, update, least in 2 local and draft levels Revise the draft of the Bill incorporating Revised version of the Bill X national suggestions and addressing comments policies received from the members of local governments and local communities
Submit the revised version of the Bill to Penultimate draft of the Bill X the local governments in Jhimruk watersheds 3.1.3 Support C. 3.1.3 - 5 Develop and finalize RFA or other National RFA document X WECS and Formulate Wetland appropriate mechanism for the other Management Plan of development of Site Management Plan of government Rara lake - a Rara Lake (and publish it in newspaper) bodies to Ramsar site revise, update, Select the vendor X and draft Local levels and national Make arrangement to review and print Watershed Printed version of the X X Province policies the Management Plan of Rara National (Rara) Management Plan supported to Park and its Buffer Zone (requested by the develop GESI DNPWC) smart Laws/Policies Organize inception workshop Initiate central and local level consultation, Inception report X X and field study/survey to collect necessary information and data
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 4A: Fill Knowledge Gaps SA Lead: Chief Technical Specialist (Deepak Rijal)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q3 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Apr May Jun Y4 Q1 4.1.1 4.1.1-1 Finalize and submit three health reports to National Finalize health reports after X X X Conduct rapid Development of USAID incorporating feedback climate watershed health from USAID vulnerability reports and biodiversity Inform local APS X X X X assessments 4.1.1-3 Rapid Prepare primary and secondary Final version of report prioritization of information resource for each basin and completed after field priority watersheds watershed related to five main variables validation and stakeholder (Freshwater biodiversity, Climate agreement vulnerability, Disaster risk, Socioeconomic and infrastructure investment) 4.1.2 4.1.2-1 Establish relationship between quality of National Bio-indicators that X X X X Conduct Assessment of lentic habitats and persistence of aquatic proximate health condition freshwater diversity through e- species (KU) of watershed, catchment, biodiversity DNA, led by KU and wetlands identified inventories Draft a manuscript on bio- X X X indicators to publish in refereed journal 4.1.2-2 Facilitate collaboration between KU and Organize quarterly review X X X Vulnerability other grantees/partners while meeting and final assessment of implementing fieldwork dissemination workshop fishery diversity for all research grantees
4.1.3 4.1.3.1-1 Consolidate Paani’s work to prioritize National X X X X Identify areas river stretches for declaration of fish that could be sanctuary based on review of Paani’s proposed as interventions, provincial-level conservation fish or other bills, and protocol developed by CDES, freshwater including NRCT documents biodiversity sanctuaries/ Characterize natural habitats to determine Water quality and X X X X protected relationship between water quality and biodiversity bio-indicators areas (PA)
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persistence of aquatic biodiversity (with of mountain watershed FAN) identified
4.1.4 4.1.4-1 With technical assistance from USFS and X X X Conduct Impacts of partnership with local government, ecological unplanned rural establish demonstration sites using studies to road construction environmentally friendly rural road inform determined to construction practices infrastructure inform environment development friendly rural road construction 4.1.4-2 Assess the impacts and produce Reports containing X X X Impacts of documents with mitigation measures mitigation measures unregulated gravel produced and aggregate mining on freshwater biodiversity and habitat conservation 4.1.5 4.1.5-2 Case studies completed X X Assess impacts Carry out case of non-native study in selected fish on wetlands and lakes freshwater where invasive biodiversity species are already introduced 4.1.6 4.1.6-1 X X X Map water Local water resources and management Knowledge products for dissemination Knowledge products availability and informed by developed and informed for local water produced and disseminated X X X identify information on the management planning systems impacts of change in requiring water availability/ rehabilitation, water use by ethnic both communities ecologically and for human use
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4.1.7 4.1.7-1 Issues related to water uses identified to Knowledge products X X X Identify Develop Water inform water budgets and conflict produced pressing water Poverty Index for management issues selected Palikas
4.1.8 4.1.8-1 Grant selection, support implementation National Selected grant approved by X X X X Conduct Grants on gender of priority issues recommended by the USAID, detail action plans analysis of and caste-based consultant report in strategic watershed developed gender and access to and use of caste-based water resources access to and use of water resources 4.1.9 4.1.9-1 Content derived from watershed profiles, Knowledge products X X X X Conduct Targeted health report and research designed for produced outreach to knowledge product development communities products designed for various users
STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: INTEGRATE INTO Academic and Other Learning Spaces SA Lead: Capacity Building and Higher Education Specialist (Anjana Shakya) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE April May June Y4 Q1 C 4.2.3-1 Greater capacity Task 4.2.1 (Develop and X X X X in freshwater Develop and implement a Support grant manager and biodiversity, implement a green MWU for finalization of new National fisheries green New grant in place engineering grant proposal description and management, engineering strategy and get USAID approval water resource strategy and curriculum for management and curriculum climate adaptation hydropower) Task 4.2.3 C 4.2.3-1 X X X X Coordinate with MWU to get LVRE students more Engage youth (Develop and involve in USFS environmental knowledgeable on (school and implement a Middle Karnali friendly rural road environmentally friendly rural university) in green demonstration site work road construction and establish freshwater engineering
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: INTEGRATE INTO Academic and Other Learning Spaces SA Lead: Capacity Building and Higher Education Specialist (Anjana Shakya) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y3/Q4 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE April May June Y4 Q1 biodiversity strategy and coordination of university with and climate curriculum for local government change road)
Task 4.2.5 Support Farmer Managed Develop and Irrigation Systems’ (FMIS) implement Promotion Trust for conducting workshops Eighth International Seminar on and training " Institutional Challenges and International FMIST seminar X X National programs Water Security in Irrigation organized related to Systems, May 6-7, 2019.Also freshwater support Paani to conduct panel biodiversity session on system scale
conservation planning. and climate Support grant partners to All priority X X X X resilience conduct training on fisheries watersheds management, watershed management and GESI
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ANNEXES
EXHIBIT A1: GESI BREAKDOWN FOR PAANI ACTIVITIES IN Y3 Q3 TABLE 10: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY RIVER BASIN/ ACTIVITY Y3 Q3
PAANI ACTIVITY PARTCIPANTS BY RIVER BASIN / ACTIVITY Y3 Q3 Total Male Female BCTS Dalit Janajaati Newar Others Karnali 3907 1955 1952 1923 405 1485 54 40 Community Mobilization 67 42 25 42 14 11 0 0 Meeting 438 58 380 66 82 289 1 0 Research 691 402 289 453 83 151 2 2 Training 75 42 33 32 11 31 1 0 Workshop 478 338 140 340 54 73 9 2 River Summit 237 199 38 139 10 39 25 24 Round table discussion 1921 874 1047 851 151 891 16 12 Mahakali 1012 465 547 582 195 232 0 2 Meeting 219 127 92 111 37 69 0 1 Training 562 206 356 317 118 127 0 0 Round table discussion 231 132 99 154 40 36 0 1 Rapti 2062 888 1174 645 219 1158 28 10 Community Mobilization 351 209 142 151 80 120 0 0 Meeting 142 88 54 48 7 71 16 0 Research 177 67 110 6 3 166 0 0 Training 592 219 373 65 17 500 4 6 Workshop 46 32 14 16 2 25 0 3 Awareness Raising 754 273 481 359 110 276 8 1 Grand Total 6981 3308 3673 3150 819 2875 82 52
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TABLE 11: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY ACTIVITY/SUB-ACTIVITY Y3 Q3
PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY ACTIVITY/ SUB-ACTIVITY Y3 Q3 Total Male Female BCTS Dalit Janajaati Newar Others Community Mobilization Group formation 25 14 11 5 4 16 0 0 River Patrolling 89 49 40 42 14 33 0 0 WSMBP implementation 304 188 116 146 76 82 0 0 Meeting Coordination & sharing 85 69 16 57 7 15 5 1 Consultation 64 46 18 19 22 23 0 0 Review & Planning 650 158 492 149 97 391 12 0 Research Fishery Survey 60 17 43 0 1 59 0 0 FVA 162 87 75 46 7 107 0 0 VCA 646 365 281 413 78 151 2 2 Training CCA & DRR 150 51 99 44 17 88 1 0 Fishery management 424 136 288 10 10 397 1 6 IWSM 292 104 188 152 50 88 2 0 WSMBP 113 48 65 60 18 35 0 0 GESI integration 72 27 45 45 17 10 0 0 Institutional Capacity Building 109 63 46 75 23 11 0 0 LWM 69 38 31 28 11 29 1 0 Workshop Orientation 196 124 71 126 25 34 9 2 Consultation 328 246 83 230 31 64 0 3 Awareness Raising CCA & DRR 356 89 267 167 82 103 4 0 DRR 161 85 76 110 26 24 0 1 Fishery management 237 99 138 82 2 149 4 0
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PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY ACTIVITY/ SUB-ACTIVITY Y3 Q3 Total Male Female BCTS Dalit Janajaati Newar Others River Summit Summit 237 199 38 139 10 39 25 24 Round table discussion Town hall 310 176 134 224 43 40 0 3 Chalfal Chautari 138 81 57 91 23 24 0 0 Intergenerational dialogue 1627 682 945 643 121 840 14 9 Basin level discussion 77 67 10 47 4 23 2 1 Grand Total 6981 3308 3673 3150 819 2875 82 52
FIGURE 3: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY RIVER BASIN Y3 Q3
Participants in Paani Activities by Gender 2500 2000 1500 1000 500
0
Numberparticipants of
Meeting Meeting Meeting
Training Training Training
Research Research
Workshop Workshop
River Summit River
Awareness Raising Awareness
Round table discussion table Round discussion table Round
Community Mobilization Community Mobilization Community Karnali Mahakali Rapti
Male Female
100 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
Participants in Paani Activities by Ethnicity 3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
Number of participant of Number 500
0
Meeting Meeting Meeting
Training Training Training
Research Research
Workshop Workshop
River Summit River
Awareness Raising Awareness Raising Awareness
Round table discussion table Round discussion table Round
CommunityMobilization CommunityMobilization Karnali Mahakali Rapti
BCTS Dalit Janajaati Newar Others
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 101
FIGURE 4: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY ACTIVITY Y3 Q3
Participants in Paani Activities by Gender 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400
Number pf participatnspfNumber 200 0 Community Meeting Research Training Workshop Awareness Mobilization Raising Male Female
Participants in Paani Activities by Ethnicity 2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0 Community Meeting Research Training Workshop Awareness
Number of participants of Number Mobilization Raising
BCTS Dalit Janajaati Newar Others
102 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
FIGURE 5: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY SUB-ACTIVITY Y3 Q3
Participants in Paani Community Mobilization Activities by Gender 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Group formation River Patrolling WSMBP implementation
Male Female
Participants in Paani Community Mobilization Activities by Ethnicity 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 Group formation River Patrolling WSMBP implementation
BCTS Dalit Janajaati
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 103
Participants in Paani Meetings by Gender 700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0 Coordination & sharing Consultation Review & Planning
Male Female
Participants in Paani Meetings by Ethnicity 700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0 Coordination & sharing Consultation Review & Planning
BCT Dalit Janajati Newar Others
104 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
Participation in Paani Research Activities by Gender 700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0 Fishery Survey Fish Vulnerability Vulnerability Capacity Assessment Assessment
Male Female
Participants in Paani Research Activities by Ethnicity 700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0 Fishery Survey FishVulnerability Assessment Vulnerability Capacity Assessment
BCT Dalit Janajati Newar Others
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 105
Participants in Paani Trainings by Gender 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 CCA & DRR Fishery IWSM WSMBP GESI Institutional LWM management integration Capacity Building
Male Female
Participants in Paani Trainings by Ethnicity 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 CCA & DRR Fishery IWSM WSMBP GESI Institutional LWM management integration Capacity Building
BCT Dalit Janajati Newar
106 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
TABLE 12: GESI PARTICIPATION IN NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS Y3 Q3
NEJEF TOWN HALL PARTICIPATION Y3 Q3 Male Female BCTS Dalit Janajaati Newar Others Total NEFEJ Town Hall Meetings 243 144 271 47 63 2 4 387 Lower Karnali 75 38 60 4 45 2 2 113 1. Problems due to River Cutting, Deposition, Flooding and Livelihood of Sonaha Community 8 28 13 0 22 0 1 36 2. Downstream Impact, Preparedness and Adaptation - Roundtable Discussion 67 10 47 4 23 2 1 77 Lower Mahakali 17 10 17 5 5 0 0 27 3. Environment Friendly Excavation of Sand and Gravel Mining 17 10 17 5 5 0 0 27 Middle Karnali 35 40 66 8 0 0 1 75 4. Drought and Drying-up of Water Sources 6 35 37 3 0 0 1 41 5. Unmanaged and Unsustainable Local Road Construction 29 5 29 5 0 0 0 34 Rangun 34 32 46 12 7 0 1 66 6. Drought and Drying Water Sources (Follow- up) 24 5 18 4 6 0 1 29 7. Alternative Means of Livelihood of Dalit Community 10 27 28 8 1 0 0 37 Thuligaad 26 5 25 3 3 0 0 31 8. Water Source Conservation 26 5 25 3 3 0 0 31 Tila 56 19 57 15 3 0 0 75 9. Environment Friendly Rural Road Construction 35 10 38 4 3 0 0 45 10. Watershed Management 21 9 19 11 0 0 0 30 Grand Total 243 144 271 47 63 2 4 387
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 107
EXHIBIT A2: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1A TABLE 13: FISH SPECIES CAPTURED AND RECORDED IN CAACG-LED MINI ASSESSMENT IN JHIMRUK AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHED
FISH SPECIES CAPTURED AND RECORDED IN JHUMRUK AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHED Name of fish Generic Name Middle Rapti Watershed
DK BP RRM GRM
Fish species
Tengna Mystus cavasius √ √
Baswiti √
Kabra Changi √
Bichhali Charangi √ √
Jilbulwa Gherra √ √ √ √
Dunduwa √ √
Jilbulwa Sedhri Puntius conchonius √ √ √
Sidhra Puntius ticto √ √ √ √
Ghottaila Sidhra Puntius sarana √
Chipi/Pichi √ √ √
Dhikrahuwa Gherra √ √ √ √
Dira √ √ √
Dhong √ √ √
Sutahi √
108 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
FISH SPECIES CAPTURED AND RECORDED IN JHUMRUK AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHED Name of fish Generic Name Middle Rapti Watershed
DK BP RRM GRM
Bam Xenentodon cancila √ √ √ √
Choitar (Mahseer) Tor putitora √
Karra √ √
Bichhali √
Pathar Chepti √ √
Tilori √ √
Sutahi √ √
Garhan √
Ghottaila Kara √
Dharkaha Tilori √
Sari Rawa √
Karra Tilori √
Lato Thendh Bagarius sp √
Kabra Charangi √
Crustacean and mollusk
Seto Jhinga Macrobrachium malcolmsonii √
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 109
FISH SPECIES CAPTURED AND RECORDED IN JHUMRUK AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHED Name of fish Generic Name Middle Rapti Watershed
DK BP RRM GRM
Kalo Jhinga Macrobrachium sp √ √ √ √
Kukur Jhinga Macrobrachium sp √ √ √
Gangata Barytelphusa sp √ √
Ghonghi Bellamya bengalensis √ √ √
Lamo Ghonghi √ √
DK=Dorai Khola, BP= RRM=Rapti Rural Municipality, GRM= Ghadhawa Rural Minicipality
FIGURE 6: THREAT FACTORS TO FISHERIES IN MIDDLE KARNALI WATERSHED
110 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
TABLE 14: FREQUENCY OF THREATS AMONG THE STUDY SITES IN MIDDLE KARNALI WATERSHED
FREQUENCY OF THREATS IN MIDDLE KARNALI WATERSHED
Fishing Practices Pollution Anthropogenic Factors
Area Natural Calamities DFP OH Env. Pollution Sand Mining CC PG UID
Hulma (Kalikot) 7 3 23 4 0 0 0 1 Kamal Bazar (Achhaam) 4 6 1 2 2 0 1 17 Rakam (Dailekh) 11 5 5 32 0 0 2 12 Ramaghat (Dailekh) 36 3 0 0 0 2 0 7 Tallo Dungeswor (Dailekh) 6 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 64 3316 290 3800 20 20 30 370 DFP=Destructive fishing practice, OH=Over harvest, CC=Climate change, PG=Population growth, UID=Unmanaged infrastructure development
TABLE 15: FLAGSHIP SPECIES IDENTIFIED DURING FVA IN LOWER MAHAKALI AND WEST SETI WATERSHEDS
FLAGSHIP SPECIES IDENTIFIED IN LOWER MAHAKALI AND WEST SETI WATERSHED
Local Name of Fish Generic Name Order of importance Lower Mahakali West Seti Asala, Snow Trout Schizothorax sp. 3 1 Githi, Katli Neolissochilus hexagonolepis 2 Sahar, Mahseer Tor putitora 1 3 Clonch, Kadawa, Goonch Bagarius yarelii 2
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 111
FIGURE 7: FISH SPAWNING AND NURSING AREAS IDENTIFIED DURING FISH VULNEARIBILITY ASSESSMENT IN LOWER MAHAKALI WATERSHED
112 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
FIGURE 8: FISH SPAWNING AND NURSING AREAS IDENTIFIED DURING FISH VULNEARIBILITY ASSESSMENT IN WEST SETI WATERSHED
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 113
TABLE 16: FISHING GEAR AND PRACTICES USED IN LOWER MAHAKALI WATERSHED AND THEIR SENSITIVITY TO FISH
FISHING GEAR PRACTICES AND SENSITIVITY IN MAHAKALI WATERSHED
SN Name of Gear Use Season Characteristics Sensitivity to Fish 1 Cast Net (Haate Jaal) Year round Turbid water
2 Gill nets (Mahajal) Year round Up to 4m depth, destructive in nature
3 Line & hook (Balchhi) September-December Fishing single fish in clean water
4 Pakhaiya, Helka, Jhul, Thanti Rainy season Used by women in turbid water
5 Use of poison Winter season Clean and steady water
6 Use of explosives Winter season Clean and steady water
7 Electrofishing Rainy season Fishing of all size fishes
8 Use of Bowl (Thaal) Winter season Fishing in low current
9 Surka (Paso) Year round All size fishes in flowing water
10 Teep (Dhadiya) Year round Small, medium size in flowing water
11 Usee of Arrow (Bhala) Summer season Large fishes in clean water
Highly sensitive, should be prohibited, Moderately sensitive, should be regulated, Less sensitive, and should be monitored.
114 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
TABLE 17: FISHING GEARS AND PRACTICES USED IN WEST SETI WATERSHED AND THEIR SENSITIVITY TO FISH
FISHING GEAR PRACTICES AND SENSITIVITY IN WEST SETI
S.No Name of Gear Use Season Characteristics Sensitivity to Fish
1 Use of Paso (Surka) September-May Fishing of all sized fish
2 Gill Nets (Mahajal) Year Round Non selective
3 Balchhi September- November Fishing single and mostly large fish
4 Tip, Bhad, Sola May-July Capture fish in down flowing water
5 Duwali May-July Fishing by diverting water
7 Tinki (Strike by Hammer) Year Round Strike hammer on stone/near fish
8 Use of pesticides and poisonous herb April-May Fishing all sized fish in clean water
9 Hatedali April-June Caught small and pelagic fish
10 Tangejal Rainy Season Fishing in mass
11 Kudel Rainy Season Fishing in mass
12 Use of current Rainy season Fishing of all sized fish
Highly sensitive, should be prohibited, Moderately sensitive, should be regulated, Less sensitive, and should be monitored.
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 115
EXHIBIT A3: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 4A TABLE 18: DISTRIBUTION OF SPRINGS BY WATERSHED
DISTRIBUTION OF SPRINGS WATERSHED NUMBER OF SPRINGS
JHIMRUK 491 MIDDLE KARNALI 1960
BOGTAN LAGAM KARNALI 213 THULIGAD 343
RANGUN 1122
TOTAL 4222
FIGURE 9: TREND OF SPRING DISCHARGE LEVELS BY WATERSHED
Trend of Spring Discharge Levels in Different Watersheds 100 80 60 40 Percent 20 0 Bogtan Middle Jhimruk Thuligad Lagam Rangun Karnali Karnali Decreasing 85 61 99 72 73 Increasing 0 0 0 2 3
No Change 11 35 1 26 22 Dried Up 4 3 0 1 2
116 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
EXHIBIT A4: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1D TABLE 19: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS FOR BHAGRAIYA LAKE MANAGEMENT, LOWER KARNALI
BHAGRAIYA LAKE MANAGEMENT, LOWER KARNALI
Major problems Solutions Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) invasion Manual or mechanical removal, and use as manure, feed for livestock and bed material for mushroom farming as means of economic incentive of the removal. Lotus disappeared Remove water hyacinth, reintroduce lotus Reduced aesthetic value Plantation around the lakes to reduce sedimentation and increase the beauty of the lake. Degraded habitat Remove invasive aquatic plants such as water hyacinth and pistia. Fish population decreased Remove invasive aquatic plants and sediment, control overfishing Migratory birds Disappeared Aquatic invasive, sediment, encroachment control, maintain water depth. Multiple ownership of the lake Different interest group on lake resource use The ownership of the lakes should be awarded to inclusive Encroachment of lake area Lake Management Committee for the holistic management Formation of lake management committee of the lakes through consultations, dialogues, diplomatic Lack of transparency relations and application of best available technologies. Trans- boundary issues
TABLE 20: EXOTIC AQUATIC SPECIES IDENTIFIED IN LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS
EXOTIC AQUATIC SPECIES IDENTIFIED IN LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 117
Exotic species Local Name Nature of spread Mode of impact Potential threat FISH SPECIES Clarias gariepinus African Catfish, Magur Escape from aquaculture facility, Highly carnivorous, predate small Decline in diversity and abundance of survive in extreme environment, breed size fish native species. in shallow water at relatively high temperature Pygocentrus nattereri Red belly fish, Escape from aquaculture facility, Highly carnivorous, predate small Decline in diversity and abundance of Rupchanda survive in extreame environment, size fish native species. Oreochromis niloticus Tilapia, Nile tilapia Escape from aquaculture facility, Food and space competition with Tilapia dominate the species assemblage survive in extreame environment, native fish highly prolific. Cyprinus carpio Common carp Escape from aquaculture facility Bottom feeder Loss of macroinvertebrate Ctenopharyngodon idella Grass Carp Escape from aquaculture facility Macrophytophagous Supress the growth of underwater and riparian vegetation Aristichthys nobilis Bighead Carp Escape from aquaculture facility Not known Not known Hypophthalmus molitrix Silver Carp Escape from aquaculture facility Phytoplankton feeder Decline in organisms feeds on primary production, imbalance trophic order Pangasius hypophthalmus Pangas, Baikha Escape from aquaculture facility Omnivore Not known PLANT SPECIES Eichornia crassipes Water Hyacinth Spread through wind propulsion of Cover entire surfaces of wetland, Reduce primary production, hypoxia, floating plants (or plant fragments), impacting water flow, blocking habitat destruction through water currents and on the sunlight to native submerged feathers and feet of the numerous plants, and starving the water of species of local and migratory oxygen waterbirds. Pistia stratiotes Pistia, Kumbhika Fragments, or whole plants, can be Cover entire surfaces of wetland, Not known spread via boats or fishing equipment impacting water flow, blocking from an infested area to a clean body sunlight to native submerged of water. plants Phragmites australis Giant Reed Grass Seeds spread by wind and water, Compete and eliminate other marsh spread from site to site is wetland species with similar habitat requirements plant transfer.
118 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
FIGURE 10: DISTRIBUTION OF AQUACULTURE FACILITIES IN RIVER CORRIDOR OF LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 119
120 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
TABLE 21: ESCAPE OF EXOTIC FISH INTO NATURAL WATER OF LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS
ESCAPE OF EXOTIC FISH INTO LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI Escape location Species Estimated number Recipient natural water Impact perceived by community
Ponds, Bhimdatta-16, Kanchanpur African catfish, Pangas NA Mahakali River Few African fish caught from the adjoining canal to Mahakali River Aqua farm, Suda and Daiji, Kanchanpur Common carp, Grass carp NA Raani Taal, Shuklaphant National Observed carps by park people Park Ponds, Tikapur, Kailali African catfish NA Sati Taal Karnali (Karnali Ox African catfish are regularly caught from Bow Lake), Tikapur, Kailali the lake. Catfish Ponds, Geruwa-5, Bardiya African catfish NA Budhi Kulo, Geruwa River Caught African catfish in natural water during rainy days. Informed that African catfish sized 7-9 kg caught from Geruwa River. Catfish ponds, Khairahani, Madhuban-2, African catfish NA Bhagraiya Lake, Madhuban, Paradoxically estimated that African Bardiya Bardiya catfish contributes 25% in total catch from the lake. Pangas Farm, Geruwa Integrated Fish Pangas 50000 fingerling Rice field, natural canal and Pangas captured from Rice field, natural Farm, Madhuban, Bardiya Geruwa River canal and Geruwa River even after a year of escape. Pangas Farm, Lamahi-3, Dang Pangas, Tilapia, Rupchanda Occasional release during Natural canal which joins Rapti Tilapia is frequently harvested from the draining of the ponds River canal and wetlands. Carp ponds, Phalkapur, Dang Common carp 90000 fry Doraii Khola which joins Rapti Common carp caught from Doraii Khola River Carp and catfish ponds, Rajpur-1 and African catfish, Common Responded occasional Rapti River Exotic fish caught frequently from Rapti Gadhawa, Dang carp, Pangas release during draining of River. the ponds and massively during flood Catfish ponds, Majhagawa, Lamahi-3, Dang African catfish 1400 fingerling Natural canal which joins Rapti NA River
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 121
FIGURE 11: INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS IN LAKES OF LOWER MAHAKALI, LOWER KARNALI, AND MIDDLE RAPTI WATERSHEDS
Giant Reed grass in Raani Taal (54 ha), Shuklaphant National Park, Lower Water Hyacinth and Pistia in Bhagaraiya Lake (25 ha), Bardiya, Lower Mahakali. Credit: USAID Paani Program / Suresh Wagle Karnali. Credit: USAID Paani Program
122 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
Pistia in Badhahiya Lake (60 ha), Bardiya, Lower Karnali. Credit: USAID Paani Hydrilla in Chaborala Lake (3 ha), Gadhawa Municipality, Dang, Middle Rapti. Program/ Suresh Wagle Credit: USAID Paani Program / Suresh Wagle
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 123
FIGURE 12: METHODOLOGY EMPLOYED FOR THE IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
124 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
EXHIBIT A5: NEFEJ ANALYTICS IN Y3 Q3
TABLE 22: NEFEJ TV SHOW EPISODES BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3
NEFEJ TV SHOWS BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3 Date Storyline Champion/ group Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed profiled
1/5/2019 Rara Lake is situated in Rara National park of Mugu district, Birkha Bahadur Male BCTS Chhayanath Rara municipality, Karnali province. Rara National Park is not only meant for Rokaya Mugu, Rara watershed the conservation of Rara lake but also the wildlife and socio- economic development. The aquatic ecosystem is the habitat for many rare aquatic species. Along with this, wild animals are also protected in this national park. Therefore, Rara has a huge opportunity for eco-tourism which will also help to increase the economic status of the local people. The conservation of Rara will be beneficial for everyone. Hence, the conservationists have taken the responsibility to conserve the beauty of Rara. Birkha Bahadur Rokaya is one of the active leaders for efficient management of the Rara. He has been working in conservation sector from the past 16 years. 1/5/2019 This report deals with the management of drinking water Chitra Singh Gaunle Male BCTS Tilagufa municipality, Kalikot, distribution system in Rachuli village municipality and Tilagufa Tila watershed municipality- 4 of Kalikot. Chitra Singh Gaule, District Chairperson, Kalikot, is also the champion for the drinking water management. He has played a huge role for the management of drinking water through one house one tap policy and planting trees near water sources for its protection. 1/12/2019 Rara Murma Home stay is located in Chhayanath Rara Devi Krishna Rokaya Male BCTS Chhayanath Rara Municipality, municipality ward no. 9 Majhaghatta in Mugu district. The Mugu, Rara watershed locals are planning to develop tourism through eco-tourism and home stay. After establishing home stay, the tourists can stay comfortably in the local environment. Furthermore, this has allowed local people to sell their products to the tourists in the home stay. Devi Krishna Rokaya is the leader for the establishment of these home stay. He is also the President of Rara Tourism Development Committee. He has also planned
USAID.GOV USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1- MAR. 31, 2019) | 125
NEFEJ TV SHOWS BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3 Date Storyline Champion/ group Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed profiled
for the development of Murma village by increasing the tourism activities. 1/12/2019 An eco-club formed in Gyanodaya Secondary School located Bishnu Chaudhary Male Janajati Rapti rural municipality, Dang, in Rapti village municipality Ward Number 8 Pathargadhwa Middle Rapti watershed of Dang has been carrying out conservation activities in the village. Bishnu Chaudhary, Teacher, Gyanodaya Secondary School, has taken the initiative for the conservation by cleaning the surrounding areas of the community. The club also organizes sensitization programs to highlight the importance of cleanliness not just in the school but also at the village level. They have carried out a door-to-door campaign. Water resource conservation is one of their main agenda for the campaign. They have been raising awareness that one should not use poisons and bombs in the rivers for fishing. 1/19/2019 People's Help Group had conducted training for farmers to People's Help Group Not Applicable Not Applicable Rajpur rural municipality, Dang, train them about organic farming and Verme composting. In (PHG) Middle Rapti watershed addition, they also train the farmers about organic pesticides, tunnel farming and using water efficient technologies. This organization has urged the farmers not to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides and it has worked for the first time in this field. The farmers have also shown positive attitude towards this issue. 1/19/2019 Paanimela Baddichaur community forest is located in Chandra Bir Thapa Male Not Applicable Khatyad rural municipality, between the Khatyad Rural Municipality ward no. 3 and 4 in Mugu, Rara watershed Mugu district. The forest is protected by the local users. It is the main source of grass and firewood for the locals. The community forest also supports in balancing the watershed ecosystem. The forest is the watershed area of Khatyad Khola. The conservation of forest has protected the water sources. These are the main source of drinking water for the villagers. Chandrabir Thapa has played the lead role to conserve the forest. He is working in conservation sector since the last two decades. 1/26/2019 Water scarcity is one of the major problems in Bogatan Padma Gharti Magar Female Janajati Bogatan municipality, Doti, municipality. Though there is no issue of drinking water, but Bogatan Lagam Karnali irrigation problem is affecting the cultivation. Due to this, watershed the locals started alternative and environment suitable agriculture practice i.e. fruit farming which was initiated by
126 | USAID PAANI TWELFTH QUARTERLY REPORT (JAN. 1 – MAR. 31, 2019) USAID.GOV
NEFEJ TV SHOWS BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3 Date Storyline Champion/ group Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed profiled
Padma Gharti Magar who is chairperson of Shivashakti Krishi Samuha of Simchaur, Bogatan rural municipality, ward-1, Doti district. 1/26/2019 Commercial fish farming has been carried out by Sharad Sharad Gautam Male BCTS Lamahi municipality, Dang, Gautam in Kantipur village, Lamahi municipality, Ward-2, Middle Rapti watershed Dang. He has been able to sell more than 100 KG of fishes in the market every day. His farm has been able to meet the fish demand in the market. He is also inspiring other people to start commercial fish farming. This has helped to decrease the local people's dependency on the river for harvesting fishes. Similarly, he is working to promote agricultural tourism through the fish farms. 2/2/2019 The effective management of water source and regular Dilip Singh Bista Male BCTS Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, maintenance facilitated the local people to irrigate their Bogatan Lagam, Karnali farming lands. The effective management of water was led by watershed Dilip Singh Bista who is the chairperson of Drinking Water Users Group of Bogatan rural municipality-1, Simchaur, Doti. 2/2/2019 An improved water mill is operated by Kul Bahadur Budha Kul Bahadur Budha Male BCTS Panchadeval Binayak (ward chairperson). The water mill is using water induced municipality, Accham, Middle power generated on the spot. He has diverted water from a Karnali watershed rivulet through a canal and directed it to generator which produce energy. Thus, produced energy operated improved mill is faster than traditional water mill. Besides, locals can also use the water for irrigation purpose for the land below this canal. 2/9/2019 In the leadership of Bal bahadur Kunwar villagers are using Bal bahadur Kunwar Male BCTS Kamal bazar municipality, facility of electricity that is generated from alternative Accham, Middle Karnali means: wind and solar. The method of power generation watershed through wind and solar would not disturb the habitat of biodiversity as well. 2/9/2019 From the technical and material support from Care Nepal Karna Bahadur Male BCTS Khatyad rural municipality, (Abasar project), people of karmashi village are growing Budha Mugu, Rara watershed. vegetable inside plastic tunnel using drip irrigation in the leadership of Karna Bahadur Budha. Earlier due to chilling weather and less availability of water for irrigation they could not grow vegetables and now they can grow in off season as well.
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NEFEJ TV SHOWS BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3 Date Storyline Champion/ group Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed profiled
2/16/2019 Dambar Singh Saud is promoting integrated pest Dambar Singh Saud Male BCTS Mohanyal rural municipality, management and organic farming in lower solta. Such pest Kailali, Thuligaad watershed management and farming are helping to conserve terrestrial as well as aquatic biodiversity. He is also promoting private forest in this area. 2/16/2019 Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar is leading and mobilizing Purna Bahadur Male Janajati Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, community for conservation of water sources in three areas Gharti Magar Bogatan-Lagam, Karnali which is providing drinking water to them but still they are watershed facing water deficiency in few months. Now they are asking for local government to support construction of drinking water project. 2/23/2019 Mohanyal Rural municipality is providing irrigation facility by Nawal Singh Rawal Male BCTS Mohanyal rural municipality, lifting water from Karnali river. They have lifted 250 m (Chairperson- Rural Kailali, Thuligaad watershed vertically and 1800 meter upwards from the Karnali river. municipality) This helps villager to irrigate about 450 hectares of lands which was otherwise dependent upon rain fall for irrigation. 2/23/2019 From the support of Helvitas Nepal and RuDEC Nepal, Shiva Ram Adhikari Male BCTS Kamal bazar municipality, people of Motorkatte village are able to reduce their Accham, Middle Karnali drudgery by collecting rain water in 6000-liters capacity watershed tank. Each household has such tank which is helping them to improve their situation of of water scarcity. 3/2/2019 Kushe Kami is the Chairperson of the Users Group. He had Kushe kami Male Dalit Kamalbazar, Achham, Middle been actively involved during the construction of the project Karnali watershed and has been actively working for the effective operation of the hydropower plant. His active involvement has helped to speed up the process and also encouraged the local people to provide their labor voluntarily. The local people don’t have to live in the dark anymore. The smaller hydropower projects do not cause huge impacts on the aquatic biodiversity 3/2/2019 Raji communities are heavily dependent upon karnali river Nain bahadur Raji Male Janajati Choukune rural municipality, for their livelihood. Due to the decreasing fish stocks in Surkhet, Middle Karnali karnali river, their livelihood is in brink. To improve the watershed situation Nain bahadur Raji is actively involved to train other members in alternative occupation like rafting and homestay. Local government is also supporting to improve their livelihood and planning to build Raji museum.
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NEFEJ TV SHOWS BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3 Date Storyline Champion/ group Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed profiled
3/9/2019 A recently constructed rural road is creating more problems Lokendra Nepali Male Dalit Kamalbazar, Achham, Middle to the villagers instead of improving the situation. Due to Karnali watershed such development activities, schools and cultivable lands are vulnerable to landslide. More than 200 Ropani of cultivable land has been destroyed by deposition of sand and gravel on the field. Lokendra Nepali is actively advocating for improving the situation. 3/9/2019 Local people have reaped benefits by conserving the water Padam Bahadur Bista Male BCTS Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, resources and using water for drinking and irrigation Bogatan Lagam Karnali purpose. The initiative was carried out by Padam Bahadur watershed Bista, chairperson of the User's Group. The community is conserving 4 water sources and providing water for 74 households. Mother's group is helping to manage water sources. They are using surplus/overflowed water for irrigation purpose. 3/16/2019 Karnali province is drafting aquatic life conservation act and Shiva Narayan Male Janajati Birendra Nagar municipality, guideline which will support to conserve aquatic life and Chaudhary, Surkhet, Karnali River Basin fosters livelihood of dependent community. As per (Secretary, Land Chaudhary, it will have provision of participatory water management, biodiversity conservation which will make fish dependent agriculture and community more responsible for conservation. cooperative) 3/16/2019 Magar Communities of Dolakot village revived/conserved Magar Community Not applicable Not applicable Aalital rural municipality, water sources from the support of stakeholders: local Dadeldhura, Rangun Khola government, NGOs and CBOs. Through the initiative of the watershed Magar Community residing there, the water level has now been increased. This was possible because the locals have conserved the forests, constructed eye brows, water recharge pond, check dams and grown trees near the water source that help to absorb and retain water. 3/23/2019 Parbati Bishunke is a member of parliament from Dailekh Parbati Bishunke Female Dalit Narayan municipality, Dailekh, District and representing Dalits community. She is raising Middle Karnali watershed voices for Dalit's access to water in house of representative as well. Parbati is well known for being a Dalit Campaigner. She has been working on this issue in a systematic way. 3/23/2019 The Dalit community of Khadachakra municipality used to Haja Sunar Female Dalit Khadachakra municipality, suffer discrimination problems, especially in water Kalikot, Tila watershed resources. Although the water resources were nearby, the Dalit people were forced to travel long hours to fetch
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NEFEJ TV SHOWS BROADCASTED IN Y3 Q3 Date Storyline Champion/ group Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed profiled
water. But the time have changed now. People are not deprived of their access to water just because they belong to a Dalit community. Haja Sunar, President- Dalit women Committee Kalikot, had put a lot of effort for this change to happen in their society. Because of Haja's continuous efforts, Dalits do not have to face discrimination anymore. 3/30/2019 Villagers of Chundapani are practicing bee keeping instead of Villagers of Not applicable Not applicable Aalital rural municipality, cultivating crops all year round due to the unavailability of Chundapani Dadeldhura, Rangun Khola irrigation facility. They are also promoting organic watershed agriculture by not using pesticides and inorganic material. 3/30/2019 Follow-up story of Chhatiwan lake conservation. Mr. Air is Ganesh Air Male BCTS Jorayel rural municipality, Doti, actively working for conservation of lake and its sources. Thuligad watershed Villagers are supporting for making this lake clean and sustainable. Rural municipality is also supporting in this regard. They have removed water hyacinth, constructed basic structure for tourism, construction of check-dam in streams of upstream areas.
TABLE 23: NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y3 Q3
NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y3 Q3 Date Topic Champion Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed/Municipality 1/7/2019 Drought and lack of irrigation Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Khandachakra municipality, Kalikot, facility causing less production and Tila watershed people are dependent upon daily wages for livelihood. 1/7/2019 Reviving water source through Devi Ram Acharya Male BCTS Chure municipality, Kailali, Thuligaad forest conservation which has watershed increased access to water. 1/14/2019 Issue of landslide and flood victims Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Jaya Prithvi municipality, Bajhang, still not being rehabilitated. West Seti watershed 1/14/2019 Advocating for the conservation of Birkha Bahadur Rokaya Male BCTS Chhayanath rara municipality, Mugu, Rara lake to further develop it for Rara watershed tourism promotion. 1/14/2019 Covered and issue of townhall Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, meeting in "Stakeholder's Bogatan lagam watershed
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NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y3 Q3 Date Topic Champion Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed/Municipality interaction about conservation of water source" 1/21/2019 Story about homestay tourism Shiva community forest Not applicable Not applicable Madhuwan municipality, Bardiya, increased income source resulting user's group Lower Karnali watershed conservation of natural resources 1/21/2019 Conservation of water source Chitra Singh Gaunle Male BCTS Tilagufa municipality, Kalikot, Tila through plantation and forest watershed protection solved drinking water problem 1/28/2019 Issue of rural road construction Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, polluting water source Bogatan Lagam watershed 1/28/2019 Story about homestay eco-tourism Devi Krishna Rokaya Male BCTS Chayanath Rara municipality, Mugu, promotion Rara watershed 1/28/2019 Covered and issue of townhall Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Kamal Bazar, Achham, Middle meeting in "Stakeholder's Karnali watershed interaction about haphazard and unmanaged rural road construction" 2/4/2019 Issue about People of Subeda village Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Jaya Prithivi municipality, Bajhang, are displaced by the floods of West Seti watershed Chounthe and Kapthe river 2/4/2019 Mobilizing students through eco- Bishnu Prasad Chaudhary Male Janajati Rapti rural municipality, Dang, Middle club for awareness raising about (Gyanodaya School) Rapti watershed environment conservation in villages. 2/4/2019 Covered and issue of townhall Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Mahakali municipality, Kanchanpur, meeting in "Environment friendly Lower Mahakali watershed sand and gravel mining at Mahakali river" 2/11/2019 Drying out of water sources that Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Aalital rural municipality, Dadeldhura, leads to shifting in cultivation Rangun watershed practices 2/11/2019 People's help group trained Bhagawati farmer's group Not applicable Not applicable Gadhwa rural municipality and Rajpur agricultural groups for climate and Srijansil farmer's rural municipality, Dang, Middle Rapti friendly and organic agricultural group (People's help watershed practices using vermi-composting group, Paani Project) and drip irrigation 2/11/2019 Covered and issue of townhall Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Aalital rural municipality, Dadeldhura, meeting in "Stakeholder's Rangun watershed interaction to solve problems
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NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y3 Q3 Date Topic Champion Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed/Municipality created by drying up of water sources" 2/18/2019 Marketing and transportation Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, problem of agricultural products Bogatan Lagam Karnali watershed 2/18/2019 Conservation and restoration of Chandrabir Thapa Male BCTS Khatyad rural municipality, Mugu, Rara degraded forest watershed 2/18/2019 Covered and issue of townhall Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Jorayal rural municipality, Doti, meeting in "Alternative occupation Thuligaad watershed for Dalit community and drying up of water sources" 2/25/2019 Problem of drinking water and Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, irrigation Bogatan Lagam Karnali watershed 2/25/2019 Commercialization of fishery and Sharad Gautam Male BCTS Lamahi municipality, Dang, Middle become an epitome to neighbors Rapti watershed for fish farming 2/25/2019 Covered and issue of townhall Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Geruwa rural municipality, Bardia, meeting in "River cutting and Lower Karnali watershed wildlife conflict" 3/4/2019 Traditional occupation of Dalit Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Jorayal rural municipality, Doti, community in brink, especially Badi Thuligad watershed community 3/4/2019 Farmers shifting from cereal farming Villagers of Simchour Not applicable Not applicable Bogatan rural municipality, Doti, to fruit orchard due to lack of Bogatan lagam watershed irrigation 3/4/2019 Stakeholders interactions on Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Dullu municipality, Dailekh, Middle "Drought and drying up of water Karnali watershed sources" 3/11/2019 Sonaha community in collaboration Shanti Sonaha Male Janajati Rajapur municipality, Bardiya, Lower with Tharu community initiating Karnali watershed Homestay in the village as an alternative occupation. 3/11/2019 Adoption of rain water harvesting Shiva Ram Adhikari Male BCTS Kamalbazar municipality, Achham, techniques to solve the problems of Middle Karnali watershed water scarcity 3/18/2019 Farmers are happy after longer Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Tilagufa municipality, Kalikot, Tila period of snowfall which helped watershed farm lands get wet for cultivation
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NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y3 Q3 Date Topic Champion Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed/Municipality 3/18/2019 Lifting of water for irrigation Nawal Singh Rawal Male BCTS Mohanyal rural municipality, Kailali, purpose by using solar power (Chairperson, Mohanyal Thuligad watershed rural municipality) 3/18/2019 Stakeholders interaction on Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Chure rural municipality, Kailali, "Improving drought and drying up of Thuligad watershed water sources" 3/25/2019 Equal access to water without Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Chure rural municipality, Kailali, discrimination Thuligad watershed 3/25/2019 Use of small stream to generate Kushe Kami Male Dalit Kamalbazar municipality, Achham, electricity through micro-hydro Middle Karnali watershed plant 3/25/2019 Stakeholders interaction on Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Khadachakra municipality, Kalikot, Tila "Watershed and soil conservation" watershed
TABLE 24: NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD IN Y3 Q3
NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD IN Y3 Q3 Date Issue Location Consensus of Action 1/10/2019 "Unmanaged Local Road Kamalbajar 1. Environment friendly roads will be constructed. For this purpose, environment-friendly development and Construction" municipality, Achham, construction policy will be developed. Middle Karnali 2. Prior to road construction works, feasibility study will be done by the technicians and the construction Watershed works will be conducted accordingly. 3. Plantations and embankment construction will be done in and around road for the prevention of natural calamities like floods and landslides. 4. Local people and local authorities shall be involved in works related to road construction and use of dozer shall be kept minimal. 5. A part of the total budget for road construction shall be allocated for the purpose of conducting feasibility study, technical examination and providing indemnity. 6. Road construction shall be done in a way that is directly profitable to the local people. 1/20/2019 "Environment-friendly Mahakali municipality, 1. Regarding mining activities, Mahakali municipality will immediately prepare IEE/EIA report as per the need Mining of River Kanchanpur, Lower to determine the environmental impacts that the mining work may induce. Resources" Mahakali 2. Regular and timely monitoring will be done on how mining of stone, sand and gravel have been carried Watershed out; appropriately or not. 3. Program will be conducted to generate public awareness on environment-friendly mining of river resources. 4. Rate for mined river resources collected by the people like sand, stone and gravel will be fixed.
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NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD IN Y3 Q3 Date Issue Location Consensus of Action 1/30/2019 "Drought and Drying Aalital rural municipality, 1. Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Policy, Local Natural Resource Work Plan and, Environment Out of Water Sources- Dadeldhura, Conservation and Environment Friendly Policy will be formulated by the upcoming fiscal year. (Follow up meeting)" Rangun watershed 2. Rain water collection technique system will be used in areas where there is absence of natural water sources. 3. Forest resources will be conserved by prohibiting open grazing practices. 4. All the issues left to be implemented as per the previous town hall commitments will be implemented. 2/8/2019 "Alternative means of Jorayal rural 1. The Rural Municipality will conduct programs focusing on alternative business approaches for Dalits and Livelihood for Dalit municipality, Doti, Janjati communities alongside modernizing their traditional skills. Community" Thuligaad 2. Income generating plans will be made for poor Baadi community within Dalit community and for the watershed purpose, group farming practice will be started. 3. Bio-engineering practices will be implemented while conducting development works and road-side plantation will be done. 4. Awareness program for controlling forest fire will be conducted under close collaboration between Forest User Committee, Division Forest Office and local community. 5. Conservation committee will be formed for conserving the natural fish diversity in the pond. 2/14/2019 "Problems due to river Geruwa rural 1. Initiation will be taken regarding amendment of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029. cutting, deposition, municipality, Bardia, 2. After preparing the IEE/EIA report of Karnali River, the lands (as cut by the river) of locals shall be returned flooding and livelihood Lower Karnali to the locals. of Sonaha Community" watershed 3. Embankment construction will be carried out on a priority basis; the first priority being provided to the highly flood prone areas. 4. In close coordination between rural municipality, province government and national park authority, efforts will be made to initiate the process for providing license for fishing and gold mining to the Sonaha community and finding alternative means to run their livelihood. 5. Rural municipality, in collaboration with the national park authority, will allocate budget for the appropriate maintenance of the electric fence established for human-wildlife conflict mitigation and livelihood upliftment of the Sonaha community. Additionally, guards will also be deployed for ensuring proper condition of the electric fence. 6. For minimizing the park-people conflict, National Park shall put forward the conflicting issues to the Ministry during the period of amendment of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 and Bardia National Park Regulation, 2053. 7. The compensation amount will be increased and the process for acquiring it will be made simple and easy. 2/22/2019 "Drought and Drying Dullu municipality, 1. Drinking Water Coordination Committee will be formed consisting of all concerned stakeholders and Out of Water Sources" Dailekh, Middle documentation of sources of water will be maintained. Karnali watershed 2. Water harvesting ponds will be constructed and conserved. Plantation activities will be carried out and equitable water distribution system will be established. 3. Problems related to Water Supply Plan will be solved in a collaborative and coordinated manner. 4. Programs in implementation phase and other programs as mentioned in the plan will be timely monitored. Drinking Water Coordination Committee will play a crucial role in providing with necessary suggestions to the municipality regarding the drinking water issues.
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NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD IN Y3 Q3 Date Issue Location Consensus of Action 3/2/2019 "Environment friendly Tilagufa Municipality, 1. Plantation will be done on the sideways of the roads that have already been constructed to develop them Rural Road Kalikot, Tila Karnali as ‘green roads.’ Construction" Watershed 2. For enhancing the sustainability and security of rural roads, local monitoring committee will be formed, and it will work in coordination with the municipality authorities. 3. ‘Local Road Construction Guideline’ will be formulated as soon as possible. 4. One of the roads of the Municipality will be declared as a model road by next year. 5. Work plan on aquatic biodiversity and watershed conservation will be prepared. 6. Bio-engineering techniques will be taken into consideration in the course of construction of new roads. 3/10/2019 Water Source Chure Rural 1. In coordination with Paani project, the rural municipality will formulate ‘Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Conservation Municipality, Kailali, Act.’ Thuligad 2. Open grazing will be controlled. Watershed 3. The commitments (not implemented yet) made in previous town hall meeting will be accomplished as soon as possible. 3/16/2019 Watershed and Soil Khada Chakra 1. Khada Chakra Municipality will initiate “Green Road Policy.” Conservation Municipality, Kalikot, 2. Formal discussion regarding conservation of Tila Karnali watershed will be conducted in close Tila Karnali coordination amongst all local level stakeholders. For this, Khada Chakra Municipality will take the lead Watershed while Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists-NEFEJ will act as a facilitator. 3. Direct mixing of sewage into the rivers will be controlled. 4. ‘Watershed and Aquatic Life Conservation Act’ will be formulated. 5. Budget shall be requested upon to the state level government and central government for preventing the loss of soil mass in the Sunar River.
TABLE 25: NEFEJ ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS HELD IN Y3 Q3
NEFEJ ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS HELD IN Y3 Q3 Date Issue Location Consensus of Action / Declaration 3/26/2019 Downstream Impact, Chisapani, Lamkichuha 1. We all are committed to implement mining of riverbed resources (sand, stone and gravel) Preparedness and Municipality, Kailali, Lower following a scientific management system. The haphazard way of mining and collection of Adaptation Karnali watershed, Ka riverbed resources as well as the carelessness regarding preparation and implementation of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)/ Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report will be brought to control immediately. And the mining activities will be executed as per the report otherwise the concerned party will be punished legally. 2. The conservation and promotion of occupation, language and tradition of tribal communities such as Rajee, Sonaha and Baadi will be given priority while formulating laws and policy. In addition, we will collectively put efforts to control and stop activities which directly affect their livelihood. 3. We are committed to provide priority to female, children and old people while preparing disaster management and mitigation strategy as they are the most vulnerable to disasters.
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NEFEJ ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS HELD IN Y3 Q3 Date Issue Location Consensus of Action / Declaration 4. We are committed to implement each and every development project in an environment and wildlife friendly manner; keeping environment and conservation related laws into consideration. 5. Fishing practices in the Karnali River will be managed by allocating certain part of the river as fishing area in a way that does not affect river ecosystem and the fish diversity. Use of poison, electric current and explosives for the purpose of fishing in the river will be completely prohibited by formulating relevant policy. 6. Kailashpur dam of India has resulted in change in flow of river resulting in incidence of flooding in Nepal. For solving this issue, government of Province No. 5, Karnali Province and Far West Province are committed to collectively request the central government to put forward an interaction program with the concerned authority, identify and implement the possible solutions. 7. In regard to sustainable livelihood of local people residing near the banks of Karnali River, we are committed to identify alternative means of livelihood and formulate policy needed to implement the identified means of livelihood.
TABLE 26: RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS
RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS S.N. District Radio Station Broadcast Time Re-broadcast Time 1 Dang Radio Swargadwari Monday, 7 PM Tuesday, 7:30PM
2 Dang Radio Nayayug, Lamahi Monday, 6:30 PM Tuesday, 8:30 AM
3 Surkhet Radio Bheri Monday, 7:30 PM Couldn’t manage time for rebroadcast
4 Kanchanpur Suklaphata FM Monday, 7 PM Wednesday, 9:15 PM
5 Pyuthan Radio Mandabi Monday, 7:30 PM Friday, 4:30 PM
6 Kailali Dinesh FM Monday, 7 PM Couldn’t manage time for rebroadcast
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RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS S.N. District Radio Station Broadcast Time Re-broadcast Time 7 Kailali, Tikapur Tikapur FM Monday, 7 PM Couldn’t manage time for rebroadcast
8 Darchula Radio Darchula FM Monday, 6:30 PM Tuesday, 8 AM
9 Banke Radio Krishnasaar Monday, 8 PM Couldn’t manage time for rebroadcast 10 Banke Bheri FM (NPI) Monday, 6:30 PM Tuesday, 9:30 AM
11 Kalikot Radio Nepali Aawaaz Monday, 7:30 PM Wednesday, 7:30 AM
12 Bajhang Radio Seti Monday,6:30 PM Tuesday,8 AM
13 Bardiya Radio Gurubaba Monday,6:30 PM Tuesday,9 AM
14 Achham Radio Rama Roshan Monday,6:30 PM Tuesday,7:30 AM
15 Doti Radio Tribeni Monday,6:30 PM Tuesday,2:30 PM
16 Dadeldhura Radio Parsuram FM Monday,6:30 PM Tuesday,8:15 AM
17 Bajura Radio Bajura FM Monday,6:30 PM Tuesday,2:30PM
18 Dailekh Radio Dullu Monday,7:30 PM Tuesday,8:30 AM
19 Dolpa Radio Dolpa Monday 6:30 PM Tuesday, 8 PM
20 Jajarkot Radio Hamro Paila Monday 6:30 PM Thursday, 7:30 AM
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RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS S.N. District Radio Station Broadcast Time Re-broadcast Time 21 Jumla Nari Awaz FM Monday 7:30 PM Tuesday 8 AM
22 Humla Radio Shree Nagar Humla Monday 7:30 PM Wednesday 8 AM
22 Lalitpur Radio Sagarmatha Monday,7 PM Tuesday,1 PM
TABLE 27: ANALYTICS OF HAKAHAKI WEB PORTAL IN Y3 Q3
HAKAHAKI WEB PORTAL ANAYLTICS Y3 Q3 Particulars Findings for Y3 Q3 Period Total users (Number) 12819
Total views (Number) 44309
Session period (Minutes) 3:23
Total posts (Number) 788
No. of watershed related issues (Number) 122
No. of issue related to aquatic biodiversity (Number) 16
Most popular story 10% of community forest's total revenue to be paid to local government Link of most popular story अब सामुदायिक वनको आ륍दानीका १० प्रयिशि थानीि िहलाई
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TABLE 28: ANALYTICS OF HEALTH REPORT VIEWS THROUGH HAKAHAKI ANDROID APP IN Y3 Q3
HAKAHAKI ANDROID APP HEALTH REPORT VIEWS - ANALYTICS Y3 Q3 Health Reports Total no. of views (January-March, 2019)
Health Report-Bogatana lagam 30 Health Report-Middle Karnali 21
Health Report-Thuligaad 27 Health Report-Rangun 33 Health Report-Lower Mahakal 22 Health Report-Lower Karnali 40 Health Report-Jhimrukh 35 Health Report-Middle Rapti 31
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