InsideInside AlternativeAlternative EnergyEnergy FairFair 20072007 3 3 for a living planet ® RhinoRhino ActionAction PlanPlan 4 4 CelebratingCelebrating WorldWorld WetlandsWetlands DayDay 5 5 US$10US$10 millionmillion forfor conservationconservation inin NepalNepal 6 6 CaseCase Dismissed,Dismissed, ParkPark StaffStaff ReleasedReleased 7 7

2 4 5 6 © WWF-Canon / Michel GUNTHER

EcoCircularVOL 42 NO. 7 JANUARY-MARCH 2007 NEWSLETTER - SPRING

Message from the BIOGAS, Saving Nature Naturally Country Representative TRISHNA GURUNG, Communications and Marketing Manager

"One day I woke up and told my husband that I wasn't going to The Year Ahead risk my life by collecting wood from the forest anymore and that we were going to get a biogas stove, even if we had to take a Spring is a time for new beginnings. It also loan," recalls Jari Maya Tamang, 41, as she stands proudly next to coincides with the start of the new Bikram the first biogas system in her village in Badreni, . Sambat year 2064 so I take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful year ahead. WWF Nepal Since Jari Maya took out a micro-credit loan to install the will continue to work towards conserving our energy-efficient stove, others have quickly followed. Today, 80 per cent magnificent species and their habitats. Our of the 82 households in the village - about a 4 hour drive south-west focus on the global issues of climate change, from the capital, Kathmandu - have similar systems in their homes. freshwater and illegal wildlife trade will persist. Together, we will find innovative ways to save Sitting on the edge of Nepal's - home to our living planet. some of the largest surviving populations of Bengal tigers and greater one-horned rhinos - Badreni has earned the distinction of Happy New Year 2064! being the first biogas village in Nepal's Arc Landscape.

Anil Manandhar Located in the shadow of the Himalayas, the Terai Arc covers Country Representative 5 million hectares from Nepal's in the east to India's River in the west. > Contd. from page 1 A Role Model for Alternative Energy

As part of WWF Nepal Terai Arc is a major issue facing the Terai Arc. Landscape Programme, some 7,500 Unsustainable firewood extraction biogas plants are to be installed affects both community and throughout the Nepali part in the next government-managed forests. three years. Sixty-one per cent of all households "With more than 9.3 million heads of in the Terai Arc Landscape in Nepal cattle and over 6.7 million people, currently rely on fuelwood for there is a future for biogas in the cooking, and 49 per cent source FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Terai Arc, but this technology is still their wood from nearby out of reach for the majority of people government-managed forests. A who cannot afford it without family uses an average of between 4 Research has shown that an micro-finance schemes that WWF 1.3-2.5kg wood everyday - all evidence funds through grassroots forest users suggests that this is not sustainable. average-sized biogas plant can groups," says Basu Dhungana, save 4.5 metric tonnes of firewood Chairman of the Mirgakunj annually. Buffer Zone User Committee in Chitwan. 4 Cooking with firewood causes chronic respiratory diseases, as "Badreni is our model. The there are no chimneys in traditional people understand there is a direct link between our rural houses in Nepal. Installing a actions and impacts on the biogas system in the house often environment." improves the health of the family. With a dense population, 4 Another health benefit is the high biodiversity, and fragile improved hygiene thanks to toilets ecosystems, deforestation that are usually linked to a biogas system......

4 Through the Terai Arc Landscape Saving Time and Improving Sanitation Programme, WWF-Nepal encourages installation of biogas More and more people are turning to rural houses in Nepal. Installing a systems by giving information and biogas in Nepal, especially as the biogas system in the house often advice, and finances a part of the technology is relatively simple, reliable, improves the health of the family, cost, especially for the construction accessible, and risk-free. especially that of women and of toilets and linking them to biogas children, who spend a lot of time in plants. The total cost for an average "The advantages of a toilet-attached the kitchen. biogas plant are numerous," says Jari sized biogas plant is 20,000 Nepali Maya. "The village's reliance on forest Not only has research shown that rupees (US$280). fuelwood has decreased dramatically, an average-sized biogas plant can and health and sanitation conditions save 4.5 metric tonnes of firewood have improved." annually, but woman like Jari Maya don't have to go as often to the Cooking with firewood causes chronic forest to collect wood where they respiratory diseases, especially as are vulnerable to wildlife attacks. there are no chimneys in traditional

EcoCircular 2 Vol. 42 No. 7 Spring 2007 Biogas and Climate Change STEPS TO A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT Biogas also has a direct positive arrangement to install the 7,500 impact on climate change, helping to biogas plants. reduce greenhouse gas emissions Biogas is produced from cattle and global warming. According to "We are actively promoting the manure and toilet waste. Each WWF, a single biogas plant reduces promotion of biogas installation household can produce their own carbon emissions by 4.7 tonnes through microfinance schemes in 13 biogas by installing a biogas plant. per year. sites in the Terai Arc, particularly for the poorer, more marginalized The technology is simple: the manure Alternate energy promotion is an communities," said WWF Nepal and toilet waste are mixed with water important priority for WWF's work in Country Representative Anil and dumped in an airtight Nepal's Terai Arc Landscape. In Manandhar. underground pit of about 6 cubic 2006, WWF Nepal partnered with the metres. Alternative Energy Promotion Centre "There is a great potential for biogas and Biogas Sector Partnership-Nepal, villages like Badreni to be replicated In these anaerobic conditions, signing a tripartite working throughout Nepal." methane starts forming, and it is led ...... via a narrow pipe into the gas stove in the kitchen.

Alternative Energy Fair 2007 A valve is turned on whenever the UGAN MANANDHAR, Alternative Energy Officer gas is needed for cooking.

The gas in itself is pure methane, KAILALI, Nepal - More than 6,000 Awareness Forum, a clean and odourless. It burns more people learned about alternative community-based NGO, organized energy at an Alternative Energy Fair the fair with active mobilization of effectively than wood, increasing the 2007 organized at in local anti-poaching operations and efficiency Kailali district, far west Nepal, on 15 community forest coordination of cooking. January 2007. committees.

The fair took place in the premises of The fair had information stalls, Rastriya Higher Secondary School demonstration areas and close to Ghodaghodi lake, an audio-visual shows. Solar tukis, important wetland in the Terai Arc briquette making technology, Landscape. The one-day fair aimed biogas, improved cooking stoves at raising awareness on alternative and use of solar energy for cooking, energy among locals who had drying, boiling water, and using gathered at the lake for the annual electrical appliances were all Maghi festival, which is of great on display. cultural importance for the indigenous Tharus. The main objective was to A popular attraction was local clubs encourage people to adopt and traditional groups in performed alternative energy to improve their short dramas, songs and dances lives and reduce pressure on regarding the use of alternative fuelwood and decrease dependence energy. The people were very on petroleum products that are interested in the products and expensive and cause pollution. various technologies on display. There were popular requests that WWF Nepal in coordination with more fairs should be organized in Ghodaghodi Conservation and coordination with other local NGOs.

EcoCircular Vol. 42 No. 7 3 Spring 2007 Rhino Smugglers Arrested

CHITWAN, Nepal - Four illegal wildlife part Humla, Mrs Sarswoti Thapalia of Chitwan, smugglers, three of them women, were Mrs Parbati Gautam of Nuwakot, and arrested with one rhino horn, weighing Ms Radha Thapa of Chitwan. All of them balance, mobile phone and NRs 50,000 by currently live in the capital Kathmandu. an anti-poaching team from the District Forest Office at Chitwan on Tuesday, The investigation team is seeking important 16 January 2007. information further into the illegal wildlife trade following interrogations with the accused. The investigation team led by Mr Bhairav They hope to uncover the network in Ghimire, Attached Forest Officer Chitwan Chitwan and follow leads into Kathmandu. designated as special anti-poaching officer by the Department of Forests, acted on The large number of locals who had gathered information gathered by the local informant at the time of the arrest threatened to beat network of the Armed Forest Guard. The up the poachers. The people of Chitwan have team is supported by WWF through the been supporting the authorities to nab rhino Terai Arc Landscape Program. This marks poachers and traders. A large number of the team's fourth successful arrest of people assembled in the local forest office this poachers and illegal wildlife traders. afternoon demanding stern punishment for the recently arrested traders. The arrested have been identified as Mr Sonam Tshering Lama originally from ...... Rhino Action Plan Launched

The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros well as Communication, Toursim and Civil Conservation Action Plan for Nepal (2006-2011) Aviation publicly said that no poachers was released by the Speaker of the House of serving jail sentences would be released. Representatives, Hon. Mr Shubash Minister Badu also committed to the Nembang, during the Parliamentary immediate establishment of anti-poaching Conservation Committee meeting held in posts. Several policy makers have also Kathmandu on 7 January 2007. proposed stringent punishments for poachers and wildlife product The action plan gives further shape to smugglers/traders, and that the Greater short- and long-term strategies for rhino One-horned Rhinoceros be declared the conservation. The nine objectives focus on national animal. research, habitat expansion, translocation, improved human-rhino conflict, strengthening Over the past few weeks, the media has anti-poaching, building infrastructural been especially active in focusing on the capacity, limiting ex-situ conservation, problem of poaching in and around national increasing collaboration on all levels, and parks like Chitwan and Bardia. WWF ensuring sustainable funding to implement supported a field visit for members of the the plan. Nepal Environmental Federation for Environmental Journalists. The group During the parliamentary meeting, presented their findings and Hon. Mr Dilendra Prasad Badu, State recommendations at a meeting in Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation as Kathmandu on 10 January 2006.

EcoCircular 4 Vol. 42 No. 7 Spring 2007 Water for the Future ELIZA STHAPIT, Freshwater Program Asst.

World Water Day was celebrated on work done by 22 March 2007 following the theme of various partner “Coping with Water Scarcity”, which organizations in the highlighted the increasing significance of Koshi basin. Nearly water scarcity worldwide and the need for 70 participants from government, non- (KRBM), developed by WECS and WWF increased integration and cooperation to government, donors and private sectors Nepal for public awareness, were released ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable participated. during the occasion. management of scarce water resources, both at international and local levels. The programme was inaugurated by On the occasion, Dr Ghana Shyam Honorable Minister of State for Water Gurung, Conservation Program Director Water and Energy Commission Resources, Mr Gyanendra Bahadur Karki WWF Nepal emphasized the importance Secretariat (WECS), a government apex who said that the government was of water for humans and nature, and the body for water resources and WWF Nepal committed to seeing that every Nepali had urgency to conserve this valuable jointly organized a workshop emphasizing access to potable water. The Government resource. He reiterated that WWF Nepal on the theme. As this year’s theme of Nepal has adopted the Integrated fully supported the initiative undertaken by revolved around integrated water Water Resources Management (IWRM) in WECS for Koshi River Basin Management management and provided WWF Nepal its Water Resources Strategy and to pilot IWRM approach. has already initiated the pilot project in the National Water Plan 2005 to develop and Koshi river basin together with WECS, the manage water resources. A poster and a The workshop generated a common objective of the workshop was to share flyer on the Koshi River Basin Management forum of interest and concern regarding water scarcity among every sector of ...... professionals. Be it a hydropower engineer or a conservationist, everyone Celebrating World Wetlands Day shared a common agenda – to ensure a 2 February 2007 sustainable supply of potable water for all.

World Wetlands Day offers the opportunity "to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland DECLARATION OF values and benefits in general and the RAMSAR SITES AWAITED Ramsar Convention in particular" (Ramsar Secretariat). WWF Nepal supported the Department of National The cabinet has approved to propose four High Altitude Wetlands to Ramsar Secretariat Parks and Wildlife Conservation for the declaration of Ramsar sites. WWF (DNPWC), the focal body for Ramsar Nepal had supported Department of National Convention, together with several other Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) in organizations for the celebration of the preparing Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) of event through various awareness raising Gokyo lake series, , activities in Nepal. wetlands management and development. lake series and . We Documents on fact sheets on High are waiting for an official letter to DNPWC Four sites in Nepal: Taudaha, Nagdaha, Altitude Wetlands and documents on regarding the approval. Once the letter is the Bagmati River near Kupondole and cultural and religious significance were received, the RIS will be submitted to Ramsar Ghodaghodi were identified for field level released on the occasion. Secretariat by DNPWC to propose for interactions with the objective of Ramsar declaration. presenting their issues and actions at the WWF Nepal also celebrated the day in its The declaration will see the first high altitude “Fish for Tomorrow?” workshop on project site in Ghodaghodi, one of the Ramsar sites in Nepal and one of the major 2 February 2007. The workshop four Ramsar sites in Nepal. WWF Nepal, targets of WWF Nepal will be achieved. Till compiled findings of issues and actions through TAL program, is supporting the date, there are four Ramsar sites in Nepal - to be taken as a concrete step towards local communities for biodiversity Koshi Tappu, Jagadishpur reservoir, raising awareness as well as providing an conservation and providing alternative Ghodaghodi lake system and Bees Hajari opportunity for stakeholders at local and opportunites for income generation to lake- all in the Terai region. central levels to be active partners in reduce pressure on the lake system.

EcoCircular Vol. 42 No. 7 5 Spring 2007 US$10 Million for Conservation in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nepal - WWF Nepal, Gartoulla, Member Secretary - Social partnerships are strengthened from the global conservation organization Welfare Council. the grassroots to the national level to in Nepal, signed a US$10 million conserve Nepal's rich biodiversity in project agreement, spaced over five The organization revealed major the Terai Arc Landscape, the Sacred years (2006-2011), with the Ministry funding would be sourced from within Himalayan Landscape and the of Forests and Soil Conservation and the extensive WWF global network, Northern Mountains Conservation the Social Welfare Council in global charitable foundations, Program while also improving the Kathmandu on Friday, initiatives and individuals, and sustainable livelihoods of rural 9 February 2007. international aid agencies and communities. non-government organizations. Dr Ritu Prasad Gartoulla, Member The US$10 million will support Secretary, Social Welfare Council, "This US$10 million project activities that include projects and Dr Mohan Prasad Wagley, Chief, agreement is just the beginning to programs supporting wildlife and Planning and Human Resource the realization of important goals in forest resources, landscape level Division, Ministry of Forests and Soil the next five years and WWF Nepal conservation planning and Conservation and Mr Anil Manandhar, will continue to be part of this joint management, protected area Country Representative of WWF endeavour. The funds are an indication management, forest management, Nepal signed the document in the of our commitment to securing a integrated conservation and presence of senior officials from all future for Nepal's rich natural heritage development, work on climate three agencies. by continuing to work in close change and freshwater issues, partnerships at all levels to deliver promotion of eco-tourism, "This project agreement between the results that contribute to a living conservation education, public Government of Nepal and WWF planet," said Mr Anil Manandhar, awareness, mobilization of Nepal comes in a new climate of Country Representative of WWF non-governmental organizations and peace when we all can work Nepal. community-based organizations, together to make significant development of human resources and advances for both people and The funds will be a critical investment institutional capacities of the partner nature," said Dr. Ritu Prasad in the post-conflict scenario as organizations, and other activities.

EcoCircular 6 Vol. 42 No. 7 Spring 2007 The project agreement will continue further our joint work in Nepal," said Implementation Plan for the Terai Arc to put the Ministry of Forests and Soil Dr Mohan Prasad Wagley, Chief, Landscape, the Sacred Himalayan Conservation in the conservation lead Planning and Human Resource Landscape Strategic Plan and the in partnership with WWF Nepal to Division of the Ministry of Forests and new WWF Nepal Strategic Plan work together for biodiversity Soil Conservation. (2006-2011). By 2011, WWF Nepal is conservation and sustainable confident that this partnership will development. The project agreement is based on result in positive and lasting benefits priorities outlined in the Nepal for both people and nature ranging "WWF has always been a valuable Biodiversity Action Plan, the from good governance and poverty conservation partner for Nepal and Five-Year Plans of the Government reduction to forest, freshwater and we are very happy to receive such a of Nepal, the Master Plan for the species conservation, and effectively significant funding commitment to Forestry Sector of Nepal, the combating climate change...... Case Dismissed, Park Staff Released HOT OFF THE PRESS

CHITWAN, Nepal - The Government of Nepal decision to withdraw the Salpa Pokhari, Gosainkunda, case against Chitwan National Park's Panch Pokhari, Chief Warden Tika Ram Adhikari, 2007, pp 18 & 14 Assistant Warden and team leader of anti-poaching operations Kamal Jung The series comprises of booklets Kunwar, and ranger Ritesh Bhushan on Salpa Pokhari, Gosaikunda, Basnet for the alleged murder of Panch Pokhari, and Mai Pokhari, the high Shikha Ram Chaudhari, suspected of altitude wetlands. The booklets illustrate the being a poacher and illegal wildlife importance of religion, culture and tradition in trader, was welcomed in Chitwan on conservation. Sunday, 4 March 2007. Koshi River Basin Shikha Ram Chaudhari was allegedly Management (KRBM) killed during interrogation on 4 June 2007, 4 pp 2006, which led to the three park staff being taken into custody. While The flyers, both in Kamal Jung Kunwar the chief warden was later released English and Nepali, on bail, Kamal Jung and Ritesh provide information on Koshi River Basin Bhusan remained in police custody parties and the government for Management approach and its significance. for over seven months. their release. Sustainable Livelihoods The high rate of rhino poaching in "WWF welcomes the Series no.2 Chitwan over the past few months government's decision," said 2007, 32 pp added urgency to lobbying for their Anil Manandhar, Country release from local communities, Representative of WWF Nepal. This document details the inter- buffer zone councils and committees, "I have every confidence that linkages between conservation, the local hotel association, this move will renew the livelihoods and good conservation organizations, and motivation of park staff and other governance practices in Northern Mountain political parties. They expressed joint conservationists to save Nepal's Conservation Project areas, Dolpa, Nepal. dissatisfaction regarding the charges rhinos and root out illegal wildlife brought against those with a proven trade. WWF will always be there track record for conservation and to support this endeavour in any had been lobbying with major political way we can."

EcoCircular Vol. 42 No. 7 7 Spring 2007 US Ambassador in TAL

SAURAHA, Chitwan - US Ambassador Shrestha of the US Embassy. Officials James F. Moriarty was briefed on rhino from the Department of National Parks conservation and the illegal wildlife trade and Wildlife Conservation, Chitwan in Nepal during a visit to the Terai Arc National Park and Nepal Trust for Nature Landscape-Nepal office in Sauraha, Conservation were also present. Chitwan on 14 February 2007. Ambassador Moriarty committed to the The presentation and briefing was made conservation of the endangered species. STATEMENT BY by Diwakar Chapagain, Wildlife Trade He said that poaching had increased due Officer at WWF Nepal and Purna Kunwar, to the large number of police posts US AMBASSADOR Sector Manager of Terai Arc Landscape- displaced during the insurgency and that JAMES F. MORIARTY Nepal. The ambassador was "more must be done" to protect rhinos accompanied by John Adams and Jai Pal for future generations. I have come to Chitwan to examine the serious issue of rhinoceros poaching. This criminal ...... activity is the primary cause for the alarming decline of rhinoceros in Nepal.

In the last five years alone, 106 rhinos were Signing up against Climate Change poached from Chitwan National Park and surrounding areas. Nepal and the international KATHMANDU, Nepal - A total of 6,000 On 20 February 2007, the signatures community must work together to protect these rhinos from poaching, and help ensure signatures of Kathmandu residents bearing the message "Sign the Kyoto their survival. urging urgent action on climate change Protocol" was submitted to the US were submitted to the US Embassy in Embassy to highlight the fact that the I understand the NGO community, which has a Nepal and the Government of Nepal United States, a major polluter, has yet history of providing generous assistance to save (GoN) to mark the second anniversary of to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The GoN the rhinos, has stepped in with short-term the Kyoto Protocol Enforcement Day. was also given the signatures to urge the support to assist Nepal's anti-poaching necessity of plans and policies in the operations. The government has also re- established security posts and increased patrols The signatures were a culmination of the context of a changing climate. within the park. This is welcome, but more must Youth in Changing Climate Change be done. I have raised this issue with my own Program 2006, which was implemented On 16 February, the Climate Change government and we will be looking for ways to by students from 13 colleges in Network Nepal also organized a special support Nepal in protecting its rhino population. Kathmandu from July 2006 - Feb 2007 screening of "An Inconvenient Truth". with support from WWF Nepal and Clean Future generations of Nepalis - and large Energy Nepal. A special public awareness Following the success of the college level numbers of environmental tourists - will thank Nepal and its international partners if we join raising initiative on 21 December 2006 climate change awareness program, together now to effectively protect and nurture by 38 young Climate Volunteers resulted Clean Energy Nepal and WWF Nepal these magnificent creatures. in the collection of 6,000 signatures from Program will carry out another valley residents who agreed on the awareness program targeting to wider Thank you. urgency of addressing climate change. audience in Nepal. Source: http://kathmandu.usembassy.gov

TURN YOUR RADIO ON! EcoCircular Communications & Marketing We are the world: hamro sansaar hamrai haathma Thursday, WWF Nepal 5-6PM on Hits FM 91.2 PO Box 7660, Baluwatar, Bhuparidhi in the Terai on Kalika FM, Bharatpur (Saturday Kathmandu, Nepal 7:15PM), Bageshwori FM (Sunday 7:45AM), Tinau FM (Sunday Email: [email protected] 8PM), and Radio Nepal RBS (Sunday 8:30PM) Web: www.wwfnepal.org, www.panda.org/nepal

EcoCircular 8 Vol. 42 No. 7 Spring 2007