PAANI PROGRAM | पानी परियोजना

THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT: EVENT REPORT March 26-31, 2019

Cover photo: Participants at the Third National River Summit experienced the Karnali River firsthand while engaging in dialogue on freshwater biodiversity and conservation, during the weeklong event held along the banks of the Karnali River in Rakam, Middle Karnali Watershed, from March 26- 31, 2019.

Photo credit: USAID Paani Program / Nabin Baral

PAANI PROGRAM | पानी परियोजना

THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT: EVENT REPORT March 26-31, 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: MAY 10, 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

SECTION 1: BACKGROUND AND EVENT OVERVIEW 1 SECTION II: EVENT OBJECTIVES 3 SECTION 1I1: EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 4 ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS 4 SESSION 1 HIGHLIGHTS 6 SESSION 2 HIGHLIGHTS 7 SESSION 3 HIGHLIGHTS 9 SESSION 4 HIGHLIGHTS 10 SESSION 5 HIGHLIGHTS 12 SESSION 6 HIGHLIGHTS 13 SESSION 7 HIGHLIGHTS 14 SESSION 8 HIGHLIGHTS 16 SESSION 9 HIGHLIGHTS 17 SECTION IV: EVENT OUTCOMES 19 ANNEXES 21 EXHIBIT A1: SUMMIT PRE-EVENT | ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION AGENDA 21 EXHIBIT A2: SUMMIT PRE-EVENT | ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION PARTICIPANTS 22 EXHIBIT A3: SUMMIT PRE-EVENT | ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION DECLARATION 24 EXHIBIT A4: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT AGENDA 25 EXHIBIT A5: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS 29 EXHIBIT A6: GESI BREAKDOWN OF SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS 41 EXHIBIT A7: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT MEDIA COVERAGE 42 EXHIBIT A8: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT DECLARATION 43

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SECTION 1: BACKGROUND AND EVENT OVERVIEW Water is the single most important natural resource underpinning Nepal’s economy and livelihoods. The sustainable management of water resources in Nepal depends on addressing climate change and protecting healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. 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 resource management.

Paani partner, the Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) has been fully engaged in conserving Nepal’s river system, cultural heritage, and advocating for an environmentally friendly river tourism industry since 1995. NRCT hosts a biannual National River Summit to raise awareness among river users highlighting the value of river conservation – not only to boost the sustainable river-based tourism industry, but also to maintain river health for the preservation of freshwater biodiversity and to support ecosystem services for communities, particularly those dependent on river ecosystems to sustain their livelihoods.

History of the River Summit

The First National River Summit took place in September 2014 on the banks of the Sunkoshi River, hosted by NRCT, in partnership with Kathmandu University, Tribhuvan University and other stakeholders. It brought together more than 200 participants representing the scientific community, policy makers, students, activists, farmers, and fishermen/women. The Summit highlighted pertinent issues related to the sustainable use and management of Nepal’s rivers, and resulted in the 15-point Sunkoshi Declaration, which was submitted to parliamentarians before the country’s new constitution was promulgated in 2015.

The Second National River Summit, also hosted by NRCT, was held in March 2017 on the banks of the Trishuli River. It attracted more than 250 participants representing a wide range of stakeholders, and culminated in the development of the 13-point Trishuli Declaration.

Third National River Summit

This year’s Third National River Summit, with the theme, “Managing Rivers for Life,” was co-led by NRCT and the Karnali Provincial government, with support from Paani. It took place from March 28- 31, 2019 on the banks of the Karnali River in Rakam, Middle Karnali Watershed—a significant location for a number of reasons.

As Nepal’s longest river system, and a natural free-flowing river located far from urban development, the Karnali River provides habitats for a plethora of unique, endemic freshwater biodiversity, including the Gangetic Dolphin and many other endemic fish. In addition, it plays a major role in cultural heritage conservation, with a number of indigenous communities make their living from the river’s resources along its far-reaching banks, whether from running ferries or selling fish. These livelihood assets – as well as the overall river health—face several imminent threats, including destructive fishing practices, and haphazard infrastructure development along the river stretch. This is especially urgent, given a number of proposed hydropower projects currently underway in the Karnali River Basin.

The Summit provides a critical platform for dialogue on such infrastructure planning and its impact on river systems and communities. Therefore, in contrast to the two previous Summits, this year Paani

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 1 emphasized the importance of including discussions on sustainable hydropower, including a panel facilitated by Integrated Watershed Management Activity (IWMA), with panel inputs from Millenium Challenge Account (MCA) Nepal, Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), National Hydropower Development Project (NHDP), and the Nepal Electric Authority (NEA).

Event overview

Paani kicked off the Third National River Summit with a series of pre-events from March 26-27 in nearby Surkhet. This included the first river basin-level roundtable discussion, facilitated by Paani partner, the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), as well as a photo exhibition showcasing 50 photos from NRCT’s 44-day expedition from the headwaters of the Karnali River in Tibet to the Ganges Confluence in India, which took place in 2018. The exhibition was displayed during the Summit’s keynote dinner in Surkhet on March 27th and was inaugurated by Mr. Nanda Singh Budha, Karnali Provincial Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment. On March 28th, the Summit officially began with an opening ceremony, inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi.

USAID PAANI PROGRAM/ NABIN BARAL

The the Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, inaugurated the Third National River Summit at the official opening ceremony on March 28th.

The remainder of the Summit took place in Rakam Karnali, on the banks of the beautiful Karnali River from March 28-31, where more than 200 river experts and enthusiasts participated in panels, presentations, and discussions on topics, including: river eco-systems and aquatic biodiversity; freshwater biodiversity threats and vulnerability; water resource management and multiple uses of water; governance, policies, and practices for water/rivers; the relationship between communities and rivers; and other cross-cutting issues, such as gender and social inclusion. The Summit concluded with

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 2 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 river a ‘Sacred Karnali River Corridor.’ (See Annex Exhibit A8 for full Karnali Declaration.)

To accelerate participants’ direct connection to the Karnali River during their Summit experience, they were encouraged to take part in a number of optional side activities, including short rafting trips, outdoor yoga, birding, hiking, and angling.

In total, more than 200 diverse participants attended this year’s Summit. They included representatives from other USAID programs and projects, such as 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) Nepal. (See Annex Exhibit A5 for full participant list.) SECTION II: EVENT OBJECTIVES The National River Summit offers a rare platform for dialogue amongst various interest groups to jointly develop a common vision for sustainable water and river basin management. The Third National River Summit aimed to achieve following objectives:

 To share and inform multiple users of water with outcomes of recent research, exploration, and understanding of the Karnali River Basin;

 To foster dialogue among stakeholders as a continuation of the previous river summits, and to create platforms and networks among and between different interest groups; and

 To consolidate knowledge for a common understanding to inform policies for integrated management of water and other resources by balancing development with overall conservation of river systems.

This year’s Summit provided a critical platform for dialogue on infrastructure planning, including hydropower development, and its impact on river systems—an important step needed before such development interventions are implemented.

“To find the right balance between the development dialogue and conservation dialogue is imperative for Nepal.” —Mr. Shankar Khagi, USAID Nepal

To achieve these goals, Summit sessions were divided into different formats and topics, broadly categorized as either panel discussions or technical sessions. For this event, local communities, policy makers, academicians, other related stakeholders, national and international researchers, and delegates are invited to have multi-stakeholder interaction. In addition, this was the first Summit to specifically engage Nepali youth in watershed management dialogue. This was done through a Paani- initiated youth competition on innovative watershed model design, in which 10 selected youth (four from the Rakam community, and six college students from Mid-Western University, Kathmandu University, and Tribhuvan University) were brought to the Summit to work together to construct a physical watershed model of the Rakam area. The completed model was presented to the Mayor of Aathabis Municipality, to be used as a tool for planning and decision-making that factors in watershed health and threats.

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USAID PAANI PROGRAM/ PUSHKAR KHANAL

Paani leadership joins winners of the youth competition on innovative watershed model design in presenting the completed model to the mayor of Aathabis Municipality at the Third National River Summit.

SECTION 1I1: EVENT HIGHLIGHTS This section provides a summary of the various Summit events and sessions, as well as highlights from discussions and key takeaways from each. For more details on each session, please refer to the full set of Summit presentations, shared as a separate attachment to this report.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS The sustainable management of water resources depends upon the proper management of river basin- level issues and the proper harnessing of ecosystem services. Roundtable discussions offer a platform for dialogue between multiple water users upstream and downstream, including affected communities, stakeholders, and decision-makers, to jointly discuss solutions in an open dialogue setting.

On March 26th, Paani grantee, NEFEJ facilitated the first river basin-level roundtable discussion, as a pre-event to the Third National River Summit. The event, Downstream Impact, Preparedness, and Adaptation, drew more than 80 stakeholders from provincial government, local government, line agencies, CSOs, NGOs, and individuals from affected communities (See Annex Exhibit A2 for full participant list), to discuss disaster management, preparedness, and adaptation for multiple water users.

Following a NEFEJ video highlighting the Karnali Basin’s main issues, two presentations provided further context to guide the discussion. First, Mr. Ajaya Dixit from the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET) Nepal covered disaster management in river basins, highlighting current practices and gaps in preparedness. Next, Mr. Krishna Kumar Gautam from Red Cross Bardiya, presented on the current status and impact of river-induced disasters in the Lower Karnali Watershed.

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The main discussion featured a panel of seven speakers representing national, provincial, and local government as well as parliament. Discussion participants included local indigenous communities, water champions, policy-makers, conservationists, other parliamentarians, and entrepreneurs. (See Annex Exhibit A1 for detailed agenda and speakers.)

Key community problems highlighted during the discussion include the following:

 Mining of riverbed aggregates such as sand, gravel, and stone has not been carried out in a scientific or systematic manner. Of the few Initial Environmental Examination IEEs/ Environmental Imapct Assessments (EIAs) done, findings have not been shared with Division Forest Offices.  The traditional livelihoods and traditions of riverine communities (such as Majhee, Rajee and Sonaha) are in a verge of extinction as conservation program has directly affected these communities by depriving them from their traditional occupation of fishing and gold mining and the alternative means of livelihood has not been effective enough for them to make a living. Moreover, they are also deprived from the opportunities provided by law to the indigenous group as they have not been enlisted in such group by the government till now.  Karnali River Management Project, due to low allocated budget by Government of Nepal, has not been able to build embankments in as many flood-prone areas as required.  The artificial wildlife corridors have not been able to serve properly for the animal’s movement as these do not coincide with the natural pathway of the wildlife. Hence, proper consultation of wildlife expert is required for construction of proper and useful wildlife corridors.  There is lack of scientific and sustainable fishing practice as electric current, poison and explosives are still being used for fishing in the Karnali River; thus affecting the whole aquatic ecosystem.  Throughout the River Basin, water sources continue to dry up, resulting in decreases in the fish population and diversity.  Rural road construction currently lacks environmental considerations, both in the planning stage and maintenance stages, leading to frequent landslides and other recurring damage. Representatives from indigenous riverine communities, including Raji, Sonaha, and Badi, urged provincial and local government leaders to stop the extraction of riverbed resources from the Karnali River, a practice which is threatening their fish-dependent traditional livelihoods.

"Our settlement, culture, and profession are gradually vanishing. Rajis are becoming landless." —Nain Singh Raji, of Surkhet, roundtable discussion participant

District Coordination Committee Chiefs from Kailali and Bardiya confirmed that riverbed mining of materials is going unchecked at an alarming rate in their communities, and that no IEE reports have been prepared or shared to date. The Agriculture, Forest and Environment Committee Chairman of Province 5, Bijay Bahadur Yadav, agreed that effective IEEs are needed, urging the three provinces to coordinate on development of a master plan to conserve the Karnali River. The Minister for Law and Internal Affairs of Sudurpaschim Province, Prakash Bahadur Shah, assured the group that a strict law for the conservation of biodiversity will be implemented soon. Harka Bahadur Kunwar, Chairman at the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee for the same province, confirmed that the Environment Act has already been endorsed by Parliament, but stated that conservation depends on the maintenance of clean water sources for all.

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Conclusions and key takeaways

At the conclusion of the event, a seven-point declaration was issued (see Annex Exhibit A2), which committed to to stopping the illegal mining of riverbed materials, specifically by ensuring compliance in the preparation and sharing of IEEs and EIAs for riverbed mining and extraction activities. Provinces 5, 6 and 7 agreed to coordinate in approaching the federal government to address flooding caused by Kailashpur Barrage, and to create policies and programs that support the Raji, Sonaha, and Badi communities to manage capture fisheries in the Karnali River. They also agreed to implement law and policies on environmental protection. One key takeaway related to the format of the executed versus intended roundtable discussion. The event featured a panel (mainly decision-makers from the region) sitting before an audience on an elevated platform, and providing explanations directly to them. Unfortuanately, this format more closely resembeled a town hall event, rather than a non-hierarchal rountable format. Therefore, it was not as consucive to open dialogue as it could have been. Further, the topics raised in roundtable format should have been pre-filtered based previous community input and priority, and presented to provincial-level stakeholders and decision-makers at a more of a macro, policy level, to encourage more concrete solutions. To better promote open discussion at all levels as well as more depth in solutions proposed, the presentation portion of the event could have been reduced, and the overall group size kept smaller, with more subject matter experts present.

SESSION 1 HIGHLIGHTS The first session of the Summit, River Ecosystem and Biodiversity, was moderated by Prof. Dr. Subodh Sharma, Kathmandu University (KU) and featured the following speakers: Mr. Steve Lockett, Mahasheer Trust; Mr. Suresh Wagle, Paani; Dr. Ramadevi Tachamo, KU; and Ms. Sarah Levine, KU.

Mr. Steve Lockett first presented on the Mahasheer, a unique Gangetic fish species, which can travel more than 25 kms daily (up to 100 km to reach its breeding place). Three Mahasheer species are currently found in Nepal. He discussed the importance of a bottom-up holistic community approach in conserving keystone aquatic species, including the Mahasheer.

Next, Mr. Suresh Wagle, a fisheries expert from Paani, presented on river stretch co-management approaches in the Karnali River. To fill several knowledge gaps, Paani has identified six flagship species of high biodiversity and economic value; identified the role of migratory and flagship species in maintaining ecosystem integrity in the Karnali; mapped river stretches for breeding and foraging habitats; mapped 77 locations for fish breeding and spawning; and located 106 fish hotspots in six watersheds of the Karnali . The impacts of Paani’s work on river stretch co-management includes: implementation of sustainable fishing practices and guidelines in target areas; more equitable access to aquatic animals and water; reduced sedimentation and impact from mining and rural roads construction due to implementation of green infrastructure practices; more informed local stakeholders on conservation planning issues; and more democratic river stretch governance to restore aquatic species.

Dr. Sarah Levine then presented on Gangetic dolphins, a rare but important aquatic animal, whose local population has declined by about 50% within a 30-year period, deeming it a ‘critically endangered animal’ in Nepal. The decline is due to a high volume of water development projects, toxic contaminants, degradation of habitats from dredging and resource removal, hunting, and incidental killing by fishing gear. The survival of the Gangetic dolphin depends on effective cross- border conservation action. Economic valuation of trans-boundary conservation (i.e. by leveraging

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 6 eco-tourism opportunities, such as rafting the Karnali, Bardia National Park, and Katarniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary) can help bolster such efforts.

Finally, Dr. Ramadevi Tachamo presented on water flows for sustaining aquatic biodiversity in Nepal, presenting key findings from a recent study of the Karnali River Basin.

She outlined key watershed resources, and the various uses of river water, including water mills, micro hydropower, irrigation, health and sanitation, and consumption (both at household and industrial levels). The amount and quality of water varies from upstream to downstream and also time of water. She differentiated between different water users, from the engineer who sees it in terms of hydrology and flow, to the ecologist who sees it in terms of habitats and indicator species. Recent KU studies are examining the presence of micro-invertebrates which can be used as indicators of water quality and pollution.

Conclusions and key takeaways

 Nepal is home to many unique and valuable aquatic species, including the Mahasheer and Gangetic dolphin—both of which are in decline due to increasing aquatic threats and poor conservation practices.  Community ownership, co-management of river stretches, and cross-border conservation action are all critical in protecting Nepal’s biodiversity and other aquctic resources.  Factoring in needs and priorities of different water users and consumers is key in developing sustainable water management approaches.

SESSION 2 HIGHLIGHTS This session, River and Community Experience Sharing, was chaired by Mr. Khadka Raj Upadhyaya, Mayor of Aathbish Municipality in Dailekh, moderated by Mr. Mausam Khnal, of NRCT, and featured Mr. Surya Bahadur Shahi, Mayor of Chamunda Bindrasaini Municipality in Dailekh, as the key speaker.

First, Mr. Surya Bahadur Shahi, presented historical practices and traditional norms of water resource management and aquatic animal conservation, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of fish, rivers, and water in the community and more broadly, throughout Nepal. He said that traditional irrigation systems tend to be very sustainable and low-impact, whereas modern irrigation methods bring new problems, such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, barren land, improperly constructed roads, haphazard settlements, waste disposal into bodies of water, and destructive fishing practices.

In Mr. Shahi’s own community, aquatic animal conservation laws are already endorsed, the Badi and Majhi groups have been given fishing and boating responsibilities, and and the food and habitat needs of animals—not only of humans—are prioritized. Moving forward, he supports developing fruit plantations along the corridors of rivers and streams, and incorporating aquatic animal conservation education into school curricula. Further, he would like to see more work done on the disturbance of water recharge/infiltration in mid-hill areas.

Throughout the session, members of riverine communities shared their own experiences with conservation and in facing threats to biodiversity and river resources in their areas.

 Shanti Sonaha is a member of an endangered group of people, the Sonaha, who rely on gold panning and fishing to make a living. They are now in crisis, as outsiders have come to their rivers engaging in destructive fishing practices. Wild fish have declined due to loss

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of habitats and use of illegal casting nets. Mr. Sonaha supports breeding centers or hatcheries, to help conserve freshwater fish in Sonaha communities.

 Devraj Jaishi, a Raji community resident, manages a locally registered river-based tourism company that offers kayaking, fishing, rafting, and camping experience to visitors. He has become more aware of conservation issues, and is now part of public-private partnerships, public-private-community partnerships, and public-cooperative-partnerships in different areas of the Rapti, Karnali and Mahakali River Basins.

 Bisha Bahadur Rokaya has fished in Rara Lake since childhood and has used straw to breed fish in the area. Lately he has noticed big problems. Water sources in the mountain regions are drying up; fish habitats are being destroyed; solid waste displosal into the lake is getting worse. He urged political leadership to take these issues seriously, not only because of the site’s tourism appeal, but also because of its religious and spiritual value to local communities.

 Sima Gharti is secretary of a community-based aquatic animal conservation group (AACG) in Jhimrukh Khola Watershed, where the biggest problem is the prevalence of destructive fishing methods, such explosives and poison. With support from Paani, her group has become mobilized to raise awareness on this problem, and to patrol the behavior. Now, illegal and destructive fishing practices are much more controlled, and they are seeing increased fish stocks in their watershed.

 Pateshwary Chaudhary is a former destructive fisher-turned-conservationist, thanks to Paani’s conservation awareness and capacity building efforts in his community. He is now active in his local fisher group, Baikah Maccha Sanrachhan Smuha, of Middle Rapti Watershed, where the groupstarted their own campaign to collect ‘one rupee per day for the conservation of aquatic animal conservation.’

 Bishnu Awasthi has 23 years' experience in the ‘Save Mahakali campaign’ to protect Nepal’s fourth biggest river. He shared concerns about decreases in monsoon rainwater and water scarcity in winter, which is severaly threatening aquatic animals below the Sharda Barrage. Through Paani, a River Management Group has formed in his community.

 Brij Raj Kusbaha raised equality concerns about the Gandadak Treaty between Nepal and India. His area is experiencing floods, but no control measures or have been adopted, nor investments made by local authorities. A committee of concerned citizens was formed and they are now advocating for compensation.

Conclusions and key takeaways

 There is a disconnect between traditional and customary practices in water resource use as compared to modern development practices for water use.  Increasingly, local governments are supporting aquatic biodiversity conservation, as demonstrated by enacted of local conservation laws and the formation of AACGs.  Many fisher communities observed declining fish stocks and drying water sources, especially in mountain districts of Nepal.  Community groups and river representatives were invited to participate more actively in river basin planning activities. A province-level consultation workshop is currently being organized by the Government of Nepal/WECS.

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 A comprehensive study of Kali Gandaki River will be completed, leading up to the Fourth National River Summit in 2021.

SESSION 3 HIGHLIGHTS In Session 3, Experience beyond Nepal, moderated by George Taylor, USA, speakers included: Karen Bennett, NRCT; Shawahiq Siddiqui, IELO, India; Shamser Ali, NAM, Bangladesh; Dhurva Kumar, PDT, India; and Hannah Baleta, WWF, South Africa.

Ms. Karen Benett presented global examples of river protection, safeguarded by law and regulation, including the US Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which states that selected rivers and their immediate environments, possess ‘outstanding and remarkable values’ (i.e. scenic, recreational, geological, historical, cultural or other) and shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The act prohibits federally-licensed dams and other federally-assisted water resource projects if the project would negatively impact the river. Similarly, the Canadian Heritage Rivers Act of 1984 has ensured the long-term conservation of 38 rivers’ natural, cultural and recreational integrity, through the support and stewardship of local people as well as provincial, territorial and federal governments in Canada. Ms. Benet also presented some other examples, such as Australian Wild Rivers Bill, Ecuador Constitution 2011, Colombia 2015, New Zealand 2017, which have shown nature as an inherent part of the social being and thereby not merely as a commodity for human use. In March 2017, the Indian High Court (Uttarakhand State) declared that the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers are legal entities and persons. The court order provided rights to river as a person. She suggested that Nepal should learn from these examples and this Summit could be an avenue to begin elevate such discussions on river protection law. She added that free-flowing rivers are limited and crequire regulation, in terms of flood control, soil nutrients, purification of pollutants, and enhancement of recreational and ecotourism opportunities that can enhance livelihoods of the riverine communities.

Shawahiq Siddiqui works for the high court in India and advocates on environmental and conservation issues. He shared provisions of river conservation under Indian constitutions and elaborated on transboundary issues related to river conservation. He emphasized that river conservation requires policies which are based on the constitution and which can be properly implemented.

Shamser Ali presented on legal instruments for water governance from Bangladesh, emphasizing bilateral issues between Nepal-Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh, as well as impacts of transboundary river management in Bangladesh.

Dhurva Kumar then presented on the changing course of the Ghaghara (Karnali) and Rapti Rivers in India, which caused loss of assets and settlement infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh. The prevailing law does not protect the rights of those who need resettlement and long-term plans are not institutionalized to combat disaster, rather, only to implement 3-month contingency plans. Therefore, private organizations stepped forward to support affected communities through advocacy, preparedness education, action plans for resettlement, and livelihood development. He shared best practices of riverbed farming, rainwater collection, groundwater recharge, and water conservation in different places in India.

Hannah Baleta of WWF presented on her experience with system scale planning (SCP) in Myanmar, in which she explored the balance between ecosystems and the people who depend on them. WWF will partner with Paani to conduct a similar study in the Karnali River Basin, specifically looking at

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 9 whole-of-basin planning options which balance natural resource utilization with natural resource capacity-based development.

Conclusions and key takeaways

 Nepal can learn about river protection legislation from global examples, such as the US Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 1968, Canadian Heritage Rivers 1984, Australian Wild Rivers Bill, Ecuador Constitution 2011, Colombia 2015, and New Zealand 2017.  The way forward for river conservation in Nepal requires: o Establishing local and provincial river protection laws in Nepal o Engaging in local and national dialogue o Inter-Ministry coordination o Collaborating with World Bank river basin planning o Incorporating EIA education into school/college-level curricula  When legal frameworks fail to protect river communities following disaster or displacement, as in India, private and community organizations play a key role in advocacy, preparedness education, developing action plans for resettlement, and ensuring livelihood development for affected groups.  System scale planning can offer a whole-of-basin approach to balance energy generation opportunities and the protecting and maintenance of free-flowing rivers.

SESSION 4 HIGHLIGHTS Session 4, Sustainable Hydropower Development, covered the environmental, social, economic, and technical dimensions of hydropower development in Nepal. The session was moderated by Mr. Suman Basnet, Integrated Water Management Activity (IWMA) and featured the following public and private sector speakers: Dr. Dambar Nepali, KU; Mr. Shyam Krishna Upadhayaya, MCA; Kumar Pandey, IPPAN; Mr. Pradip Gautam, Paani; Mr. Robert F Taylor, USAID Nepal Hydropower Development Program; and Mr. Hitendra Dev Shakya, NEA Engineering Company Limited.

Suman Basnet started the session by emphasizing that sustainable plans for hydropower must consider not only economic impact and profit, but also environmental impact (i.e. mitigation and benefgit sharing) as well as the social impact on people.

"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, and hydropower session moderator at the Third National River Summit

Dr. Dambar Bahadur Nepali, Dean of KU shared his experience working on a small dam project in Karnali, after experiencing the critical condition of electricity in Nepal. The dam was built without disruption to the Karnali River, and through the use of a public-private partnership (PPP) model. He emphasized that Nepal has the resources and skilled engineers to execute hydropower projects, yet the government asks for outside donations to complete such projects. The PPP model is sustainable, and those who invest in it should have the right profits. Local people must invest as well, and engineers can help identify the best hydropower projects to invest in.

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“Solar is fine for household purpose but not for industries. If we can generate electricity and light communities from tributaries of the Karnali, then why not. If we do not take such step, the younger generation will [leave] the country.” —Mr. Dambar Nepali, Dean of KU

Mr. Robert Taylor of the USAID Nepal Hydropower Development Program highlighted that, despite Nepal’s geographical challenges, it has incredible potential, being the second richest country in inland water resources. Yet many programs and sectors continue to work blindly and in silos. He shared his experience with hydropower project planning, which takes a lot of time and a huge investment, after which, the affected people and communities living with a new hydropower dam likely do not see a return on investment. Hydropower policy is unclear; the Government is fragile; and hydropower royalties do not flow down that far. The new Electricity Act will be passed in next monsoon or soon thereafter, which is a step (albeit a slow one) in the right direction.

Kumar Pandey of IPPAN shared a private sector perspective, on behalf of a company that has utilized hydropower for 35 years and then hands it over to the Government of Nepal at the current working rate. Projects require government approval at three levels: central, provincial and local. Rivers are national property, and thus, both national and local interests and benefits should be factored into decisions about river use and development. In sum, people demand electricity but they also want it to be cheap. What many do not understand is that if projects must leave half of the available water intact, the environmental benefit is not much greater (i.e. the tunnel is only slightly smaller), yet the investment rises in order to build the dam accordingly. This results in price hikes for electricity users.

Hitendra Dev Shakya stated that energy demand in Nepal is increasing day by day. In the last two years, it has increased by 13-14%. There are few alternatives to a 15,000 MW hydropower project. Solar is not a feasible alternative. In terms of price, the cost for hydroelectricity is Rs. 7/unit. For solar to run for just 5 hours, it costs Rs. 12/unit (including battery cost), according to Shakya’s estimates. There are five major studies going on in Karnali Province looking at feasibility and environmental aspects, including effects on biodiversity.

Shyam Krishna Upadhyaya of MCA shared that hydropower development is necessary, but should be environmentally and socially sustainable. Infrastructure development will always have some negative impacts on aquatic life and riverine communities. New projects should consider equitable distribution of cost and benefit. Even after 15 years of Trishuli hydropower, the people within a 5km radius do not get electricity. Marshyangdi and Chilime can be taken as good examples where the project was a success because the local-level benefit was factored in. According to the Hydropower Act, 5-6% of royalties should be provided to the Central government and 10-12% to the local government. The royalty from hydropower in the districts is distributed according to political influence. Further, many hydropower developers do not follow EIA provisions. Contractors should be held accountable for properly implementing EIA to minimize harm on the environment.

Pradip Gautam, hydropower speciliats at Paani, spoke about what Paani is doing for sustainable hydropower development, namely in Jhimruk (Rapti) and Chameliya (Mahakali). Paani has seen that collaboration with the local people often leads to more success, and so we engage in dialogue with local government and CSOs before the construction of infrastructure and also discusses how to address the probable environmental issues that could arise after a project. Many will say that EIAs have just become a formality and are not actually being implemented. One problem is that, after

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 11 decentralization, there is no clear designee for conducting and implementing EIAs. There is no quality standard for environmental inspector, nor any legal framework to guide the process. In addition, Paani is continuously improving its checklist of feedback received at the provincial level, and interest and knowledge at the regional level. The emphasis now is on how we can take this work forward in a more transparent way, by recognizing and learning from past mistakes as part of our learning cycle.

Topics raised during the Q&A for this session include tools for factoring in environmental loss and other externalities into hydropower cost analysis; regional differences in solar power consumption rates; effectiveness and responsibility for EIAs; and how to capacitate engineers and developers about issues of biodiversity.

Conclusions and key takeaways

 Nepal has the resources and the skilled engineers to implement and finance its own hydropower projects, if Nepalis are willing to invest and if PPPs are utilized.  Hydropower requires a huge investment of time and money, after which few immediate communities directly benefit—aside from having a new dam in their community. Hydropower should consider equitable distribution of cost and benefit. o Even after 15 years of hydropower in Trishuli, the people within a 5km radius still do not get electricity. o Some good examples include Marshyangdi and Chilime, where local-level benefit was factored in.  The forthcoming Electricity Act is a step in the right direction in equally distributing costs and benefits of hydropower, but progress is still slow.  From the private sector perspective, hydropower dam construction must weigh the nearly impossible balance between cost control (i.e. keeping costs down for electricity users) and environmental impact (i.e. leaving half of the available water intact).  Given Nepal’s growing energy demand, there are few viable alternatives to hydropower. Solar is not comparable, from a cost perspective. Hydropower is necessary, but it should be environmentally and socially sustainable. Key to sustainable hydropower includes: o Local ownership o Dialogue and cooperation o Affordability o Minimizing negative impacts o Escalating benefit sharing  EIAs have become a formality and are not being implemented. There is no clear designee for conducting and implementing EIAs. There is no quality standard for environmental inspector, nor any legal framework to guide the process.

SESSION 5 HIGHLIGHTS Session 5, Governance, Policies, and Practices, was moderated by Hon. Mr. Akkal Bahadur Rawal representative from Sudurpachhim Province and featured the following presenters and panelists: Dr. Chiranjivi Bhattrai, lawyer, NRCT; Mr. Krishna P Jaisi, former district development committee chairperson, Achham; Mr. Bhupendra Shahi, Karnali River Basin team leader, Paani; and Mr. Sanat Adhikari, chairperson, Youth Alliance for Environment (YAE).

Paani’s Karnali River Basin team leader, Mr. Bhupendra B Shahi presented on Paani’s experiences at the local level for river stretch co-management. Throughout the Karnali, destructive fishing

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 12 practices, pollution, invasive species, and climate change hazards pose major threats to conservation. Karnali’s provincial government announced that tourism and infrastructure are its priorities for economic development in Karnali Province. Mr.Shahi added that river stretch development is necessary, alongside sustainable development of biodiversity.

Next, Dr. Chiranjivi Bhattrai presented on Nepal’s constitutional provisions related to local water rights. According to Nepali law, rivers and water are considered common property. Unfortunately, the law does not specify whose responsibility water and river conservation falls under.

Mr. Sanat Adhikari of YAE discussed how EIAs/IEEs are currently lacking from Nepal’s government system. There are no local bodies to oversee or monitor infrastructure implementation. He suggested an Environment Council, which could be managed centrally for such monitoring activities.

Next, three river conservation activitists led a panel discussion about the EIA/IEE Act, guidelines related to the environment, roles and responsibilities of central/provincial/local government, and alternative livelihoods for water-dependent groups. They suggested promoting tourism along with hydropower, and developing linkages with other income generation or livelihood activities or opportunities. This kind of synergy among the stakeholders and development projects can improve socio-economic development as well as sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Conclusions and key takeaways

 Current government policies do not designate who is responsible for river conservation.  There is little to no local-level environmental data available in Nepal.  River conservation should be analyzed from a holistic approach.  EIAs/IEEs should be used for all construction activities of hydropower projects.  10% e-flow should not be affordable for fish species.  A capacity assessment council is needed for Nepal’s environment sector.  Standardized environmental monitoring and evaluation is also needed in Nepal.

SESSION 6 HIGHLIGHTS Session 6, River and Development in Nepal, featured case studies from Nepal’s hydropower sector. It was chaired by Mr. Dinkar Khanal, senior engineer from WECS, and included the following speakers: Dr. Ganesh Neupane, environment expert and engineer, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited; Mr. Narayan Rijal, hydropower- Trishuli River; Mr. Bam Bahadur BC, chairperson, Upper Karnali hydropower committee; Mr. Damodar Khadka, vice chairperson, Ranijamara Kulara Irrigation project; and Ms. Sunita Dhaubhanjar, hydro-economic model presenter, IWMI.

Dr. Ganesh Neupane briefed the group on Upper Tamakoshi, a 456MW project which produces 2281GWH annually. The project implements a public-private-local user partnership approach, with 49% participation by local public and 51% by organizations. The project has contributed 35 awareness and development projects in the community, including irrigation, income generation, health education campaign, drinking water supply, and road construction.

Mr. Narayan Rijal, an enginner from the Trishuli hydropower project presented the DRIFT model which studies the impacts of hydropower development on river biodiversity and ecosystems. Specifically, DRIFT has been used to predict impacts of HPP scenarios on the ecological integrity and fish abundance of habitats at selected sites along the Trishuli River Main stem. The project

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 13 incorporated lessons learned from evaluating e-flows in other projects within the basin and elsewhere in the Himalayan Region.

Next, Mr. Bam Bahadur highlighted the growth potential opportunity from water resources in Karnali, particularly income and socio-economic development options for local people. This includes employment generation, irrigation, short-term income, and long- term benefits.

“It is no longer the resources that limit our decisions; it is our decisions that limit our resource.” —Mr. Bam Bahadur, BC, chairperson, Upper Karnali hydropower committee

Mr. Damodar Khadaka then presented on the Ranijamara Kulara irrigation project, a government priority project implemented in Kailali District. He emphasized the importance of integrating the lower watershed level while managing the upper Karnali hydropower project, in order to maintain biodiversity and manage aquatic animal species diversity of the 144 available species.

Last, Ms. Sunita Dhaubhanjar presented on IWMI’s Digo Jal Bikas-produced hydro-economic modelling tool, which transforms water resources into cash form. Upstream and downstream actors are managed on a cost-sharing basis where both stakeholders can benefit, thus maintaining social harmony. A main challenge is ensuring a shared vision that is balanced, in terms of demands and societal objectives, and robust, in terms of plausible future.

Conclusions and key takeaways

After the panel, the group discussed major issues raised by presenters, and came to an agreement on the following priorities.  All hydropower project should maintain an e-flow system for the continuous flow of aquatic species.  Maintaining connectivity of upstream and downstream actors is a win-win scenario.  Focus on the sustainable use of water resources and hydropower, along with biodiversity conservation.  Hydropower issues at upstream and downstream levels can be handled scientifically by using an economic model.  For balanced economic development, there should be regular dialogue, cooperation, and coordination among the three tiers of government.  Promote tourism along with hydropower, and develop linkages with other income generation activities and employment opportunities.  The Upper Tamakoshi project is a good model of corporate social responsibility in Nepal.

SESSION 7 HIGHLIGHTS Session 7, Water resource management and cross-cutting issues, was chaired by Ms. Nilu Basnyat, chief of party, USAID Paani Program. The session featured the following speakers: Dr. Ajaya Dixit, Institute for Social and Environmental Transition-Nepal (ISET-N); Rajesh Sada, WWF Nepal; Dr. Bishnu Pandey, IWMI; Dr. Deep Narayan Shan, CDES/TU; and Dr. Ramesh Raj Pant, CDES/TU.

Dr. Dixit outlined a current Paani study ISET-Nepal is working on which examines water resource issues in three river basins: Mahakali, Rapti and Karnali. In all three basins, communities are facing a range of challenges and threats, including limited snowfall, dried up water springs, especially in mid-

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 14 hills, inconsistency in timing of rainfall, soil erosion, landslide, increased water pollution near settlement areas, over-extraction and mining of rivers, and haphazard road construction.

Unfortunately, Nepal’s policies on these issues are weak. Efforts to address these complex, inter- linked problems must be multi-stakeholder oriented, yet there is no systematic dialogue among different stakeholders with joint interested in water issues. When it comes to aquatic species, we lack the vision and tools needed to address these problems. The monitoring of ongoing action is currently weak. Dr. Dixit refers to all of these deficiencies as a ‘learning disability’ in the water resource space, where knowledge is currently ‘civil engineering dominated.’

Water is a source of the livelihood for many people, a source for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and tourism, and also a base for aquatic biodiversity. We need to collectively understand the political system and our accountability in all these.

According to Rajesh Sada of WWF Nepal, the concept of e-flow was little known until about 10 years ago. Now, with the realization of its importance for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, we have been moving forward addressing the need to maintain it. There are many tools and methods for understanding the e-flow of river systems, which can differ and suit according to the location and timing. In the context of Nepal, the big question is: Who is responsible for looking after river connectivity? The Ministry of Water and Irrigation is provisioned for its accountability, but the ministry is heavily engineer-focused and thus, ill-equipped to properly do so.

Put simply, the regulation of water flow based on water needs downstream is e-flow. The hydroelectricity development policy has provisioned maintaining 10% average minimum water flow, but how accountable is this? Similarly, Nepal’s irrigation policy says that after excluding water needed for other purposes, the remaining amount can be used in irrigation. There are guidelines prepared for the e-flow in other cases as well. Hydropower outside a conservation site should maintain the e-flow of at least 10% which, if is in proximity to a conservation area, should maintain 50% of e-flow, ensuring the natural flow is maintained. If all infrastructure projects are to be built in protected areas, the projects will stall, however, if the local people are benefitted by the project, then 1MW hydropower will be allowed with the provision of maintaining 50% e-flow. Looking at the Chameliya Hydropower project, failure to maintain the e-flow has severely affected aquatic biodiversity and hampered their migration.

Mr. Sada then presented a survey of e-flow conducted by WWF Nepal in Lete, Kaligandaki River, concluding that there is not enough water released in the river as e-flow, which has impacted aquatic biodiversity. We should maintain e-flow considering the need of water cultural value, biodiversity, fish species, pest and insects, deep pools, aquatic plants, rafting etc.

Next, Dr. Pandey presented findings from the Karnali region on managing water resources in the context of climate change. Nepal’s average temperature is rising higher than the globally deemed safe limit by 1.2⁰C in high mountains and by 0.4⁰C in the Terai. The Churiya range is the highly vulnerable to climate change, landslide and soil erosion due to its fragile soil. High temperatures also lead to increased forest fires, which trigger soil erosion, flood etc.

The study is evaluating recharge ponds and spring hydrology in Doti and Baitadi. In every region, the place and method for recharging water sources may vary. Recharge points may not always be the water source. Without proper study of hydrology of water sources in hilly area, recharge pond construction may fail.

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Dr. Pandey added that the e-flow approach should be holistic. It is not adequate to say that ‘free flow’ is enough for fish. An e-flow tool has been developed to study the ecological needs and estimate the adequate flow for the survival of aquatic and animal. To better understand and plan for water availability, he recommended using the Regional Climate Model for the future projects, which factors in duration of the project, the future scenarios, the locations (terai, hills or mountains), the season etc.

Next, Drs. Pant and Deep Narayan Shan of CDES/TU discussed hydro-chemical characteristics and aquatic biodiversity in the Karnali River Basin, where climate change will impact water quality in the long run. Watershed studies must not isolate water and water use from the broader ecosystem. Rather, a holistic approach is needed. The presence or absence of living organisms can be used as indicators, in early warning systems and can receive the ecosystem services continuously. We should have regular monitoring to identify such indicators and we should declare certain areas of river stretch as protected areas for aquatic biodiversity conservation.

Conclusions and key takeaways

 Nepal lacks systematic dialogue among different stakeholders with vested interests in addressing water-related issues.  Current weakness in activity monitoring.  Lack vision and tools to address problems related to aquatic species.  The maintenance of e-flow should be based on the amount of water needed by different species, seasons, and aquatic habitat needs for that particular river stretch. o Data is need to quantify the amount of water sufficient for specific aquatic species. o Measures for maintaining e-flow is the biggest challenge.  Overall, the Karnali is pristine compared to other rivers in Nepal, and even the world. Its water is suitable for drinking, and for irrigation as well.  Drying of water sources is a common and intensifying problem in many places. The main causes include precipitation patterns, haphazard rural road construction, earthquakes, and land use patterns. Humans have destroyed traditional recharge ponds in hilly areas and need to rehabilitate them.  The impact of climate change on water availability depends on exact location and time period. Given this variation, different policies must be formulated for climate change adaptation and water source management.

SESSION 8 HIGHLIGHTS Session 8, A Vision for Future, was moderated by Prof. Dr. Kedar Rijal, former head of Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University (TU). Speakers included: Mr. Sanjay Gautam, Federal Parliament Member, Bardia; Hon. Mr. Yogendra Bahadur Shahi, Planning Commission Member, Karnali Province; Mr. Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, Member from Humla, Karnali Province; Mr. Jeremy Keeton, DCOP, Paani; and Mr. Megh Ale, President, Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT).

Mr. Jeremy Keeton, DCOP of Paani, first presented on the Nepal River Basin Conservation Fund (NRBCF) scoping study, which confirmed the need and demand for conservation financing. Many donors, including UNDP and ADB, are keen to leverage funds for this use. He also highlighted demand for NRBCF investments, particularly for forestry, hydropower, tourism, and capture fisheries. In addition, he presented examples of conservation finance models in Nepal, including micro; small and medium enterprise finance with banks or other lenders; potential river basin finance mechanisms; impact investing fund; and a conservation trust fund or foundation.

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Next, Mr. Sanjaya Gautam discussed issues of development verses environmental conservation in the Karnali region. He highlighted upstream and downstream linkages, for example in irrigation projects in Karnal Province and the Bardiya region which make use of water from the Karnali River.

The Honorable Mr. Yogendra Bahadur Shahi emphasized the need to develop the Karnali region while considering environmental impacts and conservation. In Karnali, 94% of the households currently use fuelwood for cooking. If this is replace with electricity, the environmental impact could be huge, in terms of reducing carbon emissions.

Mr. Jeevan Bahadur Shahi highlighted the need to recognize different personal interests when it comes to development projects. He shared a ‘SMART’ approach for sustainable development: Sustainable, Managerial, Appropriate, Reasonable and Timely/Technical. Dr. Megh Ale concluded with the suggestion for the Karnali River to remain free flowing as it is without hindering its flow in the name of development.

SESSION 9 HIGHLIGHTS The last session of the Summit, Session 9 covered Research Work from the Karnali Watersheds/ River Basin. The session was moderated by Dr. Deepak Rijal, chief technical specialist on Paani. Session presenters included: Mr. Steve Lockett, The Mahasheer Trust; Ms Karen Bennett, NRCT; Dr. Anup Gurung, YAE; Dr. Ramadevi Tachmo Shah, KU; and Mr. Aadarsha Sherchan, Center for Molecular Dynamics (CMDN).

Ms. Bennett highlighted findings from a paper on landscape, ecology, social economy and cultural value of Karnali River Basin for balancing environment and development activities in basin planning. She participated in data collection covering the entire Karnali River’s ecological and cultural profile. The study provided the geology, topographic characteristic, and overall landscape of the Karnali, in addition to conducting water quality samples collected from 69 streams. Species found during the study included Snowtrout (up until headwater height), Mahasheer (up until 1500 m height), dolphins (recorded 1-2 km upper site from Chisapani Pool). Ms. Bennett discussed ecotourism management in the region, suggesting that Kailash to Lumbini is ideal for ecotourism. Commercial rafting from Dungeswor to Chisapani is also an option, in addition to other recreational opportunities related to water. She also discussed alternative energy options, including micro hydro, as well as opportunities for maintaining vegetation in the region.

“The time to act is now, we’re doing it for our future generations.” —Karen Bennett, NRCT

Dr. Anup Gurung, YAE discussed water scarcity, which is especially persistent in rural mountains regions of Nepal. Water shortage for agricultural production and domestic purposes during the dry months of the year is a major concern in the mid-hill areas. Most settlements are far from rivers and streams, which lie at the bottom of deep gullies and valleys below, and construction of drinking water infrastructure if often too expensive or prohibitive in such settlements. Therefore, springs are the major source of water in the mid-hills, but most spring sources do not provide sufficient amounts of water, as their discharge pattern has been changed. YAE’s research on this topic included: mapping and assessment of spring sources in five watersheds, assessing spring water quality, documenting different sources of pollution, and applying the Water

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Poverty Index (WPI) in selected watersheds. Overall the spring water quality was found to be mostly in good condition. Dr. Ramadevi Tachmo Shah of KU discussed river health and biodiversity profiling activities completed in the Karnali and West Rapati Watersheds, in terms of their implications on basin planning and sustainable water resource management in western Nepal. The study covers 76 sites and three lakes. The study found that river networks are lifelines of a landscape. Wherever infrastructure is present, the impact of the operation of such infrastructures on aquatic ecosystems is poorly documented. In total, 69 fish species were recorded in pre-monsoon, and 59 in post- monsoon. There is greater diversity found in downstream sites.

Mr. Aadarsha Sherchan, of CMDN presented on a multi-disciplinary assessment of biodiversity in the Karnali River which sought to use environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for biodiversity monitoring and possible applications. A total of 150 eDNA samples were processed and 50 fish species genetically barcoded in Nepal. While the eDNA method is still an emerging science, it offers environment conservation and development projects an opportunity to address environmental and biodiversity issues. In conclusion, scientific research requires constant streams of funding. We cannot have a shortsighted disconnect between what is researched today that might never have implications on tomorrow. The benefits of collaborating on research tend to be exponential for all.

The moderator concluded that research partners should simplify the sciece and make scientific knowledge available and usable for all. Citizen scientists who are involved in this program will help ensure sustainability of biodiversity conservation efforts, but capacity building is necessary. Scientific mapping shows negative effects, and provides the opportunity to solve water scarcity problems, and to mitigate effects of disasters through effective planning and implementation. The Karnali River is ever-changing, but through sustainable management, we can help protect and improve the river system.

Conclusions and key takeaways

 Based on findings from NRCT’s Karnali transect expedition, ecotourism presents many opportunities throughout the Karnali River corridor.  Most spring discharge levels are decreasing in the mid-hill watersheds while drying up of springs are also evident  Spring water quality is within the range prescribed by WHO guideline and Nepal Drinking water guideline and are fit for use.  WPI can be an important tool to prioritize areas and plans for water resource and stress management for local governments. The application of WPI should be expanded into other local government units.  River networks are lifelines of a landscape.  Wherever infrastructure is present, the impact of infrastructure operations on aquatic ecosystems is poorly documented.  There is greater diversity of species found in downstream sites.  The gains of research collaboration are exponential.  To create absolute baselines, we need further sample collection. A singular season of sampling is not sufficient to find absolute data. Continued scientific funding is a must.  The eDNA method is still an emerging science, but can help address the environmental and biodiversity issues in future.

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SECTION IV: EVENT OUTCOMES

Overall, the Third National River Summit, held at Rakam Karnali, Dailekh, was successful in achieving its objective to convene different stakeholders in one place to enagage on river conservation and development in Nepal. The Summit provided a platform to share science, development outcomes and lessons learned, and better understand social and ecological implications of river development. It also provided an opportunity for interaction among all strata of stakeholders, to value and understand different viewpoints as they factor into future program and planning for Nepal’s river basins. Specific outcomes of the Summit include:  The Summit gathered more than 200 concerned stakeholders and river basin custodians together for almost 5 days in remote yet scenic Rakam, where they could live, feel, and touch the Karnali River.  It provided a platform for participants to jointly think through river basin development and conservation together.  It offered an opportunity to share scientific tools, facts, data, and traditional indigenous knowledge for effective planning and decision making.  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.

The Summit offered a rare platform for ethnic minority groups, community organizations, and individuals from affected riverine communities to engage in dialogue with local government representatives about proposed development, such as hydropower projects, and the impacts they may have in the Karnali River Basin.

"The Summit 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." —Mr. Dipak Gyawali, former minister of water resources, keynote speaker at the Third National River Summit

Paani’s youth engagement activity demonstrated 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 from participating youth illustrtated the benefit, especially for the Rakam youth who engaged with peers they otherwise might not have met, and also had a chance to apply their unique local perspectives for the betterment of their watershed area. One of the Rakam youth, Bimal Mohara, a Paani ‘citizen scientist,’ used to engage in electro fishing himself, but has since abandoned the destructive practice and now advocates against it. In this activity, he was able to pinpoint exactly where the practice still takes place, to enhance the model.

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“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

USAID PAANI PROGRAM/ NABIN BARAL

Winners of Paani’s youth competition on innovative watershed model design collaborate with their Rakam peers to build a physical watershed model at the Third National River Summit.

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ANNEXES

EXHIBIT A1: SUMMIT PRE-EVENT | ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION AGENDA ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION AGENDA | MARCH 26, 2019

Time Description Responsible person/organization

10:00-11:00 Arrival of guests/ Registration and high tea Amrita Kc and Gajendra Bohora ( Townhall Coordinators)

11:00-11:10 Welcome and Objectives Nimesh Regmi, Secretary, NEFEJ

11:10-11:20 Video related to issues of Karnali River Mr. Chandrakant Pandit, Technical Director, NEFEJ

11:20-11:50 Presentation about disaster in Lower Karnali: Mr. Krishna Kumar Gautam, Chairperson- Red cross, Bardia. Current status, impacts, issues and challenges

11:50-12:20 Keynote Presentation: Dr. Ajaya Dixit, Executive Director of ISET Nepal and Expert member of NEFEJ Planning & execution, preparedness, policies & loopholes, adaptation and way forward

12:20-1:50 Panel/ Round Table Discussion Panelists: 1. Honorable Minister for Internal Affairs and Law,(Province – 7) Mr. Prakash Bahadur Shah 2. Honorable Chairperson of parliamentary committee on Economy, Development and Natural Resources of Far west Province- Mr Harka Kunwar 3. Honorable Chairperson of parliamentary committee on Agriculture, Forest and Environment of (Province-5) Mr. Bijaya Bahadur Yadhav 4. Member of Parliament ( Province -7), Chain Kumari Chaudhary 5. Secretary of land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry of karnali Province- Mr. Shiv Narayan Chaudhary 6. Sub-Secretary of WECS (Senior Divisional Engineer) - Mr. Dinakar Khanal 7. Engineer from karnali River Management Project, Ramesh Bandu Aryal

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ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION AGENDA | MARCH 26, 2019

1:50-2:10 Wrap up and way forward based on discussion and presentation Dr. Ajaya Mani Dixit

2:10-2:15 Vote of thanks and program closing NEFEJ

2:15 onwards LUNCH

EXHIBIT A2: SUMMIT PRE-EVENT | ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION PARTICIPANTS ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION PARTICIPANTS

Local Representatives  Mr. Prakash Bahadur Shah, Honorable Minister for Internal Affairs and Law (Province – 7)  Mr. Gopal Prasad Paudel, President of Federation of National Irrigation Users  Mr. Nawal Singh Rawal, President of Mohanyal Rural Municipality  Mr. Nayan Singh Rajee, Karyapalika Member of Chaukune Rural Municipality  Mr. Ramesh Bandhu Aryal, Project Director of Karnali River Management Project  Mrs. Sukama Baadi, Karyapalika Member of Aathabish Municipality  Mr. Bijaya Bahadur Yadav, Chairman of Agriculture, Forest and Environment Committee of Province No. 5,  Mr. Dinkar Khanal, Vice-Secretary of Water and Energy Commission  Mrs. Keshari Rawal Bista, Vice-President of Tikapur Municipality  Mr. Gautam Poudel, Assistant Project Director of Terai Arc Landscape Program  Mr. Shiva Prasad Chaudhary, Mayor of Rajapur Municipality  Mr. Shankar Prasad Tharu, Coordinator of DCC Bardiya  Mr. Hark Bahadur Kunwar, Assembly Member, Finance Development and Natural Resources Committee of Far West Province  Mrs. Chun Kumari Chaudhary, Assembly Member, Province No. 5  Mr. Krishna Prasad Gautam, Chief of Red Cross Society Bardiya  Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Coordinator of DCC Kailali  Mr. Tara Lama Tamang, Assembly Member of Province No. 7  Mrs. Tika Devi Thapa, Deputy Mayor of Lamki Chuha Municipality  Mrs. Chanya Devkota, Deputy Mayor, Bhajane Municipality

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ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION PARTICIPANTS

 Mr. Shiva Narayan Chaudhary, Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives  Mr. Krishna Prasad Upadhaya, Under Secretary of BBDMP  Mr. Dipesh Tharu, Assembly Member of Province No. 5  Mr. Ram Bahadur Chaudhary, Ward Chairperson of Rajapur Municipality-5

Permanent government representatives  Warden - Bardia National Park  Department of Hydrology Meteorology Office, Nepalgunj  Police Station - Kailali  Nepal Army - Bardia National Park  Bheri Babai Diversion Project Office  Karnali River Management Project  Babai Irrigation Project Office  Water Induced Disaster Prevention Office  Irrigation Division Office (Bardia, Kailali)

Champions  Rani Jamara Kulariya  Bijaya Narayan Shrestha, Dolphin conservation Center  IPM school, Rajapur  Parbati Gurung, Chisapani  Dev Raj Jaisi- Rafting Entrepreneur Karnali

Affected communities  Sonaha Community  Majhi Community  Rajhi Community  Badi Community

I/NGOs, CBOs working on the issue  KIRDAC  BAFER  FECOFUN  Eco-Agro  NFIWUAN  WWF Nepal  Red Cross

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ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION PARTICIPANTS

 Samudahik Sarathi

Journalist representation from different areas  Bardia- 2  Banke- 3  Surkhet- 2  Kailali- 3

Rapporteurs  Bhumika Thapa- Nepal River Conservation Trust  Anisha Regmi- Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalist

EXHIBIT A3: SUMMIT PRE-EVENT | ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION DECLARATION The main output of the Round Table Discussion, held prior to the Third National River Summit, is a consensus of action/ declaration, developed with the agreement of all participants. The seven-point declaration is provided below:

1. We all are committed to implement mining of riverbed resources (sand, stone and gravel) following a scientific management system. The haphazard way of mining and collection of 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 Majhee, Rajee, Sonaha and Baadi will be given priority while formulating policy and laws. 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. 4. We are committed to implement each and every development projects in an environment and wildlife friendly manner; keeping environment and conservation related laws into account. 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.

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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 so as to identify and implement the possible solutions. 7. In regards 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.

EXHIBIT A4: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT AGENDA THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT AGENDA | MARCH 27- 31, 2019

WEDNESDAY, 27 MARCH 2019 | BIRENDRANAGAR, SURKHET

Arrival of Participants: All day depending upon Hotel Check-In: Respective Hotels after arrival Registration: Suva Hotel, Surkhet participants 18:00 onward

Keynote Dinner: At Suva Hotel Speakers: Welcome By Mr. Megh Ale Moderator: NRCT

18:30-20:00 Speakers: Mr. Madhav Belbase, Ms. Nilu Basnyat

THURSDAY, 28 MARCH 2019 | BIRENDRANAGAR, SURKHET

Breakfast: 07:30-08:30 Registration: 08:00 onwards Responsibility: Secretariat/NRCT

Opening Ceremony: At Suva Hotel 08:30-11:00 Chair: Hon. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, Chief Minister Master of Ceremony:

Chief Guest: Rt. Hon. Nanda Bahadur Pun, Vice-President Mr. Mausam Khanal

Keynote Speech: Mr. Dipak Gyawali, NWCF

Lunch: At Suva Hotel Departure to Rakam: 12:15pm | Shuttle bus will leave from Responsibility: Vendor/NRCT Suva Hotel 11:00-12:00

Arrival at Rakam: 18:00 Onward. Tent Allocation and Site and safety Briefing after arrival at Rakam Responsibility: Vendor/NRCT

Welcome to Participants by Aathabish Municipality

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT AGENDA | MARCH 27- 31, 2019

Keynote Speech: 19:20-19:40 Speaker: Er. Ganesh Shah Dinner: 19:00-20:00

FRIDAY, 29 MARCH 2019 | RAKAM KARNALI, DAILEKH

Yoga/Birding/Hiking: 06:00-07:00 Breakfast: 07:00-08:30 Rafting: 08:00-08:45 (for 50 participants)

Rakam Event Inauguration by Mayor of Aathabish Municipality | 08:45-09:00

Session 1 | 09:00-10:30 Theme: River Ecosystem and Biodiversity

Session Moderator/Chair: Invitee Speaker: Steve Lockett (Mahseer Trust)

Prof. Dr. Subodh Sharma (KU) Presenters/Speakers: Dr. Tek Gurung (NAARC) | Suresh Wagle (Paani) |

Dr. Ramdevi Tachamo Shah (KU) | Sarah Levine

Tea Break | 10:30-11:00

Session 2 | 11:00-13:00 Theme: River and Community Experience Sharing

Session Moderator: Mr. Mausam Khanal (NRCT) | Invitee Speaker: Mr. Surya Bahadur Shahi (Mayor) | Mr. Nagdev Yadav Session Chair: Mr. Khadga Raj Upadhyaya (Mayor) Speakers: River Representatives from different parts of Nepal

Lunch Break | 13:00-14:00

Session 3 | 14:00-15:30 Theme: Experiences Beyond Nepal

Session Moderator/Chair: Speaker/Presenters: Ms. Karen Bennett (USA)| Mr. Shawahiq Shiddiqui (India) | Mr. Shamsher Ali (Bangladesh) | Mr. Dhruva Kumar (India) | Ms. Hannah Baleta (USA) Mr. George Taylor (USA)

Tea Break | 15:30-16:00

Session 4 | 16:00-17:30 Theme: Sustainable Hydropower Development

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT AGENDA | MARCH 27- 31, 2019

Session Moderator/Chair: Invitee Speaker: Dr. Dambar Bahadur Nepali

Mr. Suman Basnet Presenters: Mr. Shyam Krishna Upadhyaya | Mr. Kumar Pandey | Mr. Pradip Gautam | Mr. Robert Frank Taylor

Rafting/Free Time: 17:30-18:15 (for 50 participants) Cultural Program, Video Show: 18:15-19:30

Dinner | 19:30-20:30

SATURDAY, 30 MARCH 2019 | RAKAM KARNALI, DAILEKH

Yoga/Birding/Hiking: 06:00-07:00 Breakfast: 07:00-08:30 Rafting: 08:00-08:45 (for 50 participants)

Session 5 | 09:00-10:30 Theme: Governance, Policies and Practice

Session Moderator/Chair: Invitee Speaker: Mr. Dev Raj Devkota (Mayor)

Dr. Dipendra Rokaya (Karnali Provincial Planning Speaker/Presenters: Mr. Bhupendra Shahi (Paani)| Mr. Pusparaj Sharma (Mayor) | Mr. Chiranjibi Bhattarai (NWCF) | Commission) Dhirendra Pradhan (GoN) | Mr. Sanot Adhikari (YAE) | Ms. Gitta Shrestha (IWMI)

Tea Break | 10:30-11:00

Session 6 | 11:00-12:30 Theme: River and Development in Nepal

Session Moderator/Chair: Case Presenters: Mr. Ramhari Dhakal | Mr. Ganesh P Neupane | Mr. Narayan Rijal

WECS Representative Presenters/Speakers: Mr. Guna Poudel | Mr. Bam Bahadur BC | Mr. Damodar Khadka |Ms. Sanita Dhaubanja (IWMI)

Lunch Break | 12:30-13:30

Session 7 | 13:30-15:00 Theme: Water Resource Management and Cross Cutting Issues

Session Moderator/Chair: Invitee Speakers: Mr. Madhav Belbase (WECS) | Mr. Ajay Dixit (ISET-N) | Speakers/Presenters: Dr. Santosh Nepal (ICIMOD)|Dr. Vishnu Pandey (IWMI) | Dr. Deep Narayan Shah/Dr. Ramesh Pant (TU) Ms. Nilu Basnyat (Paani)

Tea Break | 15:00-15:30

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT AGENDA | MARCH 27- 31, 2019

Session 8 | 15:30-17:30 Theme: A Vision for Future Duration: 2 hours

Session Moderator/Chair: Panelist: Hon. Nanda Singh Budha (Provincial Minister)| Hon. Bimala KC (Provincial Minister) | Hon. Sanjay Gautam (Federal MP)|Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli (NPC) | Mr. Megh Ale (NRCT) Prof. Dr. Kedar Rijal

Rafting/Free Time: 17:30-18:15 (for 50 participants) Cultural Program, Video Show: 18:15-19:30

Dinner | 19:30-20:30

SUNDAY, 31 MARCH 2019 | RAKAM KARNALI, DAILEKH

Yoga/Birding/Hiking: 06:00-07:00 Breakfast: 07:00-08:00

Session 9 | 08:00-09:30 Theme: Research Work From Karnali Watershed

Session Moderator/Chair: Presenters: Ms. Karen Bennett (NRCT) | Dr. Anup Gurung (YAE) | Dr. Ramdevi Tachamo Shah (KU)| Mr. Aadarsha Sherchan (CMDN) | Mr. Suresh Wagle (Paani) Dr. Deepak Rijal (Paani)

Tea Break | 09:30-10:00

Closing Ceremony | 10:00-11:30 Chair: Khadga Raj Upadhyay (Mayor) | Chief Guest: Hon. Mahendra Bahadur Shahi (Chief Minister)

Felicitation and Karnali Declaration

Lunch | 11:30-12:30

Departure Preparation | 12:30-13:30 Shuttle Bus will by 13:00 for Surkhet

Arrival at Surkhet and Hotel Check In Respective Hotels

Dinner at Hotel Suva | 07:30-09:00

MONDAY, 01 APRIL 2019 | BIRENDRANAGAR, SURKHET

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 28

THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT AGENDA | MARCH 27- 31, 2019

Shuttle Bus for participants from Kathmandu will leave River basin Representatives from different parts of Nepal will leave as per their by 05:00am (Food/meals on the way) convenient time.

Breakfast (only for air travelling participants) at Suva Hotel | 08:00-09:00

Hotel Check Out and airport shuttle departure : 09:10 onward

EXHIBIT A5: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS Name Organization/Location

1 Yogesh Bhattarai Youth Leader, Tehrathum

2 Janam Langwa Limbu Tamor River, Taplejung

3 Balaram Majhi Koshi Victim Society, Sunsari

4 Padam Majhi Koshi River, Saptari

5 Mamata Yadav Koshi River, Saptari

6 Bikram Yadav Koshi River, Saptari

7 Bishnu Awasti Mahakali River, Kanchanpur

8 Ramsingh Thagunna Mahakali River

9 Anjali Bohora Mahakali River

10 Devraj Jaisi Tourism Enterprenuer

11 Khadga Bahadur BK Bheri River

12 Bhumisar Tamatta Bheri River

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

13 Pateshwori Chaudhary Fish Group

14 Seema Gharti Rakachara Majhi Samuha

15 Shanti Sonah Sona Community President, Bardiya

16 Nayan Shing Raji Raji Community, Surkhet

17 Bijaya Shrestha Dolphin Conservation Center

18 Bam Bahadur BC Upper Karnali Concern Committee

19 Damodar Khadka Rani Jamara Irrigation

20 Santosh Limbu TPCTMJ, Sankhuwasabha

21 Dhruva Kumar Panchasheel Devt. Trust, UP, India

22 Durga Poudel MRDCC/Pyuthan

23 Subodh Gautam NEFEJ, Kathmandu

24 Chandrakanta Pandit NEFEJ, Kathmandu

25 Gopal Thapa NEFEJ, Kathmandu

26 Mohan K.C NEFEJ, Kathmandu

27 Birendra Jaisi NEFEJ, Kathmandu

28 Pushkar Khadka NEFEJ, Kathmandu

29 Purna Bahadur Khadka Pahilopost

30 Sher Bahadur Thapa Lokantar

31 Shiva Raj Ghimire Mid Western University, Surkhet

32 Sagar Shrestha Mid Western University, Surkhet

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

33 Birendra Khadka Mid Western University, Surkhet

34 Khadga Raj Upadhyay Mayor, Aathabis Municipality, Dailekh

35 Raman Thapa Magar Mayor, Rampur Municipality, Palpa

36 Santa Bahadur Shrestha Formar Secretary,

37 Saraswati Sigdel Deputy Chairperson,

38 Sita Dotel Journalist, Palpa

39 Bhakta Shahi NRCT, Dailekh

40 Mina Raji Karnali River, Bardiya

41 Prem Thapa Matawali Karnali River, Kailali

42 Tilak Chaulagain Citizen Scientist

43 Sushila Shrestha KIRDRAC, Surkhet

44 Rammoti Chaudhary HWEPC

45 Brijraj Kusuwaha Nadi Adhikar Manch, Nawalparasi

46 Dudhnath Gupta Nadi Adhikar Manch, Nawalparasi

47 Mangal Khadka Bajhang

48 Rajesh Dhungel USAID Nepal

49 Hon. Akkal Bahadur Rawal Provincial MP, Sudurpaschim

50 Rajendra Giri USAID Nepal

51 Khadga Bikram Shah Nepal Tourism Board

52 Uttam Kandel Trishuli Abhiyan, Dhading

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

53 Basu Dallakoti Trishuli Abhiyan, Dhading

54 Shiva Sundar Pudasaini Trishuli Abhiyan, Nuwakot

55 Keshab Prasad Pudasaini Trishuli Abhiyan, Nuwakot

56 Kishor Shrestha Bagmati River, Photographer

57 Swastik Pandey Bagmati River, Student

58 Sunil Pathak Sunkoshi River

59 Narayan Shrestha Sunkoshi River

60 Iman Singh Rana Dailekh, Karnali

61 Prem Bohora Karnali River

62 Gaurav Devkota Panchadewal, Achham

63 Manoj Subedi Madi River, Kaski

64 Adarsha Sherchan CMDN/Kathmandu

65 Vishnu Pandey IWMI/Kathmandu

66 Sanita Dhaubanjar IWMI/Kathmandu

67 Ramdevi Tachamo Shah KU, Dhulikhel

68 Deep Narayan Shah CDES/TU, Kirtipur

69 Ramesh Raj Pant CDES/TU, Kirtipur

70 Anup Gurung YAE, Kathmandu

71 Anish Pradhan Scientist

72 Radip Tandukar NRCT, Kathmandu

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

73 Keshari Tiwari CDES/TU, Kirtipur

74 Sarina Maharjan CDES/TU, Kirtipur

75 Anu Rai Kathmandu University

76 Bibek Shrestha Kathmandu University

77 Nischal Devkota Kathmandu University

78 Sanot Adhikari YAE, Kathmandu

79 Sujata Koirala YAE, Kathmandu

80 Sushma Tiwari YAE, Kathmandu

81 Mahendra Saru Karnali River Waterkeeper

82 Melina Sthapit Kathmandu University

83 Binod Bishwakarma ABC Television

84 Samikshya Chhetri Kathmandu University

85 Ananta Ghimire Journalist

86 Bijay Basyal CDES/TU, Volunteer

87 Renuka Poudel CDES/TU, Volunteer

88 Sunita Bhandari CDES/TU, Volunteer

89 Mohan Shahi Dailekh

90 Niranjan Rupakheti Goldengate College, Volunteer

91 Ganesh Rijal Kankai River, Ilam

92 Rachana Jha NES, Kathmandu

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

93 Anusha Pandey NES, Kathmandu

94 Pranil Pradhan NES, Kathmandu

95 Nabin Baral Marsyangdi, Lamjung

96 Topendra Khanal Kathmandu

97 Sabin Dulal Nalgad HPP, GoN

98 Ratim Dailekhi ABC Television

99 Vijaya Gautam Yoga Teacher

100 Asmita Aryal Agriculture and Forestry University

101 Parbati Kandel Agriculture and Forestry University

102 Gobinda Raj Joshi Baitadi

103 Purna Man Shrestha Resources Himalaya Foundation

104 Kamal Raj Khatri Resources Himalaya Foundation

105 Austin Lord Researcher, Cornell University, USA

106 Eugene Simonov River without Border, Russia

107 Simon Carriere Community Homestay Nepal

108 Chhatra Kumar Pathak NEEDS Nepal

109 Shreya Manandhar National College, Dhumbarahi

110 Shreni Rajbhandari National College, Dhumbarahi

111 Sarah Levine Presenter, KU

112 Bidur Thapaliya NARA, Kathmandu

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

113 Dipak Gyawali NWCF, Kathmandu

114 Dinakar Khanal WECS/GoN

115 Suman Basnet 0

116 Ajay Dixit ISET-Nepal

117 Ganesh P. Neupane Upper Tamakoshi HP

118 Narayan Rijal Upper Tirsuli HP

119 Chiranjibi Bhattarai NWCF, Kathmandu

120 Dambar Bahadur Nepali KU, Dhulikhel

121 Shyam Krishna Upadhyay MCA

122 Heera Man Waiba Phukot Karnali PRoR HEP

123 Hon. Sanjay Gautam Member of Parliament, Bardiya

124 Kumar Pandey IPPAN

125 Ganesh Shah Former Minister, NCP Leader

126 George Taylor USA

127 Karen Bennett USA

128 Steve Lockett Mahseer Trust, USA

129 Shamsher Ali NAM, Bangladesh

130 Shawahiq Siddiqui IELO, India

131 Robert Frank Taylor USAID NHDP/Nepal

132 Hannah Baleta USA

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

133 Mausam Khanal NRCT, Kathmandu

134 Subodh Sharma Registrar, KU, Dhulikhel

135 Kedar Rijal CDES/TU

136 Megh Ale NRCT, Kathmandu

137 Bhumika Thapa NRCT, Kathmandu

138 Padmendra Shrestha USAID NHDP/Nepal

139 Siddhartha Mani USAID NHDP/Nepal

140 Sanu Maiya Maharjan NRCT, Kathmandu

141 Shankar Khagi USAID Nepal

142 Rajesh Sada WWF Nepal

143 Sumitra Manandhar USAID Nepal

144 Debilal Budhathapa (Bishal) Community Leader, Bajura

145 Birkha Bahadur Rokaya Bufferzone Committee, Mugu

146 Dhiren Badi AACG, Ramaghat, Dailekh, Badi Leader

147 Lokendra Nepali Advocacy for Sustainable Road Constr.

148 Kushe Kami Microhydro owner, Achham

149 Dal Bahadur Majhi Fisherman, Rakam Karnali

150 Ramesh Bista AACG, Dailekh

151 Surya Bahadur Shahi Mayor, Chamunda Bindrasaini Mun

152 Govinda Bhandari Mayor, Dullu Municipality, Dailekh

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

153 Bhumisaran Dhakal Bajgain Deputy Mayor, Kamalbazar Municipality, Achham

154 Nilu Basnyat USAID Paani Program

155 Jeremy Keeton USAID Paani Program

156 Suresh Wagle USAID Paani Program

157 Anjana Shakya USAID Paani Program

158 Pradip Gautam USAID Paani Program

159 Pushkar Khanal USAID Paani Program

160 Bhupendra Shahi USAID Paani Program

161 Ganesh Bishwokarma USAID Paani Program

162 Manoj Chaudnary USAID Paani Program

163 Puspa Tiwari USAID Paani Program

164 Bhola Dhakal USAID Paani Program

165 Gajendra Singh USAID Paani Program

166 Laxmi Bhatt USAID Paani Program

167 Bandana Awasthi USAID Paani Program

168 Bhaskar Chaudhary USAID Paani Program

169 Basanta Pratap Singh USAID Paani Program

170 Ang Bahadur Lama USAID Paani Program

171 Lok Khadka USAID Paani Program

172 Suresh Ranjit USAID Paani Program

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

173 Bhaskar Bhattarai USAID Paani Program

174 Jagdish Bhatta USAID Paani Program

175 Roshan Bhatta USAID Paani Program

176 Min Mahatara USAID Paani Program

177 Deepak Rijal USAID Paani Program

178 Richa Karki USAID Paani Program

179 Himal Neupane Procincial MP

180 Narayan Joshi Darchula

181 Sher Bahadur Shahi FEDWASUN

182 Hon. Jiwan Bahadur Shahi Procincial MP

183 Tek Nath Neupane Media Mission

184 Aadesh Raj Sharma Model Maker/Paani

185 Shiva Giri Mayor, Syangja

186 Rajkumar Malla Mayor, Syangja

187 Tika Ram Tiwari Mayor, Syangja

188 Akadev Bhattarai Mayor, Syangja

189 Govinda Bharati Repoter, Karnali

190 Matuk Lal Chaudhary Driver/USAID, PAANI Program

191 Hitendra Shakya NEA

192 Anup Gurung Nepal Kayak Club

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THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

193 Krishna Prasad Jaisi Former Chair, Achham

194 Bhisma Adhikari Koshi River, Sunsari

195 Bikash Shrestha Balefi, Rural Municipality

196 Sita Ram Acharya Rampur Municipality/Driver

197 Sunil Ruchal Chapakot Municipality/Driver

198 Madan Tiwari Gokul Jaibik Sarathi Aban Gaubigyan Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd

199 Padam Bahdur Majhi DCC, Achham

200 Dhurba BC Naya Patrika

201 Raj Devkota Rakam Karnali/Community

202 Nima Thapa Rakam Karnali/Community

203 Shanti Rawat Rakam Karnali/Community

204 Rabin Chaudhari Nepal Hydropower Development Nepal

205 Prashant Ale River Guide/UDN

206 Amir Magar River Guide/UDN

207 Ganesh Bhatta River Guide/UDN

208 Sandeep Ale River Guide/UDN

209 Khim Rana River Guide/UDN

210 Samuel River Guide/UDN

211 Roshan Lama Kayakar

212 Tarzan Gurung Kayakar

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 39

THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

213 Hari Ale Kayakar

214 Lalit Bista Naya Karnali FM

215 Tarka Prashad Jaisi Naya Karnali FM

216 Ramesh Jung Thapa Majhi Rakam Karnali/Community

217 Janak Adhikari Kamalbazar Municipality/Driver

218 Sushil Kumar Karki YAE

219 Kamana Jha NCCSP, Achham

220 Bharat Majhi Student, Model Maker

221 Chattra Bahadur Majhi Student, Model Maker

222 Lav Raj Sahi Student, Model Maker

223 Bimal Bohara Student, Model Maker

224 Bhim Bahadur Bista MCP, Achham

225 Jagat Bista Ward Chief - 3, Kamalbazar Municipality, Achham

226 Ashok Kumar Singh NEFTOJ, Karnali Province

227 Dipak Badi Rakam Karnali/Community

228 Bishnu Gautam Team Member MP, Bardiya

229 Chetan Giri Team Member MP, Bardiya

230 Min KC Team Member MP, Bardiya

231 Nabin Khanal Team Member MP, Bardiya

232 Prabhat Singh Biswokarma Aaathabish Municipality Staffs

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 40

THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

233 Rabi Chaudhary Aaathabish Municipality Staffs

234 Dal Bdr. K.C. Aaathabish Municipality Staffs

235 Ramesh Bista Aaathabish Municipality Staffs

236 Birendra Jaishi Aaathabish Municipality Staffs

237 Dipa Bohora Dy Mayor, Aathabis Municipality

EXHIBIT A6: GESI BREAKDOWN OF SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS

Third National River Summit: Participation by Ethnicity Third National River Summit: Participation by Gender

237 250 10.1 199 200 10.5

150 16.5 58.6 100

50 38 4.2

0 Total Male Female BCTS Dalit Janajati Newar Others

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 41

EXHIBIT A7: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT MEDIA COVERAGE THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT MEDIA COVERAGE

COVERAGE MEDIA TYPE MEDIA OUTLET / LINK Photo exhibition (pre- Newspaper https://setopati.com/ghumphir/ghumphir-news/177249 event) Roundtable discussion, Newspaper http://www.hakahakionline.com/en/8496/seven-point-declaration-issued-to-stop-illegal-extraction-of-riverbed-materials-from- (pre-event) karnali-river/?fbclid=IwAR3ND8Ul9DfGTgwLZf0agGcXdK_Pt4Jz5g_4ZI2v6EgjBMLVf-R2ySUYXtg Newspaper https://www.hakahakionline.com/np/2019/03/27/21039/?fbclid=IwAR1zT7E012OOQcP9s5yz1Wsz3IduR6NKrz9bgA0iGaCuHP ugy8bKYpFmMqk Newspaper http://www.hakahakionline.com/en/8539/national-river-conference-lets-use-rivers-as-natural-resource/ Newspaper https://www.hakahakionline.com/np/2019/04/04/21315/ Newspaper https://www.hakahakionline.com/np/2019/03/28/21056/ Newspaper https://www.hakahakionline.com/np/2019/03/27/21039/ Newspaper https://www.hakahakionline.com/np/2019/03/26/21005/ Newspaper https://www.kantipurdaily.com/news/2019/04/01/15541064407438443.html?fbclid=IwAR3epAK4ptlb-h2_LjJdah- ZinW_QwPr_zugaEgZHt856y39Awrz1pe8MPA Newspaper http://naturekhabar.com/ne/archives/13129?fbclid=IwAR3q7BPGsiBOgOjzzR8bWEcSr8zkkoCLq8pjfk3l8cFgm7gjyQHbCA- YOgU Newspaper http://www.radiopaschimaawaj.org.np/news-details/425/2019-03-26?fbclid=IwAR2- pPThTMKfSXhbHXo3dQO2txBudAZf1bRqYhS9O_wcriOjL3S4gx2SR3o Newspaper https://hamrakura.com/news-details/59077/2019-03-27?fbclid=IwAR0k_k6KLHETklFUHBaiRU_g5IhE2ghZhg5yjffW50- cvC5dl47doWFXIEA#.XJrtfvW8hi8.facebook Inauguration event Newspaper https://www.hakahakionline.com/np/2019/03/28/21056/?fbclid=IwAR2uJwh0XvIRBKHaKrgwQsfo7zLqoMyQTvn03JGtljFNGrsF c_38cZa2vT0 Paani-led youth Newspaper https://www.kantipurdaily.com/hello-sukrabar/2019/05/03/155686221560152128.html?fbclid=IwAR06ozbFZWA- engagement activity wZbRzPsIdR5-9DWxmnrbwgRtQBnddPH86Q-s15BlXbbV5GA General Summit TV (Paani weekly show) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilSPXyGQokQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3RK4tyTtw- h1yN9lVO8DNVcmIrrn_4Ac3HqVXZuoq5ljDViLEAHoQZhRA Newspaper https://www.kantipurdaily.com/news/2019/03/30/155391070916342705.html Newspaper https://www.kantipurdaily.com/news/2019/03/31/15540011914414827.html Newspaper https://www.nayapatrikadaily.com/news-details/9958/2019-03-29 TV http://www.hakahakionline.com/en/8803/lets-join-hands-to-save-karnali- river/?fbclid=IwAR2E4clGPAyWUczLhDkOAoq5TyDlGmnG52tLMDneHYmwbGKSvm1AVibCG8I Newspaper/ digital https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2019/04/15/sri-darji-versus-mr-tailor-nepals-déjà-vudevelopment-debate/

USAID.GOV THRID NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT REPORT | 42

Newspaper https://www.kantipurdaily.com/koseli/2019/04/20/155573134225553215.html?fbclid=IwAR0OCmEG2qxxs8InacMZz5vohLM_t 2_1xlsO0aACkICJkIipgRvxdnKoCOc Newspaper/ digital https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/-indo-nepal-effort-needed-to-prevent-ganges-basin-fish-from-losing- genetic-variability--63795 Newspaper https://www.kantipurdaily.com/news/2019/04/01/15541064407438443.html?fbclid=IwAR3epAK4ptlb-h2_LjJdah- ZinW_QwPr_zugaEgZHt856y39Awrz1pe8MPA TV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilSPXyGQokQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3RK4tyTtw- h1yN9lVO8DNVcmIrrn_4Ac3HqVXZuoq5ljDViLEAHoQZhRA Radio http://www.radiopaschimaawaj.org.np/news-details/425/2019-03-26?fbclid=IwAR2- pPThTMKfSXhbHXo3dQO2txBudAZf1bRqYhS9O_wcriOjL3S4gx2SR3o Newspaper http://www.newsofnepal.com/2019/03/30/195823/?fbclid=IwAR1rv6cKh2gLuxfkQ-RoUYGwrY1F- 6MlXKFNdnKYIFKyCKru9OAAlh70BJ4 Newspaper https://hamrakura.com/news-details/59077/2019-03-27?fbclid=IwAR0k_k6KLHETklFUHBaiRU_g5IhE2ghZhg5yjffW50- cvC5dl47doWFXIEA

EXHIBIT A8: THIRD NATIONAL RIVER SUMMIT DECLARATION

The ‘Karnali Summit Declaration,’ developed and endorsed at the conclusion of the Third National River Summit, outlines the group’s consensus on the way forward for the conservation and sustainable use of Nepal's rivers, lakes, and other watershed areas. The declaration is as follows:

1. Emphasize serious concerns over excessive mining of river products in the name of infrastructural development, as per the decrease in the life of rivers due to unplanned urbanization and pollution, requests the government to take essential stems for immediate and impactful solutions to these problems. 2. Urge local and provincial government to take essential steps to formulate essential study guides such as Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) to manage excessive mining and excavation of riverine products, as well as control the carelessness in execution; only allow excavation on the basis of application prepared after all requirements are fulfilled and in the absence of which penalize accordingly. 3. Require the completion of Cumulative Impact Assessment and Strategic Basin Management Study during Hydropower construction as Hydropower Development may result in long-term unfavorable impacts in Himalayan, Hilly and Terai regions. 4. Obtain sustainable utility of benefits from employing river products and management of consumption of environmental services for conservation 5. Redefine development, after proper differentiation between constructive and destructive development, as the solution for the intellectual conflict between development and environment, and plan efforts of conservation for the benefit and livelihood of the most marginalized and nature- dependent communities.

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6. Control rivers to protect from river disasters triggered in the context of rivers being trapped in the hands of climate change and other calamities and not picturizing coasts as the only solution but managing favorable condition for manmade settlements to migrate out of risky areas for which integrated land utilization plan should be implemented after construction and discourage haphazard development. 7. As Nepal's weather forecasting technology is found to be reliable, trustworthy and effective thus, the same technology can be integrated for preparedness of river disasters through strengthening the technology for the development of information sharing between downstream and upstream residents. 8. This Summit revolts against the blind distribution of hydropower generation license and its commercialization and demands for the immediate end of all discrepancies of development. 9. Ask Nepal Government to create a legal framework for programs relating to hydropower, irrigation and other water utility programs to release the minimum amount of water for the river's natural and biotic values as well as its religious, cultural and spiritual qualities and for its regular inspection 10. Execute and draft biodiversity-related policies in organizational, provincial, was well as local level regarding the river's situational technology and teach sustainable practices of fishing to save endangered fish species for conservation of fish and other aquatic beings. 11. Arrange environment for demarcation of a 5 kilometer area on each side of the river as a ‘Sacred River Corridor.’ 12. Following all the protocols, declare Karnali River as ‘Wild and Scenic River’ for which proper legislature prior to its execution should be made. 13. Karnali river system as well as the entire Karnali Pradesh is rich in biodiversity and center focusing its backwardness; in perspective of economic development urges for intensive study and research on this subject; and make Karnali river and Karnali Province recognizable in national and international level and initiatives its special campaign for establishing a specific area/center for tourism, education and research. 14. Prioritize the formulation of (only) favorable developmental plan as the potentiality of abundant hydroelectricity production needed for Karnali region and nation in economical, reliable and environmentally friendly way has been identified through proper hydro energy production project in tributaries of Karnali River. 15. Develop the cultural, religious and natural tourism of Karnali region, religious, cultural and natural trail should be identified to develop the infrastructure accordingly, followed by intense advertisement to develop it as a tourism hub of the world. World's longest rafting competition shall be held covering the area of Province no 5, Karnali province and Far-western region, from Rakam, Karnali to Tikapur, Kailali in every 2 years. 16. Build networks in different waterbodies and rivers for river conservation, development and management incorporating committed Nepali and foreign river lovers with similar vision and as it's start a network of 'Friends of Karnali' will be established for development of Karnali province and conservation of Karnali rover 17. As festivals celebrated in different regions and communities of Nepal has rituals and traditions to respect rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, springs and water bodies as whole like Sithi Nakha of Kathmandu Valley, Chatth of Terai Region, river Festival celebrated in 3rd week in Majhi community, a thorough study/research on its relationship should be done and advocacy to identify and observe such festivals as national festivals 18. Joint initiative/ advocacy by province government of Karnali and Far-west floods and change in water current in Nepal due to Girjapuri damn built in India 19. The next Summit, the Fourth National River Summit, will be held at Kaligandaki River in 2021.

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