PAANI PROGRAM | पानी परियोजना FOURTEENTH QUARTERLY REPORT (July 1, 2019 – September 30, 2019)
Cover photo: Members of the Rakam-Karnali Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Group (CAACG) reading the provisions of the Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Act (AABCA) during an event organized by Aathbis Municipality of Middle Karnali Watershed to orient the community on the recently endorsed fish conservation bill. USAID Paani Program/Aura Creations
PAANI PROGRAM | पानी परियोजना FOURTEENTH QUARTERLY REPORT (July 1, 2019 – September 30, 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: OCTOBER 30, 2019
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CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS VI SECTION 1: ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 13 SECTION II: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 20 SECTION 1I1: ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION 22 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF CAPTURE FISHERIES 22 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR WATER MANAGEMENT 27 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND MINING 30 STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES 32 STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION35 STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: IMPROVE RIVER BASIN PLANNING 37 STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER 40 STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: SUPPORT CSOS TO ADVOCATE FOR TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE HYDROPOWER DECISION-MAKING 43 STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: STRENGTHEN POLICY AND PLANNING FOR INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (IWRM) 45 STRATEGIC APPROACH 4A: LEARN AND DISCOVER (GENERATE KNOWLEDGE) THROUGH A RESEARCH AGENDA THAT INFORMS SAS UNDER IRS 1 AND 2 50 STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: SUPPORT CAPACITY BUILDING, LEARNING, AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING IN ACADEMIC AND OTHER LEARNING SPACES 57 PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATION, KNOWLEDGE SHARING 58 CROSS CUTTING ISSUES 63 SECTION IV: ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 69 CONSTRAINTS AND PROPOSED REMEDIES 70 PERSONNEL UPDATES 72 GRANTS - COMPLETED, ONGOING, AND IN THE PIPELINE 73 SECTION V: LEARNING 80 RESULTS OF ANALYTIC WORK, ASSESSMENTS, AND EVALUATIONS 80 LESSONS LEARNED AND HOW THEY ARE USED TO INFORM PROGRAM PERFORMANCE80 SECTION V1I: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER 81 ANNEXES 112 EXHIBIT A1: INDICATOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING Y4 Q1 112 EXHIBIT A2: GESI ANALYTICS FOR PAANI ACTIVITIES 116 EXHIBIT A3: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1A 118 EXHIBIT A4: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1D 125 EXHIBIT A5: ANNEXES TO SA 4A 130 EXHIBIT A6: ANNEXES TO SA 4B 137 EXHIBIT A7: NEFEJ ANALYTICS IN Y4 Q1 139 EXHIBIT A8: BREAKDOWN OF LOCAL FUNDS ALLOCATED 159
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FIGURES AND TABLES
FIGURE 1: PAANI DEVELOPMENT HYPOTHESIS 14
FIGURE 2: RESEARCH ACTIVITES WITHIN PAANI WATERSHEDS 50
FIGURE 3: IDENTIFIED FISH SANCTUARY AREAS 55 TABLE 1: MEETINGS WITH USAID/NEPAL AND OTHER USAID PROGRAMS 59
TABLE 2: MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS 60
TABLE 3: GESI INTEGRATED MAJOR ACTIVITIES /OUTCOMES 64 FIGURE 4: LEADERSHIP OF WOMEN AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS IN LOCAL GROUPS 65
TABLE 4: KEY ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT TASKS COMPLETED DURING Y4 Q1 69
TABLE 5: ADDRESSED CONSTRAINTS FROM THE Y3/Q4 AND ANNUAL REPORT 70 TABLE 6: PAANI PERSONNEL UPDATES Y4 Q1 72
TABLE 7: CLOSED AND COMPLETED PAANI GRANTS AS OF Y4 Q1 73
TABLE 8: ONGOING PAANI GRANTS AS OF Y4 Q1 75 TABLE 9: PAANI GRANTS PIPELINE AS OF Y4 Q1 78
TABLE 10: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER 81
TABLE 11: INDICATOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING TABLE 112
FIGURE 5: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY EVENT TYPE IN Y4 Q1 116
TABLE 12: FISH SPECIES DISTRIBUTION OBSERVED IN FOUR WETLANDS 118
TABLE 13: NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN NEWLY FORMED CAACGS 120 FIGURE 6: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK TO DESIGN FUTURE RESEARCH ON INVASIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 125
TABLE 15: FISH SPECIES OF RANI TAAL, SHUKLAPHANT NATIONAL PARK, LOWER MAHAKALI WATERSHED 126
TABLE 16: PLANT SPECIES RECORDED IN AND ROUND RANI TAAL, SUKLAPHANTA NATIONAL PARK 127
TABLE 17. LIST OF WETLANDS OF RAMAROSHAN AND THEIR STATUS 133
TABLE 18: NEFEJ TV SHOW EPISODES BROADCASTED IN Y4 Q1 139
TABLE 19: NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y4 Q1 145 TABLE 20: NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD IN Y4 Q1 149
TABLE 21: RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS 156
TABLE 22: ANALYTICS OF HAKAHAKI WEB PORTAL IN Y4 Q1 157 TABLE 23: ANALYTICS OF ‘PAANI TV’ AND RADIO (YOUTUBE) IN Y4 Q1 158
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ABBREVIATIONS
AABCA Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Act
AABCB Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Bill
ADB Asian Development Bank
AEPC Alternative Energy Promotion Centre
ANUKULAN Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters
APS Annual Program Statement
ASHA Adaptation for Smallholders in Hilly Areas (project)
AWP Annual Work Plan
BAFER Balchaur Forest and Environment Resource Development Centre
BCN Bird Conservation Nepal
BCRWME Building Climate Resilience of Watersheds in Mountain Eco-regions (project)
BCTS Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakuri and Sanyasi
BFIs Banks and Financing Institutions
BMP Best Management Practice
CAACG Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Group
CAPA Community Adaptation Plans of Action
CAS Catch Assessment Survey
CBAPU Community Based Anti-Poaching Units
CBF Community Business Facilitator
CBR Community Biodiversity Register
CCA Climate Change Adaptation
CDES Central Department of Environmental Science
CFPCC Central Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Center
CFG Community Fishing Group
CFMG Capture Fisheries Management Guidelines
CFUG Community Forest User Group
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CIA Cumulative Impact Assessment
CIS Creative Innovation Society
CMDN Center for Molecular Dynamics Nepal
CREEW Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water
CRG Community River Groups
CS Citizen Scientist
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
CS: MAP Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project
CSO Civil Society Organization
DANAR Dalit Association for Natural Resources
DDC District Development Committee
DFID Department for International Development
DG Director General
DHM Department of Hydrology and Meteorology
DNPWC Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
DoAD Department of Agriculture
DoFD Directorate of Fisheries Development
DoLIDAR Department of Local Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Road
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction
DSCO District Soil Conservation Office
DTO District Technical Office
DTMP District Transport Master Plan
EAP Emergency Action Planning
EECCC Energy, Environment, Climate Change Coordination Committee
EFLGF Environmentally Friendly Local Governance Framework
EDC Energy Development Council
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMP Environment Management Plan
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ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
FAA Fixed Amount Award
FAN Forest Action Nepal
FECOFUN Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal
FEDWASUN Federation of Water and Sanitation Users Nepal
FEWS Flood Early Warning System
FGD Focus Group Discussion
FIRDO Fulvari Integrated Rural Development Organization
GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
GCC Global Climate Change
GIS Geographic Information System
GLOF Glacier Lake Outburst Flood
HbD Hydropower by Design
HCV High Conservation Values
HSAP Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol
HWEPC Human Welfare Environmental Protection Centre
IEC Information, Education and Communication
ICH International Centre for Hydropower Norway
IPPAN Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal
KISAN Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition project
KDCN Kalika Development Center Nepal
KIRDARC Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Center
LDCRCC Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Coordination Committees
LDCRC Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Committees
LAPA Local Adaptation Plans of Action
LTTA Long Term Technical Assistance
IBN Investment Board Nepal
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ICID International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage
ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
IDE International Development Enterprises
IFC International Finance Corporation
IPM Integrated Pest Management
IPPAN Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal
IR Intermediate Result
IRBM Integrated river basin management
IRBMP Integrated River Basin Management Platforms
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature
IWMA Integrated Watershed Management Activity
IWMI International Water Management Institute
IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management
ISET-N Institute for Social and Environmental Transition - Nepal
KII Key Informant Interview
KU Kathmandu University
LDCRP Local Disaster Risk Management Planning
LVRE Low Volume Roads Engineering
LWF Lutheran World Relief
MEDEP Micro-Enterprise Development Programme
MEWRI Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MHP Micro-hydropower
MoALD Ministry of Agriculture Livestock Development
MoE Ministry of Energy
MoFALD Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development
MoFE Ministry of Forest and the Environment
MoFSC Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation
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MoI Ministry of Irrigation
MoPE Ministry of Population and Environment
MPPW Ministry of Physical Planning and Works
MRDCC Mallarani Rural Development Concern Center
MSC Multi-Stakeholder Consultation (workshops)
MWU Mid-Western University
MUS Multiple Use Water System
NARC Nepal Agriculture Research Council
NAST Nepal Academy of Science and Technology
NBA Nepal Bankers Association
NCCSP Nepal Climate Change Support Programme
NEA National Electricity Authority
NHA Nepal Hydropower Association
NHDP Nepal Hydropower Development Project
NEEDS Nepal Environment and Equity Development Society
NENCID Nepal National Commission on Irrigation and Drainage
NEFEJ Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists
NEFIN Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities
NFIWUAN Nepal Federation of Irrigation Users Associations
NNSWA Nepal National Social Welfare Association
NPC National Planning Commission
NRBCF Nepal River Basin Conservation Fund
NRCT Nepal River Conservation Trust
NRSAS Nepal Road Sector Assessment Study
PAHAL Promoting Agriculture, Health, and Alternative Livelihoods project
PEA Political Economy Analysis
PES Payment for Environmental Services
PHG People’s Help Group
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PLA Participatory Learning and Action
PSC Project Steering Committee
PTC Project Technical Committee
RAP 3 Rural Access Programme
RCDC Rural Committee for Development Centre
RFA Request for Application
RHF Resources Himalaya Foundation
RVWRMP Rural Village Water Resources Management Project
RSC River Stretch Co-management
RuDEC Rural Development and Empowerment Center
SA Strategic Approach
SEE Sustainable Eco-Engineering
SEED Social, Environmental and Economic Development office
SEN Small Earth Nepal
SIA Social Impact Assessment
SOW Scope of Work
STTA Short Term Technical Assistance
SWAT Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)
SWN Scott Wilson Nepal
TAL Tarai Arc Landscape
TNC The Nature Conservancy
TOC Theory of Change
TROSA Transboundary Rivers of South Asia
TU Tribhuvan University
USFS United States Forest Service
USG United States Government
VDC Village Development Committees
VCA Vulnerability Capacity Assessments
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WECS Water and Energy Commission Secretariat
WMO World Meteorological Organization
WMS Watershed Management Specialist
WUMP Water Users Management Plans
WWF World Wildlife Fund
YAE Youth Alliance for the Environment
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SECTION 1: ACTIVITY OVERVIEW The USAID Paani Program – युएसएड पानी परियोजना – aims to enhance Nepal’s ability to manage water resources for multiple uses and users through climate change adaptation and the conservation of freshwater biodiversity. Paani employs an integrated, whole-of-basin approach with activities at the watershed, river basin, and national scales, to reduce threats to freshwater biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of targeted human and ecological communities in the Karnali, Mahakali and Rapti river basins through improved water management.
At the community and watershed levels, Paani increases the knowledge, engagement, and benefits of local water users in target river basins to build water management capacity (Intermediate Result 1). At the river basin level, Paani’s activities focus on sustainable hydropower, flood risk reduction, and participatory governance (Intermediate Result 2). At the national level, Paani focuses on policy and the enabling environment and improves coordination among stakeholders at all levels (Intermediate Result 3). Underlying its support across these three levels, Paani expands the knowledge base and Nepal’s capacity for on-going learning in the areas of freshwater biodiversity, climate change and water resources management (Intermediate Result 4).
In June 2017, the program shifted its approach to planning and implementation around 11 strategic approaches (SA). Each approach provides a logical path for understanding Paani’s work under each strategic theme. Results chains were then developed to set forth a pathway for each of the SAs, which are grouped under the four intermediate results as follows:
• Intermediate Result 1: Increased knowledge, engagement and benefits for local water users. To improve integrated water resource management, sustainable use of resources, and collaboration and investment on a significant scale, Paani is helping stakeholders build capacity through collaboration with local government, NGOs and other locally active stakeholders to address problems in their particular watersheds. Paani is helping stakeholders establish effective collaborative decision-making (governance) processes across five strategic approaches carried out at the watershed level: o SA 1a: Improve management of capture fisheries o SA 1b: Improve local capacity for water management o SA 1c: Improve local capacity for regulation and management of local road construction and (riverbed) aggregate mining o SA 1d: Improve local capacity for managing invasive species o SA 2b: Improve local capacity for disaster risk reduction (also applicable at the river basin level, under IR 2)
The experience and trust developed through collabortation will help Paani stakeholders work more credibly with other levels of government, and other stakeholders, donors, and decision-makers at the river basin (IR 2) and other (IRs 3 and 4) levels.
• Intermediate Result 2: Improved basin-level resource management. At the basin level, activities take into consideration entire catchment areas and the high level of connectivity of freshwater systems. Paani is building on watershed-level experience to carry out four approaches at the basin-level: o SA 2a: Improve basin level planning o SA 2b: Improve local capacity for disaster risk reduction (also applicable at the watershed level)
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o SA 2c: Support sustainable hydropower (also linked with a strategic approach under IR3) o SA 3b: Support CSOs to advocate for transparent and accountable hydropower decision-making (also cross-cutting at the national level)
• Intermediate Result 3: Strengthened coordination and enabling environment o SA 3a: Strengthen policy and planning for integrated water resource management (IWRM) o SA 3b: Support CSOs to advocate for transparent and accountable hydropower decision-making (also applicable at the basin level)
• Intermediate Result 4: Expanded knowledge base o SA 4a: Learn and discover (generate knowledge) through a research agenda that informs the strategic approaches under IRs 1 and 2 o SA 4b: Support capacity building, learning and knowledge sharing in academic and other learning spaces over the long term
With the understanding that IRs still provide the broad framework for Paani’s work, the program plans and implements according to the above SAs. Therefore, and in line with the Paani Year 4 (Y4) Annual Work Plan (AWP), this quarterly report documents project activities according to the 11 SAs and the tasks that fall under them. Nonetheless, the SAs are interwoven differently in each river basin or watershed. To ensure that activities under each SA complement each other effectively across areas of implementation, Paani has identified focused initiatives, as described later in this section.
Paani is a sister project to the USAID-funded Nepal Hydropower Development Project (NHDP) and to complementary projects funded by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The program also builds on USAID/Nepal’s experience and on-going projects in terrestrial conservation, extending successful community-based models for reducing threats to key species and for building resilience.
Paani is a part of USAID’s on-going investment in strengthening natural resource management in Nepal. The Task Order was signed on April 11, 2016 for a 56-month period that ends on December 16, 2020. In mid-July 2016, the Government of Nepal (GON), Ministry of Finance and USAID signed an implementation letter that enabled DAI to formally begin coordination and planning with the GON and other partners to carry out the Paani program. The program is helping the GON achieve results related to several national policies, strategies and action plans, both existing and under formulation. Paani is also making real the provisions in the country’s 2015 Constitution, particularly in integrating improved water governance into the newly established provinces.
Paani believes that by demonstrating the value of freshwater biodiversity, strengthening governance and stakeholder relationships at all levels and strengthening the base and use of evidence, the program can catalyze transformative change in Nepal’s capacity to manage its freshwater resources and enhance resilience to a changing climate - from Nepal’s high mountain slopes to the rich waterways of the Tarai. The overall development hypothesis upon which Paani is based is presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1: PAANI DEVELOPMENT HYPOTHESIS
• There is improved scientific information to inform decision making; • Better capacity to manage freshwater resources; IF: • Effective governance; • Local solutions that enhance resilient livelihoods and promote freshwater conservation; and • A stronger policy and institutional enabling environment to coordinate the multiple uses of water,
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The government and people of Nepal will: THEN: • Conserve freshwater biodiversity, • Adapt to climate change, and • Maintain the natural resource base needed for sustainable economic growth.
To translate this theory of change into action, Paani is applying five key principles that are integral to an overall integrated river basin management (IRBM) approach that connects upstream and downstream stakeholders—including women and lower caste members—in taking actions that will strengthen water resources governance, management and protection. Indeed, promoting stakeholder engagement and collaboration flows through all five principles:
• Engage Paani stakeholders through user-centered design • Foster upstream-downstream linkages • Apply theories of change and adapt activities to reflect evolving political, ecological and economic circumstances • Focus on sustainability • Integration of technical components and modalities to mutually reinforce tasks
By December 2020, Paani will have helped stakeholders accomplish the following:
• Improved river basin and watershed management in the Rapti, Karnali and Mahakali river basins. Each basin will have reduced threats to freshwater ecosystems, conserved biodiversity, and enhanced human well-being. • Communities and water users from local to national levels will have increased their knowledge and capacity to deal with climate vulnerabilities through climate smart practices. • Through centers of excellence, champions of sustainable water management will network well with each other and connect effectively with other stakeholders. Champions at multiple levels will provide insights and perspectives that are respected by decision-makers and contribute to widespread beneficial changes in watershed management and climate change adaptation practices. • Issues related to integrated and basin-level water management, freshwater biodiversity, gender and social inclusion will be accepted as essential to national discourse and policy development on water, energy and development. • In multiple watersheds throughout the three river basins, baseline and end-line surveys will have demonstrated significantly reduced threats, increased resilience and other benefits through implementation of watershed and basin level plans with the following key features: upstream and downstream linkages, gender and social inclusion (GESI), climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR), monitoring by local people, and “green” infrastructure. • A long-term funding mechanism for river basin management and innovation will have been established. • Multiple users of water and freshwater biodiversity will have improved their understanding, attitudes, values and behaviors relating to the conservation and sustainable use of water and freshwater biodiversity.
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Paani Year 4 Focused Initiatives1
In June 2018, Paani determined it could be more strategic by aligning resources to leverage program activities for greater impact where early successes could be scaled, or emerging opportunities seized. These opportunities, referred to as focus initiatives, included four thematic areas tied to Paani’s strategic approaches. These focus initiative concepts were further refined in early February 2019 at a strategy workshop and again during the June 2019 annual work planning retreat. For Year 4, Paani’s program strategy builds upon these focus initiatives and includes a more focused implementation strategy for all its basins, watersheds, and strategic approaches.
FOCUSED INITIATIVES
RIVER STRETCH CO- SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTALLY BASIN PLATFORMS MANAGEMENT HYDROPOWER FRIENDLY ROADS MODELS
SA 1a Fisheries SA 2c Hydropower SA 1a Fisheries SA 1a Fisheries
SA 1c Roads and Mining SA 3b Advocacy SA 1b LWM SA 2a Basin Management
SA 1d Invasives SA 3a Policy SA 1c Roads and Mining SA 3b Advocacy
SA 3a Policy SA 4b Learning SA 4b Learning SA 3a Policy
SA 4c Research
SA 4b Learning
A. COLLABORATIVE AQUATIC RESOURCES CO-MANAGEMENT MODELS One of Paani’s most innovative efforts is the work being done by team members, grantees, and local stakeholders to create a model for river stretch co-management to enhance protection of Nepal’s high value aquatic biodiversity areas. Paani’s river stretch co-management model is derived from Nepal’s successful community forest program. The community forestry program in Nepal is a government effort to reduce forest degradation and to promote sustainable forestry practices as well as to improve the livelihood of the community. Last year, the desired outcome was to create at least one successful collaborative aquatic resources co-management example in Nepal. Building on rapid progress and increased local community interest in this initiative during Year 3, Paani is continuously refining the approaches taken by its grantees to develop the river stretch co- management model and a step-by-step process to establish the authority for Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Groups (CAACGs). Paani will adapt lessons from this experience as it works
1 See Paani’s Year 4 Annual Work Plan for full descriptions of the Focus Initiatives
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with the DNPWC and communities in protected areas and as it helps stakeholders integrate livelihood initiatives into these models.
In Year 4, model refinement focuses on developing an appropriate operational system for governance and management of the CAACGs as well as integration of livelihood development. The goal is to complete the entire development process for river co-management in four watersheds in the Karnali and Rapti Basins, the location where river groups are the furthest along in the process. These four watersheds – the Lower Karnali, Middle Karnali, Middle Rapti and Jhimruk Kola – will serve as models for all other watersheds implementing fishery activities to replicate.
B. NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER STRATEGY Paani refined its sustainable hydropower strategy for Year 4 based on an opportunity to conduct a national system-scale analysis in partnership with WWF, which will build support for energy development in Nepal that promotes prosperity and protects high value conservation areas. This analysis will utilize a methodology pioneered by TNC called Hydropower by Design (HbD). The concept of HbD is that by shifting the scale of hydropower planning and management – decisions about which projects get built and how they are operated – away from single dams and towards the system scale, a country can achieve better ecological, economic, and social outcomes.
WWF USA, a Paani subcontractor, will conduct a system scale planning (SSP) assessment to inform how hydropower planning and development in Nepal can be balanced with other energy options and conservation goals. The project will be led by WWF USA with technical expertise provided by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), University of California Berkeley, Stanford University, McGill University, and additional international independent consultants. The project will inform and complement WECS’ river basin management planning and ultimately support Nepal to make informed decisions about the proper siting and design of hydropower projects.
By the fall of 2020, the work will result in a final report that includes:
• An energy options assessment for Nepal that will quantify the costs and benefits of alternative development electricity systems, including an option that pursues increased investment in solar, wind, and pumped storage. • A report detailing the High Conservation Value Rivers of Nepal, based on characteristics such as connectivity, sediment, fish habitat and other aquatic biodiversity, cultural, social and economic values to communities. • A report and decision support database on system scale planning for the Karnali Basin. The report will describe the SSP approach and demonstrate how the decision support database can be used to explore tradeoffs, make those tradeoffs visually clear and understandable, and to search for a set of investment options (defined in terms of location, design and operation) that perform well across a range of economic, social and environmental objectives. The system scale planning project provides Paani the opportunity to create a more comprehensive and strategic approach to sustainable hydropower which aligns efforts of the SAs for sustainable hydropower, policy, advocacy, and river basin management.
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C. A COMPREHENSIVE CASE STUDY FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ROAD DESIGN Paani also refined its approach to rural roads and mining strategy based on the realization that adopting guidelines alone does not directly lead to better road practices. It is well known that despite the threats roads and mining development have on watershed health and public safety, current practices continually fail to comply with existing rules and guidelines required by the Government of Nepal (GON). Paani has identified three principle, but not necessarily equal, drivers for why best practices are not followed for rural roads.
1) The GON has yet to establish the institutional oversight and standards at the provincial level to support local governments with technical infrastructure design. 2) The socio-economic and political pressures for improving quality of life, livelihoods, and development opportunity at the local, provincial, and national scale is overriding any environmental or public safety concerns. 3) The lack of knowledge and technical expertise at the local level results in heavy equipment operators acting as road engineers during construction. In Year 3, Paani developed a new contractual partnership with Scott Wilson Nepal (SWN) to provide engineering technical assistance for an environmentally friendly road design model demonstration project in two sites, one in the Middle Karnali watershed and the other in the Jhimruk Kola watershed, both to be implemented early in Year 4. Similar to their contributions in Year 3 in Middle Karnali watershed, USFS may continue to collaborate on providing similar technical assistance on Paani in Year 4, depending on their funding situation.
In Year 4, Paani and its grantees are working across 4 watersheds – the Middle Karnali, Jhimruk, West Seti, Tila - to build awareness of the benefits of environmentally friendly roads through workshops, providing support on the adoption of rural road guidelines, and building capacity of user groups on monitoring and advocacy. Paani is working to integrate its different activities to develop a stronger proof of concept demonstration of not only the technical feasibility and ecological benefits of environmentally friendly infrastructure, but also the social, economic, and political value of higher quality rural roads.
D. INFORM AND STRENGTHEN A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER VISION AND PLATFORM FOR THE KARNALI. Paani will continue to support the development of watershed and basin level platforms that can engage in future basin level platforms and inform Nepal’s vision and capacity to balance development and conservation in the Karnali River ecosystem through the following:
• Build capacity of watershed level stakeholder platforms though water resource co- management models. • Support Karnali Pradesh with tailoring the federal Water Resources Bill and National Water Resources Policy to support co-management. • Develop an engagement strategy to involve stakeholders interested in the Karnali River in the national hydropower strategy, especially the system scale planning project. • Disseminate key findings to stakeholders interested in the Karnali including: o Key findings from the NRCT Karnali River expedition report, which identifies highest value conservation areas across the Karnali River Basin. o Existing and internationally accepted best practices to advance a rationale for
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sustainable hydropower in Nepal.
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SECTION II: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report presents overall accomplishments and detailed reporting for activities during Paani’s fourteenth quarter, from July 1 through September 30, 2019.
This quarter, Paani formed 16 new CAACGs, bringing the total to date to 33. These groups are working with local governments to monitor aquatic resources and strengthen river stretch co- management arrangements. Six municipalities/rural municipalities enacted the Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Act (AABCA) in Y4 Q1 with Paani’s support, enabling them to hand over management of river stretches to CAACGs. In Karnali Province, the provincial cabinet passed the AABC Bill and forwarded the Bill to the Provincial Assembly.
In terms of other enabling environment support, Paani collaborated with USAID’s National Hydropower Development Program (NHDP) to develop “Case Studies on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in Water Resources Disputes” to inform drafting of the Water Resources Bill, upon request of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI). The Case Studies include reviews of dispute resolution mechanisms of five federal countries from three continents, including Brazil, Canada, India, Pakistan, and U.S.A. Paani also submitted written suggestions on the National Fisheries Development Policy and National Electricity Bill.
Paani prepared fisheries and biodiversity inventories of wetland systems, identifying 24 fish species and 50 species of aquatic plants in four new locations, which will inform management plans in four wetlands in the Lower Mahakali and Lower Karnali watersheds. Research also identified 150 bird species in Shuklaphanta National Park and analyzed benefits of aquatic ecosystems to communities, water quality, bird species, and threats to aquatic biodiversity in the 12 lakes of the Ramaroshan Lake system, Achham District. With a national and international study team from SNV, Paani drafted case studies and held workshops at the provincial and national level to collect input that fed into a draft national fisheries conservation framework and market development study to be finalized next quarter. The program also initiated a scoping study to identify and quantify ecotourism market opportunities and products that support improved aquatic biodiversity.
Building on previous work on rural roads with the United States Forest Service (USFS), Mid-Western University (MWU) and Scott Wilson Nepal (SWN), Paani saw Aathabis Municipality allocate their own funds to environment friendly (EF) roads. In total, 185,000 USD has been allocated for 10.5 km of roads in Middle Karnali watershed. In fact, local governments have allocated 300,000 USD in the past six months on activities initiated or supported by Paani, demonstrating the value local governments see in aquatic biodiversity conservation, and a willingness to carry them on independently (See Annex, Exhibit A8 for a breakdown of local funds allocated by river basin/watershed).
Paani also achieved significant milestones in its work supporting sustainable hydropower this quarter, holding national and regional consultative workshops for three studies under the WWF sub-contract in Kathmandu, Bardia and Surkhet. At the Kathmandu workshop, Paani formed two advisory groups, with the High Conservation Value (HCV) Rivers group convening their first meeting. To support the roll out of these studies, along with e-flow information and the CSO guidelines to healthy rivers (drafted this quarter), Paani also began development of a hydropower advocacy strategy to
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encourage GON uptake of this information to feed into national level policies and plans on hydropower.
In addition, Paani gained traction with the Nepal River Basin Conservation Fund (NRBCF) this quarter. In August, the project held a co-creation workshop with 14 applicants from the private sector, NGOs and academia to provide an opportunity for them to identify synergies and form consortiums with complementary skills. By the end of Y4 Q1, Paani selected a highly qualified fund manager.
Finally, NEFEJ continued to hold 11 town hall meetings during the quarter, including seven follow up town hall meetings (i.e., those held on the same topic in the same location as opposed to those covering new topics and/or in new sites). The follow up town hall meetings are proving successful in checking the status of local government commitments. As a result of these meetings, local governments have allocated 16,300 USD to conservation efforts in select Paani watersheds (included in the 300,000 USD mentioned above).
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SECTION 1I1: ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION This section covers progress on tasks under each strategic approach (SA). Participation broken down by gender and caste/ethnicity for events and select activities across the program that are mentioned under these SAs are outlined in the Annex, Exhibit A2.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1A: IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF CAPTURE FISHERIES The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce threats to freshwater biodiversity and fisheries livelihoods by reducing poaching, destructive and illegal fishing, and overfishing.
Throughout Year 4 Quarter 1 (Y4 Q1), Paani has made progress towards the desired results for this strategic approach, and the focused initiatives that fall under this SA. For example, Paani identified 24 fish species including native and exotic invasive species and 50 species of aquatic plants to inform management plan of four wetlands in Karnali River Basin, Lower Mahakali and Lower Karnali Watersheds. Paani also formed 16 Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Groups (CAACGs) and mobilized them on aquatic resource monitoring upon which communities can establish and stregthen river stretch co-management arrangements. The 33 total CAACGs formed thus far by Paani held regular meetings to discuss conservation activity and plan for monitoring of aquatic biodiversity. Case studies and workshops conducted by Paani for the development of a fisheries conservation framework and market development study identified the need for a systematic catch assessment survey (CAS) to develop business cases for capture fisheries. Paani also initiated an ecotourism scoping study to identify and quantify ecotourism market opportunities and products that support improved aquatic biodiversity. Awareness efforts, such as the installation of hoarding boards, wall paintings, and technical dialogues with government line agencies have created a broad forum to manage aquatic biodiversity collaboratively.
Progress over the Y4 Q1 is reported below:
TASK 1.1.1: ASSESS CAPTURE FISHERIES
Sub-task C 1.1.1. Prepare fisheries and biodiversity inventories
During Y4 Q1, Paani identified 24 fish species2 (Annex, Exhibit A3), including native and exotic invasive species, and 50 species of aquatic plants through aquatic biodiversity research (Forest Action Nepal-FAN) in four new locations: Ramaroshan Lake (Karnali River Basin-KRB), Jhilmila and Rani Tal Lake (Lower Karnali) and Satti Tal Karnali Lake (Middle Karnali). In Y4 Q1, grantee Creative Innovation Society (CIS) conducted three
2 To date, Paani has identified 211 species. These 24 species are included in those 211 but were identified in four new locations this quarter. This is important in terms of fish species distribution.
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focus group discussions (FGDs) in Lower Mahakali to prepare profiles of fisher communities and assess vulnerabilities to their livelihoods. This information will provide technical background for the development of the Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Act (AABCA), Capture Fisheries Management Guidelines (CFMG) and wetland management plans for Lower Mahakali and Lower Karnali Watersheds, and help in prioritizing conservation activities. In Y4 Q2, work under SA 4A will further inform the aquatic biodiversity inventory for strengthening regulatory framework and conservation measures.
In Y4 Q1, grantee Human Welfare and Environment Protection Centre (HWEPC) provided an orientation training to eight CAACGs involving citizen scientists to initiate mini assessments of aquatic biodiversity in Middle Rapti watershed. An updated community biodiversity register (CBR) will inform CAACGs’ periodic and annual operation plans to conserve high biodiversity value aquatic species. In Y4 Q2, Paani will further support community organizations to develop and maintain the CBR to track changes in aquatic biodiversity and fishing practices.
In Y4 Q1, Paani developed a scope of work (SOW) to conduct an ecology study of migratory fish species that will identify seasonality, routes and major factors affecting their ecology through multi- stakeholder consultations and sample-based physiology assessments. The goal is to deepen understanding and better manage and conserve high commercial and biodiversity value species identified in Year 3 (Y3). The study will inform the development and revision of sustainable capture fisheries management guidelines, as well as the high conservation value (HCV) study. In Y4 Q2, Paani will develop a strategy and program to engage intern(s) in the study of migration ecology (linked with SA 4B)
Sub-task C.1.1.1-2 Build capacity of fisher community to engage in alternative business enterprises
Assessment of aquatic resource-based livelihoods, practices, and ecotourism development in Nepal’s selected river basins
In Y4 Q1, Paani, in collaboration with SNV national and international consultants, developed guiding principles to develop a fisheries conservation governance framework and market development strategy. The study team conducted field research for six case studies in Middle Rapti and Middle Karnali watersheds to test the framework principles on the ground and explore the possibility to develop capture fisheries-based markets in select river stretches. An analysis of case studies revealed that a systematic catch assessment survey (CAS) is required to develop a business cases for capture fisheries.
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Paani also organized provincial and national level workshops in Surkhet and Kathmandu attended by participants from government line agencies, the tourism sector, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to share the draft conservation governance framework and receive feedback from participants. The feedback from the workshops and case studies is being analysed and synthesized by the SNV consultant team to prepare the final report. The document will be instrumental in informing strategic planning for fisheries Net mapping of how fish product flows through a value chain: an outcome of a conservation and fisheries-based group exercise at the central level workshop, Kathmandu. market development, including identification of livelihood alternatives and support to sustainable fisheries markets through ecotourism development and fisheries value chain enhancement.
In Y4 Q2, Paani will develop the SOW for STTA/vendor services for the CAS and development of capture fisheries-based business cases.
Develop SOW for feasibility study of aquaculture and culture-based fisheries
In Y4 Q1, Paani developed a SOW for vendor services to conduct a feasibility study of aquaculture and culture-based fisheries in five mountain districts (Kalikot, Jumla, Mugu, Humla and Dolpa) in Karnali Province to inform the Karnali provincial government’s plans to develop a capture fisheries livelihood program for fisher and marginalized communities that are dependent on capture fisheries, thus reducing pressures on freshwater biodiversity conservation in situ. The two study proposals received are under review and evaluation. The Province should consider new aquaculture sites alongside plans for capture-based fisheries, so that the activities go hand in hand. The SNV capture fisheries work will therefore inform potential aquaculture sites alongside other feasibility studies.
Paani will conduct the feasibility study in Y4 Q2 to identify suitable areas for aquaculture in consideration of technical, economic and social factors, such as access to technical services; production input supply networks and mechanisms; mapping of river stretches and other natural water bodies of high biodiversity value suitable for culture based fisheries; assessment of market opportunities for farmed and culture based fisheries; and a detailed project report (DPR) for commercial fish hatcheries and aquacultue farms for distinct ecological areas.
Conduct ecotourism scoping study
In Y4 Q1, Paani developed a SOW and initiated an ecotourism scoping study with the objective to integrate ecotourism additional livelihoods into river stretch co-management models. The study will identify and quantify ecotourism market opportunities and products that support improved aquatic biodiversity in high value conservation areas. Following the results of the study, Paani will identify ecotourism investment opportunities with the private sector, local governments, and communities. In Y4 Q2, Paani will develop a SOW for STTA/vendor to develop training modules on select ecotourism products and services as per the recommendations made by the scoping study.
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C1.1.2.2. Facilitate participatory development of sustainable capture fisheries and co- management guidelines
In Y4 Q1, two municipalities (Bhimdutta & Mahakali) in Lower Mahakali watershed endorsed CFMG developed with technical support from Paani and grantee National Environnment and Equity Development Society (NEEDS) Nepal. The CFMG is a technical guideline that describes the methods, processes and limitations of fishery management and fishing activities for the community to follow for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and sustainable use. Through grantee Nepal National Social Welfare Association (NNSWA), Paani also supported Parshuram Municipality and Alital Rural Municipality (RM) of Rangun watershed to develop CFMGs. Based on fish biodiversity and fishing practices in the water bodies of Rangun Watershed, and through wider consultations with stakeholders, draft CFMGs were prepared and submitted to respective municipalities for review and ratification. Also in Y4 Q1, Paani facilitated six local governments in the Thuligaad, Bogatan Lagam and Jhimruk watershed to develop and pass Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Acts (AABCA) (linked with SA 3a Policy).
In Y4 Q2, Paani will support other local governments to develop AABCAs and CFMG in other priority watersheds, and provide necessary follow up for the endorsement of CFMG where they have been submitted.
Sub-task C1.1.2-3 Support to form Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Groups (CAACGs)
In Y4 Q1, Paani formed 16 CAACGs in municipalities of Lower Mahakali, Jhimruk and Middle Rapti watersheds to monitor aquatic resources (33 CAACGs total have been formed to date). In the group formation process, grantees HWEPC in Middle Rapti and Mallarani Rural Development Concern Centre (MRDCC) and Kalika Development Center Nepal (KDCN) in Jhimruk watershed supported communities and local governments to discuss the status, issues, and need for local level initiatives on aquatic resources and aquatic biodiversity conservation. Paani shared the prospects of river stretch co-management (RSC), a collaborative model of shared governance of aquatic resources, where the community can play a central role in implementing AABCAs and CFMG. The new CAACGs are now in the process of developing statutes and registering. In addition, the process of forming a CAACG in Airawati RM, Jhimruk inspired the RM to allocate funds for aquatic biodiversity conservation. The RM will spend NPR on training in conducting mini assessments of aquatic biodiversity, resource monitoring, and organizing monthly meetings for the group. Grantee CIS also formed two new CAACGs in Lower Mahakali watershed.
In Y4 Q2, Paani will continue to form CAACGs as formal institutions to initiate co-management processes in Lower Karnali, Middle Karnali and Thuligaad Watersheds.
Sub-task P1.1.2.5 Organize & develop operational plans for community groups (Support for monthly and quarterly meetings of CAACGs)
In Y4 Q1, 16 CAACGs in Middle Karnali, Jhimruk and Middle Rapti Watersheds held 33 monthly meetings to discuss action plans on conservation. In Y4 Q2, Paani will support these meetings to help CAACGs strengthen their capacity to develop operational plans.
CAACG involved in enforcement of AABCA and CFMG
This quarter, after the enactment of the AABCA, members of CAACGs in Middle Rapti Watershed adopted the fishing provisions in the Act and began regularly monitoring fishery resources in
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vulnerable areas (fishing and biodiversity hot spots). They also attempted to confiscate illegal equipment employed for fishing. There are anecdotal claims that, with these efforts, the fish population started to increase both in size and number, specifically Raini, Mahseer and Udhahar. The reappearence of turtle in a stretch of the Rapti River provides further evidence of improvement in regeneration of aquatic fauna in the watershed.
CAACG runs saving and credit scheme
In addition, 11 CAACGs initiated saving and credit schemes to support their financial needs, saving NPR and providing credit to members at a nominal interest rate (Annex, Exhibit 3). These schemes have helped build strong relationships among the members, encouraging them to stay in the group and and contribute to group objectives.
Paani initiatives encouraged local government to leverage resources for conservation
In Y4 Q1, NNSWA coordinated regularly with Mahakali Municipality and the local community to develop a resource sharing model, where the local government contributed 33% and the user community 8% needed to renovate Sunaulo Tal to develop aquaculture using native fish species. Income generated from aquaculture is expected to benefit 385 households (HH) without impact on the
Tripartite matching fund utilized to revitalize Sunaulo Tal for aquaculture in natural aquatic biodiversity in the Mahakali Municipality, Lower Mahakali Watershed surrounding wetlands and water bodies. Similarly, Rapti RM, Middle Rapti watershed, has allocated NPR for the fiscal year 2019/2020 for a public awareness and capacity building program for the community. Aathabis Municipality, Middle Karnali watershed has also allocated NPR to develop an alternative livelihood program for the fisher community by engaging them in water navigation and rafting. Local goverments appear to be gradually realizing the need for aquatic biodiversity conservation and levearaging available resources to strengthen community institutions to implement the AABCA and CFMG, which will help sustain conservation activities beyond Paani. In Y4 Q2, Paani will expand coordination and advocacy with local governments in other priority watersheds to encourage more conservation planning and resource levearage.
TASK 1.1.4 SUPPORT EXTENSION-TYPE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
In Y4 Q1, grantee NNWSA installed six hoarding boards and 10 wall paintings on threats and challenges in fish biodiversity conservation, sustainable and unsustainable fishing practices, and legal provisions for aquatic biodiversity conservation in locations where unsustainable fishing practices are prevalent in Parshuram Municipality and Alital RM, Rangun Watershed.
Sub-task C1.1.4-1 Provide technical expertise to MoALD fisheries extension program on sustainable fisheries & aquaculture
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In Y4 Q1, Paani provided technical expertise to 18 fisheries research and extension personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development (MoALD) and Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) in various events, including Paani’s technical workshop on the fisheries conservation framework and market development strategy and on high conservation values for rivers.
TASK 4.1.9 CONDUCT OUTREACH TO COMMUNITIES
In Y4 Q1, grantee NEFEJ aired four TV show episodes on: efforts made to conserve aquatic life by CAACGs in Rapti Rural RM; endorsing the AABCA in Mahakali Municipality, Lower Karnali watershed; building the capacity of local communities on commercial farming and job creation in Chhabish Pathibara RM, West Seti watershed; and controlling tapping of the Rapti River in Gadhawa RM.
NEFEJ aired seven radio programs on: the process of development of AABCA by eight municipalities in Middle Karnali and Jhimruk watersheds; use of waste water and less productive land for aquaculture in Jhimruk watershed; issues and challenges of lake management and traditional occupation of Sonaha in crisis and declining fish stocks in Lower Mahakali watershed; and destructive fishing practices and conservation issues in Lamahi Municipality, Middle Rapti watershed.
NEFEJ conducted town hall meetings on: challenges and opportunities of lake management in Madhuwan Municipality, Lower Karnali watershed; aquatic life conservation in Airawati RM, Jhimruk watershed; over/destructive fishing in Rajapur Municipality, Lower Karnali and Lamahi Municipality, Middle Rapti watersheds; and biodiversity conservation and human wildlife conflict in Thakurbaba Municipality, Lower Karnali watershed (linked with SA 2a).
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR WATER MANAGEMENT The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-aggravated conflicts resulting from water supply scarcity and/or water quality issues including infrastructure damage from disasters, decreased agricultural productivity, food shortages, and health risks.
In Y4 Q1, Paani collaborated with local government and local communities to promote best practices in improving water availability and soil conservation in Lower Mahakali, Rangun, West Seti, Jhimruk and Middle Rapti watersheds. These practices included bioengineering work, such as protecting embankments with plantations and sand bags, water source conservation through water recharge ponds and plantations, check dams and plantations for controlling soil erosion and landslides. In addition, Paani promoted efficient water management and climate smart agriculture practices in Lower Mahakali watershed. In support of this work, the project on-boarded new grantees, including: CIS in Lower Mahakali; MRDCC and KDCN in Jhimruk; Rural Development and Empowerment Center (RuDEC) and Rural Community Development Centre (RCDC) in Bogatan Lagam; Multi Dimensional Resource Center Nepal (MRC) in Middle Rapti; and Fulvari Integrated Rural Development Organization (FIRDO) and Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal (FEDWASUN) in Jhimruk watershed. These grantees have started initial activities, such as inception meetings and community consultations, which have engaged and informed local government and stakeholders about their activities and discussed support and collaboration, which local governments have responded positively to.
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TASK 1.2.2 TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
This quarter, MRC Nepal further strengthened four farmers groups (formed by People’s Help Group [PHG] last year) in Kakrahawa catchment in Middle Karnali watershed. They conducted two two-day capacity building events for the four farmers groups on "Resilient and Environment Friendly Livelihoods." The training was based on MRC Nepal’s priority assessment and included eco-friendly farming systems and production, nursery establishment, high yield seeds, plant protection and marketing systems. The training will support the farmers groups to adapt and promote eco-friendly agriculture with increased productivity and livelihood enhancement.
RuDEC Nepal provided an orientation on the concept of watershed management to 15 citizen scientists (CS) in Bogatan Lagam watershed to enhance their capacity, knowledge, and potential to be mobilized as local champions in community level watershed management activities. In addition, RuDEC conducted Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) meetings with CSs in their respective wards that analyzed activities already implemented and planned for upcoming activities to address priority issues and increase community participation.
TASK 1.2.3: DEVELOP AND PROMOTE CLIMATE-SMART BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
This quarter, NNSWA, in coordination and collaboration with Bhimdatta Municipality and the local community in Lower Mahakali, designed and initiated bioengineering (small-scale mitigation support) activities in Ward No. 13 with 70 households (majority Sonaha). Embankment protection with sand bags and bamboos were installed both upstream and downstream of a footbridge constructed with financial and technical support from Bhimdatta Municipality.
In collaboration with Parashuram Municipality (through matching funds) and the local communities (through in-kind contributions), NNSWA initiated bioengineering measures to conserve the water supply of Linga reservoir (ward no 12:165 HH) to help control soil erosion and protect the water source. Similarly, NNSWA with Alital RM (through matching funds) and local communities (through in-kind contributions) promoted bioengineering measures to control landslides and conserve the Dola water reservoir (ward no 8: 64 HHs). Measures included bamboo check dams, sand bags and dry-stone wall in both sites. In addition, NNSWA planted tree and fodder species with the local communities in both municipalities to promote greenery and reduce soil erosion. NNSWA formed two user committees in each Municipality to monitor and manage those plantations.
CIS promoted climate smart agriculture best practices in Mahakali Municipality (ward no. 7) in Lower Mahakali watershed through one CAACG. This included plastic tunnel for off-season vegetable farming; nursery for tomato, capsicum and chilly; drip irrigation for efficient water management; mulching for maintaining soil moisture; and solar pump for water lifting. Similar interventions were initiated through another CAACG in Mahakali Municipality (ward no 6). These practices will help local communities adapt to climate change impacts and generate additional income through vegetable farming.
Similarly, Jayaprithivi Municipality allocated 9,000 USD for large scale plantation to reduce negative impacts of rural road construction in Gajmail area in West Seti watershed (facilitated by Paani’s watershed management specialist). The plantation will help protect Chainpur bazar and Hemantawada village from soil erosion and small-scale landslides.
Grantees PHG and MRC Nepal with local communities/community forest user groups (CFUGs) planted seedlings of different tree and fodder species in and around four water sources (Gothari,
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Dahakholi, Kuthruke and Raniban) in Gadhawa RM in Middle Rapti watershed to promote greenery and improve water recharge. MRC Nepal is continuing promotion of best practices in upstream areas of Kakrahawa catchment that was initiated by PHG in the past year.
To address drying water sources, MRDCC provided technical support to Airawati RM in Jhimruk watershed to establish recharge ponds in 52 community forests.
RuDEC Nepal formed six eco clubs in six schools in Bogatan Lagam watershed to raise conservation awareness in watershed and environment management. Birendra Eco-Club of Shree Birendra High School constructed a solid waste management pit in their school area to manage solid waste inside the school compound. They established a Conservation Fund to manage the protection and conservation activities in their areas. Simchaur Eco-Club of Simchaur High School decided to urge the Ward Office to allocate a matching fund in natural resource management and bio-diversity conservation to manage solid waste at their school.
TASK 1.3.2: FACILITATE THE PREPARATION OF COMMUNITY ADAPTATION PLANS OF ACTION (CAPAS), LOCAL ADAPTATION PLANS OF ACTION (LAPAS) AND WATER USE MASTER PLANS (WUMP)
This quarter, grantee ECC initiated activities and planned for training programs in the next quarter to develop two LDCRPs in Thuligaad watershed. Paani provided Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC) with suggestions to finalize their LAPAs/CAPAs. These will be finalized next quarter.
USAID IWMA initiative for water security improvement
Paani participated in IWMA’s Update, Sharing and Coordination meeting at Hotel Summit on Aug. 19. All IWMA partners participated, including KISAN, PAHAL, NSAF, Paani, NHDP, NMEL, WASHFin, SERVIR HKH and SUAAHARA, as well as USAID. IWMA Chief of Party Suman Basnet presented updates on the program and facilitated discussions on collaboration between the various IPs. Some examples of existing collaboration included Hariyo Ban and KISAN in the Milan Debari- Rangun watershed and KISAN and NSAF with Tedi Agrovet in the Rangun watershed. Sustainability and collaboration with local governments were key issues of discussion given some projects will be phasing out. Paani’s participation focused on coordination and integration of activities between USAID implementing partners (IPs) and the need to work more closely with local government.
Following this, NEFEJ organized a town hall meeting with USAID implementing partners (IPs) in Rajapur Municipality with the objective to increase collaboration on water security among the USAID IPs working in Lower Karnali, especially in Bardiya and Kailali. NEFEJ, Paani, IWMA, KISAN II, Hariyoban, Suaahara II, Strengthening System for Better Health (SSBH), Early Grade Reading Program (EGRP) and GATE Nepal presented/discussed their project activities and possible areas of collaboration. During the meeting, IP representatives made the following commitments: (1) Hariyo Ban will provide training related to Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction 2) CARE Nepal will target communities where Paani projects have installed preflood information systems in Orahi River. (3) To manage water hyacinth in Bhagraiya Lake, Paani, Hariyo Ban-TAL and Khata CFCC will meet and develop and action plans. (4) Hariyo Ban and CARE Nepal will train the community forest in Paani work areas Paani to enhance the capacity of the Lamki Chuha and Tikapur Municipalities on forest and natural resource management. In total, 40 representatives from USAID IPs participated in the town hall meeting.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND MINING The desired outcome of this strategic approach is to reduce watershed degradation resulting from sedimentation and landslides by reducing the negative impacts of: 1) rural roads and 2) unregulated and unsustainable aggregate mining.
Building on previous work with Paani, United States 10.5 KM OF RURAL ROADS WILL BE Forest Service (USFS), Mid-Western University IMPROVED WITH 185,000 USD (MWU), and Scott Wilson Nepal (SWN), Aathabis ALLOCATED BY LOCAL Municipality in Middle Karnali watershed allocated GOVERNMENTS FOR approximately 35,000 USD (last Nepali fiscal year) to ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY ROAD conduct repair and maintenance work on the Rakam- CONSTRUCTION Omkana valley road (1.75 km stretch) based on the detail design and estimate provided by Paani for a pilot demonstration of Environment Friendly Rural Road Construction (EFRC). They also allocated 50,000 USD for the current Nepali FY to that road. This Municipality also allocated 100,000 USD in the current Nepali FY for the Rakam Singhashain Hill road (8.75 km stretch) from the provincial government (Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Development, Karnali province). For this road, Paani, with technical support from SWN, provided a detail design and estimate to the municipality. SWN prepared the draft Environment Friendly Rural Road Construction (EFRC) guidelines and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials and held field consultations in West Seti, Middle Karnali and Jhimruk watersheds to gather feedback on these products. In addition, the Geomorphologist and Aquatic Biodiversity Specialist (Mining STTAs) drafted a report on the impact of mining on aquatic biodiversity.
TASK 1.2.1: CLIMATE-SMART ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY (EF) GRAVEL MINING
Roads
Sub-task C1.2.1-1 Raise awareness of community road building/maintenance groups and local elected bodies of better road construction (link to 4.1.9 outreach) AND Sub-task C1.2.1-5: Develop IEC materials for capacity building of municipalities/rural municipalities and contracting engineers on better road construction (potentially add training)
Paani with SWN drafted the EFRC guidelines and IEC materials. SWN and Paani conducted field consultations in the selected Rural/Municipalities, including: Jay Prithivi Municipality, Thalara and Talkot Rural Municipalities in West Seti watershed; Aathabis Municipality in Middle Karnali watershed; and Pyuthan Municipality and Naubahini and Airawati RMs in Jhimruk watershed. The local governments have committed to utilizing the guidelines and awareness/advocacy materials for EFRC.
The draft EFRC guidelines include the main clauses and requirements for pre-feasibility study and design procedures; construction procedures; repair and maintenance; public procurement; environmental management; and monitoring and supervision. This draft will be finalized next quarter. These guidelines will guide local governments with simple step-by-step processes to promote EFRC in their areas.
The draft IEC materials will use multiple media formats to convey information and messages, including:
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• The need for active community participation; • The need for conducting proper environmental impact assessment; • Benefits of labor-based road construction and capacity building; • Proper water management for sustainable roads; • Use of bioengineering measures for slope stabilization, landslide, and erosion control, water conservation and runoff control; • Balancing cut and fill slopes to ensure road stability; • Following construction procedures; • Maintaining transparency; • Minimizing use of heavy equipment and promoting labor based construction to control landslide and erosion; • Local engagement and ownership; and • Need for regular repair and maintenance work.
The IEC materials are under review and will be finalized next quarter. Once complete, SWN will conduct awareness raising programs using the IEC materials and workshops to induct the EFRC guidelines in West Seti, Middle Karnali and Jhimruk watersheds. The EFRC guidelines target local governments whereas the IEC materials target local government, community/user groups and champions in this sector.
Sub-task C1.2.1.2 Identify early adopters of environmentally friendly road techniques
SWN identified six early adopters and champions (two each in West Seti, Middle Karnali and Jhimruk watersheds) of rural roads during their field visit. They used the same criteria used for the PEA study by ISET Nepal for the selection of champions. They are further exploring how to identify early adopters and champions with additional information. Paani with SWN will engage the champions in promoting EFRC in priority watersheds.
Sub-task C1.2.1-4: Assist municipalities/rural municipalities/local elected bodies in developing criteria (Construction guidelines) for prioritizing funding and assuring contracts that includes environmental clauses (Link to 1.3.3: EFLG)
Aathabis Municipality in Middle Karnali watershed allocated 35,000 USD to conduct repair and maintenance work in July at Rakam-Omkana valley road (1.75 km stretch) this quarter based on the detail design and estimate provided by Paani. This Municipality has also allocated 50,000 USD this current fiscal year to cover remaining work. Paani and SWN conducted monitoring visit to the site and found that they have followed the design and done additional work on gabion walls, which was not in the design. This Municipality also allocated 100,000 USD for the Rakam Singhashain Hll road (8.75 km stretch) from the provincial government in the current fiscal year. For this road, Paani with technical support from SWN provided the detail design and estimate to the municipality. Aathabis Municipality will coordinate with the Karnali provincial government on use of the design to promote EF road maintenance in the coming quarters.
Mining
Sub-task C1.2.1-7: Assess and document impact of riverbed gravel mining on communities and ecosystems
Paani reviewed the report "Impact Assessment of Mining on Aquatic Biodiversity" and provided suggestions for revision. The study was conducted in Lower Mahakali and Lower Karnali watersheds by the mining STTAs in the last quarter of Y3.
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Preliminary findings explain that river course and morphology change frequently in those rivers. Excessive mining started about ten years ago, and most extractions are used for construction of road and river embankments. Most have not conducted EIAs, and where they have, no monitoring is done. The most extraction occurs from October-December. Different aquatic species such as Catfish, Mahseer (Tor putitora), Bam Macha (Amphipnous cuchia), Othe asala (Schizothorax plagiostomus), Katle macha (Catla capla), Jhinge macha (Salvelinus sp.), Kabre (Pseudechenius sulcatus), Buhari, tengar, bhoti, Sahar (Tor spp) Hile, Budhuna, Mungre, were found during their the fishing in Lower Mahakali watershed. Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), Bam Macha (Amphipnous cuchia), Othe asala (Schizothorax plagiostomus), Katle macha (Catla capla), Jhinge macha (Salvelinus sp.), Ghariyal (Gharial sp), Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Kabre (Pseudechenius sulcatus), Hile, Budhuna, Mungre, sucker catfish (Bagaritus bagarius), turtles, and several riverine birds were recorded in Lower Karnali watershed based on consultation with Sonaha communities. The consultants found that no activities are being conducted to control habitat degradation or to increase the richness of aquatic life. Paani will conduct field visits and consultations in those watersheds next quarter to gather information to supplement the report and recommendations.
Sub-task C 1.2.1.9 Review and update guidelines and CHURE_TARAI_MADHES Master Plans in consultation with communities and DOLIDAR and ensure they align with other policies (link to 4.1.8 GESI)
This quarter, mining STTAs conducted a review of available documents related to mining and prepared a draft summary, which is under review by Paani, and will be finalized next quarter.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES The goal of this strategic approach is to minimize watershed degradation and its negative impact on natural resource-based livelihoods and freshwater biodiversity by reducing the population of non- native fish species and the total area affected by invasive plant species.
Throughout the quarter, Paani made progress towards the desired results for this strategic approach. For example, Paani prepared fisheries and biodiversity inventories of wetland systems, which will inform plans for aquatic invasives management for both fish and plants. Paani also consolidated knowledge on the aquatic invasive problems, community perception on invasive management, and research and management needs, which will inform policy and capacity building to regulate aquaculture and fisheries activities for the control of aquatic organisms with dominant and invasive characteristics. Paani also initiated the procurement of equipment (water mower), which will be piloted for the control of invasive aquatic plants. This application of mechanical measures will demonstrate differences in lake appearance and persistence of native aquatic biodiversity among the stakeholders. Progress over the quarter is reported below:
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TASK 1.1.3: IMPROVE CAPACITY ON INVASIVE CONTROL
Sub-task C1.1.1-1 Prepare fisheries & biodiversity inventories Assess biodiversity through research grants
This quarter, Paani identified six fish species and 62 species of aquatic plants, including native and exotic invasive species through aquatic biodiversity research (Forest Action Nepal-FAN) in Rani Taal Lake (Lower Karnali) (Annex, Exhibit A4). The lake has been invaded by exotic fish species Mossambica tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and exotic plant species Thulo Narkat (Arundo donax) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), which has impacted Giant Reed grass in Rani Taal, Shuklaphanta National Park, Lower Mahakali wetland flora and fauna. This Watershed information on invasive aquatic biodiversity will provide background for development of the AABCA and wetland management plans for Lower Mahakali Watershed. In Y4 Q2, Paani will begin a literature review on the impact of the identified invasives and control measures to inform policy, regulation and capacity building.
Consolidate knowledge of aquatic invasive management
This quarter, Paani consolidated knowledge on invasive management gathered from workshops and meetings with stakeholders including government line agencies (MoALD, NARC, CFPCC, Central Animal Quarantine), Academia (KU, TU, AFU) and NGOs (CMDN, RHF, YAE), CSOs (RLRFFC, HPFC, BFEA), and from the scoping study of invasive problems in Lower Mahakali, Lower Karnali and Middle Rapti Watersheds conducted in Y3.
Multiple cases of bio-invasions have been reported by fisher communities in wetlands and rivers of Lower Mahakali, Lower Karnali and Middle Rapti watersheds, and exotic plant species are, to some extent, competing with native fish species for food and space. The key invasive plant species reported are water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), water chestnut (Trappa sp), coontail plant (Ceratophyllum sp), pondweed (Potamogeton spp) and waterthymes (Hydrilla verticillata) and giant reed grass (Arundo donax). Water hyacinth is dominant in Bhagaraiya Lake (Lower Karnali); water lettuce in Bhadahaiya Lake (Lower Karnali) and Chamborala Lake (Middle Rapti); giant Reed grass in Raani Lake (Lower Mahakali); and hydrilla in Chamborala Lake in Middle Rapti Watershed. Water hyacinth has formed extensive mats that cover more than 75% of open water in Bhagaraiya Lake, which block light and air that submerged organisms need for survival. Giant reed grass is a perennial, clump-forming grass that has invaded riparian areas in Rani Tal, Shuklaphanta National Park, Lower Mahakali Watershed. Its invasion in riparian areas alters the native vegetative structure, and rapid growth following floods or wildfire leads to competitive displacement of native riparian vegetation. This dominance reduces arthropod diversity and abundance and leads to decline in avian diversity and abundance.
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Mats of water hyacinth in Bhagaraiya Lake, Lower Karnali Watershed
The scoping study revealed that aquaculture is one of the fast-growing industries in the Lower Mahakali, Lower Karnali and Middle Rapti watersheds. The fast expansion of aquaculture largely relies on the introduction and use of non-native species, which presents a paradox. While some species contribute significantly to aquaculture expansion, negative effects associated with unregulated introduction and irresponsible use of non-native species are increasing in all three watersheds. Aquaculture is dominated by exotic carps (e.g., common carp, silver carp, bighead carp, grass Carp), and farmers lure variety catfish for farming (e.g., African catfish [Clarias gariepinus], pangas (Pangasinodon hypophthalmus), rupchanda or red belly pomfret (Pygocentrus nattereri) and tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) because of their high biomass productivity. Key informant interviews (KIIs) with aquaculturists revealed that exotic species have provided socio-economic benefits for many people, including poor and vulnerable populatins, in these watersheds. This study and CDMN’s e-DNA research clearly indicated intentional and/or unintentional release of exotic invasive fish species (African catfish, rupchanda) in natural water bodies, including the main stem of the Karnali and Rapti Rivers. However, the assessment was not able to provide accurate information on their spread or impacts on habitats and native species. Although the establishment and impact of these fish species in natural water could not be articulated by the community during the study, various literature suggests that the impact of the invasion of exotic fish species could result in resource competition, hybridization, genetic erosion, predation and extinction of native fish species.
In Y4 Q2, Paani will review existing literature, including intersectoral GON policies and regulations related to invasive management, and prepare a draft outline of guidelines for managing aquatic invasives for discussion with resource users and policy stakeholders. Meetings and workshops conducted with government line agencies and academia have shown that unofficial introduction of many exotic species are consequences of weak quarantine measures and the lack of a risk analysis system in the country. Government line agencies (NARC and CFPCC) should take the lead in developing good management practices for aquaculture, foster technical discussion with local stakeholders on invasive control and management measures, and develop appropriate legislation to regulate the import and use of aquatic fauna and flora. In Y4 Q2, Paani will support government line agencies to hold a consultation workshop in Lower Karnali Watershed on developing regulations and guidelines for fish farmers.
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Develop SoW for STTA on invasive impact assessment (linked with Task 4.1.5)
Paani developed a conceptual framework to design a SOW for STTA on invasive impact assessment. The framework includes a future study on invasive impact on native species, habitat, livelihood, and invasive modes of action on aquatic ecosystems (Annex, Exhibit A4).
C1.1.3-9 Facilitate selection of control measures
This quarter, Paani initiated a review on the problems related to giant reed grass in Rani Taal in Shuklaphant National Park (SNP), Lower Karnali Watershed. In Y4 Q2, Paani will develop a plan for the management of the grass with SNP.
Paani also initiated the procurement of a water mower through in-kind support to FEDWASUN for removing water hyacinth and other aquatic invasive plants from water bodies, including Bhagaraiya Lake, Lower Karnali Watershed. Paani will demonstrate weed removal using the mower next quarter.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: IMPROVE LOCAL CAPACITY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION The goal of this strategic approach is to develop the capacity of Nepal’s communities to be less vulnerable to negative impacts resulting from disasters including loss of life, injury, infrastructure damage, and economic hardship by strengthening the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s (DHM) hydro met observation network, Emergency Action Planning (EAPs), and Environment Friendly Local Governance (EFLG) framework.
This quarter, the grant to DHM to support flood hazard mapping and early warning systems (EWS) began implementation. Under this grant, Paani will procure hydro met stations for Rangun watershed and flood hazard mapping in ten Paani watersheds. Paani, with technical support from Sustainable Eco Engineering (SEE), installed two low-cost flood early warning systems, in Thuligaad and Lower Karnali watersheds. Both systems are functioning well. NEFEJ held a town hall meeting highlighting integration between USAID IPs working in Lower Karnali watershed. One of the outcomes of this discussion was that Hariyo Ban partner, Care, will support Paani in conducting training on climate and disaster to flood vulnerable communities of Aurahi khola where Paani has installed a low-cost flood early warning system.
TASK 2.2.2 SUPPORT DHM TO EXPAND THE RIVER OBSERVATION NETWORK
The DHM grant was signed this quarter, and Paani moved ahead with procurement of equipment, installation, and flood hazard mapping. One radar sensor for water level monitoring and flood early warning, and four automatic tipping bucket rainfall stations, were installed in Rangun watershed.
Paani with technical support from Sustainable Eco Engineering (SEE), a local vendor, established two low cost flood EWS (Thuligaad and Lower Karnali watersheds) in Thuligaad River at Badikedar RM, Thuligaad watershed and in Aurahi Khola in Thakurbaba Municipality, Bardiya in Lower Karnali watershed. The installation was shifted from the original intended site in Jhimruk watershed because the local District Administration Office had procured a similar system using their own funds, demonstrating that communities do see the value in investing in low-cost EWS.
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SEE’s flood EWS included a water level monitoring sensor, caretaker unit and siren unit. SEE designed and developed these based on designs by the DAI Maker Lab, which were piloted in Y3. Water level sensors log water level data every five minutes. Caretaker units monitor flood events and check for false flood alerts. Siren units are installed downstream near flood vulnerable communities in both watersheds to get flood information prior to rises in water levels. Paani WMSs and SEE held consultations with local stakeholders in the watersheds to identify the most vulnerable communities and locations prone to flooding. The team also idenfied key contacts to spread messages via SMS as part of the flood alert system. Threshold levels for medium and high floods were also determiend. In both watersheds, Paani and SEE provided orientations to stakeholders on the flood EWS. Flood levels did not reach threshold levels this year to trigger flood alerts to downstream communities; however, Paani and SEE will monitor these systems and make adjustments in the flood thresholds and SMS alerts as required in the coming quarters.
In Y4 Q1, Paani, with support from the DAI Maker Lab and SEE, uploaded new coding of the sonar stream gauge at Aurahi Khola to avoid false alerts and to increase the SMS alerts. The guage will be re-installed as soon as the issue is solved. The DAI Maker Lab and SEE systems will complement each other.
TASK 2.2.3: SUPPORT DHM AND LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS TO IMPROVE FLOOD RISK WARNINGS
This quarter, Paani began the procurement process for flood hazard mapping, planned for ten Paani watersheds (Rangun, Lower Mahakali, West Seti, Thuligaad, Bogatan Lagam, Lower Karnali, Middle Karnali, Tila, Middle Rapti and Jhimruk) through the DHM grant. This task will be conducted in the second and third quarters by the selected vendor in close consultation with Paani.
Sub-task 1.3.3.1. Build community capacity to implement disaster risk management plan
NEFEJ organized a town hall meeting on DRR issues in Mahakali Municipality in Lower Mahakali watershed. This meeting assessed progress on previous commitments made by Mahakali Municipality, and planned for next commitments. Out of six, five commitments had been fulfilled and one was in progress. The local government also made four new commitments related to DRR: construction of a shelter house; bio-engineering and gabion check dams; capacity building on DRR; and further follow up on previous commitments.
IWMA collaboration
Paani participated in the IWMA technical meeting on “Water Induced Disaster Risk Reduction,” in which experiences on flood EWS were shared by ICIMOD and Paani. ICIMOD has been promoting community based flood EWS in Nepal and in the Hindukush Himalayan region following four elements of community based flood EWS: risk knowledge and scoping; community based monitoring and early warning; dissemination and communication; and response capability and resilience (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2006). With ICIMOD's technical support, Oxfam installed community based flood EWS in Rangun watershed.
Also during the quarter, NEFEJ held a town hall meeting in Rajapur that brought USAID IPs working in the Lower Karnali watershed together to discuss program activities and opportunities for collaboration. As a result, Hariyo Ban partner Care agreed to support Paani to conduct training on climate and disaster to stakeholders in flood vulnerable areas of Aurahi Khola, where Paani has installed a low cost flood EWS.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: IMPROVE RIVER BASIN PLANNING The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce Nepal’s vulnerability to conflict over water resources and protect its freshwater ecosystem through environmentally appropriate water management, including basin-level planning, sustainably sited and designed dams, and minimizing negative impacts of water diversions.
This quarter, Paani gained significant traction with the Nepal River Basin Conservation Fund (NRBCF). In August, the project held a co-creation workshop and then selected a highly qualified fund manager at the end of Y4 Q1. Paani also began to investigate in more depth the potential of setting up river basin platforms in the Karnali and Rapti river basins, ultimately deciding to focus on bringing groups together at the watershed level, which can be later built on and expanded. The team also finalized plans with IFC to hold an in depth training on e-flows, which will serve as the next workshop in the Paani-IFC sustainable hydropower series. Finally, NEFEJ continued to hold 11 town hall meetings during the quarter, including seven follow up town hall meetings, which are proving successful in checking the status of local government commitments.
Detailed progress from Y4 Q1 is reported below.
TASK 2.1.2: EXPLORE DEVELOPMENT OF NEPAL RIVER BASIN CONSERVATION FUND (NRBCF)
This quarter, Paani held a co-creation workshop for potential fund managers for the NRBCF on Aug. 1-2. Thirty participants from 14 organizations representing the private sector and NGOs attended to identify synergies and refine their proposal concepts. Jonathan Randall, Principal Global Practice Leader, Environment - Climate Change, DAI, and Robin Young, Principal Development Specialist, DAI, who led the initial scoping study for the NRBCF in the Karnali River Basin, facilitated participants from the various organizations (selected from a first round of 30 applicants) in a series of exercises to generate innovative yet feasible ideas on investment structures, funding mechanisms, and sustainability/risks over the course of the two days. The workshop also included a panel on options for financial mechanisms with representatives from Himalaya Bank, NMB Bank, and Pioneer Law Firm, and a “pitch panel,” where groups of participants pitched their concepts to panelists from USAID, Nabil Bank, Asian Development Bank, and WECS, who then provided feedback to the participants on their concepts. The workshop aimed to provide potential fund managers a clearer understanding of the fund concept and to emphasize the importance of choosing partners who would complement either their private sector or conservation backgrounds.
Paani then shared a request for proposals (RFP), to which four firms responded. Paani will finalize negotiations with the selected vendor early in Y4 Q2, and implementation will begin immediately following USAID approval.
TASK 2.3.1: CREATE INTEGRATED RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS (IRBMPS) Following the completion of the PEA last quarter, Paani began exploring the potential for integrated river basin platforms (IRBMPs) in more depth this quarter. As outlined in the Y4 AWP, Paani decided to focus on platform formation in the Karnali and Rapti river basins based on group and network building that has gradually gained momentum over the last three years. As such, Paani’s Karnali Team developed a draft structure for the IRBMPs in the Karnali and Rapti. The Karnali proposal suggests bringing different user groups, CAACGs, local communities, government institutions, private sector actors, and academic institutions together to address upstream- downstream issues. The River Basin Management Center (RBMC) established under MOFE could
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serve as the leading government institution, with a federation of CAACGs serving as secretary of the platform (or vice versa). In Karnali, grantees KIRDARC and IDES will be initiating this work under their grants that have either just begun or will begin soon once approved. Meanwhile, the proposed model for Rapti suggests creating platforms at the RM/municipality level by bringing together different user groups and CAACGs. Local municipality governments would chair these platforms. Through MRDCC and HWEPC, groups have already been formed, and FIRDO will carry this work forward once the grant is approved. A NEFEJ roundtable will bring the Jhimruk and Middle Rapti watersheds together to officially form the group and make public its commitments. Different models were proposed for each river basin based on their unique physical and political features. Paani will investigate the appropriate of each model further in the next quarter and refine as necessary.
To gain more insight on potential platforms, Paani also met with Ashutosh Shukla, formerly with ISET-Nepal, who was involved with the PEA. He gave a presentation based on his experience with previous platforms in Nepal, outlining the various forms they can take, including: social networks; groups focused on planning/visioning; service organizations that mobilize external support; CSO groups that mediate conflicts; alliances that form social movements; or full-fledged river basin organizations that roll out IWRM policy/practices at the river basin/sub-basin level. He also presented lessons learned, which the team discussed at length. Constraints to forming platforms included: the tendency for them to be one-time donor-driven efforts connected to projects with defined end dates; no anchoring with a parallel government or community organization to carry the platform forward; no law to support registration of this type of entity; no support mechanism for continuity; and that many have a sectoral focus (e.g., irrigation, hydropower, DRR), which leads to exclusion of other water user groups.
Initially in Paani’s design, the IRBMPs were envisioned as being rooted in river basin plans and managed by WECS’ River Basin Offices (RBOs). With these offices yet to be established, and given Paani’s limited time frame, the project has decided to focus on forming platforms at the watershed level, building on work done thus far in the Karnali and Rapti River basins. Next quarter, Paani will look at ways to harmonize platform related work under the grants and river stretch co- management. In the Karnali, Paani will also explore potential connections with the NRBCF, e.g., whether it can serve as a convener/funder of future platforms.
TASK 2.3.2: ORGANIZE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES
Paani met with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in August to discuss plans for the next joint workshop in the sustainable hydropower series, which will be led by IFC. The next event will be an in depth training on e-flows for approximately 30 technical experts working in hydropower in Nepal. The training curriculum will cover the importance of e-flows and how they benefit hydropower projects, government, local people, and the environment; how they can be used to determine project impacts and design; hydrology and the environment; global and local examples of e-flows assessment; and stakeholder engagement and social aspects of e-flow. Paani will facilitate one panel discussion on e-flows in Nepal, with a focus on GON regulations, including issues with oversight and compliance. In a separate presentation, IWMI will provide an overview of its e-flow calculator, developed with support from Paani. Early next quarter, Paani will finalize plans for the workshop, which will be held in Kathmandu on Oct. 23-25.
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TASK 2.3.3: HOLD LOCAL AND BASIN-LEVEL INFORMAL ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
NEFEJ held 11 town hall meetings in five watersheds in Y4 Q1. In Lower Karnali, issues covered included lake management, impact of the decline in fish on traditional Sonaha livelihoods, coordination among implementing partners (IPs), and biodiversity conservation and human/wildlife conflict. In Lower Mahakali, town hall meetings covered riverbank cutting/flooding and inundation and human/wildlife conflict. In Jhimruk Khola, the meetings covered aquatic wildlife conservation and drought/drying up of water sources. In Middle Rapti, one town hall meeting held covered excavation, flooding and sedimentation in the Kakrahawa River, and in Bogatan Lagam Karnali, one meeting covered traditional skills and livelihoods of marginalized communities.
Seven of these 11 meetings were follow up town hall TOWN HALLS RESULTED IN 16,300 meetings to those held on the same topics earlier in 2019 or USD IN BUDGETARY last year. Paani has observed that the follow up meetings are COMMITMENTS BY LOCAL particularly useful in providing a forum to publicly hold local GOVERNMENTS IN Y4 Q1 government accountable by checking the status of local government commitments. For example, in Madhuwan Municipality, Ward Number 3, the municipality and District Forest Office (DFO) allocated 600,000 and 500,000 NPR, respectively, to improve demarcation by constructing check dams on the lake. The municipality also prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the lake, and the local community had formed the Bhagaraiya Lake Wetland Conservation Committee (BLWCC) since the first town hall meeting held in March 2018. In Rajapur, Bardiya, the municipality had allocated 400,000 NPR to the Sonaha community, with 200,000 NPR specifically designated to enhance livelihood options through homestay promotion, and another 150,000 NPR for bioengineering techniques to control bank cutting and overflow, since the first town hall meeting. The Vice Chair of Geruwa RM also shared that they had decided to ban fishing during the breeding season after five water users group formed there advocated to the local government. In Airawati RM, the RM had issued a notice banning destructive fishing practices, prepared and passed the AABCA, and initiated alternative livelihoods (e.g., livestock, agriculture, and tunnel farming) to support communities, since the first town hall meeting held in October 2018.
This quarter, Paani also agreed with NEFEJ to conduct the next river basin roundtable discussions in connection with roundtable formation in the Karnali and Rapti river basins. Topics will be explored and finalized next quarter.
TASK 2.3.4: PROVIDE BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION FOR BASIN LEVEL PLANNING The Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) organized dissemination workshops in Surkhet on Sept. 13 and Dhangadhi on Sept. 15 to share findings from their 44 day, 1080 km expedition supported by Paani along the Karnali River from Mansarover to the Ganga River. Their study highlights upstream/downstream water source management, sustainable development, improving fishing regulations, inter-government water governance, land use and extraction, and establishing conservation zones, such as (i) Rakam-Seti confluence to Thuligaad Solta (mahseer breeding area) (ii) Chisapani to Geruwa (dolphin conservation area) and (iii) Geruwa to Mohanyal Kuine (ghariyal protection area). NRCT also presented a management framework for the Karnali basin and handed over recommendations on policy and legal provisions for river conservation to the local and provincial governments (links with SA 3a).
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Since receiving no response from WECS on the proposed Freshwater Center of Excellence online portal, Paani has decided to pursue a different strategy for sharing knowledge on biodiversity and resilience to climate change. Paani will develop a concept/outline of the online portal and discuss it with potential hosts, such as NARC, ISET-Nepal, KU, TU, etc. Paani will also approach provincial governments to see who would be interested in taking ownership of Paani knowledge products such as the watershed profiles and health reports. In the meantime, Paani continues to distribute news and other information about aquatic biodiversity, climate change resilience, and other water- related issues through NEFEJ’s online portal http://www.hakahakionline.com/np/, which welcomed 16,997 visitors with a total of 56,173 views of 179 watershed-related stories in Y4 Q4.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER The goal of this strategic approach is to reduce Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-induced conflict over water resources and conserve its freshwater ecosystem through environmentally appropriate water management, including sustainably sited and designed dams, and minimizing negative impacts of water diversions.
In Y4 Q1, Paani achieved significant milestones by accomplishing a number of activities and streamlining the other activities under this SA. The team conducted national and regional consultative workshops for three studies under the WWF sub-contract in Kathmandu, Bardia and Surkhet. At the Kathmandu workshop, two advisory groups were formed, and one group convened their first meeting this quarter. Through IPPAN, Paani completed the first capacity building training session on “Hydro-met data and River Basin Planning.” Paani also released the RFP for establishment of environmental flow (e-flow) values for the Karnali Basin and guidelines for implementation, and received one response. Preparations are underway for the next in the Paani-IFC joint workshop series, where Paani will be facilitating a panel discussion during an in-depth training on hydropower and e-flow assessment scheduled for early next quarter.
Specific progress from Y4 Q1 is reported below.
TASK 2.1.1: ORGANIZE AN INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT In Y4 Q1, Paani and the WWF/US and Nepal team conducted a series of national and regional workshops (in Karnali) in collaboration with WECS and the Ministry of Forest and Environment (MOFE) as part of three studies, including a study on energy options assessment for Nepal; high conservation values (HCV) of Nepal’s rivers; and system scale planning (SSP) for the Karnali. They bring together a global research team of experts from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the University of California-Berkeley, Stanford University, and McGill University.
The two day Kathmandu workshop was organized into two segments: first, giving an overview of the project to all participants; and then splitting into two groups of technical experts – one dedicated to High Conservation Value (HCV) Rivers and the other to System-scale Planning. Forty-five participants from government ministries MOEWRI, WECS, NEA, and NTB; research/conservation institutes IUCN, IWMI, ISET-Nepal, TU, KU; tourism institutes and entrepreneurs such as NARA, NRCT; and Paani sub-contractors NESS and WWF participated and provided valuable input on this important initiative. Paani shared the overall Paani sustainable hydropower initiatives to participants during the session. Study team identified a set of environmental, social, cultural and other use issues for system scale planning and drafted a definition for the High Conservation Value River in Nepal. The workshop formulated two groups mainly for System Scale Planning, Energy Option Assessment and High Conservation Value Rivers which will guide study team by providing appropriate advisory
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inputs to the studies. The advisory groups will stay informed on the study progress and participate in group meetings at an appropriate interval.
At the workshop, the study team provided an overview of the project. Technical experts were then split into two groups – one dedicated to HCV Rivers and the other to SSP. Forty-five participants from government ministries and departments including MoWERI, WECS, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB); research/conservation institutes such as IUCN, IWMI, ISET-Nepal, TU, KU; and tourism institutes and entrepreneurs including the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) and NRCT; and Paani subcontractors NESS and WWF Nepal participated in the workshop, providing feedback and recommendations on the study. Based on their input, the study team identified a set of environmental, social and cultural issues related to SSP, drafted a definition for HCV rivers in Nepal, and identified data gaps. Two advisory groups were also formed for SSP and HCV Rivers, which will help guide the study team.
After the workshop, the team moved to Bardia, Chisapani (Lower Karnali) to conduct a series of consultation meetings and reached Surkhet (Middle Karnali) for a one day Regional Consultation workshop, as part of the studies’ data consultation and gathering process. It was organized into two sessions: first, giving an overview of the project to all participants; and then splitting into two groups – one with high level decision making bodies and the other with technical experts from different organizations. The team discussed the Use value of rivers and infrastructure needs in the Karnali basin. Fifty-seven participants from provincial government ministries Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MPPW) and MOFE, members of the Karnali Province Assembly, Mayors from Municipalities and RMs, NGOs, Project Affected Communities (Project Coordination Committee) attended.,The study team also provided their inputs on the identified set of environmental, social, and cultural uses and discussed the definition of HCV Rivers drafted during the Kathmandu workshop.
After completing workshops and field consultations, and formulation of the advisory groups, Paani and the study team met to discuss the stakeholder workshops and field consultations, and shared the initial outputs with the USAID SEED Office. The WWF study team shared that these workshops helped them draft a definition of HCV Rivers and formulate an advisory group for HCV Rivers, values (metrics), and data needs. Preliminary highlights of the three studies will be shared during a workshop scheduled for March 2020 and final results during the Paani International Seminar on Sustainable Hydropower Development in Y5.
Paani through WWF also organized the first advisory group meeting for HCV Rivers on September 27. Twenty expert group members representing different institutions (e.g, KU, TU, IWMI, NRCT, WWF, NARA, BCN, etc.) were present. They discussed the data source and methodology to carry on six values assessments (i.e., aquatic biodiversity; social and cultural values; tourism values; other values; habitat quality; and hydrology and geomorphology) initially identified as key values of Nepal’s river systems. They also revisited on HCV Rivers and agreed on continuing the conversation in smaller thematic groups to settle the criteria for evaluation, data source, and locations to guide the assessment. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 6 (Y4 Q2). The consultative meeting for the Energy Assessment team with relevant stakeholders (e.g, National Electricty Authority [NEA], MOFE, WECS) will also be held next quarter.
In Y4 Q1, Paani consulted with Energy Development Council (EDC) and IPPAN about the international hydropower seminar. Next quarter, Paani will prepare an in-kind grant to IPPAN to organize a two day international seminar in Y5 Q1. Paani will also hire a facilitator and organize a half-day planning workshop with relevant hydropower development stakeholders, such as IPPAN, EDC, and NHA, to discuss Paani’s seminar concept and set the exact dates and agenda.
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TASK 2.1.3: BUILD HYDROPOWER OPERATOR CAPACITY TO USE HYDRO-METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION AND MODELLING In Y4 Q1, grantee IPPAN organized a capacity building training on “Hydro-met data and River Basin Planning” from September 2-4 in Kathmandu based on needs assessed in a half day workshop held in Y2 Q2. The training was well received by 25 participants from hydropower companies, consulting companies, Department of Electricity Development (DOED), DHM, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), NEA Engineering Company, Vidyut Utpadan Company Limited (VUCL), and MWU. Resource persons from Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), WECS, IWMI, Water Modelling Solutions Private Limited, International Center for Hydropower (ICH) Norway, and WECS delivered the training, which provided participants and developers an opportunity to better understand and interpretat hydro meteorological data; the importance of water resources modeling in hydropower; and climate risk analysis for hydropower projects. Paani informed the participants that Paani's strategy to sustainable hydropower development initiative encompasses both policy and practice and includes two complimentary elements: i.) environmentally appropriate hydropower project siting and ii.) environmentally (fish) friendly and resilient design of hydropower projects. This engagement created an opportunity for dialogue among hydropower developers and government institutions, and through this exercise, a draft training manual has been produced.
In Y3, Paani engaged with MWU on planned courses on Applied Hydrology and on Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for hydro and civil engineering students (see SA 4B: Task 4.2.5). In Y4 Q1, Paani, through sub-contractor NESS, started the ESIA course, which will complete early next quarter. Through the course, students will be trained to assess and implement ESIAs of water resource infrastructure projects (see SA 4B).
TASK 2.1.4: DEVELOP MONITORING PROCEDURES AND TRACK COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SAFEGUARDS In Y4 Q1, Paani prepared SOWs for STTA work within NESS LOE to conduct debriefs on the use of the ESIA tool for relevant provincial ministries and planning commissions to better inform social and environmental safeguarding interests while developing water resource-based infrastructure. Paani will also work with NESS to conduct one interdisciplinary monitoring demonstration to evaluate water quality, ecosystem health, community impacts, disaster risk, and fisheries impacts in Jhimruk watershed. Paani will build local monitoring capacity through water user and conservation groups so that communities can directly conduct monitoring in their areas. Building on watershed and province-level feedback, Paani, with NESS and IFC, will explore the integration of these tools into national guidelines (i.e. National EIA Guidelines for Hydropower Development).
Paani outreach and knowledge sharing on environmental safeguards
In Y3, Paani began dialogue with WECS and Lahmeyer International (now Tractebel Engineering GmbH) on how Paani could contribute and complement three national-level World Bank supported studies, including: Hydropower Master Planning; River Basin Planning; and Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA). In late Y3 Q4, Paani was approached by Lahmeyer’s Deputy Team Leader, David Annadale, who leads the SESA component, and discussed using SSP, namely, Hydropower by Design, as a tool to prepare the SESA. The Paani/WWF study on SSP for the Karnali River Basin will serve as a pilot for Lahmeyer to conduct SESA on other major river basins of Nepal. How to integrate these two studies will be explored when Mr. Annandale returns to Kathmandu in Y4 Q2.
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TASK 2.2.1: SUPPORT THE NEPALI GOVERNMENT AND IWMI TO PROMOTE E-FLOW ADOPTIONS In Y4 Q1, a SOW for Establishment of Environment Flow (E-Flow) values for Karnali Basin and Guidelines for its implementation was prepared and the RFP was released. The selected vendor would determine specific e-flow levels for target locations (i.e., sites with operating and planned infrastructure, including hydropower power plants, irrigation schemes and multi-purpose projects) within the Karnali River basins for all seasons and under different climate scenarios. Working closely with the hydropower stakeholder, the vendor would develop and disseminate a set of guidelines for implementation of established e-flow levels. Paani would then convene hydropower operators and irrigation offices in Karnali River basin to discuss the findings and develop strategies for implementation, including monitoring by government agencies, hydropower operators, and at the community level. Only IWMI submitted a proposal, which is currently being evaluated. Work is scheduled to begin in mid to late Q2.
In Y4 Q1, Paani and IFC decided that Paani will facilitate a panel discussion during the IFC-ICH hydropower and e-flow assessment training scheduled for early next quarter (see SA 2a for more detail).
STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: SUPPORT CSOS TO ADVOCATE FOR TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE HYDROPOWER DECISION-MAKING Most of the tasks under this SA are linked to those under SA 2C. Results under the advocacy strategic approach will contribute to Paani’s priority focus initiative on sustainable hydropower.
Significant progress was achieved on a number of tasks under this SA this quarter. For example, Paani kicked off the system scale planning (SSP) exercise with technical workshops in Kathmandu and Surkhet, bringing together key stakeholders at the national and provincial levels to provide input on high conservation value (HCV) rivers and SSP for the Karnali River system in Nepal. An advisory group on HCV Rivers was also formed, which has started to provide further input to international research teams. Paani also finished its first full draft of the CSO guidelines and began developing a plan for training on the guidelines. The project also finalized the SOW to bring STTA to Kathmandu to help the team develop its sustainable hydropower advocacy strategy, which will encourage GON uptake of the three studies under the SSP, e-flow products, and the CSO guidelines. Specific progress from Y4 Q1 is outlined below.
TASK 3.2.1: CARRY OUT ANALYSES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT
Paani kicked off the system scale planning (SSP) exercise this quarter with a two-day technical workshop on SSP and HCV Rivers in collaboration with WECS and MOFE on July 11-12 in Kathmandu. The Paani-supported SSP study is led by WWF with additional technical expertise provided by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Stanford University, University of California – Berkeley, and McGill University. Forty-five participants from government ministries and departments including MoWERI, WECS, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB); research/conservation institutes such as IUCN, IWMI, ISET-Nepal, TU, KU; and tourism institutes and entrepreneurs including the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) and NRCT; and Paani sub-contractors NESS and WWF Nepal, participated in the workshop, providing feedback and recommendations on the study. Based on their input, the study team identified a set of environmental, social and cultural issues related to SSP, drafted a definition for HCV rivers in Nepal, and identified data gaps. Advisory groups for SSP and HCV were also formed. On July 15, Paani
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organized a second workshop in Surkhet for stakeholders from the Karnali River basin. Fifty-seven participants from provincial government ministries, including the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, Ministry of Finance, and members of the Karnali Province Assembly, attended, as well as Mayors from Municipalities and Rural Municipalities, NGOs, and Project Affected Communities.
Paani and WWF organized the first advisory group team meeting for High Conservation Value (HCV) Rivers in September to discuss the data source and methodology to carry out six values assessments, i.e. aquatic biodiversity; social and cultural values; tourism values; other values; habitat quality; and hydrology and geomorphology. The group also agreed to continue the conversation in small thematic groups to finalize the data source and locations to guide the assessment. In addition, it was recommended that the core team explore champions’ agencies and potentially onboard them and/or leverage their data and knowledge. Paani also agreed to update its inventory of fisheries and meet with necessary parties to validate fish species distribution, including fish spawning and nursing grounds. The next advisory group meeting will be held in November. Initial study findings will be shared in March 2020 with a follow up workshop in September 2020 at Paani’s International Seminar on Sustainable Hydropower Development (See SA 2C for more details).
TASK 3.2.2: DEVELOP BILINGUAL CIVIL SOCIETY GUIDE TO HEALTHY RIVERS, CLIMATE RESILIENCE, AND SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER AND STRENGTHEN CIVIL SOCIETY VOICES Paani STTA consultant Chris Butler used the input gained from CSOs during the “writeshop” held in Nepalgunj last quarter to write the first draft of the guidelines. The guidelines include background information and case studies on irrigation, roads, and sustainable hydropower, with a “how-to” section on advocating for environmental safeguards at the local level. Following input from the Paani team, Mr. Butler sent a more detailed revised second draft for review. Marjo Curgus was also brought on as STTA in late September to assist with Paani’s sustainable hydropower advocacy strategy. She will review the guidelines, with a particular focus on the advocacy section, given her background in advocacy campaigns for natural resource management.
TASK 3.2.3: DEVELOP NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT. This quarter, Paani finalized the SOW and brought Marjo Curgus on to work closely with Paani’s communications team to develop a sustainable hydropower advocacy and communications strategy to raise awareness of CSOs and user groups on their rights in relation to hydropower development, and to increase their capacity to engage and advocate on behalf of those rights to the appropriate bodies (i.e. government or hydro-operators). The advocacy strategy will guide dissemination of results from the studies under SSP within different forums to inform government policies on hydropower development. At a minimum, the sustainable hydropower “package” will include: three system scale planning reports; CSO guidelines; sustainable hydropower monitoring checklist; and e- flow methodology best practices. Ms. Curgus gave Paani staff working with local government and/or overseeing grants with advocacy components a half day advocacy training in late September. She will rejoin the team the first week of October to work on the strategy.
Paani has also planned the next workshop in its sustainable hydropower series with IFC, which will be an in depth training on e-flows for approximately 30 technical experts working in hydropower in Nepal. The training curriculum will cover the importance of e-flows and how they benefit hydropower projects, government, local people, and the environment; how they can be used to determine project impacts and design; hydrology and the environment; global and local examples of
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e-flows assessment; and stakeholder engagement and social aspects of e-flow. Paani will facilitate one panel discussion on e-flows in Nepal, with a focus on GON regulations, including issues with oversight and compliance. In a separate presentation, IWMI will provide an overview of its e-flow calculator, developed with support from Paani. Early next quarter, Paani will finalize plans for the workshop, which will be held in Kathmandu on Oct. 23-25 (see Task 2.3.2)
TASK 3.2.4: USE GRANTS TO BUILD CSO TECHNICAL, ORGANIZATIONAL AND ADVOCACY CAPACITY In addition to developing the sustainable hydropower strategy, STTA Marjo Curgus will develop an advocacy training curriculum to enhance the capacity grantees to support/implement a variety of advocacy activities related to sustainable hydro power, roads and fisheries. The training curriculum will build advocacy skills that will help leverage messages on sustainable hydropower and dissemination/uptake of the hydropower package. Ms. Curgus will develop a SOW for a local trainer, ideally with expertise in advocacy for sustainable infrastructure, to deliver the training. The training for grantees, which will be held in Y4 Q2, will test material from the CSO guidelines and will likely involve peer-to-peer training so that grantees with stronger skills in advocacy can share examples of their successes directly with other grantees.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: STRENGTHEN POLICY AND PLANNING FOR INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (IWRM) The goal of this strategic approach is to increase the capacity of the GON and sub-watershed/basin level actors to integrate climate change and biodiversity into policy and basin level planning.
Paani has made steady progress towards the desired results for this strategic approach, and the focused initiatives that fall under this SA. For example, as asked by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), Paani and NHDP supported the development of “Case Studies on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in Water Resources Disputes” to inform drafting of the Water Resources Bill. The Case Studies include reviews of dispute resolution mechanisms of five federal countries from three continents, including Brazil, Canada, India, Pakistan and U.S.A. Paani and NHDP submitted the Executive Summary and the detailed report of the Case Studies to MoEWRI. Paani also submitted written suggestions on the Fisheries Development Policy it to the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Y4 Q1 as planned. In addition, Paani reviewed and developed suggestions on the draft of the Electricity Bill, which MoEWRI had made public to solicit comments and suggestions in a 15-day public notice in early September. Paani thoroughly reviewed the Preamble and different sections of the Bill and submitted written suggestions on September 24.
Paani’s Chief of Party (COP), Environmental Policy and Law Expert and WMS –Thuligaad met with the new Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment (MoITFE), Far West Province to brief him on Paani program's work and to discuss next steps for development of the AABCA. Since the Secretary is new and his utmost priority at present is to finalize the Environment Protection Bill and Company Registration Bill, he said that he would contact Paani after studying the Ministry's priorities and programs and processing the finalization of the Bills, which are already in the pipeline.
Also in Y4 Q1, Bogatan Futsil RM in Bogatan Lagam watershed; Chure and Mohanyal RMs in Thuligaad watershed; and Airawati, Gaumukhi and Naubahini RMs in Jhimruk Khola watershed
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enacted the AABCA. Paani’s Deputy COP, Chief Technical Specialist (CTS) and Freshwater Fisheries Specialist had a meeting with the Karnali Provincial Minister, Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative (MoLMAC) in September. She informed them that the AABC Bill developed with Paani program's technical support was already passed by the cabinet and forwarded to the State Assembly for discussion. She also said that the Ministry is aware of and appreciates concerns raised by Paani and thanked the program for offering any required support to take the Bill forward.
Written suggestions submitted on the draft of the Fisheries Development Policy and Electricity Bill to the respective ministries, and support provided to the local governments to develop aquatic animal conservation law have long-term implications, not only for implementation of the focused initiative Collaborative Aquatic Resource Management, but also for integration of aquatic biodiversity conservation at different levels of policy and laws, especially at local levels. They also empower CAACG members by handing over river stretches for conservation, management, sustainable use and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of aquatic animals and riverine ecosystems.
Progress over the quarter is as follows:
TASK 3.1.1 IDENTIFY CHAMPIONS FOR FRESHWATER POLICY CHANGE In Y4 Q1, Paani team finalized the list of champions that ISET Nepal developed based on the input from the Paani team. One of the main activities under this task for Y4 is to develop and organize a capacity development training program for the champions in the policy elements relevant to them. As some of the champions participated in the Validation Workshop of the PEA study and the Capacity Development Training Program that ISET Nepal organized in Y3 Q4, Paani has postponed this activity to Q2.
TASK 3.1.2 DEVELOP AN ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES WHITE PAPER Paani is reconsidering whether to proceed with this study since the development of policy, legal, and institutional arrangements as required by the federal governance system is lagging behind and has not kept pace at levels of government. The PEA study carried out in all 12 watersheds has already provided similar information that is likely to come from White Paper. Moreover, Paani anticipates low receptivity from the federal government with regard to innovative ideas for promoting holistic and integrated water management through appropriate policy and institutional development. Instead, Paani may allocate the time, effort and financial resources on other more relevant tasks and activities; for example, advocating for the importance of these concepts rather developing the White Paper.
TASK 3.1.3 PROVIDE SUPPORT TO WECS, NATIONAL, PROVINCIAL, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON POLICIES, LAWS, AND PLANS
Support MoEWRI on Dispute Resolution Mechanism
As requested by MoEWRI, Paani and NHDP supported the development of “Case Studies on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in Water Resources Disputes” to inform drafting of the Water Resources Bill. The Case Studies include reviews of dispute resolution mechanisms of five federal countries from three continents, including Brazil, Canada, India, Pakistan and U.S.A. The goals of developing the Case Studies were to identify and document examples of water resource dispute resolution mechanisms in the context of federal governance systems across multiple countries; to
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analyze common approaches, challenges, and leading practices in the settlement of water disputes; and to provide options for a legislative framework for dispute resolution at the federal, provincial, and local government levels.
In all of the case studies, the team identified four key areas (of lessons learned), summarized below, which will determine the success or failure of the undertaking:
• It is essential to establish the right balance between central/federal oversight and decentralized powers and obligations, with the aim of securing stakeholder buy-in at the level where the injury has been sustained; • Effective, timely executed enforcement mechanisms must be built in to the process, without which there can be no resolution; • Transparency, one of the main features of natural law, is essential to assure stakeholder buy- in for any dispute settlement process; • Inter-State or Province water agreements can provide a strong platform from which to build trust among users, stakeholders, and governments, and by which disputes can be equitably resolved when the do arise.
Paani and NHDP provided the Executive Summary and the detailed report of the Case Studies to Mr. Toya Nath Adhikari, Joint Secretary (Law), MoEWRI. The COP and EPLE presented the “Case Studies on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms in Water Resources Disputes” to the Joint Secretary along with the COP of NHDP on August 28. The Joint Secretary was very satisfied with the contents and quality of study. During the presentation, he raised questions and committed to develop the dispute resolution mechanism based on the findings of the Case Studies, which would be included in the Water Resources Bill.
Support WECS to Organize a Consultation Workshop
WECS reached out to Paani in June requesting assistance to organize an interaction program on the draft Water Resources Bill, draft Water Resources Policy, and conflict resolution mechanism as asked by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, House of Representatives. Paani developed the agenda for the program to be organized in Surkhet and Karnali for the members of the Committee, provincial ministers, and members of the Natural Resources Committee of the State Assemblies. Dates for the activity are pending a decision from the new WECS Secretary.
Suggestions on Draft Fisheries Policy
EPLE further reviewed and revised the comments and suggestions of the FFS, CTS, and Livelihood and GESI Specialists on the draft of the Fisheries Development Policy. Paani submitted it to the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Y4 Q1 as planned.
Suggestions on Electricity Bill
One of the planned activities for September and Y4 Q2 was to collaborate with NHDP to facilitate inclusion of aquatic biodiversity considerations in the draft Electricity Bill. Paani independently reviewed and developed suggestions on the draft Electricity Bill made public by MoEWRI to solicit comments and suggestions in early September. Paani thoroughly reviewed the Preamble and other sections of the Bill and submitted written suggestions to MoEWRI on September 24. The suggestions provided by the Paani program are, among others;
• The preamble to the Bill should include protection of HCV Rivers and associated watersheds (in addition to the Bill’s objectives). It should include certain provisions for
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conserving flagship aquatic species and riverine ecosystems and should consider the needs and aspirations of future generations. • Aquatic biodiversity impact assessments should also be required to be conducted simultaneously while carrying out the EIA and Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of a proposed hydropower project. The Bill should also make special provisions to ensure full and effective implementation of the environmental management plan (EMP). • The Bill should require or oblige MoEWRI to establish e-flow values and issue environmental flow guidelines for each river to maintain aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the Bill should provide for regular monitoring, maintenance and promotion of e-flows; quantity, quality and timing of e-flows; upstream and downstream connectivity; and conservation of aquatic diversity during operation of hydropower projects. • One new section should be included in the Bill that requires hydropower project developers and operators to construct and operate fish passage systems that ensure longitudinal and lateral passage of fish. • Non-implementation of the mitigation measures mentioned in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), non-compliance with e-flows, and non-construction and operation of fish passage or fish ladder should also be conditions for revocation of licenses.
Technical Support to Far West Province
As one of the outcomes of the meeting the EPLE had with the Secretary of MoITFE of the Far West Province on May 22 and a follow-up meeting on June 20, the Secretary included preparation of the AABC Bill in the Ministry's Policy and Program for the fiscal year 2019/2020. The State Assembly also approved this. Paani COP, EPLE and WMS-Thuligaad met with the new Secretary to brief him on Paani's work and to discuss making arrangements to proceed with development of the AABC Bill. Since the Secretary is new and his utmost priority at present is to finalize the Environment protection Bill and Company Registration Bill, he told Paani that he would them after studying the priorities and programs of the Ministry and processing finalization of the Bills that have already been developed.
Training on the different elements of provincial or national laws
Expecting that Karnali Province's State Assembly would enact the AABCA during the budget session (monsoon) of the Assembly, Paani planned to organize a training for local government, fishers, and CSOs on the different elements of the laws enacted by the Provincial and/or national government in Y4 Q1. However, as neither Karnali Province enacted the Act nor did the federal parliament enact the Water Resources Act, the training could not be organized. Since the federal parliament and state assembly will meet only in late February or March 2020, the training program is postponed to Y4 Q4.
Develop statutes to register aquatic animal conservation group
HWEPC has developed draft statutes to register and hand over river stretches to CAACGs in mid- September. These will be revised and finalized sometime in October.
Training on local laws
In order to properly administer/implement the provisions of the statutes, including compliance with the provisions of Karnali Province's AABCA enacted by different local governments, it is essential that members of local government and Executive Committe of CAACGs are abreast of the
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provisions of these laws. However, as the Karnali Province's Act has not yet been enacted and registration of the CAACGs are yet to beregistered in watersheds where the AABCA has been enacted, this activity will be carried out in Y4 Q3 and Q4.
Formulate Wetland Management Plan of Rara Lake - a Ramsar site
Although it was planned to award the grant and mobilize the grantee, organize the inception workshop, initiate central and local level consultation, and initiate a field study to collect necessary information and data to develop Rara Ramsar Site Management Plan this quarter, these activities could not be undertaken due to delay in awarding the grant. The implementation of these activities will begin in October, as the grant was awarded on September 25.
Promotion of environment friendly rural roads construction
Paani’s EPLE reviewed the first and second drafts of the EFRG developed by SWN and provided comments and suggestions for revision. SWN collected general comments on the EFRG from concerned local government, women groups, members of rural road users groups, and CAACGs from West Seti, Middle Rapti and Jhimruk Khola watersheds. During the consultation meeting, the local governments committed to provide specific comments on the different provisions of the EFRG in writing. As only one of them has provided comments and suggestions, Paani and SWN are still awaiting comments and suggestions from others (see SA 1c).
Develop/update local watershed/sub-watershed management plans
Paani developed the first draft of the SOW for developing the watershed management plan of Rara Khatyad watershed in Khatyad RM. Paani will finalize the SOW and the RFA and make arrangements to award the grant in Y4 Q2 and Q3.
Karnali River Corridor Management
In Y4 Q1, NRCT revised and finalized the Karnali River Corridor Management Framework and Strategic Consideration for River Conservation Legislation in Nepal Report with Paani's comments, suggestions and input, which they had developed based on Karnali expedition, the consultation meetings, FGDs and KIIs, and water quality testing and fish survey that NRCT researchers had conducted in Y3 Q2, and Q3. NRCT organized dissemination and sharing workshops on the Karnali River Corridor Management project in Surkhet, Dhanagadhi and Kathmandu. The objectives of the workshops were to share the project's objectives, completed activities, expedition findings and study reports; to present key findings of Karnali River Corridor Management Framework, and Strategic Consideration for River Conservation Legislation in Nepal study report; and to handover the two reports to the representatives from Provincial Assembly and Provincial Government and Local Government.
They handed over the two study reports to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Secretary, the Ministry of Social Development and Mayor, Chamundabindrasaini Municipality in Karnali Province, and Minster for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, and the Coordinator, District Coordination Committee in Kailali. In Kathmandu, they handed over the study reports to the Chairperson, Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives. They requested the three tiers of government to take appropriate actions to implement the findings of the two study reports.
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Technical Assistance to develop local laws
Paani provided technical assistance to local governments in Bogatan Lagam, Jhimruk and Thuligaad watersheds to develop the AABC Bill in Y3. Bogatan Futsil RM in Bogatan Lagam watershed; Chure and Mohanyal RM in Thuligaad watershed; and Airawati, Gaumukhi and Naubahini RMs in Jhimruk Khola watershed enacted the AABCA in Y4 Q1.
Status of Karnali Province's Aquatic Animal Conservation Bill
Paani followed up with the Karnali province's Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative (MoLMAC) on the status of tabling the Karnali Province's AABC Bill developed and finalized with Paani's technical support and with input from stakeholders of Karnali Province's five districts in Y3 Q2 and Q3. The DCOP, CTS and FFS met with the Minster for MoLMAC in September. She informed them that the Bill has already passed through the cabinet and been forwarded to the Assembly for discussion. She also said that the Ministry is aware of and appreciates concerns raised by Paani and thanked Paani for offering any required support to take the Bill forward. The Ministry will communicate with Paani as required.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 4A: LEARN AND DISCOVER (GENERATE KNOWLEDGE) THROUGH A RESEARCH AGENDA THAT INFORMS SAS UNDER IRS 1 AND 2 The goal of this strategic approach is to fill gaps in knowledge necessary for: implementing river stretch and wetland co-management initiatives; developing various capacity building packages (SA 4B); developing a holistic e-flow calculator; conducting SSP on the Karnali River identifying HCV rivers nationwide, (SA 2C, SA 2A); providing substantial input to national fishery policies; and formulating fishery conservation framework and market strategies (3A). This approach underpins all other Paani strategies and serves as an organizing framework for developing priority programs to be implemented under different Strategic Approaches.
FIGURE 2: RESEARCH ACTIVITES WITHIN PAANI WATERSHEDS
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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
• Under the tasks (broadly related to SA 2.1, SA 1.1, SA 1.4, SA 4.1), the modified model of SSP and HCV Rivers developed for Nepal by WWF US/Nepal were presented in consultation workshops to gather feedback and to sensitize stakeholders about the value of the models and studies. With the feedback received from these consultations, the definition for wild and scenic rivers was re-defined for Nepal, HCV rivers were identified, and technical advisory groups were formed to provide guidance to the SSP and HCV Rivers core team. Options for free flowing rivers providing support to local economy and livelihoods were discussed, as well as a provisional strategy for engaging stakeholders to inspire ownership of knowledge products.
• Task related to SA 1.1 and SA 3.1: Paani with support from SNV consultants drafted a national conservation framework inclusive of market strategies considering issues related to capture fisheries and aquaculture based on stakeholder consultation with stakeholders at the national and provincial levels. On the basis of the stakeholder feedback and knowledge gaps realized, Paani recommends some complementary assessment, such as fish catch sampling to estimate volume and carrying out business case studies.
• CODEFUND/IUCN submitted an analytic report based on review of secondary information, household surveys, community interactions and field observations. The report provides an overview of the Rapti river basin and [Middle Rapti and Jhimruk, in particular. The report covers socio-economic aspects, including ethnic groups engaged in fishing practices, fishery biodiversity and fishing practices, stressors of aquatic biodiversity, and local institutions and governance. Along with Paani’s profile developed at the watershed scale, the assessment will inform governance and policy issues relatied to riverine resources, freshwater biodiversity with due consideration of the custodians of the river and freshwater biodiversity.
• Under another research grant, FAN recorded rich bird diversity in wetlands in Shuklaphanta National Park compared to wetlands outside of the park (Annex, Exhibit A5). More than 130 species of birds were found in Raani Taal in Shuklaphanta National Park.
• FAN also spotted a plant species which the research team claims was not reported previously by any other study before in Nepal. As shown in the picture below the species was identified as Enhydra fluctuans (Asteraceae Family). To confirm the species is new to Nepal, the team will cross-validate in Y4 Q2.
• FAN, through dietary analysis, determined that frogs consume crop pests and larvae of mosquito and thus play an important role in controlling disease vectors and crop pest control. Frogs consumed some notorious rice crop pests such as rice hispa, rice root weevil, rice water weevil, white grubs, rice mealy bugs, aphids, rice termites and rice thrips.
• The same research revealed that wetlands are degrading because of both anthropogenic (e.g., dams, water drainage channels, construction, etc.) and natural factors (e.g., flooding, siltation). As a result, these wetlands are shrinking while others are drying up due to siltation.
• Wetland depletion/degradation has indirect effects on freshwater biodiversity and the ecosystem services they offer. Local people have indicated that they have lost water chestnut (Trapa sp), an important wetland food plant, and that catch fish have declined in lakes and streams.
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• FAN listed 12 lakes of different sizes along with their benefits to nearby communities, water quality, bird species, and threats to aquatic biodiversity and water in the Ramaroshan Lake system of Achham District.
RESEARCH ON SYSTEM SCALE PLANNING TO CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT (SA 2.1.1, SA 2.1.2, SA 2.1, SA 2.1.3)
In Y4 Q1, Paani with technical assistance from WWF US/Nepal organized consultative workshops at the national, provincial and community levels in Kathmandu, Surkhet and Chishapani, respectively. The workshops aimed to share the concept, framework and value of expected results in informing national planning in three key areas: 1) mixed energy options 2) defining, locating and designating river stretches with high biodiversity conservation value 3) and system scale planning through trade- off analysis. A working definition for HCV Rivers was developed during the workshop, which was “a clean, highly connected or free-flowing river or stretch that acts as a lifeline, maintaining ecosystem services* for present and future generations, providing refuge and habitat for high levels of aquatic biodiversity, and supporting important socio-cultural value.” Participants of the workshop also discussed the process and foundation for designating rivers and tributaries based on potential impacts of interventions on the river system. HCV Rivers and SSP groups collected feedback for further refining the methodology and mechanism to enrich the database. Further detail can be found in SA 2c and SA 2a.
In a follow up meeting held on September 27, the HCV Rivers advisory group members were briefed on the progress and limitations experienced during data collection in key thematic areas. The group determined that the database needs to be enriched and filtered by priority thematic areas, especially fisheries. Some key personnel, including Paani experts, were designated for the task of enriching the fishery database.
During separate consultations with the community and provincial level stakeholders, mixed feedback was received about maintaining a “scenic, wild and free-flowing” river. Community people univocally expressed that keeping the Karnali River free flowing was their mission because other rivers could be used for energy generation (conservation of freshwater biodiversity was not one of the main reasons stated). Paani shared that during their workshop, the HCV Rivers group developed a list of alternative energy options to help Karnali Pradesh prosper while keeping the Karnali River free flowing.
Private sector representatives (e.g. rafting group) suggested that a number of stretches of the Karnali River are suitable for river and should therefore be kept free of infrastructure impeding flow. Some local leaders and other stakeholders held the view that it would be impractical to keep the entire Karnali free-flowing but that perhaps some tributaries could be. One former pilot who is now locally elected leader of the opposition party, Jiwan Bahadur Shahi, expressed that energy is necessary but could generated from the Karnali’s tributaries, where water uses and aquatic biodiversity would be less impacted, as compared to the main steam. (See Task 1.1.1 and SA 3.2.1).
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RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABLE CAPTURE FISHERY TO CONTRIBUTE TO IN SITU CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER FISH SPECIES THROUGH VALUE ADDITION (SA 1.1, SA 1.4, SA 4.1)
In Y4 Q1, Paani with technical assistance from the SNV consultant team (building upon Phase I outcomes) has been developing a fishery conservation framework and market development strategy for Nepal. With an objective to sensitize key stakeholders and gather feedback, the team presented the draft framework at national and provincial level workshops. Despite the fisheries sector’s contribution in terms of food, nutrition and income, participants expressed their concern that the sector has not been identified as a national priority because of the lack of strong policies. As a result, government investment has been minimal, as have efforts in conservation of freshwater biodiversity.
These frameworks, along with the market development strategy, will inform policy and in turn motivate planners to give attention to growth and development of the sector. Along the feedback gathered on the framework, the Paani/SNV team realized that some case studies would be required for ground truthing and to gather more feedback from local and provincial governments. The team decided to proceed with two studies to finalize the framework: 1) catch fish estimates in a defined river stretch and 2) business case studies to generate options to harmonize sustainable capture fisheries for interested investors. Paani will develop SOW next quarter and implement the catch estimate in the Koshi and Karnali river systems. Further detail can be found in text under SA 2.1.1.
TASK 4.1.1, 4.1.2: RESEARCH TO INFORM RIVER STRETCH CO-MANAGEMENT
Under the Conservation Development Foundation Nepal/International Union for Conservation of Nature (CODEFUND/IUCN) grant, the first Project Steering Committee (PSC) headed by the Under Secretary of the MoTIFE was held on Aug. 14 Butwal, the capital of Province 5. The PSC agreed to meet every quarter to review and reflect progress of on-going research. The grantee will present progress and action plans to the PSC and get approval for implementation.
This quarter, CODEFUN/IUCN submitted a field assessment report comprised of analysis of socio- economic factors, including fishing, water use and pollution; gaps in knowledge and practice; stressors on aquatic biodiversity, including both climate and non-climate; and governance institution in Paani watersheds. Paani provided a GIS map showing ethnic diversity of beneciaries of the Paani program to assist COFEFUDN/IUCN (Annex, Exhibit A5).
Task 4.1.3 Research to inform local planning and fishery guidelines
Paani planned for grantee TU-CDES to create an inventory of freshwater biodiversity along with factors that pose threats to fish species and river system in West Seti watershed. However, according to updates to USAID policy on funding grants for government instituations, TU will no longer be eligible and Paani have to explore other options, depending on availability of fundsAccording to the recent USAID guidelines, TU will not not be eligible for funding and need to explore alternate mechanism.
Through FAN, Paani has been assessing diversity in four wetlands representing the Tarai and middle- mountain areas with a special focus on aquatic biodiversity, including wetland birds and factors that pose threats to biodiversity and wetlands. FAN documented a total of 12 wetlands in the Ramaroshan Lake system along, with their typical bio-physical characteristics (Annex, Exhibit A5).
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FAN has almost completed the field work, except for a stakeholder meeting to share research findings. Threats and disturbances identified locally primarily originate from natural processes (e.g., siltation and introduction of invasive floral and faunal species) and human activities (e.g., eutrophication, pesticides, unregulated fishing, and over grazing of livestock). These factors are posing threats to the persistence of native fish species, habitat health, wetland birds and the quality of ecosystem services that surround communities. Outcomes of the threat analysis carried out across the study areas is presented in the Annex, Exhibit A5.
The research team documented the value associated with Ramaroshan Lake in terms of ecosystem services such as those derivced from fishing practices, fish stock, forests, and religious and cultural values. FAN will submit final technical reports and a draft manuscript for publication in a journal in Y4 Q2.
Next quarter, Paani will compare diversity distribution among wetland and river system using data generated from the last years’ KU and CMDN research and the data generated from the on-going research under FAN grant. FAN research results will inform the extent and distribution of wetland diversity, organism trophic levels, and factors affecting biodiversity. The research results from these studies will be consolidated to develop knowledge product to inform planners, policy makers and advocacy organizations, as well as help fine tune the AABCAs and and capture fishery guidelines.
TASK 4.1.3 RESEARCH TO INFORM THE FISH SANCTUARY DECLARATION PROCESS
Paani will develop a protocol guideline to consolidate knowledge for declaration of conservation areas or fish sanctuaries. Paani conducted a reconnaissance survey to evaluate if the larger section of the Thuligaad river stretch, as also recommended by NRCT (2018), and the catchment areas could be considered for a fish sanctuary declaration.
In line with recommendations of the Karnali River Conservation Framework, and Article 11.2 of the AABCA endorsed by Mohanyal Municipality of Doti district, Paani has begun to consolidate data required for declaration of the fish sanctuary. The information includes the bio-physical, socio- economic, infrastructure, and freshwater biodiversity factors that pose threats to the conservation of natural habitat and aquatic diversity. Paani has delineated the river stretch (against breeding and fishing hot spots) and its surrounding micro-catchment (against factors that may pose threats due to human activities such as agro-chemicals, solid waste, and haphazard rural roads), socio-economics (ensuring rights of fishing communities and responsibilities for conservation) and AABCAs endorsed by all municipalities bordering the proposed conservation areas (see Figure 3 below).
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FIGURE 3: IDENTIFIED FISH SANCTUARY AREAS
Paani is also looking at conservation models for piloting river stretch and wetland management based on lessons learned from Nepal’s governance model applied for community forestry, buffer zones and wetlands. A half-day workshop is planned for Y4 Q2 to discuss this further.
TASK 4.1.5 RESEARCH TO INFORM POLICY ON INVASIVE CONTROL
Based on lessons learned about the impacts of exotic aquatic flora and fauna on native fish species in wetlands of Pokhara, Paani carried out a topical survey of exotic/invasive species in select watersheds. The major faunal species introduced illegally (African catfish, Clarias garipinus; Rupchanda, Pygocentrus nattereri; Tilapia, Oreochromic nilotica & O. mossambica] and flora [water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes; water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes; giant reed grass, Arundo donax] were found in Raani Taal of Suklaphanta NP, Bhagariya and Bhadahaiya Lake, and Parshuram Kunda of Lower Karnali and Chamborala Lake (faunal species) of Middle Rapti Watershed. As a result, native fish species, especially padani, walago attu; tengra, Mystus tengra; saura, Channa marulius; kawai, Kolisa fasciata; native magur, Clarias batrachus; rohu, Labeo rohita; and singhi, Hetetopneustes fossilis are declining.
This quarter, Paani created a detailed report, including results from literature review, study tours and the reconnaissance survey, which documented the persistence of exotic flora and fauna in the wetlands of Lower Karnali, Lower Mahakali and Middle Rapti Watersheds that are impacting the habitats and diversity of native species. Paani expanded the scope and definition of exotic and invasive species, which was included in the AABCA developed for Mohanyal RM, Thuligaad Watershed. Paani then conceptualized a framework to carry out a detailed impact assessment of these species on native diversity, including the introduction of aggressive, predator species that not
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only compete for food and space with native species but also modify or restructure ecosystem integrity and thereby quality of ecosystem services. A SOW will be developed to assess impacts of exotic and invasive species to inform developing invasive control guidelines in Y4 Q2.
TASK 4.1.4 RESEARCH TO INFORM SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
In Y4 Q2, knowledge and data on impacts of fish ladders (KU) and aggregate mining (generated through STTA with NESS) will be compiled to assess the possible impacts of different structures on freshwater biodiversity. Where possible, results from the e-flow calculator and holistic assessment results will be utilized to inform sustainable infrastructure design. Learning from capacity building of investors, and other stakeholders implemented through the IPPAN grant, will be utilized in basin level planning, flood hazard mapping and recommendations for sustainable infrastructure. The IEC materials developed under SWN will be used to sensitize communities and local governments and provide evidence for advocacy for effective implementation of EIAs for infrastructure development. In Y4 Q2, a half-day workshop will be organized to design a framework for analysis and consolidation of the data generated and compiled from different sources.
TASK 4.1.6 RESEARCH TO INFORM LOCAL WATER MANAGEMENT
Building upon research findings from five watersheds in middle mountain areas across three river basins that reported a significant decrease in water discharge and potential impacts on marginalized communities (Youth Alliance for the Environment [YAE]), grantee Women Act will implement activities to build the capacity of CAACGs, local communities, local grantees, and local governments relating to improve access to water for those communities most impacted. Women Act will also provide the foundation for advocacy to integrate water source protection and improved water supply systems to ensure that these communities are supported (See GESI Section for more detail).
TASK 4.1.9 RESEARCH TO INFORM GUIDELINES ON MULTIPLE USES AND USERS OF WATER
The review and reflection meeting held with FAN and CODEFUND/IUCN hlped to inform future knowledge products to be developed based on research conducted during Y4 Q1. Thus far, FAN has developed a poster entitled “Save Herpetofauna and Their Habitats” and a leaflet entitled “Herpetofauna: Introduction, Importance and Threats” based on review of secondary sources and field data.
In Y4 Q2, Bird Conservation Nepal’s (BCN) research will be implemented in Phoksundo and Rara wetlands. Each grantee will develop knowledge products related to freshwater biodiversity, including wetland birds, climate smart watershed management practices, and threats and opportunities for dissemination after results dissemination workshops are conducted.
In collaboration with the Paani communications team, a research dissemination strategy has been drafted to ensure products reach a wide range of target audiences and beneficiaries, including local government, communities, and research and extension partners (See Communications Section for more detail).
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: SUPPORT CAPACITY BUILDING, LEARNING, AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING IN ACADEMIC AND OTHER LEARNING SPACES The goal of this strategic approach is to build local capacity for watershed and basin management by building the capacity of Nepal’s educational institutions (schools, universities), government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and research institutions to integrate academic/non-academic curricula and programming. The aim is to develop future career professionals and community advocates in the Karnali, Mahakali, and Rapti River Basins who are committed to protecting Nepal’s water resources, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Detailed progress from Y4 Q1 is reported below.
TASK 4.2.1: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A GREEN ENGINEERING STRATEGY AND CURRICULUM As part of the green engineering strategy, Paani is collaborating with Mid-Western University (MWU) to implement four academic courses developed in Y3. In Y4 Q1, the MWU academic council approved the Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Applied Hydrology course. With support from NESS experts, MWU is implementing a one-semester course on ESIA for 48 Bachelor’s of Civil Engineering students in their sixth semester. This is to help students learn about existing environmental assessment policies, the Environmental Protection Act and Environmental Protection Rules of Nepal. Based on classroom interaction with critical reflection and dialogue on case material and readings, students will critically reflect on ways to improve the EIA and understand its contents.
Paani also supported MWU to develop a new grant proposal to implement other academic courses and in-kind grant support for laboratory equipment.
TASK 4.2.2: PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, AND/OR MENTORSHIPS FOR NEPALI STUDENTS PURSUING RELATED FIELDS
Paani supported MWU to develop a new grant proposal, which includes provison of scholarships for students studying academic courses under scholarship guidelines prepared in the first grant.
TASK 4.2.3: ENGAGE YOUTH ON FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE In Y4 Q1, grantee HWEPC formed four eco-clubs in Gadhawa RM (ward 2) and Lamahi Municipality (ward 2) in Jhimruk watershed in collaboration with schoolteachers, school management committees, local government, and other stakeholders. The eco-club members organized programs to raise community awareness on aquatic biodiversity conservation and to advocate against destructive fishing practices.
At Bogatan Lagam Karnali watershed, RuDeC Nepal formed six eco-clubs at schools of 68 members total in in Bogatan 1&2, Badikedar 3&5 and Chukune-1 RM to mobilize students and teachers in aquatic biodiversity conservation and solid waste management and to monitor open defecation. They have also established a conservation fund and requested the ward office to allocate matching funds in natural resource management and bio-diversity conservation.
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RuDeC Nepal also coordinated with respective RMs and Student eco-club members ward offices (Badikedar RM-3 and 5, Bogtan Futsil RM- 1 and 2 and Chaukune RM- 1) to recommend potential to be trained as citizen scientists. The ward offices recommended 15 members based on their contribution and involvement towards conservation of bio-diversity, water resources, natural resources, and women’s empowerment in the community. They were then oriented on the concept of watershed management and aquatic bio-diversity conservation.
Paani with support from the Aquatic Ecology Centre, KU prepared a rapid stream bioassessment pocket guide for citizen scientists. The pocket guide will help citizen scietists easily assess the ecological health of rivers and streams while in the field (see Annex, Exhibit A6).
TASK 4.2.4: FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION BETWEEN NEPALI AND INTERNATIONAL SPECIALISTS AND STUDENTS REGARDING AQUATIC ANIMAL PASSAGE ISSUES In Y4, Q1, Paani prepared a SOW for NESS to provide technical assistance on documentation of the effectiveness of current practices of sustainable management of hydroelectricity projects within Nepal; interntional good practices; and to develop a technical guideline in support of sustainable management of flagship aquatic species in Nepal and elsewhere.
TASK 4.2.5: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS RELATED TO FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE
In Y4 Q1, IPPAN delivered a training on “Hydro-Meteorological Data and River Basin Planning” for 25 participants to learn about the importance of hydro-meteorological data in water resources management. The training provided an overview of the development and status of hydro- meteorological data collection in Nepal, and areas for improvement (more detail provided under SA 2c).
MRC Nepal delivered a two-day training on “Resilient and Environment Friendly Livelihoods” to 50 participants in Gadhawa RM 5, Dharmapur and Kakrawa, Middle Rapti watershed to help farmers increase their livelihood options by applying eco-friendly agriculture production, plant protection and marketing systems.
Process documentation on river stretch co-management is underway. This will be used as a guideline for communities and local governments to replicate in other river stretches with high aquatic biodiversity value.
PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATION, KNOWLEDGE SHARING The following table represents Paani’s coordination activities with USAID/Nepal and other USAID activities for Y4 Q1:
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TABLE 1: MEETINGS WITH USAID/NEPAL AND OTHER USAID PROGRAMS
MEETINGS WITH USAID/NEPAL AND OTHER USAID PROGRAMS
PARTNER/PROJECT NAME DATE OF MEETING OUTCOME OF COLLABORATION USAID Nepal July 16 DCOP, SHS and WWF study met wtih USAID to brief them on the stakeholder consultation workshops in Kathmandu and Surkhet, and consultation meetings with stakeholders in Bardiya and Chisapani. The team shared that these workshops helped them draft a definition of HCV Rivers and form advisory groups. The team USAID that initial draft findings will be shared during their March 2020 workshop and the final report during Paani’s International Seminar on Sustainable Hydropower Development in Kathmandu proposed for Sept. 2020. USAID IWMA Aug 19 Paani participated in IWMA’s Update Sharing and Coordination with other USAID IWMA partners (KISAN, PAHAL, NSAF, Paani, NHDP, NMEL, WASHFin, SERVIR HKH and SUAAHARA) to share updates and discuss collaboration between IPs. IPs agreed to integrate planning and work with local governments to ensure sustainability beyond project end dates IWMA NMEL/Camris International Aug 26 M&E Specialist, Data Analyst Manager and IWRM Specialist (IWRMS) participated in a meeting organized by the IWMA NMEL team on midline indicator data. The group agreed to develop a revised format to collect indicator data from IPs. USAID IWMA Sep 23 DCOP and IWRMS attended an IWMA meeting on IPs’ grants programs (KISAN, Paani, PAHAL and Suaahara) to share activities and discuss opportunities on water security activities. USAID/Nepal, USAID SEED Team Sept. 13 Paani COP and DCOP participated in and NHDP a meeting with the U.S. Indo Pacific Strategy team at the NHDP office. The meeting was hosted by USAID and attended by NHDP, Paani and USAID SEED team members. Paani and NHDP discussed collaborative efforts to strengthen energy security and natural resources management in Nepal.
The following table represents Paani’s coordination activities with stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, GoN, and other development partners in Y3 Q4:
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TABLE 2: MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
MEETINGS WITH STAKEHOLDERS
PARTNER/PROJECT NAME DATE OF MEETING OUTCOME OF COLLABORATION MoALD, CFPCC, NARC July 24 CTS, FFS and SNV local expert met with MoALD, CFPCC and NARC to discuss the status of the fisheries organization structure within the government, linkages among government tiers and intersectoral ministries, status of fisheries policy, fisheries market, and enabling environment. Paani also informed them of the ongoing Paani-SNV assessment on the conservation governance framework and market development strategy. Ministry of Federal Affairs and July 29 EPLE and IWRMS met with Mr. Rishi Raj General Administration Acharya, Under Secretary and Ms. Reenu Thapaliya, Section Officer, Environment and Disaster Management Section to learn about different initiatives of the Environment and Disaster Management Section, the status of revision of the EFLG framework, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Department of Environment (DOE), Aug 21 Paani met with the DG of DOE to share Ministry of Forest and Environment its overall approach and activities in sustainable hydropower activities (e.g. e- flows and HCV Rivers, energy options and SSP studies). The DG assured the team that she is willing to engage and participate these activities. Nepal Renewable Energy Program Aug 26 Paani met with NREP to learn about their (NREP), funded by DFID planned Energy Resource Assessment to discuss collaboration with Paani’s WWF- led energy options assessment. Paani and NREP will share and exchange on this area to collectively work. Further, Paani and NREP agreed to share and exchange information during events and through regular meetings to understand areas of alignment and avoid duplication. Teri Allendorf, Independent Aug 26 Paani participated in a meeting with Teri Consultant, MI 2 Allendorf, an independent consultant for Measuring Impact 2, as part of an assessment to help USAID understand the successes and challenges of its natural resource management projects in Nepal. The results of the assessment will inform USAID’s future investments in this area. Paani’s strategic approach (SA) leads provided an overview and update on each of the program’s theories of change, including learning and constraints faced in implementation. Paani also prepared an itinerary for Ms. Allendorf to visit sites in Middle Karnali watershed, including consultations with CAACGs, a meeting with faculty at MWU, and a provincial level workshop on a freshwater biodiversity conservation framework and market development strategy that Paani is developing for Nepal.
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NARC Sept 2 FFS and SNV consultants met with the Executive Director (ED) of NARC on the status of fisheries research and development. The ED informed the team that both research and development of natural water fisheries and conservation are limited because of unclear institutional mandates. The team learned that NARC has been working on ex situ conservation of native fish species of economic importance. KVFMDB (Kalimati Vegetable & Sept 3 FFS and SNV consultants met with the Fruit Market Development Board) CEO of of KVFMDB to discuss the status of the fish market in Kathmandu. The CEO informed the team that 25 wholesellers are operating in the market with 10-15 tons of fish landing per day. The team learned that over 90% of the fish in the Kathmandu market come from India. NTB (Nepal Tourism Board) Sept 3 FFS and SNV consultants met with the Deputy CEO of NTB to discuss the status of water based tourism in Nepal. The DCEO informed the team that rafting is the only product operating in select stretches of a few rivers. He appreciated the initiative of Paani on developing a fisheries conservation framework and market development strategy and hoped results will inlcude concrete recommendations for promoting water- based ecotourism to benefit local and river resource dependent communities. FNCCI, Karnali Province Sept 4 FFS, RBTL-KRB and SNV consultants met with Mr. Padam Bahadur Shahi, Chairperson of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Karnali Province. The chairperson stated that, with limited knowledge, the provincial government has been advocating for the development of hydro-electricity as one of the drivers to bring economic prosperity to the province. They are also prioritizing tourism for sustainable development but have not developed a plan. Aathabisa Municipality, Sept 6 Paani and SNV consultants met with the Lower Karnali Watershed Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Aathabisa Municipality and Ward Chairs of three municipalities (Aathabisa, Panchadewal Binayak, Kamal Bazar) to discuss river stretch co-management and fishery based business opportunities. The Mayor and ward chairs realized that the effective implementation of provisions of the AABCA is a gradual process and indicated that palikas are facing the problem of budget allocation on local level biodiversity conservation due to the lack of federal level policy and planning, and unclear working procedures between local and provincial governments. National Planning Commission Sept 6 EPLE and SHS met with Dr. Krishna Prasad (NPC) Oli, Honorable Member of the NPC to brief him on Paani activities and to learn about NPC's initiatives on conserving aquatic biodiversity and sustainable
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infrastructure development in Nepal. The Paani team discussed with Mr. Oli the gap on integration of aquatic biodiversity in national policy, policy discourse and infrastructure development projects and programs. Further, there is no federal institution with a clear mandate for conservation of aquatic biodiversity. Paani informed Mr. Oli that the program had provided technical support to 16 municipalitiesa and RMs, as well as Karnali Province on the AABCA. MoLMAC (Ministry of Land Sept 7 Paani and SNV consultants met with the Management, Agriculture & Minister and high profile officials of Cooperative), Karnali Province MoLMAC. The Minister and the MoLMAC team appreciated the Paani initiation of framework development in Nepal. They shared that the AABC Bill has already passed through the cabinet and been forwarded to the Assembly for discussion. The minister also suggseted that Paani support the Ministry in building capacity in the field of fisheries management and aquaculture. Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Sept 15 COP, EPLE and WMS-Thuligaad met with Tourism, Forest and Environment , the new Secretary to discuss collaboration Far West State on development of the AABC Bill. Paani briefed him on the technical support provided already to the local governments of Bogatan Lagam and Thuligad watershed in Sudur Paschim Pradesh and that all five RMs in these watersheds have enacted the AABCA. The Secretary said that Sudur Paschim Pradesh and Pradesh Number 1 and Pradesh Number 2 are the three provinces where the gangetic dolphin is found in Nepal. Sudur Paschim Pradesh is best positioned to take special measures on conservation of the dolphin by developing an aquatic biodiversity conservation law. He told Paani that he will contact them after finalizing the Environment Protection Bill, and Company Registration Bill. Thakurbaba Municipality, Bardiya Sep 19 IWRMS and WMS-Lower Karnali met with the Mayor of Thakurbaba Municipality to inform him of the low cost flood early warning system being installed in Aurahi khola by the SEE team and requested his support. Bardiya National Park Sep 20 IWRMS and WMS-Lower Karnali met with the Assistant Warden of Bardiya National Park to inform him of the low cost flood early warning system being installed in Aurahi khola by the SEE team and requested his support. Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Sept 15 COP, EPLE and WMS-Thuligaad met with Tourism, Forest and Environment , the new Secretary to discuss collaboration Far West State on development of the AABC Bill. Paani briefed him on the technical support provided already to the local governments of Bogatan Lagam and Thuligad watershed in Sudur Paschim Pradesh and that all five RMs in these watersheds have enacted the AABCA. The Secretary said that Sudur Paschim Pradesh and Pradesh Number 1
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and Pradesh Number 2 are the three provinces where the gangetic dolphin is found in Nepal. Sudur Paschim Pradesh is best positioned to take special measures on conservation of the dolphin by developing an aquatic biodiversity conservation law. He told Paani that he will contact them after finalizing the Environment Protection Bill, and Company Registration Bill.
CROSS CUTTING ISSUES
GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION (GESI) Goal 1: Strengthen the ability of grantees to apply GESI lenses in their program implementation.
Paani’s GESI team supported 17 grantees to develop their GESI plans and apply GESI lenses in their program design and implementation. The team provided an orientation to 12 grantees on their GESI plans, which were developed and reviewed, in Y4 Q1. The team also assisted with the close out of two grantees (PHG and NNSWA), including compiling and sharing GESI outcome results.
The GESI team reviewed two LAPAs of Rajapur Municipality and Naraharinath Municipality of Lower Karnali and Middle Karnali watersheds, respectively, and the CAPA of Rajapur Municipality ward no # 1 and 7 for the arrangement of GESI sensitive safe shelters to protect women, children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, the elderly, people with disabilities, Dalits, and other marginalized groups and vulnerable groups from disasters such as floods.
Paani also reviewed grantee Women Act’s implementation plan. The other 12 grantees will share their plans to mainstream GESI with Women Act as well.
Support to promote sustainable livelihoods of traditionally marginalized groups.
The GESI team conducted an ecotourism market study focusing on possible ecotourism products such as rafting, hotels, homestays, hospitality services, sport fishing, guiding, and bird-watching. The study results will guide capacity building of grantees, local groups, and communities to create alternative livelihoods to reduce river threats and unsustainable uses of river resources in and around the Karnali River Basin, with a particular focus on traditionally marginalized groups. The study was carried out in Rara Khatyad, Middle Karnali and Lower Karnali watersheds. Results will be reported next quarter.
Paani also screened 28 grant activities for alternative livelihoods including ecotourism (MRDCC, HWEPC, CIS, MRC Nepal, FEDWASUN, KDCN) planned in five watersheds (Middle Rapti, Jhimruk Khola, Lower Karnali, Lower Mahakali, Thuligaad). As the result, grantee activities for additional livelihoods promotion have streamlined and are awaiting input from the aforementioned study.
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Table 3: GESI Integrated Major Activities/Outcomes
ACTIVITIES LOCATION NARRATIVE OUTCOME
Improved Rangun NNSWA provided improved cooking stoves 31 vulnerable households (HHs) Cooking Stove Watershed, (ICS) to vulnerable communities in Rangun received ICS Support to Parsuram and watershed to help control firewood collection vulnerable Alitaal RM from natural forest. communities
Bio-engineering Lower Mahakali In Lower Mahakali, NNSWA in partnership with 70 majority Sonaha HHs supported watershed, Bhimdatta Municipality, designed and completed Bhimdatta a bioengineering scheme in Sonaha Tole. construction of a foot bridge Municipality
First Aid Task Rangun NNSWA provided first aid training to members 18 (16 female/2 male) people trained force formed Watershed, of the First Aid Task Force formed to build on first aid for school safety and and First Aid Aalitaal RM capacity in first aid delivery. during disasters training provided
Fisheries Rangun watershed, In Rangun watershed, NNSWA submitted the Two local authorities guidelines -Parsuram draft sustainable capture fishery guidelines for accepted/developed the guidelines drafted through Municipality and review and endorsement from the upcoming through active participation of local participatory Alital RM municipal council. governments process
Profiling status Lower Mahakali CIS assessed the vulnerabilities of Sonaha fisher Vulnerability assessment report and vulnerability groups. The objective was to assess the number shared at ward level of Bhimdatta 12 assessment of of households and their occupation, education and 13 with ward chairpersons, ward fish community status, dependency on fishing, alternative members, local political leaders, livelihood options adopted, and vulnerability to senior citizens, and community fishing due to excessive gravel and boulder leaders to triangulate the findings. mining, migration of youth to India for employment, etc.
Follow up Town Bogatan Lagam NEFEJ conducted follow up town hall meeting at Chaukune RM conducted training on Hall Meeting on Watershed Bogatan Lagam watershed, Chaukune RM on blacksmith and tailoring to Dalit Dalit and Janajati Dalit and Janajati traditional skills and community, along with rafting traditional skills livelihoods. A number of commitments had training to the Raji Community after and livelihoods been addressed by the local authority. the town hall meeting. In addition, a Raji Museum is under construction.
CAACG formed Rapti, Mahakali and Total 19 CAACGs formed in Paani’s working 19 CAACGs formed with inclusive and mobilized Karnali River watersheds in three river basins. leadership (71% women and Basins marginalized groups in key posts) meeting regularly
Rapti RM allocated NPR for the awareness and conservation of aquatic biodiversity, and Airawati
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RM Ward no. 1 allocated NPR for aquatic biodiversity conservation in the gaping area of its river stretch.
Homestay Shey Phoksundo 3 day home-stay training conducted in Shey- 50 marginalized women out of 61 Training watershed, Dolpa Phoksundo watershed, Ringo Village in trained on homestay through the Ringmo village collaboration with Shey Phoksundo RM. The local government’s budget of main objective of the training was to promote NPR with Paani’s technical eco-tourism through home stay. The main support. Two homestay hoarding contents of the training were background of boards installed near Phoksundo home stay procedures, management and Lake. implementation; cultural aspects of homestay; eco-tourism & homestay service products; public contact and public relations; homestay management committee TOR; and After the training, the Phoksundo welcoming/farewell of guests. Homestay Management Committee at Ringmo formed with 11 members (9 Janajati).
Resilient and Middle Rapti In Y4 Q1, MRC Nepal held two two-day 50 trained (42 female/8 male) on Environment watershed, trainings on Resilient and Environment Friendly eco-friendly production and nursery Friendly Ghadawa RM Livelihoods covering eco-friendly production, bed established after the training. Livelihood plant protection and marketing systems for Training livelihood improvement of the farmers’ groups.
45%
71%
Women & marginalised groups Women
FIGURE 4: LEADERSHIP OF WOMEN AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS IN LOCAL GROUPS
A breakdown of participation in Paani events by gender and caste/ethinicity can be found in the Annex, Exhibit A2.
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COMMUNICATIONS
Paani has initiated and implemented a variety of communications activities this quarter. First off, NEFEJ continued to implement its suite of media and outreach activities in Y4 Q1. As mentioned under SA 2a, the follow up town hall meetings have proven very effective in checking the status of commitments made publicly by the local government to their communities. Seven of the 11 town hall meetings held this quarter were follow up meetings. Of note, two local governments had allocated funds as promised in the first town hall meetings held last year. In Madhuwan Municipality, DFO allocated 600,000 and 500,000 NPR, respectively, to improve demarcation by constructing check dams on the lake. The municipality also prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for the lake, and the local community had formed the Bhagaraiya Lake Wetland Conservation Committee (BLWCC) since the first town hall meeting held in March 2018. In Rajapur, Bardiya, the municipality had allocated 400,000 NPR to the Sonaha community, with 200,000 NPR specifically designated to enhance livelihood options through homestay promotion, and another 150,000 NPR for bioengineering techniques to control bank cutting and overflow, since the first town hall meeting. In other municipalities and RMs, the local government had implemented fishing bans during the breeding season (Geruwa RM) and passed the AABCA (Airawati RM) (see SA 2a, Task 2.3.3 for more details).
In Lower Karnali, town hall meetings covered issues such as lake management, impact of the decline in fish on traditional Sonaha livelihoods, coordination among implementing partners (IPs), and biodiversity conservation and human/wildlife conflict. In Lower Mahakali, town hall meetings covered riverbank cutting/flooding and inundation and human/wildlife conflict. In Jhimruk Khola, the meetings covered aquatic wildlife conservation and drought/drying up of water sources. In Middle Rapti, one town hall meeting held covered excavation, flooding and sedimentation in the Kakrahawa River, and in Bogatan Lagam Karnali, one meeting covered traditional skills and livelihoods of marginalized communities (see Annex, Exhibit A7 for a complete list of town hall meetings, location and consensuses of action).
Also this quarter, NEFEJ produced and broadcasted 13 episodes of its weekly TV program, covering 24 stories, and 14 episodes of its radio program, covering 40 stories. Example topics include eco- tourism potential in Dolpa, Phoksundo Suligaad watershed; incorporating conservation messages into traditional folk songs in Lower Karnali and Mahakali watersheds; the local municipality’s commitment to build EF roads according to IIE/EIA in West Seti watershed; RM taking the lead in mitigating floods and landslides in Thuligaad watershed; and the local community’s initiative to control haphazard sand and gravel mining in Middle Rapti. A complete list of TV and radio show episodes/stories can be found in the Annex, Exhibit A7.
NEFEJ also conducted in house radio journalist training for six radio stations in four watersheds, aiming to build the capacity of local journalists to better understand and cover issues related to aquatic biodiversity. Paani plans on following up with these stations in the coming quarters to learn if they are airing more conservation-related stories.
Paani continued to utilize NEFEJ’s online portal http://www.hakahakionline.com/np/ to share news and information on water-related issues and aquatic biodiversity. In Y4 Q1, the website had 16,997 visitors with a total of 56,173 views. 179 watershed-related stories were published, including 17 on aquatic biodiversity. All the TV show episodes and radio programs are made available through the portal, along with articles on the town hall meetings, water and other environmental issues. Of the 13 TV episodes shown on NEFEJ’s You Tube channel, the most popular episode was on the local community’s initiative to control sand and gravel mining (mentioned above). It was viewed 83 times
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(Annex, Exhibit A7). NEFEJ also continued to share news and research through its Android app, hakihaki.
Other grantees also conducted select outreach/communications activities in Y4 Q1. For example, KDCN in Jhimruk produced radio jingles on destructive fishing practices, and SWN has nearly completed IEC materials on EFRC after a series of community pre-testing consultations (see SA 1c).
In addition to hakihaki, Paani promotes its findings and news on the Paani Facebook page, which had 868 followers at the end of Y4 Q1 (168 more than at the end of the previous quarter). This quarter, Paani shared the first of a series of impact videos on its Facebook page. The video profiles a local champion, Seema Gharti, who has become a leader of a CAACG developed with support from Paani. She and other women practice and encourage the use of local fishing practices and patrol the river on their own initiative. The video was Paani’s most successful post to date, reaching 14,065 people, with 5,366 views and 78 shares. USAID/Nepal also shared its analytics on the video with Paani shortly after they shared it. Within a week, it had reached 112,000 people and received 44,000 views and 1,800 reactions. It had been shared 104 times. Paani has been working on the second impact video this quarter, which will be shared on the Facebook page in Y4 Q2. A learning video is also being developed, which will be used to guide new CAACGs as they mobilize to advocate in their communities or pass legislation, as well as other USAID IPs, programs, or community groups wishing to implement similar activities in other watersheds.
As mentioned under SA 3b, Paani brought on STTA Marjo Curgus to work with the communications and sustainable hydropower team members to develop a sustainable hydropower advocacy and communications strategy to raise awareness of CSOs and user groups on their rights in relation to hydropower development, and to increase their capacity to engage and advocate on behalf of those rights to the appropriate bodies (i.e. government or hydro-operators). The advocacy strategy will guide dissemination of results from the studies under SSP within different forums to inform government policies on hydropower development. At a minimum, the sustainable hydropower “package” will include: three system scale planning reports; CSO guidelines; sustainable hydropower monitoring checklist; and e-flow methodology best practices. Ms. Curgus also gave Paani staff working with local government and/or overseeing grants with advocacy components a half day advocacy training in late September. She will re-join the team the first week of October to work on the strategy (see SA 3b).
Building on the knowledge products created last quarter, the communications team worked on a dissemination plan this quarter with the field and technical teams to distribute Paani-supported research and products to target audiences in watersheds and river basins. All field staff have been requested to identify stakeholders who may benefit from Paani research and products. In addition, Paani began brainstorming how to approach local and provincial governments to take ownership of products such as the watershed profiles and health reports, especially in light of lack of traction with WECS on the Freshwater Center of Excellence (see Constraints and Remedies Section). Next quarter, and in parallel with development of the hydropower advocacy strategy, Paani will look at distribution of knowledge products to national level stakeholders as well.
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With the NEFEJ grant ending in December, and Paani soon heading into its final year of implementatino, Paani decided to conduct an assessment of its communications activities. This quarter, Paani developed a SOW and issued an RFP to select a firm to conduct a survey in select Paani watersheds where a variety of communications activities have been carried out by NEFEJ and local grantees. Paani aims to select a firm in early Y4 Q2 and immediately begin implementation.
Finally, Paani has seen its work profiled in a variety of local and national news outlets this quarter. Three stories were covered in Kantipur Daily, including: 1) One women’s group patrolling the river to stop destructive fishing practices; 2) Villagers’ efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity in Rangun and Lower Mahakali and 3) the community’s initiatives on lake conservation in Lower Mahakali. Karobar National Daily covered how fishers are returning to traditional methods after seeing how these methods helped to increase fish stock. A complete list of stories can be found in the Annex, Exhibit A7.
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SECTION IV: ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT Administration and management of Paani is based on five main modalities of Paani’s technical and financial resources, which mutually reinforce each other:
• Research, • Training, • Technical Assistance (well-targeted, through a mix of Nepali and international long-term and short-term specialists), • Events (workshops, conferences, public education events, and working groups), and • Grants
Throughout the quarter, especially after the Measuring Impact and Year 4 Annual Planning Workshops held in June 2019, both the Kathmandu and Nepalgunj-based grants teams and select technical team members met with potential local APS grantees to help them refine their proposed applications to ensure they cover the breadth of geographical areas and activities in the Y4 AWP as well as watershed plans.
This quarter, the Paani Operations team facilitated the following procurements to support technical requirements as follows:
• Design and Establishment of the Nepal River Basin Conservation Fund (NRBCF) • Development of Rara Lake Ramsar Site Management Plan • Survey on Paani Communications Activities • International Case Studies on Water Resource Dispute Mechanisms • Establishment of Environment Flow (E-Flow) values for Karnali Basin and Guidelines for Implementation of Established Values
On September 24-25, Paani held a quarterly review meeting in Nepalgunj, where management, technical, cross-cutting and grants team members gathered to review progress over the quarter and develop plans for the coming quarter.
Key administrative and management tasks completed from July 1 – September 30, 2019 are presented in Table 4.
Table 4: KEY ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT TASKS COMPLETED DURING Y4 Q1
Y4 Q1 KEY ADMINISTRATIVE & MANAGEMENT TASKS TASKS COMPLETED BY Recruitment of Director of Operations LTTA completed. The Director of Operation is joining September 2019 Paani effective October 4, 2019. Recruitment of new Procurement Manager LTTA completed. The Procurement Manager is September 2019 joining Paani effective October 23, 2019. Lower Karnali Watershed Management Specialist LTTA resigned effective October 25, 2019. September 2019
Sustainable Hydropwer Advocacy Specialist STTA recruited and approved, effective September September 2019 19, 2019 to develop Sustainable Hydropower Advocacy Strategy and Training Curriculum for Paani Project. Nepal Ecotourism Specialist STTA identified and approved effective September 23, 2019 to September 2019 assist the ecotourism assessment of river-based activities in the Karnali River Basin. Team Leader and Ecotourism Expert STTA identified and approved effective September 6, 2019 September 2019 to conduct ecotourism assessment of river-based activities in the Karnali River Basin.
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Ecotourism Specialist STTA identified and approved effective September 6, 2019 to conduct September 2019 ecotourism assessment of river-based activities in the Karnali River Basin. Senior Operations Manager resigned from Paani effective September 15, 2019 and will continue August 2019 to provide support to Paani as Grants and Operations Specialist until October 31, 2019. Extension of the period of performance of Team Leader and Socio Economist STTA, August 2019 International Fish Biologist STTA, National Fish Biologist STTA, and Nepal Ecotourism Expert STTA until October 31, 2019. Recruitment of Field Office Driver LTTA completed. Joined Paani Nepalgunj office effective August 2019 August 13, 2019. Procurement Manager resigned effective August 19, 2019. August 2019
CONSTRAINTS AND PROPOSED REMEDIES Last quarter, Paani identified four issues confronting the project. Two have been addressed, as summarized in the below table. Two issues remains and two other issues have been identified for the current quarter, all of which are described below.
TABLE 5: ADDRESSED CONSTRAINTS FROM THE Y3/Q4 AND ANNUAL REPORT
ADDRESSED CONSTRAINTS FROM Y3 Q4
Y3 Q4 ISSUE STATUS Issue 1: Challenge implementing Local Compensation Resolved. Since the LCP was put into place, Paani has Plan (LCP) for consultants communicated with potential employees and sub-contractors regularly and openly about the changes in rates. Paani had to broaden its recruiting strategy to find highly qualified candidates. Sub-contractors are now doing the same when looking for new consultants and finding suitable candidates. Issue 2: Increasing security concerns Resolved. Paani staff have not reported any security incidences this quarter. Paani continues to remain vigilant, encourage staff to report any security concerns, and follow the branding and marking waiver currently in effect.
Issue 1: Limited ownership of Paani’s knowledge products and tools for decision making by WECS
Effective coordination between Paani and WECS, and ownership of Paani-produced tools and outputs by WECS, have continued to be a constraint given the high turnover at WECS. In program year 3, the designated point of contact (POC)/Acting POC at WECS changed three times. Although Paani is currently coordinating with the Acting Joint Secretary, he will also move on. As a result of these changes, Paani has lost traction with previously built relationships with government counterparts, and likewise, the government has lost its institutional knowledge about the project and the value of conservation.
This lack of continuity makes government understanding and ownership of Paani’s knowledge products difficult. Products that should feed into river basin planning and used at the palika and province levels for informed decision making, such as the watershed profiles and health reports, are not being disseminated by WECS and/or any members of the Paani project steering committee (PSC) and Project Technical Committee (PTC), despite interest in such products by palika and province-level leaders. Paani has also consistently tried to involve WECS in the process of development of the three studies under the WWF-led assessments begun this quarter. Despite the relevance of these studies to the river basin and hydropower master plans and Strategic
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Environmental and Social Assessments (SESA) WECS is developing, they have not shown high level interest or active engagement.
Remedy: Paani continues to keep in regular communication with WECS, to engage them in Paani activities and research, and to request regular updates. More specifically, Paani invited WECS to join the HCV rivers advisory group in an attempt to build ownership on their part. At the same time, Paani has also been engaging more directly at local and provincial levels of government, who are more receptive to receiving and using Paani-generated tools and resources. This quarter, Paani began developing a dissemination plan specifically targeting local governments and communities, which will be further developed next quarter to encourage use of these products in planning processes and decision-making.
Issue 2: Reorientation of activities based on a new government system
Government engagement during a period of political and institutional restructuring continues to be a challenge for Paani. The biggest challenge related to this issue is the lack of human resources and capacity, especially in local government in areas where Paani works, and knowing who to engage with, especially at the municipal and provincial levels that are still not yet sufficiently staffed. In fact, municipalities still have not been given the right to hire their own staff. Those local leadership roles which are filled still lack capacity because their offices are short-staffed and resources remain scarce. Thus, they are overburdened and unable to adequately engage with Paani in implementation of activities in their jurisdictions.
This lack of policy and legal and institutional arrangements has also impacted Paani’s ability to move forward on select tasks. Institutions such as MoEWRI and the Energy Regulatory Commission were only recently formed, and the Water Resources Policy and Water Resources Bill are being updated. In addition, the first draft of the Electricity Bill has only just been prepared. It is therefore too early to write a white paper analyzing institutional options and opportunities for holistic and integrated water management to support policy development (Task 3.1.2), as GON may not yet be receptive to recommendations. Furthermore, WECS’ long proposed river basin offices (RBO) have yet to be established. Until the new Water Resources Act is implemented, along with the establishment and operation of RBOs for at least three years, there may be very limited or no receptivity of findings and recommendations of a white paper that highlights the gaps and strengths of legal and institutional arrangements related to integrated water management. Moreover, if the Water and Energy Commission is established as proposed in the Water Resources Bill, it will have more power to promote integrated water resources management. Establishing river basin level platforms (Task 3.2.1) is also affected by the current reality, for without any government institution to serve as a host, sustainability of these platforms is doubtful
Remedy: Paani will continue to proactively engage with newly elected officials in areas where Paani works, and will continue to seek support from WECS as early as possible. Paani will continue to explore effective ways to engage various levels of government, building on its experience working with multiple stakeholders through a variety of processes and mechanisms. For example, WMSs and RBTLs are building relationships with newly elected local government leaders at the rural municipality/municipality and provincial level. Paani engages these leaders at every opportunity and provides direct capacity building and support in the development of the local government plans and policies.
Issue 3: Delay in approvals due to new USAID policy barring grant funding for government institutions
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This quarter, a change in ADS 303.3.21regarding sub-awards (revised to 303.3.21.c, effective June 22, 2019) deemed that government institutions may no longer receive funding through grants; they may only receive technical assistance or in-kind grants. This impacted a number of grants that the program had worked on for nearly four months. For example, the proposed grant to TU to develop a protocol for sanctuary declaration was not approved for this reason, and the planned second grant to MWU will now be canceled. The inability to fund these grants at this stage may impact certain contractual tasks falling under SAs 4a and 4b (i.e. filling knowledge gaps and higher education capacity building), especially given Paani’s limited time remaining for implementation.
Remedy: Paani will explore other potential organizations to execute the tasks in the grants originally intended for these institutions based on availability of funds.
Issue 4: Delay in supporting GON and IWMI to promote e-flow adoption (Task 2.2.1)
To execute this task, Paani was dependent on e-flow values for the Karnali river basin from IWMI’s Digo Jal Bikas’ (DJB) project. Unfortunately, DJB did not provide these values, which has delayed the task and incurred costs for Paani, who then had to release a tender to find a firm to calculate the values.
Remedy: Paani identified another mechanism to acquire the values. The program anticipates hiring the firm and having the values next quarter.
PERSONNEL UPDATES Individuals who joined or supported Paani between July 1 – September 30, 2019 are presented in Table 6.
Table 6: PAANI PERSONNEL UPDATES Y4 Q1
PAANI PERSONNEL UPDATES NAME ROLE LTTA Amy Conlee, October 4, 2019 Director of Operations Naryan Belbase, October 4, 2019 Promoted from Environmental Policy and Law Expert to be Senior Environmental Policy and Law Expert Jagatram Chaudhary, August 13, 2019 Field Office Driver STTA Miquel Baca, Sep 6 – Dec 20, 2019 Team Leader and Ecotourism Expert Christel Bonaro, Sep 6 – Dec 20, 2019 Ecotourism Specialist Dev Raj Jaishi, Sep 23 – Oct 25, 2019 Nepal Ecotourism Specialist Marjo Curgus, Sep 19 – Oct 4, 2019 Sustainable Hydropower Advocacy Specialist Johannes Go, Sep 16 – Oct 31, 2019 Grants and Operations Specialist Suan Hanson, Sept 9-27, 2019 Acting Senior Operations Manager Kevin Orisini, Aug 9 – 23, 2019 Project Associate Arthur Neiland, Mar 13 – Oct 31, 2019 Team Leader and Socio Economist – Fisheries Livelihood Assessment Martin Van Brakel, Mar 13 – Oct 31, 2019 International Fish Biologist – Fisheries Livelihood Assessment Madhav Shrestha, Mar 13 – Oct 31, 2019 National Fixh Biologist – Fishreies Livelihood Assessment
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Ram Chandra S, Mar 13, - Oct 31, 2019 Ecotourism Expert – Fisheries Livelihood Assessment Jonathan Randal, Jul 26 – Aug 4, 2019 Climate Change Adaptation Specialist – NRBCF Co-Creation Workshop Facilitator Robin Young, Jul 26 – Aug 4, 2019 Investment Specialist– NRBCF Co-Creation Workshop Facilitator
GRANTS - COMPLETED, ONGOING, AND IN THE PIPELINE Table 7: CLOSED AND COMPLETED PAANI GRANTS AS OF Y4 Q1
closed and completed grants
GRANT GRANTEE GRANT TITLE STATUS NO/ TYPE G-KAT-001 Dali NGO Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Closed Fixed Federation Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Amount (DNF) Central and Grassroots Levels - Dalit Award Members (FAA) Watershed: Tila G-KAT-002 Federation of Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Closed Fixed Community Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Amount Forest Users Central and Grassroots Levels - Forest Award Nepal Users (FAA) (FECOFUN) Watersheds: Middle Karnali and Phoksundo Suligaad G-KAT-003 Himalayan Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Closed Standard Grassroots Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Grant Women’s Central and Grassroots Levels - Natural Resource Himalayan Grassroots Women’s Natural Management Resource Management Association Association (HIMAWANTI) Nepal (HIMAWANTI) Watershed: West Seti
G-KAT-004 Federation of Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Closed FAA Drinking Water Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the and Sanitation Central and Grassroots Levels - Drinking Users Nepal Water and Sanitation Users (FEDWASUN) Watersheds: Lower Karnali, Jhimruk, Mugu Karnali G-KAT-005 National Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Closed FAA Federation of Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Irrigation Water Central and Grassroots Levels - Irrigation Users Water Users Association Watersheds: Seti Nadi, Thuli Gaad, Nepal Rangun Khola (NFIWUAN) G-KAT-006 Nepal Federation Strengthening Capacity of Nepal's Water Closed FAA of Indigenous Users to Adapt to Climate Change at the Nationalities Central and Grassroots Levels - (NEFIN) Indigenous Nationalities Watersheds: Lower Mahakali, Middle Rapti, G-KAT-007 Nepal Forum of Strengthening knowledge and partnerships Closed Standard Environmental on healthy watersheds Grant Journalists (NEFEJ) G-KAT-008 Midwestern Advancing Freshwater Biodiversity, Closed Standard University Climate Change Adaption and integrated Grant (MWU) Surkhet Water Resources Management through Community Based and Advance Academic Education at Mid-Western University G.KAT-009 Water and Strengthening Institutional Capacity of Closed In-Kind Energy Nepal's Waters and Energy Commission Grant Commission Secretariat (WECS)
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closed and completed grants
Secretariat (WECS) G-KAT-010 Nepal Forum of Strengthening Knowledge of Nepal’s Closed In-Kind Environmental Citizens on Healthy Watersheds and Grant Journalists Healthy River Basins Through Media (NEFEJ) Channels, Technologies and Platforms G-KAT-011 Nepal National Strengthening Institutional Capacity- Closed In-Kind Committee on Support Nepal National Committee on Grant Irrigation and Irrigation and Drainage (NENCID) Nepal Drainage in organizing 8th Asian Regional (NENCID) Conference (ARC) on Irrigation in Support of an Evergreen Revolution (2-4 May, 2018, Kathmandu, Nepal). G-KAT-012 Center for A Multi-Disciplinary Assessment of Completed Molecular Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Status of Dynamics-Nepal the Karnali River of Nepal (CMDN) G-KAT-013 Kathmandu River Health and Biodiversity Profiling in Completed University (KU) the Karnali and West Rapti Watersheds: Implications to Basin Planning and Sustainable Water Resource Management in the Western Nepal G-KAT-014 Youth Alliance Mapping and Assessing Pollution Stresses Closed FAA for Environment on Water Resources in four Watershed (YAE) (Jhimruk, Middle Karnali, Thuligad and Rangun) of Midwestern and Far western, Nepal G-KAT-015 Institute for Political Economy Analysis to Identify Completed FAA Social and Champions for Freshwater Policy Change Environmental and Conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity Transition-Nepal (ISET-Nepal) G-KAT-016 Balchaur Forest Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Project Completed FAA and Environment (ABC) Resource Development Center, Nepal (BAFER-Nepal) G-KAT-017 Center of Climate Smart Watershed Management at Completed FAA Research for the Selected Sub-Watersheds of Thuligaad Environment Watershed Energy and Water (CREEW) G-KAT-018 Eco Agro DRM Development/update of DRR Harmonized Completed FAA Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA) in Thuligaad Watershed, Doti G-KAT-019 Federation of Promoting Environment Friendly Roads Closed FAA community and Climate Smart Watershed Forestry Users' Management Practices to Increase the Nepal Climate Resilience of Community through (FECOFUN) Grassroots Capacity Building. G-KAT-020 Human Welfare Sustainable Economic Growth through Closed Standard and Environment Freshwater Biodiversity Grant Protection Conservation in Rapti River. Center (HWEPC) G-KAT-021 Karnali Integrated JAL KACHAHARI: A Multi-Stakeholder Completed FAA Rural Process for Resilient Water Resources Development and Management in Karnali Basin Research Center (KIRDARC) G-KAT-022 Mallarani Rural Jhimruk Watershed Management Project Closed Standard Development Grant
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closed and completed grants
Concern Center (MRDCC) G-KAT-023 National Community Based Watershed Closed FAA Environment and Management Initiatives of the Lower Equity Mahakali Watershed Development Society (NEEDS) G-KAT-024 Nepal National Strengthening Community Resilience in Closed FAA Social Welfare Rangun Khola and Lower Mahakali Association Watersheds (NNSWA) G-KAT-025 Nepal River Karnali River Corridor Management Completed FAA Conservation Project Trust (NRCT) G-KAT-026 People’s Help Effective and Efficient Water Use Completed FAA Group (PHG) Techniques to Combat Climate Change G-KAT-027 Nepal Agriculture Strengthening Institutional Capacity of Closed In-Kind Research Council Nepal Agriculture Research Council on Grant - Gov (NARC) Molecular Biology Studies G-KAT-028 Research and Increasing Adaptive Capacity of Closed FAA Development Communities in Upper Rangun-Khola Sub- Center Nepal watershed through Improved Water (RDC Nepal) Resources Management G-KAT-029 Resources FISH (Fostering Indigenous Sustainable Closed FAA Himalaya Harvest) for Climate Resilient Livelihoods Foundation in Middle Karnali Watershed of Karnali (RHF) River Basin G-KAT-031 Samudayik Sarathi Increasing Community Resilience and Closed FAA Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation in Lower Karnali River basin, Nepal
TOTAL
Table 8: ONGOING PAANI GRANTS AS OF Y4 Q1
ONGOING GRANTS GRANT GRANTEE GRANT TITLE STATUS NO/ TYPE G-KAT-032 Dolphin Action to Establish Dolphin Science On going FAA Conservation Through Institutional Development and Center (DCC) Community Learning in the Lower Karnali Watershed G-KAT-033 Rural Improve dry water resources in On going FAA Development Badikedar, Boktan and Chaukune Rural Center (RUDEC) Municipality, in Bogatan Lagam Karnali watershed G-KAT-034 Sustainable Action to support aquatic biodiversity On going FAA Agriculture or conservation through promoting river Environment & stretch co-management practices in Water Source Middle Karnali Watershed. Conservation Center (SAEWCC) G-KAT-035 Multi- Strengthening Actions for Fostering On going FAA Dimensional Community Resilience through Resource Center Integrated Water Management and (MRC) Disaster Risk Reduction in the Gadhawa Rural Municipality of Middle West-Rapti Watershed (SAFoR)
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ONGOING GRANTS G-KAT-036 Federation of Actions for capacity enhancement of On going FAA Drinking Water local users aligning with aquatic Supply and biodiversity conservation and climate Sanitation Nepal change adaptation practices (ACACA) in (FEDWASUN) Jhimruk and Lower Karnali watershed G-KAT-037 Kalika Reducing vulnerability through local On going FAA Development water management and livelihood Center Nepal improvements (KDCN) G-KAT-038 Creation of Increasing Community Capacity for On going FAA Innovative Climate Adaptation and Fisheries Co- Society (CIS) Management
G-KAT-039 Fulvari Integrated Community mobilization for sustainable On going FAA Rural management of Middle Rapti and Jhimruk Development watershed Organization (FIRDO) G-KAT-040 Department of Strengthening DHM Hydro-Met Stations On going In-Kind Hydrology and and Flood Risk Warning in Paani Grant Meteorology Watersheds (DHM) G-KAT-041 Forest Action Assessment of the conservation status of On going FAA Nepal aquatic biodiversity in Karnali and Mahakali River Basins G-KAT-042 Environment Support local governments and fishing On going FAA Coordination communities to reduce threats to aquatic Committee biodiversity in Thuligaad watershed (ECC) G-KAT-043 Conservation Enhancing community ability to manage On going FAA Development watersheds for reducing threats to Foundation freshwater ecosystem in West Rapti (CODEFUND) River Basin, Nepal G-KAT-044 Independent Sustainable Hydropower Development On going Standard Power Grant Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN) G-KAT-045 Nepal Forum of Strengthening Knowledge on Healthy On going Standard Environmental Watersheds Grant Journalists (NEFEJ) G-KAT-046 Nepal Forum of Strengthening Knowledge on Healthy On going In-Kind Environmental Watersheds Grant Journalists (NEFEJ) G-KAT-047 Mallarani Rural Jhimruk Khola Watershed Management On going FAA Development Project II Concern Center (MRDCC) G-KAT-048 Human Welfare Sustainable economic growth through On going FAA and Environment freshwater biodiversity conservation in Protection Rapti river. Center (HWEPC) G-KAT-050 Women Act Empowering Women and Marginalized On going FAA Groups in Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation and River Resources Management
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ONGOING GRANTS G-KAT-051 National Enhancing local capacity of Water User On going FAA Federation of Associations (WUAS) to improve Irrigation Water irrigation systems and water source Users protections through community Association engagement Nepal (NFIWUAN) G-KAT-054 Sonaha Bikash Strengthening community capacity for On going FAA Samaj (SBS) river stretch co-management G-KAT-055 Sundar Nepal Promoting community based aquatic On going FAA Sanstha biodiversity conservation initiatives in Lower Karnali watershed G-KAT-056 Karnali Integrated JAL KACHAHARI: Dialogue for Water On going FAA Rural and Life Development and Research Center (KIRDARC) G-KAT-058 Rural Community Resilience through Ecological Restoration On going FAA Development of Sub-Watersheds through Community Centre (RCDC) Engagement G-KAT-059 Multipurpose Building Community Resilience for the On going FAA Development Management of Rangun Watershed in Society (MPDS) Alital Rural Municipality of Dadeldhura District G-KAT-061 Karnali Action to support capacity building of On going FAA Community local institutions towards biodiversity Development conservation and solid waste Centre (KCDC) management in Rara Khatyad Watershed
G-KAT-064 Integrated Enhancing community capacity for On going FAA Development collaborative management of Thuligaad Society (IDeS) watershed G-KAT-067 Research and Increasing Adaptive Capacity of On going FAA Development Communities through Improved Water Center Nepal Resources Management (Second Grant) (RDC Nepal) G-KAT-070 Bird Ornithological Survey to Understand On going FAA Conservation Migratory Behavior and Threats to Birds Nepal (BCN) in Phoksundo and Rara Lake
G-KAT-071 Federation of Actions for capacity enhancement of On going Drinking Water local users aligning with aquatic In-Kind Supply and biodiversity conservation and climate Grant Sanitation Nepal change adaptation practices (ACACA) in (FEDWASUN) Jhimruk and Lower Karnali watershed
TOTAL
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Table 9: PAANI GRANTS PIPELINE AS OF Y4 Q1
GRANTS PIPELINE
NO ORGANIZATION PROPOSAL TITLE DESCRIPTION
G-KAT- Central Department of SuChaK: Surface Water Change and Submitted to USAID, 049 Environmental Science, Knowledge Enhancement: An received feedback Tribhuvan University Indicator Assessment of Aquatic regarding legal entity of FAA (CDES-TU) Biodiversity, Habitat Disturbances and CDES-TU, which is Conservation Options in West Seti categorized as River Watershed, Nepal government-owned entity. Paani is preparing to address this issue. G-KAT- United National Community Capacity Enhancement Preparing for USAID 052 Development Forum for Sustainable Freshwater approval request (UNDF) Biodiversity Conservation and submission FAA Watershed Management G-KAT- Working for Access and Increase community resilience Preparing for USAID 053 Creation Nepal (WAC) through climate change adaptation and approval request local water management, and submission FAA strengthen local government and communities on implementing environment friendly rural road construction in Middle Karnali watershed G-KAT- Sahara Nepal Raising awareness and capacity Preparing for USAID 057 building of local communities for approval request conservation and sustainable use of submission FAA aquatic biodiversity in West Seti Watershed G-KAT- Rural Situation Nepal Freshwater Biodiversity Improvement Preparing for USAID 062 (RSN) Thorough Co-Management Practices approval request in Tila Karnali Watershed submission FAA G-KAT- Western upland Promoting native fish farming and Preparing for USAID 063 development association increasing park/people coordination, approval request Nepal (WUDAN) Community resilience to climate submission FAA change through increasing capacity and established good governance G-KAT- Mid-Western University Advancing Freshwater Biodiversity, Preparing for USAID 065 - 2nd Grant Climate Change Adaption and approval request integrated Water Resources submission SG Management through Community Based and Advance Academic Education at Mid-Western University (Second Grant) G-KAT- Mid-Western University Advancing Freshwater Biodiversity, Preparing for USAID 066 - 2nd Grant Climate Change Adaption and approval request integrated Water Resources submission InKind Management through Community Grant Based and Advance Academic Education at Mid-Western University (Second Grant) G-KAT- Federation of Promoting Climate Smart Watershed Preparing for USAID 069 Community Forestry Management Practices to Increase the approval request Users Nepal Community Resilience to Climate submission FAA (FECOFUN) Change through Increasing Capacity, Livelihood Promotion and Establish Good Governance
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GRANTS PIPELINE
G-KAT- Shey Phoksundo RM Strengthen Shey Phoksundo Rural Preparing for USAID 072 Municipality on Climate Smart approval request Watershed Management Practices to submission In-Kind Increase the Community Resilience to Grant Climate Change through Increasing Capacity, Livelihood Promotion and Establish Good Governance TOTAL GRAND TOTAL
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SECTION V: LEARNING
RESULTS OF ANALYTIC WORK, ASSESSMENTS, AND EVALUATIONS For the last two years, Paani has been piloting a co-management framework for managing fish and/or river stretches, leveraging learning from similar cases and governance models tested in different contexts and sectors. Paani has realized that it needs to clarify in more detail the scope of co- management, including its administrative and physical boundaries. For example, the AABCA endorsed at the local level does not specifically address the management of river stretches, which cross administrative boundaries. Plus, there are external forces that influence the management of river resources. However, as provisioned in the AABCA, river sections crossing multiple municipalities can form a coordination committee to co-manage these designated areas.
Despite local governments’ and CAACGs’ commitments to manage river stretches, different actors appear to interpret and implement the co-management model differently. For example, Paani has learned of local governments handing over river stretches to CAACGs at different times, although the AABCA states in legal terms that river stretches will be handed over to the CAACG as soon as the AABCA is enacted. Shared governance rather than the “handing over” of river stretches may be a clearer term for the concept. In Y4 Q2, Paani will develop a guideline describing steps, processes and methods for river stretch co-management and to ensure common understanding.
In addition, although Paani provided a detail design for EF road maintenance for the Omkana Road in Aathabis Municipality, the local government was unable to follow the design completely. With local pressures on road construction and maintenance, and last hour tendering and construction at the end of the fiscal year, some quality was lost. Paani realized the limits in capacity of the local government in terms of supervision and monitoring of EF road designs.
LESSONS LEARNED AND HOW THEY ARE USED TO INFORM PROGRAM PERFORMANCE
• Strong coordination and collaboration with the local government is required to develop programs and leverage funds for conservation. Local governments have shown an increasing interest in aquatic biodiversity conservation based on learning from Paani’s work on conservation through grants, different knowledge products, advocacy and close coordination with the Paani team. For example, several municipalities (Mahakali Municipality of Lower Mahakali, Rapti RM of Middle Rapti, Airawati RM of Jhimruk, Aathabis Municipality of Middle Karnali Watershed) have developed conservation and additional livelihood focused programs by allocating funds in their annual programs and plans to CAACGs. Paani needs to build on this momentum through expanded coordination, collaboration and advocacy in all watersheds to support local governments in carrying this work forward.
• Building sustainable platforms at the river basin level will require a dedicated convening institution and concerted long-term effort. Initially in Paani’s design, IRBMPs were envisioned as being rooted in river basin plans and managed by WECS’ River Basin Offices (RBOs). More than three years after the project began, these offices have yet to be established. Without a solid, anchoring government institution or provincial level organization to serve as the convener, platforms at the river basin scale are not likely to be formed given Paani’s limited time frame. As such, Paani will focus on forming platforms at watershed level, which can be maintained by local governments/partners and expanded up to the river basin level in the future.
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SECTION V1I: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER Table 10 presents the major activities planned for the period of October 1- December 30, 2019. In consistency with Paani’s Y4 AWP, the activities are prepared according to strategic approaches.
Table 10: MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR NEXT QUARTER
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1a: Improve local management for capture fisheries SA Lead: Freshwater Fisheries Specialist (Suresh Wagle) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE (Watershed/River Basin/National) Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3
Biological & 1.1.1: Assess C 1.1.1.1 Prepare Continue to assess biodiversity Mahakali, Karnali River Conservation X X X X socioeconomic capture fisheries fisheries and through research grants (FAN, TU, Basin governance information available biodiversity BCN). Linked with SA 4Awill framework available for commercial and inventories inform and fill the knowledge gap (Report) CC impacts (Greater on fish inventory and inform understanding of capture fisheries management. impact of destructive fishing and CC) Conduct study on ecology of Lower Karnali & Middle Study report X X X migratory fish species (Intern Karnali Watersheds mobilized) to inform priority species for conservation Assessment of aquatic resource- National Assessment reports X X X based livelihoods, practices, and (conservation ecotourism development in Nepal’s governance selected river basins (SNV STTA) framework & market development strategy)
Conduct catch assessment survey Middle and Lower Survey Report X X X X in selected river stratches (STTA Karnali Watersheds service)
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Conduct feasibility study of Karnali Province Feasibility study X X X X aquaculture and culture-based report fisheries in Karnali Pradesh
C.1.1.1-2 Build Conduct ecotourism scoping study Rara, Tila, Middle 1 Scoping stydy X X capacity of fisher (Paani STTA) Karnali, Lower Karnali report community to engage in alternative business enterprises Develop training module on National At least 2 training X X X selected products and services of module ecotourism (STTA/Vender Service received) (Linked with SA 4b)
Develop training module on river National At least 2 training X X X stretch co-management & post module harvest of fish (STTA/Vender Service received) (Linked with SA 4b)
Develop business case study of National STTA SoW X X capture fisheries ((STTA/Vender developed Service received)
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Sustainable capture 1.1.2 Build capacity C1.1.2.2. Facilitate Conduct consultative MSC Thuligaad, Lower Karnali 2 guidelines X X X fisheries for fisheries co- participatory workshop to draft sustainable developed management management development of capture fisheries and Co- guidelines developed sustainable management guidelines, 2 with capture fisheries workshops (Local APS, Paani] municipalities/RM and Co- and communities- management GESI aware guidelines
River group C 1.1.2-3 Conduct meetings to form and Thuligad, Lower Karnali 15 CAACG groups X X X X formed-GESI Support to form register CAACG groups, (Local Watersheds formed to undertake aware Community APS ) conservation Aquatic Animal activities. Conservation Groups (CAACG)
P1.1.2.5 Organize Support for monthly meeting of Middle Karnali, Jhimruk. 20 Meetings X X X X & develop CAACG and quarterly meeting of Middle Rapti conducted operational plans CC (Local APS) for community groups
Conduct meetings to develop TOR Middle Rapti & Jhimruk 2 coordination X X and form MSC Coordination committee formed Committee (Local APS)
C 1.1.2-6 Support in delineating river stretch Middle Rapti, Jhimruk 2-3 river stretches X X X Facilitate for CAACGs (Local APS) to Watersheds delineated community & implement fisheries act and municipality/rural guideline provision. municipality process to operationalize guidelines
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C1.1.2-8 Training Conduct training and support Middle Rapti, Jhimruk At least 5 trainings X X X X on resource CAACG members on resource Watersheds conducted monitoring monitoring and maintenance of Community Biodiversity Register – CBR (Local APS)
1.1.4 Support 1.1.4.1 Provide Participate MoALD fisheries 10 persons participated National X X X X extension type technical research and extension personal in in technical events continuing expertise to MoA Paani/Grantee technical events education programs fisheries extension program on sustainable fisheries & aquaculture
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1b: Improve local capacity for Local Water Management SA Lead: Integrated Water Resources Management Specialist (Bhawani S Dongol) LOCATION TIMELINE (Watershed/River Y4 OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN Oct Nov Dec Q3 Basin/National) OUTPUTS
Participatory (GESI 1.3.1 C1.3.1-2 RDCC will prepare Bogatan Lagam Watershed management X X X aware) adaptation Develop/update Harmonize with watershed management Watershed action plan plans (LAPAs, watershed/sub master plans, basin action plan based on CAPAs and watershed strategic plans, and existing plans in Bogatan WUMPs) are management catchment Lagam watershed developed and plans (WMPs) management plans. endorsed (plan development)
1.3.2 Facilitate C1.3.2-4 Support Sahara Nepal will prepare # of local plans X X X X the preparation plan one LDCRP West Seti watershed of CAPAs, implementation
DDC/VDCs LAPAs, and and assess KDCN will facilitate implement WUMPs. effectiveness of review of existing CAPAs adaptation plans learning and and their implementation Jhimruk Watershed through adaptive participatory management. ECC will prepare two Thuligad watershed processes. (plan LDCRPs implementation) FECOFUN will prepare 2 CAPAs Phoksundo Suligaad
watershed KIRDARC will conduct workshop to integrate Paani actions to integrate into local plans
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Better (GESI aware) 1.2.3 Develop C1.2.3-2 Promote - NEFEJ will collect Paani watersheds # of episodes X X X X local level land and and promote best practices document and outreach water management climate-smart through existing best practices through its practices best mechanisms TV and radio programs Scaling and promotion of best implemented management (NGOs, etc.) practices practices - RDC will upscale climate Rangun watershed smart watershed management best practices (spring source protection, recharge ponds, bioengineering and plantation). - MPDS will promote best Rangun watershed practices (water source protection, recharge pond for water recharge, slope stabilization, bioengineering and plantation). - CIS and UNDF will Lower Mahakali promote climate smart watershed agriculture and vegetable farming - MRDCC will implement climate smart watershed Jhimruk watershed best practices (water source and catchment protection, recharge pond and bioengineering) - FIRDO will implement Jhimruk watershed best practices (spring protection and bio engineering) - KDCN will implement climate smart practices Jhimruk watershed (plastic pond, drip
irrigation and poly house)
- FEDWASUN will promote micro watershed Jhimruk watershed management activities
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- MRC Nepal will Middle Rapti promote best practices watershed (source protection, recharge ponds, bioengineering, plantation) - WAC will implement best practices (drip and Middle Karnali sprinkler irrigation, watershed bioengineering and slope stabilization, conservation pond, tunnel farming and conservation farming, MUS, spring management)
- RCDC will implement Bogatan Lagam best practices (rainwater watershed harvesting, water recharge and conservation, bioengineering) - RDC will promote best Thuligaad watershed practices (recharge pond,
eye brow pits)
- FECOFUN will establish demo site of climate smart Phoksundo watershed agriculture - KIRDARC will implement spring source Tila watershed conservation activities
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C1.2.3-3 Develop Broadcast cases of good Paani watersheds # of episodes broadcasted X X X X & disseminate practices through local BMPs for road FMs in Paani watershed construction & areas maintenance Communities have 1.2.2 Training C1.2.2-2 Training MPDS will conduct Rangun watershed X X X X equitable access to and support for on reforestation, training on climate smart # of communities/ skills and resources watershed etc. best practices participants trained in climate to implement management (water/spring source smart best practices appropriate climate activities protection, recharge smart and (implementation) pond, climate smart watershed technologies and management watershed management) activities. (5) (implementation) CIS will conduct capacity Lower Mahakali building trainings on watershed climate change adaptation and Climate Friendly Agriculture Technologies to Community Members
UNDF will conduct Lower Mahakali capacity building trainings watershed on watershed management, climate adaptation techniques, climate friendly (tunnel house farming) agriculture practices and low cost bioengineering techniques
FIRDO will conduct training on best practices Jhimruk watershed
WAC will conduct training on best practices (spring source Middle Karnali conservation watershed management)
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NFIWUAN will conduct Bogatan Lagam training on best (micro watershed irrigation, climate smart agriculture)
KCDC/SEPRDC will Rara watershed conduct training on best management practices
WUDAN will conduct Phoksundo watershed training on climate change adaptation
FECOFUN will conduct Phoksundo watershed training on water management
KIRDARC will conduct Tila watershed training on best practices
C1.2.2-4 Provide Provide local grants to Paani watersheds X X X grants for implement watershed implementation management activities activities.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve local capacity for regulation and management of roads and mining SA Lead: IWRM Specialist (Bhawani Dongol) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 User groups 1.2.1 Climate- C 1.2.1-1 Raise Prepare resource materials based Jhimruk, Middle X X X X advocate for better smart road awareness of on existing guideline, policies and Karnali, West Seti road construction construction and community road standards of DoLI, EFLG watersheds and LU and environmentally- building/maintenance framework settlement planning friendly (EF) gravel groups and local elected mining bodies of better road Prepare environmentally friendly # local governments # of EFRC X X X construction (link to rural road construction guideline Guidelines 4.1.9 outreach) Provide technical orientation through workshop for Jhimruk, Middle municipalities and rural Karnali, West Seti # of workshops X X municipalities based on technical watersheds C1.2.1-2 Identify early guidelines adopters of environmentally friendly Define criteria for early adopters Jhimruk, Middle List of early X X road techniques and champions of environment Karnali, West Seti adopters and friendly roads. watersheds and champions National
C1.2.1.3 Conduct study Identify and document # of study tours X X tours with early adopters and municipalities/rural champions. municipalities to good and bad examples of Conduct study tour to road construction learn from good and poor road construction
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve local capacity for regulation and management of roads and mining SA Lead: IWRM Specialist (Bhawani Dongol) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 Municipalities/rural 1.2.1 Climate- C 1.2.1-4: Assist Submit detail design of EF rural municipalities smart road municipalities/rural road to Aathabis Municipality prioritize funds for construction and municipalities/local that surveyed in Rakam Karnali roads with EF environmentally- elected bodies in (8.75 km stretch of Rakam designs friendly (EF) gravel developing criteria Singhashan road) Detailed design and X X X mining (Construction Middle Karnali estimates guidelines) for Follow up with Aathabis watershed prioritizing funding and Municipality on tendering and assuring contracts that implementation process Detail design and X X X includes environmental West Seti watershed estimates clauses (Link to 1.3.3: Support local government and EFLG) grantee in survey and design of Details of cost X X X EF road
Conduct cost benefit analysis of EF road construction Road user groups 1.2.1 Climate- C 1.2.1-5: Develop IEC Work closely with Paani Jhimruk, Middle # of IEC materials: develop better smart road materials for capacity communications unit and capacity Karnali, West Seti Poster, Brochure, designs of roads construction and building of building unit for designing and watersheds fliers, jingles, X X X environmentally- municipalities/rural preparation of IEC materials tutorial video friendly (EF) gravel municipalities and mining contracting engineers Conduct awareness-raising 20 awareness X X X on better road programs. campaigns construction (potentially add training). Conduct workshops on EFLG Jhimruk, Middle # of workshops X X C 1.2.1-6 Build capacity framework (2013 MoFALD) Karnali, West Seti of road management including how to operationalize watersheds user group to monitor and link with guidelines and rural EF road construction road standards in design, (Check SNRTP work) implementation, and construction stages.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve local capacity for regulation and management of roads and mining SA Lead: IWRM Specialist (Bhawani Dongol) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 Information 1.2.1 Climate- C 1.2.1-7: Assess and Conduct field visits and conduct Lower Mahakali and Study report X X available on mining smart road document impact of consultations with local Lower Karnali impacts construction and mining on communities stakeholders watersheds environmentally- and ecosystems friendly (EF) gravel Review, enrich and finalize the mining C 1.2.1-8 Conduct report of the impact assessment X X technical studies (Link on Mining by STTAs to 4.1.4)
Sustainable 1.2.1 Climate- C 1.2.1-9: Review and Conduct review of guidelines and National A review summary X X aggregate mining smart road update guidelines and master plans guidelines in place construction and CHURE TERAI, environmentally- MEDHESH master plans friendly (EF) gravel in consultations with mining communities and DoLIDAR and ensure they align with other policies (Link to 4.1.8: GESI)
C 1.2.1-10: Provide TA Conduct observational visit with # of observational X X X to miners (individuals miners and companies to discuss visit and workshops and companies) on and observe best practices of better practices mining
C 1.2.1-11: Raise awareness of Conduct awareness raising to the communities of impacts local communities on impact of of gravel mining and gravel mining regulations (linked 4.1.9: outreach)
C 1.2.1-12: Provide TA to rural municipalities
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 1C: Improve local capacity for regulation and management of roads and mining SA Lead: IWRM Specialist (Bhawani Dongol) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 on monitoring activities Conduct observational visit with in compliance with IEEs local bodies to discuss and observe best practices of mining
STRATEGIC APPROACH 1D: Improve local capacity for managing invasive species SA Lead: Freshwater Fisheries Specialist (Suresh Wagle) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 Information 1.1.1: Assess capture C1.1.1.3-3 Assess biodiversity through research LM, LK, Rapti River Assessment Report X X X X available about the fisheries Conduct grants (FAN) and Mini assessment Basin (RRB) impact of invasive freshwater (HWEPC, MRDCC), (Link with SA species on aquatic biodiversity 4A) biodiversity inventories
Extensive review of knowledge on Mahakali, Karnali, Rapti Review report X X
aquatic invasive management (AIM) River Basin Community groups to inform policy and capacity understand and building select the aquatic invasive plant C1.1.3-9 Pilot water mower operation (built Lower Karnali Demonstration X X X control measures Facilitate in FEDWASUN program) Report selection of Reduced control measures Prepare gaint reed grass control Report X X X populations of non- plan for Rani Tal, Shuklaphant native fish National Park species C1.1.3-2 Support Preparatory work (concept and Lower Karnali Report & draft X X (sustainable GoN to develop draft guidelines) for consultation guideline aquaculture policy/regulations workshop in Lower Karnali policy/guidelines for fish farmers Watershed on developing developed by GoN regulation/guideline for all categories of fish farmers.
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: Improve local capacity for disaster risk reduction SA Lead: IWRM Specialist (Bhawani Dongol) OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3
Communities and 2.2.2 C 2.2.2-3 Establish 2 new rainfall stations in Rangun Rangun Watershed 2 rainfall stations X X X other Support Provide DHM watershed via in-kind grant to DHM established in 1 stakeholders are DHM to with equipment watershed able to respond expand the and TA to to floods and hydro-met expand other climate observation risks network C 2.2.2-4 Upgrade manual hydro station and rainfall 1 hydro station Repair broken stations via in-kind grant to DHM Rangun Watershed and 2 rainfall X X X monitoring stations systems upgraded in 2 watersheds
C 2.2.2.-5 Install custom made water level monitoring Thuligaad watershed and # of X X Pilot custom and flood alerting technology (low cost technologies made remote technology) through local vendor Jhimruk watershed installed and sensing water level data technologies that can be Establish flood early warning system # of manufactured in communities Nepal Thuligaad and Jhimruk receiving food X X watershed early warning message
# of Establish flood risk warning and community communities X X X awareness raising through KIRDARC Lower Karnali watershed receive flood (building on the low cost system established risk message in Aurahi khola)
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2B: Improve local capacity for disaster risk reduction SA Lead: IWRM Specialist (Bhawani Dongol) Communities and 2.2.3 C 2.2.3-1 Prepare flood Hazard Maps in Paani Rangun, Lower Mahakali, 10 flood hazard X X X other Support Support GON watersheds including field verification via in- West Seti, Thuligaad, maps for 10 stakeholders are DHM and to disseminate kind grant to DHM Bogatan Lagam, Lower Paani watersheds able to respond local plans Karnali, Middle Karnali, to floods and stakeholders Tila, Middle Rapti and other climate to Jhimruk Watersheds risks disseminate information on flood risks and warnings linked to local and community based response plans. Hydropower and 2.2.4 C 2.2.4-x Work with IPPAN through a grant to National # of hydropower X X irrigation Build Identify potential identify hydropower projects that are projects operators are able capacity to hydropower interested in development of EAPs interested in to warn implement projects that are EAP downstream Emergency willing to development communities in Action Plans collaborate on emergency development of EAP
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: Improve river basin planning SA Lead: Senior Communications Specialist (Sarah Gray)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 Basin-level groups 2.3.2 Organize C2.3.2.-1 Finalize plans for Paani panel at e-flows National X convened with distinguished Conceptualize and training representation on speaker series develop plans for priority topics distinguished speaker series Conduct speaker Hold training on e-flows (IFC-led) National 1 workshop held X X series # of speaker series # of participants
2.3.3 Hold series of C2.3.3-1 Convene Conceptualize and develop plans for JK, LK, LM, TG, 6 town hall X X X X roundtable roundtable roundtable discussions and town hall MR, RK, MK, meetings and 2 discussions at rural discussions meetings at rural municipality/municipality BL basin level mun/mun. (and and river basin level (NEFEJ) roundtable basin) levels KRB discussions Conduct round table discussions (NEFEJ) RRB 2.3.1 Create C2.3.1-1 Convene Harmonize grantees’ work on platforms JK, LK, LM, TG, Concepts for X Integrated River and engage with river co-stretch management and MR, RK, MK, Karnali and Rapti Basin Management stakeholders finalize concepts for Karnali and Rapti BL platforms finalized Platforms (IRBMPs). C2.3.1-2 KRB, RRB Stakeholder Convene platform members at municipal Champions X X mapping level convened
Identify working groups # working groups X IWRMPs supported 2.3.4 Provide C2.3.4-1 Share Explore potential partners beyond WECS to National List of potential X with best available biodiversity and Paani research share Paani research findings. Continue to partners biodiversity and climate information information share research widely through climate info for basin level http://www.hakahakionline.com planning. Watershed profiles, health reports and Upload Paani research materials and any other research X other relevant information to river basin shared with planning partners
Identify local governments willing to adopt and share Paani knowledge products X X X
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2A: Improve river basin planning SA Lead: Senior Communications Specialist (Sarah Gray)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 NRBCF designed 2.1.2 Explore C2.1.2-1 Prepare Finalize P.O. with selected fund manager P.O. finalized X development of feasibility and design Nepal River Basin study Begin implementation of NRBCF NRBCF initiated X X X Conservation Fund C2.1.2-3 Provide Ongoing support to NRBCF X X X X (NRBCF) technical support to NRBCF operations
STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower SA Lead: Sustainable Hydropower Specialist (Pradip Gautam)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 The profile of 2.1.1 Organize C2.1.1-1 Organize Preparation of conference agenda and call National, Karnali Basin Conference agenda and X sustainable an international a seminar for abstract through a half day workshop call for abstract hydropower seminar on development sustainable STTA SOW prepared and hired for is raised in hydropower facilitation of the workshop and preparation Nepal development to of Seminar raise the profile of sustainable Agenda finalized and call for abstract floated hydro. WWF led three studies: • Data collection and compilation STTA hired X X through WWF LTTA • Data analysis and modelling by the International team
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower SA Lead: Sustainable Hydropower Specialist (Pradip Gautam)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 • Consultation workshops and data gathering • Preliminary draft sharing Informational meetings X X X held Consultative meetings for Energy Option Assessment
Advisory committee meetings; work group meetings in Kathmandu, and consultation 2 advisory committees X X X meetings in Karnali Basin for 3 studies. formed and meetings are organised
Meetings with stakeholders for Energy Options Assessment
Participants list
X Private (IPP) 2.1.3 Build C2.1.3-1 Conduct Through IPPAN grant develop Program Plan National, Karnali Basin 1 Program Plan and 1 and govt hydropower needs assessment & Training Program (Manuals) for Training Manual X X hydropower operator of hydropower hydrological and climate modelling operators capacity to use operation # of workshops (NEA) have hydro- Support Mid-Western University (MWU) X X X X greater meteorological through grant to develop and deliver capacity to information and academic courses on Advanced Hydrology use hydromet modeling and Environmental and Social Impact information Assessment (ESIA) for students pursuing a and modelling Bachelor’s in Engineering (Hydropower and for Civil) X X X
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower SA Lead: Sustainable Hydropower Specialist (Pradip Gautam)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 operations
Improved 2.1.4 Develop C2.1.4-1 Train Explore updating framework and checklist Karnali, Rapti and 1 final checklist X X capacity to monitoring national, DCC, and based on e-llow values for Karnali Basin Mahakali River Basin monitor procedure and rural municipalities compliance track to monitor Together with NESS, at the province level, with compliance with compliance Paani will conduct at least one debrief on Environmental Environmental the use of the tool to inform relevant and Social and Social C2.1.4-2 Build provincial ministries and other relevant safeguards safeguards capacity of CSOs stakeholders of its effectiveness in and community safeguarding social and environment groups as interests. 1 event in the X X watchdogs respective province
C2.1.4-3 Develop tools and checklists to track environmental and social safeguards
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 2C: Support Sustainable Hydropower SA Lead: Sustainable Hydropower Specialist (Pradip Gautam)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q2 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 E-flow 2.2.1 Support C2.2.1-1 Complete RFP and SOW preparation, float National, Rapti River Vendor selected for requirements the Nepali Guidelines for e- the RFP, evaluate the proposal and select Basin, Karnali River the Establishment of X understood Government flows design the vendor Basin, Mahakali Basin Environment Flow (E- and identified and IWMI to Flow) values for Karnali for each basin promote e-flow C2.2.1-2 Liaise with IWMI for E-Flow products and Basin and Guidelines based on all adoption Guidelines for e- design guidelines for implementation of proposed flows established values projects and implementation Review e-flow requirements of products for each Contract signed and
project A roundtable discussion with e-flow users vendor is mobilised
on methodologies and practices in Nepal
E-Flow Implementation Guidelines developed X and High Value Conservation Rivers identified
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: Support CSOs to Advocate for Transparent and Sustainable Infrastructure Decision-making SA Lead: Senior Communications Specialist (Sarah Gray)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4 Q2 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 CSOs better 3.2.1 C3.2.1-3 WWF led three KRB, National 2 advisory X X X understand Carry out analysis on Analyze and studies: committees formed sustainable environmental and disseminate Data collection and and meetings held hydropower social costs and info on social compilation through benefits of costs and WWF LTTA hydropower benefits Data analysis and modelling by international team
Consultation workshops and data gathering
Preliminary draft sharing
Consultative meetings Meetings with X X X for Energy Option stakeholders for Assessment Energy Options Assessment
CSOs have increased 3.2.2 Finalize guidelines National Guidelines finalized X X capacity for Develop a bilingual constructive civil society guide to Develop engagement and to healthy rivers, climate dissemination and Guideline X advocate for resilience and training plan under dissemination and sustainable sustainable hydro training plan hydropower hydropower and advocacy/comms plan developed strengthen civil society voices Train CSOs and champions on CSO X X guidelines
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3B: Support CSOs to Advocate for Transparent and Sustainable Infrastructure Decision-making SA Lead: Senior Communications Specialist (Sarah Gray)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4 Q2 ACTION LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE PLAN Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 CSOs have increased 3.2.3 Develop sustainable National Sustainable hydro X X capacity for Promote IFC and hydro/comms advocacy/comms constructive other best industry strategy strategy engagement and to practices. (Linked advocate for with 3.2.2) Work with IFC, sustainable IPPAN, IWMI to E-flows training held X hydropower promote norms and standards through quarterly speaker series (Task 2.3.2)
CSOs have increased 3.2.4 Use grants to Draft SOW for local National SOW developed X capacity for build CSO technical, trainer to deliver constructive organizational and advocacy training engagement and to advocacy capacity advocate for Develop training sustainable curriculum for Training curriculum X hydropower training for grantees developed on advocating for sustainable Training delivered X X infrastructure
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Strengthen Policy and Planning for IWRM SA Lead: Environmental Policy and Law Expert (Narayan Belbase)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 Develop a network 3.1.1: Identify C 3.1.1-1 Conduct Develop and organize capacity National Session Plan for a 3 day X of champions for champions for Political development training program for the training program freshwater policy freshwater Champions in the policy elements, change policy change. Economy relevant to them, (and development of Assessment agenda items with their stakeholders)
C 3.1.1-1 Conduct Organize capacity development training Basin Revised hand/resource X Political for champions book for the use of champions Economy Assessment
White paper on 3.1.2 Develop C 3.2.1-1 Prepare Finalize SOW for developing the White National RFA finalized and X governance / an issues and white paper to Paper published in a newspaper policies issues and opportunities analyze opportunities white paper institutional Finalize the RFA and publish it in X developed options and newspaper opportunities for holistic and Provide feedback to the most competitive X integrated water applicant for improving technical and management to financial proposal support policy development
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Strengthen Policy and Planning for IWRM SA Lead: Environmental Policy and Law Expert (Narayan Belbase)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 Local, Provincial and 3.1.3 Provide C 3.1.3 -1 Offer support to MOEWRI to review, National Suggestions in writing to X Federal government support to and finalize draft Water Resources Policy revise the draft Fishery's supported to WECs, Provide support to and Water Resources Bill (Find and be Policy develop GESI smart national, WECs, national, ready for openings in providing inputs in laws/policies provincial, and provincial, and national policies and or laws). Provide local local governments input on the following as may be required governments on policies, laws, by MOEWRI to include in the Policy and on policies, and plans or Bill: laws, and - Dispute resolution mechanism, Input of local plans. - Aquatic biodiversity conservation, stakeholders on the Bill - GESI, - River Systems perspective, and - Maintaining a balance between development and conservation (long term as well as short term)
Support WECS to organize consultation X X workshop on draft Water Resources Bill, draft Water Resources Policy, and conflict resolution mechanism
Provide technical support to Far West X X Province to develop river conservation bill or aquatic biodiversity conservation bill. Convene a meeting with the Secretary and other officials of the Far West Province's Ministry of Industry, Tourism,
Forest and Environment to develop the
modus operandi for developing the aquatic biodiversity conservation Bill or
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Strengthen Policy and Planning for IWRM SA Lead: Environmental Policy and Law Expert (Narayan Belbase)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 river conservation Bill and support the Ministry to: X - Support the Ministry to constitute a Committee to coordinate the development of the Bill
- Develop draft outline of the Bill and revise it as per the feedback from the members of the Committee
- Draft GESI responsive Bill based on the revised outline and present it among the X members of the Committee and revise it as per the feedback from the members of the Committee
Organize training for the members of X local government, fishers, and CSOs on the different elements of the laws enacted by the Provincial and/or national government
Provide opportunity for adaptive learning, X X X and support advocacy. Support the RMs and MPs to develop statutes (Bidhan) to register and hand over of river stretch to community aquatic animals conservation group (CAACG)s.
Organize training program for the X X members of local government and Executive Committee for properly administering/implementing the provisions of the statutes including
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Strengthen Policy and Planning for IWRM SA Lead: Environmental Policy and Law Expert (Narayan Belbase)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 compliance with the provisions of the Karnali Province's AACA and/or AABCA
Assist DNPWC and Rara National Park National (River Draft of the Ramsar Site X to formulate Wetland Management Plan Basin) Management Plan of Rara of Rara lake - a Ramsar site- including: lake - Award the grant and mobilize the grantee, - Organize inception workshop, and Initiate central and local level X consultation, and - Initiate field study to collect necessary information and data X X
1.2.1 Promotion of Assist at least one municipality to develop Watershed Draft of the Environment X X X X environment environment friendly rural roads Friendly Rural Roads friendly rural guidelines Guidelines roads construction
Review and revise the draft of the EFRR X Guidelines developed by SWN and support it to organize a consultation workshop on the draft of the EFRG at the Municipality
Revise the Guidelines based on the X comments and suggestions from the representatives and officials of the Municipality, user groups, CACCGs, and NGOs Municipalities/rural 1.3.1. Provide technical support to Khatyad Watershed Penultimate version of the X municipalities’ plans Develop/update Rural Municipality to develop Watershed Management Plan developed and local Management Plan X implemented watershed/sub- - Hold meeting with the representatives, through officials and CSOs of Khatyad Rural
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 3A: Strengthen Policy and Planning for IWRM SA Lead: Environmental Policy and Law Expert (Narayan Belbase)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE Oct Nov Dec Y4 Q3 participatory shed watershed Municipality to make arrangements to processes management plans develop Watershed Management Plan - Develop and finalize SOW for the X development of the Watershed Management Plan X - Develop and finalize RFA for the development of the Watershed Management Plan and publish it in newspaper - Award the grant and mobilize the grantee
Strategic Approach 4A – Year 4 Activities Task Subtask Outputs Timeline Q Q Q Q 1 2 3 4 4.1.1 Conduct rapid climate • Develop CODEFUND/ IUCN research action plan A draft manuscript for Journal X vulnerability & biodiversity [Rapti River Basin] article assessments Quarterly reports X X X A final technical report
4.1.2 Conduct freshwater • For sub-task, refer to FAN research action plan [4 A manuscript for publishing in the X X Biodiversity inventories. wetlands of Lower Karnali, Lower Mahakali, Middle Journal Karnali] • Proposed CODEFUND/IUCN research action plan [Jhimruk, Middle Rapti] Quarterly reports X X X
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Strategic Approach 4A – Year 4 Activities Task Subtask Outputs Timeline Q Q Q Q 1 2 3 4
Final technical report X
4.1.3 Identify areas for • Protocol development for sanctuary declaration Fish Sanctuary declaration protocol X freshwater fish or • Identify and map potential sites for declaring fish X X X biodiversity sanctuaries sanctuary through review, field assessment and and protected areas stakeholder consultation. • Consolidate existing knowledge for possible X X declaration of fish sanctuary.
4.1.4 Conduct ecological • Review existing literature on policy related to impact A consolidated and analytic report X X X X studies to inform of gravel mining and haphazard rural roads infrastructure construction in freshwater biodiversity. development [Linked to • Assess the impact of damming (hydropower, Task 4.2.4] irrigation, water diversion) on aquatic biodiversity migration. 4.1.5 Assess impacts of non- • Consolidate learning of Paani field assessment, study An impact assessment X X X X native tour carried out in several strategic places of methodological manual fish species on freshwater Gandaki Pradesh to develop SOW. biodiversity. • Conduct field studies on invasive impact on freshwater biodiversity in LK and MR watersheds through STTA. 4.1.8 Conduct an analysis of • Identify inclusion issues for integration of GESI in Final technical report X gender and caste-biased aquatic biodiversity conservation, use and river access to and use of water resource management. (WA) resources. • Build capacity of river resource dependent communities and local government to ensure GESI integration issues in local planning process. (WA) Capacity building package X • Review and consolidate Paani research learning of YAE on GESI issues related to access to water X sources.
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Strategic Approach 4A – Year 4 Activities Task Subtask Outputs Timeline Q Q Q Q 1 2 3 4 • Inform and support strategic planning process of 6 Paani supported grantees. X
4.1.9 Conduct outreach to • Identify priority grants and develop content for Develop knowledge sub-products X X X X Communities. knowledge products for dissemination. and • Support communication team in developing Dissemination strategy document dissemination strategy.
STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: Integrate into academic and other learning spaces SA Lead: Capacity Building and Higher Education Specialist (Anjana Shakya)
OUTCOME TASK SUBTASK Y4/Q1 ACTION PLAN LOCATION OUTPUTS TIMELINE
Oct Nov Dec Y4Q3 Greater capacity in Support grant manager National New grant in place X freshwater Task 4.2.1 and MWU for finalization biodiversity, Develop and of new grant proposal implement a green fisheries description and get USAID management, water engineering approval resource strategy and management, and curriculum climate adaptation C 4.2.1-1 (Develop Support MWU to National One course in X X X X and implement a implement academic LVRE implemented green engineering course on LVRE course
strategy and curriculum for roads C 4.2.3-1 (Develop Support MWU to National One new course in X X X X and implement a implement academic ESIA implemented
green engineering course on ESIA course strategy and with support from NESS
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: Integrate into academic and other learning spaces SA Lead: Capacity Building and Higher Education Specialist (Anjana Shakya)
curriculum for hydropower) Support MWU to National One course in X X X X implement academic IWRM course on IWRM implemented
Increase Task 4.2.2: Support 112 MWU National New grant in place X X X participation of Provide students (28 in each And 112 students women and scholarships, course) to receive receive scholarship disadvantaged internships, and/or scholarship according to
groups in mentorships for scholarship guideline. Paani freshwater Nepali students SLGESI specialist will also biodiversity pursuing related support this activity conservation and fields climate resilience Support grantees to form Middle Rapti, 12 Eco clubs and 2 X X X X eco clubs/learning centers Thuligaad, Bogatam learning centres in schools to conduct Lagam established conservation education Task 4.2.3: Engage through various youth on extracurricular activities freshwater such as macroinvertebrate biodiversity and sampling and find out climate change ecological health of rivers and streams. In this CS will be mobilized as resource person Mobilization of community DCC grantee, 28 Champions on X X X conservation champions to Lower Karnali Water quality dolphin habitat monitoring monitoring developed Resource monitoring and DCC grantee, 6 citizen scientist X X X water quality test through Lower Karnali mobilized on water citizen scientists quality monigoring
Task 4.2.4: C4.2.4-4: Publish Support NESS to identify Nepal focused X X X X Facilitate Nepal focused and mobilize international engineering guide international engineering guide for designing cooperation for designing hydropower
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: Integrate into academic and other learning spaces SA Lead: Capacity Building and Higher Education Specialist (Anjana Shakya)
between nepali hydropower expert to prepare projects will be and international project that allow engineering guide. produced specialists and fish passage. students regarding aquatic animal passage issues Task 4.2.5. Develop Support grantees-ECC to Thuligad watershed Effective training in X and implement conduct training in LDCRP VCA and LDCRP workshops and preparation-Chure and preparation training programs Mohanyal Rural related to freshwater Municipality biodiversity conservation and climate resilience Discussion on process Paani members Draft document of X documentation of river process stretch co-management documentation of
river stretch co- management will be developed SBS, SAEWACC, X X Lower Karnali, Leadership and group Middle Karnali # of community
management training to people/participants the leaders of the groups from community and local government river management group trained FEDWASUN, SAEWACC, Lower Training of river rafting Karnali, Middle # of community
guides to diversify Karnali people/participants livelihood options for trained in river river-based community rafting guide members FEDWASUN, ECC, RuDEC, SAEWACC,
Training to Lake Lower Karnali, # of community Management Committee Middle Karnali, people/participants
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STRATEGIC APPROACH 4B: Integrate into academic and other learning spaces SA Lead: Capacity Building and Higher Education Specialist (Anjana Shakya)
and users groups on Bogatan-Lagam trained in fisheries fishery co-management Karnali, Thuligad co-mangement
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ANNEXES
EXHIBIT A1: INDICATOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING Y4 Q1 Table 11: INDICATOR PERFORMANCE TRACKING TABLE
This table presents Paani’s overall performance against targets for Y4 Q1. For consistency with Paani’s Y4 AWP, the indicators are presented by Paani’s Strategic Approaches, the program’s guiding management and implementation framework.
Indicators Targets / Actuals Notes Year 4/ Quarter 1 Year 4 (July – Sep, 2019) (July 2019 – June 2020) Target Actual Target Actual Standard indicators Number of hectares of biologically significant areas showing improved biophysical 89,021 - The target is determined based on ongoing and conditions as a result of USG assistance (EG 10.2-1) expected Paani interventions for year 4 that can possibly bring improved biophysical conditions due to Paani interventions in Paani priority watersheds. The area is estimated using GIS and is guided by PIRS. Number of hectares of biologically significant areas under improved natural 205,854 - The target is determined based on ongoing resource management as a result of USG assistance (EG 10.2-2) and expected Paani interventions for year 4 that can possibly bring improved management conditions within Paani priority watersheds. The area is estimated using GIS and is guided by PIRS. Number of people using climate information or implementing risk-reducing actions 60 159 2411 159 to improve resilience to climate change as supported by USG assistance (EG 11-6) Number of people with increased economic benefits derived from sustainable 4000 - NRM and conservation as a result of U.S. assistance (EG 10.2-3). Number of institutions with improved capacity to assess or address climate change 30 - risks supported by USG assistance (EG 11-2) Percentage of participants reporting increased agreement with the concept that 65% - men and women should have equal access to social, economic, and political resources and opportunities (GNDR 4) Number of (national level) policies/regulations/administrative procedures in each of 46 - The target is based on the policies, bills and acts the following stages of development as a result of U.S. assistance in each case: at different levels: national, provincial and Stage 1: Analyzed; Stage 2: Drafted and presented for public/stakeholder municipal. consultation; Stage 3: Presented for legislation/decree; Stage 4: Passed/ approved; Stage 5: Passed for which implementation has begun (1.4.1-2,)
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Indicators Targets / Actuals Notes Year 4/ Quarter 1 Year 4 (July – Sep, 2019) (July 2019 – June 2020) EG.10.2-5 Number of laws, policies, or regulations that address biodiversity 45 - The target is based on the policies, bills and acts conservation and/or other environmental themes officially proposed, adopted, or at different levels: national, provincial and implemented as a result of USG assistance municipal. EG.11-3 Number of laws, policies, regulations, or standards addressing climate 1 - Environmental protection bill. change adaptation formally proposed, adopted, or implemented as supported by USG assistance Number of people trained in climate change adaptation supported by USG 100 105 3190 105 assistance (EG 11-1) % of leadership positions in USG supported community management entities that 85% - are filled by women or member of a vulnerable group (1.3.2-1). Number of people trained in sustainable natural resources management and/or 40 50 3030 0 biodiversity conservation as a result of USG assistance (EG 10.2-4) Number of innovations supported through USG Assistance(STIR-10) 7 - STRATEGIC APPROACH 1 a: Improve Management Of Capture Fisheries # of fishing groups to which municipalities have given exclusive access rights and 45 - the legal authority to manage their river fisheries under agreed guidelines P/A of guidelines developed through participatory process 1 2 13 2 These two are from Rangun watershed. # of municipalities/rural municipalities that have endorsed sustainable fisheries 1 0 30 0 Not achieved because of delays in grants guidelines mechanisms. % of observed fishing effort by fishing group members for each fishing group that >85% - includes only sustainable fishing practices*, defined according to the Guidelines for each fishing group # of fishing groups with inclusive leadership (GESI) that are meeting periodically 20 18 92 18 P/A of sustainable economic opportunities identified with partnership formed for 18 - each selected economic opportunity STRATEGIC APPROACH 1 b : Increase Local Knowledge, Engagement and Benefits For Local Water Management # of communities and municipalities/rural municipalities in targeted watersheds 28 - that have developed and endorsed the local plan (CAPAs, LAPAs, LDCRP, sub watershed management plan) # of target municipalities/rural municipalities that have taken initiative or received 4 4 13 4 Two each in Rangun and Thuligad. funding from a source other than Paani for implementation of an adaptation activity # of target communities and settlements implementing climate smart watershed 2 2 63 2 management activities (tied to LAPA and CAPA) STRATEGIC APPROACH 1c : Improve Local Capacity for Regulation and Management of Roads and Mining # of user groups that advocate for environment-friendly road designs 27 - # of municipalities/rural municipalities that prioritize funds for projects with 2 2 3 2 These two are from West Seti and Middle Karnali environment-friendly road designs watersheds. # of user groups aware of national guidelines and impact of gravel mining 8 - # of user groups that advocate for better regulated gravel mining 8 -
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Indicators Targets / Actuals Notes Year 4/ Quarter 1 Year 4 (July – Sep, 2019) (July 2019 – June 2020) STRATEGIC APPROACH 1 d : Improve Local Capacity For Managing Invasive Species # of CFOPs, sub watershed management plans, and buffer zone management plans 8 - with invasive control section [with removal targets] in place for affected waterbodies % (#) of community groups meeting removal targets for affected waterbodies 4 - P/A of regulations in place and enforcement of fish farms in targeted affected waterbodies in selected watersheds P/A of solutions-species specific bio-control methods [developed for fish farms fisheries to control non - native fish in affected water bodies in selected watersheds] STRATEGIC APPROACH 2a: Improved Basin Level Resource Management P/A of full range of relevant stakeholders for specific topics as active members of each working group P/A of women and marginalized groups as active members of each working group # (%) of multi-sectoral proposals for solutions that represent the concerns of marginalized groups and women # (%) of multi-sectoral proposals for solutions that are consistent with the Integrated National Water Resources Management (INWRM) policy (link to 2a Basin-level planning) STRATEGIC APPROACH 2b: Improve Local Capacity For Disaster Risk Reduction # of DDRPs in place for flood risk districts 1 - # of communities that are warned in sufficient time to respond to flooding and 27 - other climate hazard # of IWRMP, LAPAs, CAPAs with disaster response sections that use flood maps 2 - developed from hydromet data STRATEGIC APPROACH 2c:Support Sustainable Hydropower # of smaller hydropower projects that have hydro-met data and tools (DHM has 5 - hydro-met database) # of hydropower developers and operators that have e-flow information 2 - STRATEGIC APPROACH 3a: Improve Policy And Planning For IWRM # of IRBPMs established 2 - P/A of "white paper" of recommendations with champion input 1 - P/A of effective National Water Resources policy 1 - STRATEGIC APPROACH 3b : Support CSOs to Advocate for Transparent and Accountable Hydropower Decision Making Number of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) receiving USG assistance engaged 8 - in advocacy interventions (EG 2.4.1-9) # of CSOs that understand sustainable hydropower and have improved capacity 25 - for constructive engagement
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Indicators Targets / Actuals Notes Year 4/ Quarter 1 Year 4 (July – Sep, 2019) (July 2019 – June 2020) STRATEGIC APPROACH 4a: Knowledge # of research initiatives to address the issues of freshwater biodiversity, climate 4 2 6 2 These two are: 1) the Karnali river corridor change and water resource management. management framework and 2) strategic considerations for river conservation legislation in Nepal.
# of research findings which are used to inform policy, planning and management at different levels. Number of peer-reviewed scientific publications resulting from USG support to 1 1 4 1 Publication by YAE research and implementation programs (STR-12) STRATEGIC APPROACH 4b: Learning Spaces % of scholarship recipients who are women or from disadvantaged groups # of courses developed in the areas of freshwater biodiversity and sustainable water management # of non academic courses developed in the areas of freshwater biodiversity and 1 0 11 0 Service provider still in the selection process. sustainable water management.
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EXHIBIT A2: GESI ANALYTICS FOR PAANI ACTIVITIES FIGURE 5: PAANI PARTICIPANTS BY EVENT TYPE IN Y4 Q1
Gender distribution in Paani events
FGD Meeting Training Round Table Orientation 17% 40% 44% 39% 16% Workshop 48%
Male Female
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Caste and ethnicity distribution in Paani events 100% 1 1 5 10 3 5 9 5 6 80% 34 17 11 38 50 6 9 60% 16 9 90 40% 17 60 66 49 48 20% 34
0% Training Workshop Meeting Round table Orientation FGD discussion BCTS Dalit Janajaati Newar Others
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EXHIBIT A3: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1A TABLE 12: Fish species distribution observed in four wetlands
Family Scientific Name Ramaroshan Jhilmila Raani Sati- Tal (KRB) Tal Tal Karnali (LM) (LM) Oxbow Lake (LK)
Cyprinidae Punticus chola √ √
Cyprinidae Catla catla √
Cobitidae Lepidocephalus guntea √ √
Cyprinidae Labeo dero √
Cyprinidae Punticus ticto √
Cyprinidae Wallago attu √
Cyprinidae Cyprinus latius √
Cyprinidae Labeo angra √
Cyprinidae Tor tor √
Cyprinidae Barilius barna √
Cyprinidae Schizothorax richardsonii √
Notopteridae Notopterus notopterus √
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Bagridae Mystus bleekeri √
Schibeidae Clupisoma garua
Siluridae Rita rita √
Synbranchidae Monopterus cuchia √ √
Anabantidae Anabus testudineus
Mastacembelidae Mastacembelus armatus √
Chichlidae Oreochromis √ mossambica+
Clariidae Clarias batrachus √
+ Exotic invasive species
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TABLE 13: Number of members in newly formed CAACGs
Grantee/ No. of Watershed Total Member F M BCTS D AJ Other Organization CAACGs
MRDCC 4 60 24 36 18 2 38 2 Jhimruk Airawati RM 1 20 10 10 0 0 20 0
KDCN 5 150 91 59 77 35 37 1
Middle Rapti HWEPC 4 80 31 49 1 1 78 0
Lower Mahakali CIS 2 40 22 18 3 3 34 0
Total 16 310 156 154 96 38 173 3
TABLE 14: Status of CAACG monthly saving amounts
SN Watershed Name of CAACG Total Saving amount (rupees)
1 Jhimruk Amilya Raha CAACG 6677
2 Jhimruk Damti Dovan CAACG 15400
3 Jhimruk Raksha Raha CAACG 14040
4 Jhimruk Bange Raha CAACG 6380
5 Middle Rapti Baikha CAACG 10500
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6 Middle Rapti Baam CAACG 11000
7 Middle Rapti Rawa CAACG 13000
8 Middle Rapti Raini CAACG 6000
9 Middle Rapti Sahar CAACG 4000
10 Middle Rapti Rohu CAACG 4000
11 Middle Rapti Mangra CAACG 3000
Total
93997
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Executive summary of workshop on fisheries conservation governance framework and market development strategy
A national level workshop on Fisheries Conservation Governance Framework and Market Development Strategy was organized by Paani with SNV consultants on September 11, 2109 at Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu, Nepal. About 50 participants participated in the workshop. Participants included fisheries professionals and professionals from other related stakeholder institutions linked with water/aquatic resources of Nepal. With a brief presentation by SNV consultant Dr. Arthur Nieland on the drafted ”conservation framework and market strategy,” a group discussion was organized into four breakout groups, namely: (1) Timeline history of fisheries and aquaculture in Nepal, (2) SWOT analysis on institution, policy, processes and capacity of fisheries institution, (3) Net mapping on fish value chain, (4) Inter sectoral policy linkage analysis. Presentations of those groups are summarized.
Timeline analysis showed that capture fishery in rivers and lakes had a long history, though it had a relatively short history of aquaculture. With the establishment of the Agriculture Council in 1946 and Fisheries Development Section under the Agriculture Department in 1953, they formulated the Aquatic Life Conservation Act in 1960. The Aquaculture sector developed slowly and gained momentum after 1990. It continues to develop now. However, the fisheries sector did not receive attention during the capture fisheries period, and pressure increased in rivers with the continuation of destructive fishing practices, even though the Aquatic Life Conservation Act had been enacted. The vision for the future is that the “National Level Fishery Conservation Board” representing all relevant stakeholders for aquatic biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of resources, would be strengthened. Additionally, there will be a provision on protected river basin and fish sanctuaries, and in-situ and ex-situ conservation of valuable endemic species.
The sector’s strengths can be summarized as the following: an abundance of aquatic resources with about 6,000 rivers and 5,000 hectares of lake, rich in fish biodiversity with 252 species and many pristine streams. There are different sectoral policies, conservation policies/acts in provincial and local government, and national biodiversity strategic plan (NBSAP) being developed. Existing institutions working in this sector are governmental (MOFE, MOLD, NARC, MOEWRI, NAST); NGO/INGO (IUCN, WWF, ICIMOD, NTNC); and academic (TU, KU, AFU). GON has initiated conservation of indigenous river species and breeding of some important species. The sectors weakness can be Time line analysis on evolution of fishery institution and legal instrument summarized as the following: lack of information on
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abundance of species, habitat quality, impact of infrastructure; incoherent policy and legislation, absence of fisheries policy, lack in implementation of aquatic animal life protection act; lack of clarity and coordination, insufficient organization structure, suppression of the fishery sector and lack of investment; and no apex body to look after fishery conservation. The opportunities in the sector are summarized as the following: market potential of flagship species; aqua- tourism; live museum; site specific conservation; demand for fisheries experts; sustainable harvest and creation of fisher livelihoods; high value market of river fish; establishment of an apex body to devise and implement policy and coordination among institutions. Threats to the sector are summarized as the following: destructive fishing, over exploitation, invasive species, climate change, open borders, river damming, river bed mining, unplanned rural roads, EIA exclusion for <50 MW hydro project, and conflicts in resource use.
Net mapping on market and value chains are analyzed for aquaculture products and fisheries products. There are 24 fishing communities involved in fisheries. About 50% of wild fish are consumed locally. Aquaculture has now reached 60 districts. Rainbow trout fish has expanded to the high hills and mountain districts. There are very limited value additions in wild fish. The only additional activities involved in fisheries include drying and packaging in traditional baskets. Aquaculture value chain in the border districts in Terai are also informal. Whereas many vendors supply Indian farmed fish on the Nepalese border markets/village, many Indian consumers prefer buying Nepalese farmed fish as well. In Kathmandu, about 79% of fish products (aquaculture) are supplied from Indian markets, with the remaining supplied by the Nepalese market. There is a severe lack of coordination and collaboration among the stakeholders at all levels regarding the conservation of wild fish habitat and production and promotion of fishery.
Net mapping of fish value chain
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The workshop also covered an analysis of intersectoral policy linkages. In summary, strong positive linkage exist between MoALD, NARC, and universities, which all play a positive role in the conservation of fisheries and river based aquatic biodiversity through research, awareness, law enforcement and incentives. The Ministry of Forest and Environment, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Water and Energy Commission have moderate to weak linkages with one another, even though they have also played a positive role in conservation education, law enforcement, and wise use of water resources based on green enterprises, including eco-tourism. The Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Drinking water, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration have weak linkages and have played a negative role in the conservation of fisheries and river based aquatic biodiversity through the construction of high dams, roads, diverting water flow, polluting water bodies (generating waste), excessive and unplanned mining.
Intersectoral policy linkage analysis
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EXHIBIT A4: ANNEXES TO SUPPORT SA 1D Figure 6: A conceptual framework to design future research on invasive impact assessment
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Table 15: Fish species of Rani Taal, Shuklaphanta National Park, Lower Mahakali Watershed
Family Scientific Name
Cyprinidae Punticus chola
Cobitidae Lepidocephalus guntea
Cyprinidae Wallago attu
Synbranchidae Monopterus cuchia
Mastacembelidae Mastacembelus armatus
Chichlidae Oreochromis mossambica+
+ Exotic invasive species
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TABLE 16: Plant species recorded in and around Rani Taal, Suklaphanta National Park
S.N. Local Name Scientific Name
1 Khayer Acacia catechu 2 Bippya kuro Achyranthes aspera 3 Fern Adiantum philippense 4 Heledo Adina cordifolia 5 Bel Aegle marmelos 6 Thakali Argemone mexicana 7 Kurilo Asparagus racemosus 8 Tanki Bauhinia purpurea 9 Bhorla Bauhinia vahlii 10 Koiralo Bauhinia variegata 11 Kalokuro Bidens pilosa 12 Gargillo Boehemeria esculentum 13 Simal Bombax ceiba 14 Gaayo Bridelia retusa 15 Palas Butea monosperma 16 Guyelo Callicarpa macrophylla 17 Aank 2 Calotropis gigantea 18 Godtapre Centella asiatica 19 Bhati Clerodendrum viscosum 20 Karkalo Colocasia esculenta 21 Dubo Cynodon dactylon 22 Mothe jhar Cyperus esculentus 23 Mothe Cyperus rotundus 24 Sisso Dalbergia sissoo 25 Sadan Desmodium oojeinense
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26 Banso Digitaria ciliaris 27 Tatari Dillenia pentagyna 28 Tarul Dioscorea bulbifera 29 Fern (leudo) Diplazium esculentum 30 Kodo ghans Eleusine indica 31 Kharseto Ficus glomerata 32 Bhatmase Flemingia strobilifera 33 Siru Imperata cylindrica 34 Thulo mothe Kyllinga brevifolia 35 Kutmero Litsea monopetala 36 Sindure Mallotus philippensis 37 Aasere Murraya koenigii 38 Chari amilo Oxalis corniculata 39 Thulo Narkat+ Arundo donax 40 Amala Phyllanthus emblica 41 Pipla Piper longum 42 Pistia Pistia stratiotes 43 Kash Saccharum spontaneum 44 Pipari Sarcococca confusa 45 Kushum Schleichera oleosa 46 Sal Shorea robusta 47 Balu jhar Sida acuta 48 Debre lahara Spatholobus parviflorus 49 Jamun Syzigium cuminii 50 Saj Terminalia tomentosa 51 Pani lahara Tetrastigma serrulatum 52 Amriso Thysanolaena maxima 53 Tunee Toona ciliata
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54 Veller (Rhino apple) Trewia nudiflora 55 Kurro Triumfetta pilosa 56 Pater Typha angustifolia 57 Bayer Ziziphus nummularia 58 Lute jhar Lygodium flexosum 59 Diclipta Dicliptera bupleuroides 60 Datiwan jhar Justicia procumbens 61 Ground orchid Zeuxine strateumatica 62 Narenga porphyrocoma + Exotic invasive species
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EXHIBIT A5: ANNEXES TO SA 4A
Summary of species diversity in wetland sites
Sattighat Jhilmila Rani Ramaroshan
Mammals 8 7 8 13
Birds 101 99 125 56
Reptiles 2 2 17
Amphibia 7 3 6 3
Fishes 15 3 6 2
Flora* 61 100 61 200
Flora** 19 10 12 50
* Terrestrial, ** Aquatic
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GIS map of beneficiaries of Paani Program
Household survey data from the West Rapti River watershed was made available to CODEFUND to be used as a reference document. A GIS map has been produced for households who are part of the livelihoods program of Paani in 2019. The map exhibits ethnic diversity of 1411 livelihood households of the West Rapti River Watershed. This information will be vital to strategize the piloting site based on ethnic diversity with respect to geography.
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The ofllowing key outputs were obtained in both Middle Rapti and Jhimruk watersheds:
Middle Rapti is enriched with diverse groups of Janajati communities. Traditional fishing communities comprise 55% of the total population in the watershed. Tharu is the largest group (61,151), followed by Kumal (5,973), Bote (158), Majhi (124), and Mallah (11). The study found that these communities rely on fishing for subsistence livelihood only and not for sale. Two traditional fishing communities live within the Jhimruk watershed: Kumal (2,316 people) and Bote (21 people), the majority of whom live in Ratamata Dandagaun in Bijaynagar. Several Janajati groups (Raut, Dhami, Gurung, and Magar) also engage in fishing as a commercial activity. The incidence of poverty is widespread among the ethnically disadvantaged groups, especially among fishing communities (Paani 2017). The reason for decreasing fish populations in the river is reportedly due to overfishing and also due to water quality problems from the discharge of industrial effluents into the river (http://publications.iwmi.org/pdf/H030267.pdf). This demographic information provides a foundation for identifying priority target communities to implement activities related to capture fishery and livelihood activities as well as communities to form CAACGs to implement some of the provisions of the AABCA.
Besides, traditional fishing communities, a few commercial fishing groups are emerging in the watershed. These groups tend to practice destructive unsustainable harvesting methods posing threats to aquatic biodiversity. The situation is exacerbated by an increasing incidence of environmental hazards, i.e., landslides and sedimentations. Kumal fisherman have experienced a sharp decline in fish harvests (from 5 kg to 2kg in one harvest) now and for over the past decade. Overfishing is one of the prime issues in the Middle Rapti. Lately, traditional fishing groups are gradually being replaced by commercial fishing groups, who tend to employ destructive fishing techniques using explosives and electric currents.
Major disturbances and their potential consequences in wetlands:
Wetland Major disturbances Potential consequences
Sattighat Agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, Water pollution, eutrophication may lead to Jalkumbhi (Pashuram unregulated fishing, livestock grazing invasion, disturbing wetland birds due to over Taal) exploitation of fishing and collection of mollusks (Ghogi). Raani Taal Siltation, secondary succession, invasive Wetland habitat shrinking and may dry up if species appropriate measures are not taken, disturbing wetland dependent fauna.
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Jhailmila Siltation, livestock grazing in the catchment, Wetland shrinking, eutrophication, and invasive fish Taal introduction of invasive fish Mangur (Clarias may displace native fish species. batrachus) Ramaroshan Tourism, siltation Habitat may dry up, shrinking the wetland, birds are Taal disturbed due to human disturbance
Table 17. List of wetlands of Ramaroshan and their status
S.N. Name of lake Elevation Wetland status Area (m) (ha)
1 Jigaale (Janghale, 21.5 2410 Largest in the complex, shrinking from the Jingaale) eastern corner
2 Batulla 3.2 2400 Siltation in all the directions due to gully erosion
3 Laami Daha 1.1 2450 Siltation due to gully erosion. Western part of this lake is shrinking due to heavy load of silts and gravel received from streams named Dusha nala and Suka nala during the rainy season.
4 Lisse Daali 0.65 2450 Shrinking, siltation due to landslide
5 Taaule Taal - 2525 Shrinking and nearly disappeared. More than 70% of the lake is converted into grassland and forest.
6 Tallo Dhaune 0.55 2250 Shrinking
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7 Mathillo Dhaune 1.63 2300 Change not explored
8 Gaagre Taal - 2490 Very small amount of water in dry season
9 Dauthe khal - 2780 Lake located at the highest elevation (Baulegadaa)
10 Raame Taal - 2350 Consists of three small ponds. Shrinking and drying up due to water diversion /management
11 Dalyana Taal - 1800 Dried up due to water diversion/management, Now it is converted into crop land.
12 Geraha Taal 2.2 1400 Missing (During war time, Maoists destroyed the dam of Geraha Taal and converted it into crop land based on information from local community members)
Data source: Field observation (2019) and profile of DFO Achham
Case study: A case of assessing ecosystem services of Ramaroshan Wetland, Achham District.
Forest products: The presence of a diverse ecosystem makes Ramaroshan landscape rich in terms of ecosystem services and goods. Its forests are used for timber, firewood and fodder by local people. Forest products are an integral part of agroforestry. Fodder, animal bedding and leaf litter support animal husbandry, which ultimately goes to crop fields as manure. People collect and use several medicinal plants including Panch Aaule, Jatamanshi, Bhutkesh and Kutki from the area. Local people also use dried Taxus bark and leaves as tea.
Ecotourism: Wetland, forests trails and pastures make Ramaroshan an emerging tourist destination. Recently the Government of Nepal declared 100 new tourist destinations to promote tourism, and Ramaroshan complex is among them. Currently, more than 10,000 tourists visit the area, of which most are from the Achham and neighboring districts. The Ramashoran RM aims to advertise the importance of the Ramaroshan lakes complex and promote tourism in this area.
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Cultural and aesthetic services: The Ramaroshan lake complex has religious values. Pilgrims visiting Badimalika shrine – an important religious place in far western Nepal passes along Ramaroshan lakes. It is customary that pilgrims take a holy bath in the lakes while visiting Badimalika.
Water resource: Forested watersheds and 12 wetlands are a source of Kailash Khola. Kailash Khola, a perennial stream, and wetlands make the landscape rich in water sources. Water irrigation in the landscape is a source of livelihood and well-being for thousands of people living downstream. Water from the lakes is used for drinking. Kailash Khola provides water for drinking and irrigation downstream. More than a half dozen micro hydropower units have been established in the Kailash Khola. According to local people, along the Kailash Khola more than 50 Pani Ghatta and water mills are in operation.
A B
Photo 4. A-Pani Ghatta B-Irrigated land by Kailash Khola
PhotoFish and fishing: Kailsah Khola and Ramaroshan lakes are known for an abundance of delicious Asala fish (snow trout, Schizothorax spp). Local people catch the fish and eat them both dry and fresh. Asala fish is highly regarded as nutritious by locals. From May to July, local people used to catch fish from the lakes and Kailash Kholas. However, the community forest banned fishing activities in the lake complex. Nevertheless, the local people break the rules and continue to capture the fish. They use Doko, Tiyari, and hook and line as a fishing gear. They commonly make temporary dams in the rivers and streams and use Doko and nets to collect fish. The demand of the Asala fish is higher in local markets and villages. They sell 400/kg in the local market.
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A B
C D
Photo 5: A-Fishing activities using Doko, B-Interaction with fisherman C-Fishing in Kailash Khola, D- Asala fish
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EXHIBIT A6: ANNEXES TO SA 4B Bio-assessment guides for citizen scientists
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EXHIBIT A7: NEFEJ ANALYTICS IN Y4 Q1 TABLE 18: NEFEJ TV SHOW EPISODES BROADCASTED IN Y4 Q1
Date Storyline Champion or group Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed profiled
7/6/2019 Community efforts to conserve aquatic life and watershed health Pateshwori Chaudhary Male Aadibasi Janajati Rapti rural municipality, led by Pateshwori Chaudhary in Rapti rural municipality, Dang. Dang, Middle Rapti They have formed and registered the Baikha Fish Conservation and watershed management group, in a rural municipality and are operating successfully in controlling destructive fishing practices. In order to streamline the conservation activities, they have color coded different fishing practices. In addition, they are also actively involved in raising awareness among the fishing community about good fishing practices.
7/6/2019 The construction of watermill under the initiation from Dantu Dantu Thapa Female BCTS Khatyad rural Thapa for rice processing has reduced the drudgery of women in municipality, Mugu, Rara Khatyad rural municipality, Mugu. Furthermore, she is approaching watershed different organizations to support adding machines for flour making and oil extraction.
7/13/2019 Community mobilization for forest and watershed conservation Ganesh Bahadur Bam Male BCTS Mohanyal rural under the leadership of Ganesh Bahadur Bam in Mohanyal rural municipality, Kailali, municipality, Kailali. As a result, demand for forest products is Thuligaad watershed being fulfilled on one hand, and on the other, forest conservation is aiding in conservation of water resources. They have delineated areas for grazing purposes, conservation and for silvicultural operations. Furthermore, proper utilization of forest resources has helped local people in generating income for sustenance.
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7/13/2019 Locals have prohibited themselves from killing animals to offer to Dharma guru and Lama Male Aadibasi Janajati Shey Phoksundo rural God following Dharma guru and Lama (priests) in Shey Phoksundo municipality, Dolpa, rural municipality, Dolpa. This practice is helping the conservation Phoksundo Suligaad of wild animals. If there is a need to offer animals to God, they watershed worship and offer body parts of dead animals. This practice is prevalent in Aadabasi Bhote community.
7/20/2019 Villagers are able to enjoy clean drinking water as a result of efforts Bir Bahadur Lama Male Aadibasi Janajati Badikedar rural by Bir Bahadur Lama to bring water from 7 km in Badikedar rural municipality, Doti, municipality, Doti. Villagers are also actively participating in the Thuligaad watershed conservation of upstream water source areas so that there is no water shortage in the future.
7/20/2019 Promotion of ecotourism in Dolpa, Phoksundo Suligaad watershed. Lake Conservation NA NA Dolpa, Phoksundo Dolpa is the largest district with immense natural beauty, presence Committee and local Suligaad watershed of Shey Phoksundo national park, and Nepals' second deepest lake. government Therefore, there is a desire to promote this district as a tourist destination. Promoting tourism can also aid in improving the economic condition of local people, keeping in mind the conservation of natural resources.
7/27/2019 Incorporating conservation issues in folk songs to raise awareness Bir Bahadur Gandharva Male Dalit Karnali and Mahakali in communities and aid in conservation activities led by Bir Bahadur river basin Gandharva. They used to relay news and different stories through their songs. Now, they are disseminating information on fire control, poaching, climate change, and other environmental issues to bring awareness among local people and stress the need for conservation of nature.
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8/3/2019 Operation of handmade paper enterprise by Krishna Bahadur Krishna Bahadur Khadka Male BCTS Khaptad Chhanna rural Khadka, created income generating opportunity for villagers municipality, Bajhang, especially women in Khaptad Chhanna rural municipality, Bajhang. West Seti watershed Women are collecting Lokta bark from the forest to make paper. They have good knowledge about harvesting techniques as well.
8/3/2019 Installation of Aankhekhola micro-hydro in the leadership of Chandra Singh Karki Male BCTS Thulibheri municipality, Chandra Singh Karki (Conservation and Sustainable management Dolpa, Phoksundo committee, Aankhekhola microhydro project) in Thulibheri Suligaad watershed municipality, Dolpa. This micro hydro project has benefitted 327 HHs. Availability of electric power has encouraged use of electric stoves over wood burning stoves, thereby reducing the stress on forest and emissions.
8/10/2019 The municipality, in preparation to combat flood induced disaster Mahakali municipality NA NA Mahakali municipality, and to conserve aquatic biodiversity, has endorsed the disaster risk Kanchanpur, Lower reduction bill and an aquatic life conservation bill in Mahakali Mahakali watershed municipality, Kanchanpur. They have developed community-based disaster risk reduction plan, installed bio-embankments and early warning system, enhanced capacity of the community for rescue operations, and encouraged the community to cultivate flood resistant crops like sugar cane and ginger.
8/10/2019 Women groups from Bhopur village are actively involved in Sita Devi Joshi Female BCTS Jayaprithvi municipality, watershed conservation under the leadership of Sita Devi Joshi in Bajhang, West Seti Jayaprithvi municipality, Bajhang. They were able to restore forests watershed in previously de-nuded hills. Due to their communal efforts, they are now enjoying forest resources such as grasses, forages, fire- wood, etc.
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8/17/2019 Community efforts in forest conservation led by Ram Bahadur Ram Bahadur Gurung Male Aadibasi Janajati Badikedar rural Gurung in Badikedar rural municipality, Doti. He has been leading municipality, Doti, community forest conservation for 4 years. The Forest has become Thuligaad watershed healthy, and local people are enjoying the benefits of the forest as well.
8/17/2019 Building the capacity of local people on commercial farming and job Chhabish Pathibara rural NA NA Chhabish Pathibara rural creation, an initiation by Chhabish Pathibara rural municipality, municipality municipality, Bajhang, Bajhang. The rural municipality has taken 20 ropani of land on lease West Seti watershed to establish an integrated farm where local people learn about commercial farming. Many have got the opportunity to work on the farm as well which has become their source of income.
8/24/2019 Dhari villagers are enjoying clean drinking water due to the hard Udaya Singh Bohora Male BCTS Badikedar rural work of Udaya Singh Bohora in Badikedar rural municipality, Doti. municipality, Doti, Understanding the relationship of forest and water, Udaya Singh is Thuligaad watershed active in conservation of forest and water sources with support from his community. Now villagers do not have to travel long distances to fetch the water.
8/24/2019 Barta Bahadur Rokaya (Chairperson, Khaptad Channa rural Barta Bahadur Rokaya Male BCTS Khaptad Channa rural municipality) is actively involved in production of hydroelectricity municipality, Bajhang, and uplift of water to revive the vegetation of hills in Khaptad West Seti watershed Channa rural municipality, Bajhang. He has presumed that availability of electricity will create a feasible environment to establish cottage industries and thus generate job opportunities.
8/31/2019 Combined use of technology and traditional knowledge to increase Bhajani, Tikapur and NA NA Rajapur municipality, the resilience and adaptation to flood induced disaster led by Rajapur municipality Bardia and Kailali, lower municipalities in Bhajani, Tikapur and Rajapur municipality, Bardia Karnali watershed and Kailali. Frequent flooding events occur due to over exploitation and unmanaged excavation of river resources. However,
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municipalities have installed early warning system, maintained effective communication channel in case of disaster, constructed safe shelter, and provided rescue training. Similarly, river management training is also being provided to community people by the Karnali river management project. Additionally, the traditional practice of Badhghar and rice transplanting has helped to reduce the negative impacts of flooding.
8/31/2019 The municipality has committed to constructing rural roads after Jayaprithvi municipality NA NA Jayaprithvi municipality, IEE/EIA and investing in road maintenance in Jayaprithvi Bajhang, west Seti municipality, Bajhang. The municipality has realized that only watershed constructing roads is not enough. It is crucial to have good water management systems and regular maintenance of constructed roads.
9/7/2019 Women of Ranghat village united to produce cereal seeds Muna Rawat Female BCTS Aairawati rural commercially under the leadership of Muna Rawat. This initiation municipality, Pyuthan, has helped women to earn extra income. They have also formed a Jhimruk watershed cooperative where they save a certain portion of their income and provide loans to women in need. They are producing seeds and running cooperatives with support from KUBK (Kisan ko laagi, Unnat Biu Karyakram).
9/7/2019 The rural municipality is preparing to mitigate water induced Jorayel rural municipality NA NA Jorayel rural municipality, hazards. Water induced disasters like floods and landslides are Doti, Thuligaad frequent in Jorayel RM, the main reason being haphazard rural road watershed construction and soil excavation. Recently RM has started to control the river with bio-embankments and establish funds for disaster risk reduction.
9/14/2019 Local people taking initiatives to control haphazard excavation of Top Bahadur Acharya Male BCTS Gadawa rural sand and gravel under the leadership of Top Bahadur Acharya. municipality, Dang,
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They requested all the concerned stakeholders (President Chure Middle Rapti Terai Madesh Conservation and Development Board and rural watershed municipality) support this campaign and as a result they were successful in stopping the crusher operating in their area.
9/21/2019 Open grazing in Khaptad National park leading to loss of NA NA NA Khaptad Chhanna rural biodiversity and degradation of land. Khaptad NP is the only park municipality, Bajhang, where there is an open grazing system. In order to prevent land West Seti watershed degradation (land cracking), bio-embankments are made but have not proven to be effective. Khaptad NP has a plan on stopping the open grazing system. Recently farmers have had to pay to graze their animals inside the park boundary. Due to yearly increases in the fee, grazing pressure is gradually decreasing.
9/21/2019 Restoration of Barhakunda (12 lakes) from community efforts. All Rabindra Bahadur Kunwar Male BCTS Bhimdatta municipality, 12 lakes dried as a result of human activities leading to forest Kanchanpur, Lower destruction, the effects of which were felt by wild animals and local Mahakali watershed people. Therefore, to safeguard from such effects, the community united and took conservation measures. They have cleaned the lakes, built the boundaries to attract tourists, have created foot paths and picnic spots. To conserve 12 lakes, financial support was given by President Chure Terai Madesh Conservation Development Board (PCTMCDB), Bhimdatta municipality, Baijanath CFUG, Division Forest Office, Kanchanpur, Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment (Province 7)
9/28/2019 Efforts from the concerned stakeholders (community, local Nawaraj Sharma Male BCTS Gadhawa rural government, and police force) to control tapping of Rapti River municipality, Dang, resources. Government has started to punish crusher machines Middle Rapti that are illegally operating and accumulating more resources than watershed listed in their license. Political boundary issues with other
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municipalities, frequent change in operating procedures have added to increased and haphazard excavation of river resources.
TABLE 19: NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS AIRED IN Y4 Q1
Date Topic Champion Gender Caste/ethnicity Watershed/Municipality
7/1/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Drying out of water NA NA NA Badikedar rural municipality, Doti, sources and measures needed for the conservation of water Thuligaad watershed resources"
7/8/2019 Open grazing leading to degradation of land NA NA NA Aalital rural municipality, Dadeldhura, Rangun watershed
7/8/2019 Regular maintenance of irrigation canal to increase Ambisara Pun Female Aadibasi Janajati Badikedar rural municipality, Doti, productivity and life of canal Thuligaad watershed
7/8/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Coordination and NA NA NA Thulibheri municipality, Dolpa, Phoksundo Suligaad collaboration among park and local people" watershed
7/15/2019 Vulnerability of Maknahawa village to flooding NA NA NA Gadhawa rural municipality, Dang, Middle Rapti watershed
7/15/2019 Involvement of youth for proper management of drinking Ram Kumar Ghimire Male BCTS Naubahini rural municipality, water and sources Pyuthan, Jhimrukh watershed
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7/15/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Inundation, river cutting NA NA NA Gadhawa rural municipality, Dang, and flooding" Middle Rapti watershed
7/22/2019 Endorsement of aquatic life conservation bill by seven local Local governments NA NA Panchadeval Binayak municipality, governments KamalBazar municipality, Turmakhand rural municipality, Aathbish municipality, Thantikant rural municipality and Chamunda Brindasaini municipality, Achham , Dailekh, Middle Karnali watershed
7/22/2019 Use of waste water and less productive land for aquaculture Mehar Singh KC Male BCTS Pyuthan municipality, Pyuthan, Jhimruk watershed
7/22/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Challenges and impacts of NA NA NA Naubahini rural municipality, rural road construction" Pyuthan, Jhimruk watershed
7/29/2019 Reliance on ground water for irrigation purposes NA NA NA Mahakali municipality, Kanchanpur, Lower Mahakali watershed
7/29/2019 Local people mobilized for environment friendly rural road Khatyad rural NA NA Khatyad rural municipality, construction municipality Kalikot, Tila watershed
7/29/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "River bank cutting, NA NA NA Mahakali rural municipality, Kanchanpur, Lower Mahakali flooding and inundation" watershed
8/5/2019 Damage from wildlife (especially elephants) on properties of NA NA NA Geruwa rural municipality, Bardia, villagers Lower Karnali watershed
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8/5/2019 Initiation of bioengineering work to prevent landslides Mina B.K. Female Dalit Naubahini rural municipality, Pyuthan, Jhimruk watershed
8/12/2019 Local people compelled to pay tax for a land that has gone NA NA NA Geruwa rural municipality, Bardia, under the boundary of national park due to river cutting, Lower Karnali watershed and their demand for compensation
8/12/2019 Community efforts to conserve aquatic life Pateshwori Chaudhary Male Aadibasi Janajati Rapti rural municipality, Dang, Middle Rapti watershed
8/12/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Aquatic life conservation" NA NA NA Airawati rural municipality, Pyuthan, Jhimruk watershed
8/19/2019 Efforts from municipality in disaster preparedness and Mahakali municipality NA NA Mahakali municipality, Kanchanpur, Lower Mahakali watershed vulnerability mitigation
8/19/2019 Reduced drudgery of women due to installation of water Dantu Thapa Female BCTS Khaptad Chhana rural mill (for rice) municipality, Bajhang, West Seti watershed
8/19/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Opportunity and NA NA NA Madhuban municipality, Bardiya, Challenges of Bhagairiya lake" Lower Karnali watershed
8/26/2019 Delayed completion of Praganna Badkapatha irrigation NA NA NA Gadhawa and Rajpur rural project municipality, Dang, Middle Karnali watershed
8/26/2019 Ganesh Bahadur Bam Community earning income through conservation of forest Male BCTS Mohanyal rural municipality, resources Kailali, Thuligaad watershed
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An issue of town hall meeting on "Traditional occupation of NA NA NA Rajapur municipality, Dang, 8/26/2019 Sonaha in crisis and declining fish stocks" Lower Karnali watershed
9/2/2019 Farmers shifting to fruit farming from vegetables as an Tara Giri and Biru Female BCTS Khandachakra municipality, adaptation measure to drought Bharati Kalikot, Tila watershed
9/2/2019 A non-violent approach for conservation of wildlife Teton Chhewang Male Aadibasi Janajati Shey-Phoksundo rural Cholding municipality, Dolpa, Phoksundo Suligaad watershed
9/2/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on " Destructive fishing NA NA NA Lamahi municipality, Dang, practices, Conservation of fish species " Middle Rapti watershed
9/9/2019 Seri-culture as an alternative to cereal crops production Mahesh Datta Male BCTS Gadhawa rural municipality, Dang, with good income Adhikari Middle Rapti watershed
9/9/2019 Traditional folk singers, Gandarvas, incorporating messages Bir Bahadur Gandarva Male Dalit Kohalpur municipality, Banke. of conservation in their songs to create awareness among Karnali and Mahakali river local people basin
9/9/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Conflicts between human NA NA NA Bhimdatta municipality, and wildlife and its sustainable regulative measures " Kanchanpur, Lower Mahakali watershed
9/16/2019 Decrease in the area of fertile land near Jhimruk Khola due NA NA NA Airawati and Pyuthan municipality, to haphazard settlements and river bank cutting Pyuthan, Jhimruk watershed
9/16/2019 Restoration of Chounthepani Community Forest through Ram Bahadur Gurung Male Aadibasi Janajati Badikedar rural municipality, Doti, conservation Thuligaad watershed
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9/23/2019 Farmers cultivating paddy in winter (Chaite Dhaan) instead NA NA NA Bhajani municipality, Kailali, of cultivating in monsoon Lower Karnali watershed
9/23/2019 Villagers of Dhari enjoying the facility of drinking water and Udaya Singh Bohora Male Chhettri Badikedar rural municipality, Doti, irrigation, conserving the water source Thuligaad watershed
9/23/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Traditional Skills and NA NA NA Chaukune rural municipality, Livelihood of marginalized community" Surkhet, Lower Karnali watershed
9/30/2019 Less and irregular rainfall creating problem, in cereal crop NA NA NA Aalital municipality, Dadeldhura, production. Rangun watershed
9/30/2019 Micro hydro project in electrifying village and irrigating lands Khaptad Chhanna NA NA Khaptad Chhanna rural rural municipality municipality, Bajhang, West Seti watershed
9/30/2019 An issue of town hall meeting on "Excavation, flooding and NA NA NA Gadhawa rural municipality, Dang, sedimentation in Kakrahawa river" Middle Rapti watershed
TABLE 20: NEFEJ TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD IN Y4 Q1
Date Issue Location Gender/Caste Consensus of Action Breakdown (Excluding organizer)
7/11/2019 "Riverbank cutting, Mahakali municipality, Total: 33 1. Safe shelter will be built in Kutiya Kabar, ward no-10 of Mahakali Flooding and Kanchanpur, lower municipality. Inundation" Mahakali watershed Male: 23
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Female: 10 2. In risk prone area of ward no-8, Sundar nagar, embankments shall be made. The early warning system prior to flooding will be made effective.
BCTS: 26 3. Flood early warning system will be implemented in every ward, and every citizen will be made aware. Dalit: 6 4. Continuity will be given to the commitments made in previous town Newar: 1 hall meeting.
7/27/2019 " Challenges and Madhuwan Total: 43 1. Investment will be done in tourism promotion and technology Opportunity on Lake municipality, Bardiya, (machine to clean weed in Bhagaraiya lake will be given by Paani, Management " Lower Karnali Male: 34 and investments will be made by Madhuban municipality to run watershed home stay). Female: 9 2. In this fiscal year (2076/2077) the demarcation work of Bhagaraiya Lake will be done and the issue of squatters and encroachments will be settled. BCTS: 5 3. Lake Conservation Committee’s institutional capacity, membership Dalit: 27 and participation will be increased. We will move forward in making master plan. Aadibasi Janajati: 11
7/28/2019 " Conservation of Airawati rural Total: 36 1. For the effective implementation of AABCA, awareness will be raised aquatic life " municipality, Pyuthan, about the act at the local level. More fishers groups will be added. Jhimruk Khola Male: 25 watershed 2. To cover original products, rural municipality will built ‘Koseli Ghar.’ Female: 11 3. Open grazing shall be stopped in the places where plantation is being done.
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BCTS: 15 4. The recharge ponds in community forest, and the recharge ponds which are to be built, will be conserved and promoted. Dalit: 3 5. Continuity will be given to the previous commitments made. Aadibasi Janajati: 18
7/31/2019 "Overfishing, decline Rajapur municipality, Total: 38 1. Provide priority to the Sonaha community and other marginalized in fish stock, and Bardiya, lower communities at local level to inform them on the issues such as skills traditional Karnali watershed Male: 19 trainings and employment opportunities. occupation of Sonaha community" Female: 19 2. Take initiative to manage the river flow evenly in Geruwa and Shaktighat.
3. Inhibit fishing in Karnali River during the breeding seasons.
BCTS: 11 4. Geruwa Rural Municipality and Rajapur Municipality will cooperate to establish cooperation between Bardiya National Park and local people. Dalit: 2
Aadibasi Janajati: 25
8/1/2019 "Destructive fishing Lamahi Municipality, Total: 37 1. For the effective implementation of AABCA, awareness will be raised about practices, Dang, middle Rapti the act at the local level. Conservation of fish watershed Male: 21 species" 2. Additional informational hoarding boards will be placed on destructive fishing Female: 16 sites.
3. Groups will be formed at the locations required for conservation of fish
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BCTS: 21 4. In Rapti Rural Municipality, one recharge pond will be built in each ward.
Dalit: 1 5. For the conservation of aquaculture, the budget will be allocated from the province level and program shall be run. Aadibasi Janajati: 15 6. Continuity will be given to the commitments made in previous Town Hall Meeting.
8/14/2019 " Conflicts between Bhimdatta Total: 58 1. Honorable Lal Bahadur Khadka and Honorable Man Bahadur Sunar, Member human and wildlife municipality, of Lower Assembly, on behalf of the province government, will take and sustainable Kanchanpur, Lower Male: 44 necessary steps to allocate budget for the proper fencing. regulative measures" Mahakali watershed Female: 14 2. Initiatives will be taken for revision of the Relief Directive to make the relief process easier.
3. Initiative will be taken to provide land registration certificate to those who BCTS: 44 have not received yet.
Dalit: 5 4. In coordination with the federal government, province government and the local government, initiatives will be taken to prepare necessary budget plan Aadibasi Janajati: 9 for proper fencing, conservation of wildlife and minimizing the human and wildlife conflict as the budget of municipality and wards will not be sufficient.
5. Work in accordance with the action plan by disbursing funds from public partnership programs and from other agencies for proper fencing.
6. Increase efficient well-trained human power for managing wild animals by using proper tools and techniques even if they enter human settlements.
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7. Budget should be arranged from the municipalities and wards to control threat from wild animals and construct electric fencing in necessary places.
8/22/2019 " Coordination and Rajapur municipality, Total: 36 1. Training related to CCA/DRR will be conducted by Hariyo Ban Program- Cooperation in Bardiya, lower CARE Nepal to target community where Paani program is installing flood Proper Use and Karnali watershed Male: 25 early warning system in Orahi River. For the management of water hyacinth Management of (weeds) in Bhagraiya Lake, coordination meeting will be held between Paani Water amongst Female: 11 program, Hariyo Ban-TAL program and Khata CFCC and action plans will be USAID’S IPs" made.
2. Hariyo Ban / CARE Nepal will train the community forest under the Paani BCTS: 15 program for capacity enhancement within the Lamki chuha municipality and Tikapur municipality on Forest and Natural Resource Management. Dalit: 3
3. The KISAN II project will provide technical facilitators and reference Aadibasi Janajati: 18 materials for agricultural training conducted by Hariyo Ban-CARE Nepal.
4. On behalf of SUAAHARA, they will assist in coordinating technical support in WASH Component.
5. The Paani program will transfer information and images from fish related study and research to facilitate use by the EGRP program via Curriculum Development Center.
6. NEFEJ will share the link of Paani program to all IPs of USAID.
9/12/2019 "Traditional skills Chaukune rural Total: 43 1. Commitments made before shall be implemented. and livelihood of municipality, Surkhet, marginalized Bogatan Lagam Male: 31 2. Plastic bottles and garbage dumped in Karnali and Bheri River shall be community" watershed managed. Female: 12
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3. Fishing will be restricted throughout the breeding period for the conservation of aquatic life. BCTS: 24 4. Unmanaged and uncontrolled mining of river resources shall be halted. Dalit: 14
Aadibasi Janajati: 5
9/13/2019 "Excavation, flooding Gadawa rural Total: 51 1. This year, a permanent embankment shall be made as per the master and sedimentation in municipality, Dang, plan of the government, in coordination with both local government and Kakrahawa river" middle Rapti Male: 34 local community to protect Maknahawa and Madpur village from river watershed bank cutting, flooding and sedimentation. Female: 17 2. Attempts shall be made to utilize natural resources like stones, ballast, and sand of Kakrahawa, Khabari, and Thikure River according to scientific criteria without disturbing the biodiversity, environment and BCTS: 22 forest.
Dalit: 3 3. Without causing any environmental impact in the settlement along the source of Kakrahawa River to Rapti River, sources of water shall be Aadibasi Janajati: 20 conserved and the settlement in the lower coastal area shall be
Madhesi: 4 protected and conserved from river bank cutting, inundation and sedimentation. Similarly, development and conservation shall be done Newar: 2 side by side.
4. Plantation and productive activities shall be carried out at the required sites in the lower coastal area while preserving water sources, ponds, rivers and chure in the upper coastal areas.
9/17/2019 "Drought and drying Mallarani rural Total: 35 1. Continuity shall be given to commitments that have been successfully up of water sources" municipality-4, accomplished. Male: 24
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Pyuthan, Jhimrukh Female: 11 2. Emphasizing the following commitments that were not done previously. watershed • Development activities shall not damage the water sources.
BCTS: 16 • For the conservation of aquatic life and aquatic biodiversity, policies shall be made and implemented. Dalit: 1 3. Arable lands should not be kept barren, and public awareness and Aadibasi Janajati: 14 policies shall be made.
Newar: 4 4. For the conservation of water sources, integrated recharge ponds, recharge pits, bio- engineering, open grazing management, land- conservation and even mountain management program should be conducted.
5. Watershed conservation related policies and planning shall be made and implemented.
6. Coordination and collaboration shall be done with the concerned authorities/ stakeholders.
7. Emphasis shall be given on tree plantation by selecting species while planting trees.
8. Programs related to coordination and collaboration, local representative and elected authorities must be present compulsorily.
9/22/2019 "Biodiversity "Thakurbaba Total: 45 1. Necessary steps shall be taken to restore the water flow to Geruwa conservation and Municipality, Bardiya, Karnali by completing the required legal process, and initiatives shall be human wildlife lower Karnali Male: 30 taken to manage human wildlife conflict. conflict" watershed Female: 15
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2. Initiatives shall be taken to give fishing permits (license) to Sonaha and other fisherman communities. BCTS:17 3. Initiatives shall be taken by all stakeholders to facilitate relief and Dalit: 2 compensation process for conflicts between wildlife and human beings, and victims must share their problems with the municipality, ward and Aadibasi Janajati: 21 park check post.
Madhesi: 5 4. The role of local people in conservation of biodiversity is essential. Expressing gratitude for cooperation in protection by local people, and
emphasizing public participation in protection shall be done.
5. Initiatives shall be taken for providing compensation and relief to locals living on public land.
TABLE 21: RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING NEFEJ RADIO PROGRAMS
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S.N. District Radio Station Broadcast Time Re-broadcast Time 1 Dang Radio Swargadwari Monday, 7 PM Tuesday, 7:30PM
2 Dang Radio Nayayug, Lamahi Monday, 6:30 PM Tuesday, 8:30 AM
3 Surkhet Radio Bheri Monday, 7:30 PM No time for rebroadcasting
4 Kanchanpur Suklaphata FM Monday, 7 PM Wednesday, 9:15 PM
5 Pyuthan Radio Mandabi Monday, 7:30 PM Friday, 4:30 PM
6 Kailali Dinesh FM Monday, 7 PM No time for rebroadcasting
7 Kailali, Tikapur Tikapur FM Monday, 7 PM No time for rebroadcasting
8 Darchula Radio Darchula FM Monday, 6:30 PM Tuesday, 8 AM
9 Banke Radio Krishnasaar Monday, 8 PM No time for rebroadcasting
10 Banke Bheri FM (NPI) Monday, 6:30 PM Tuesday, 9:30 AM
11 Kalikot Radio Nepali Aawaaz Monday, 7:30 PM Wednesday, 7:30 AM
TABLE 22: ANALYTICS OF HAKAHAKI WEB PORTAL IN Y4 Q1
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Particulars Findings for the period (July - September) 2019
Total users (Number) 16997
Total views (Number) 56173
Session period (Minutes) 3:37
Total posts (Number) 1158
No. of watershed related issues (Number) 179
No. of issue related to aquatic biodiversity (Number) 17
Most popular story To solve the problem of inundation and flood, river and ponds should be returned to their original states.
Link of most popular story विज्ञ भꅍछन्– काठमाड ौँमा डुबानको खतिा िोक्न नदी ि पोखिीलाई पुिानै अिथामा फकााउनुपछा
TABLE 23: ANALYTICS OF ‘PAANI TV’ AND RADIO (YOUTUBE) IN Y4 Q1
TV
No. of episodes: 13 No. of hits: 24598 No. of likes: 92 Most popular episode: 83 Story: Local people taking initiatives to control haphazard excavation of sand and gravel in the leadership of Top Bahadur Acharya (Champion) in Gadhawa rural municipality, Dang, middle Rapti watershed. They requested all the concerned stakeholders (President Chure Terai Madesh Conservation and Development Board and rural municipality) for support in this campaign and as a result they were successful in stopping the crusher operating in their area.
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Radio
No. of episodes: 14 No. of hits: 1243 Most popular episode: 82 Stories: Story 1: Sericulture as an alternative to cereal crops production with good income led by Mahesh Datta Adhikari (Champion) in Gadhawa rural municipality, Dang, middle Rapti watershed. Story 2: Traditional folk singers, Gandarvas, incorporating messages of conservation in their songs to create awareness amongs local people, led by Bir Bahadur Ghandarva (Champion) in Karnali and Mahakali River basin. Story 3: An issue of town hall meeting on "Conflicts between human and wildlife and its sustainable regulative measures in Bhimdatta municipality, Kanchanpur, lower Mahakali watershed.”
EXHIBIT A8: BREAKDOWN OF LOCAL FUNDS ALLOCATED TABLE 24: LOCAL FUND ALLOCATION BREAKDOWN
MAHAKALI RIVER BASIN
RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
KARNALI WEST SETI THALARA RECHARGE POUND 28/06/2019 IN PROGRESS PARTICIPATION IN PAANI EVENT AND RESULT OF INFORMAL FOLLOW UP
KARNALI WEST SETI THALARA EFRRC 28/06/2019 IN PROGRESS PARTICIPATION IN PAANI EVENT AND RESULT OF INFORMAL FOLLOW UP
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
KARNALI WEST SETI TALKOT SOLID WASTE 26/06/2019 IN PROGRESS RESULT OF THE TOWN HALL MEETING CONDUCT MANAGEMENT BY NEFEJ.
KARNALI WEST SETI TALKOT EFRRC 26/06/2019 IN PROGRESS WITH PARTICIPATION IN PAANI EVENT AND RESULT OF COLLABRATION OF INFORMAL FOLLOW UP SAHARA NEPAL
KARNALI WEST SETI SAIPAL SOLID WASTE 25/06/2019 IN PROGRESS RESULT OF THE TOWN HALL MEETING CONDUCT MANAGEMENT BY NEFEJ.
KARNALI WEST SETI JAYAPRITHVI EFRRC 25/06/2019 IN PROGRESS WITH PARTICIPATION IN PAANI EVENT AND RESULT OF COLLABRATION OF INFORMAL FOLLOW UP SAHARA NEPAL
KARNALI WEST SETI CHHABISH SOURCE PROTECTION 25/06/2019 IN PROGRESS RESULT OF THE TOWN HALL MEETING CONDUCT PATHIVERE BY NEFEJ.
MAHAKALI LOWER BHEEMDATTA-13 FOOTBRIDGE CUM JUNE- COMPLETED COORDINATION AND FOLLOW UP BY NNSWA MAHAKALI BIOENGINEERING AUGUST 2019
MAHAKALI LOWER MAHAKALI- 4, 5 CONSTRUCTION OF FISH JUNE- COMPLETED COORDINATION AND FOLLOW UP BY NNSWA MAHAKALI POND AUGUST 2019
MAHAKALI LOWER MAHAKALI M RELIEF FUND FOR DRM APRIL - IN PROGRESS AS ADVOCACY OF TOWN HALL MEETING MAHAKALI JUNE 2019
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
MAHAKALI LOWER MAHAKALI M OFF SEASONAL APRIL – COMPLETED COORDINATION AND FOLLOW UP BY NEEDS MAHAKALI VEGETABLE FARMING JUNE 2019 NEPAL
MAHAKALI LOWER BHEEMDATTA- 9 WATER SOURCE APRIL – COMPLETED COORDINATION AND FOLLOW UP BY NEEDS MAHAKALI PROTECTION JUNE 2019 NEPAL
MAHAKALI RANGUN PARSHURAM M-12, BIO-ENGINEERING WORKS JUL-19 COMPLETED COORDINATION AND FOLLOW UP BY NNSWA MOTAHALDU/LINGA (ESPECIALLY FOR DESIGN, WHILE WORKING AS A GRANTEE FOR RANGUN GABION BOXES AND EXPENSES FOR MASONS)
MAHAKALI RANGUN ALITAL RM-08, DOLA BIO-ENGINEERING WORKS JUL-19 COMPLETED COORDINATION AND FOLLOW UP BY NNSWA (ESPECIALLY FOR DESIGN, WHILE WORKING AS A GRANTEE FOR RANGUN GABION BOXES AND EXPENSES FOR MASONS)
KARNALI RIVER BASIN
RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
KARNALI LOWER MADHUBAN BHAGARAIYA LAKE JUL-19 IN PROGRESS; PREPARING RESULT OF SERIES OF CONSULTATION MEETINGS KARNALI MUNICIPALITY, RESTORATION DETAILED PROJECT REPORT OF PAANI, TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD LINKED WARD NO. 3 (DPR) WITH BHAGARAIYA LAKE
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
KARNALI LOWER MADHUBAN BHAGARAIYA LAKE JUL-19 IN PROGRESS; PREPARING RESULT OF SERIES OF CONSULTATION MEETINGS KARNALI MUNICIPALITY RESTORATION DPR OF PAANI, TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD LINKED WITH BHAGARAIYA LAKE
KARNALI MIDDLE DISTRICT FOREST BHAGARAIYA LAKE JUL-19 PREPARING DPR RESULT OF SERIES OF CONSULTATION MEETINGS KARNALI OFFCE RESTORATION OF PAANI, TOWN HALL MEETINGS HELD LINKED WITH BHAGARAIYA LAKE
KARNALI MIDDLE AATHABIS MAINTAINANCE OF JUL-19 BILL OF QUANTITY (BOQ) PROVINCE LEVEL MINISTRY OF PHYSICAL KARNALI RURAL ROAD IN RAKAM- PROVIDED TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT ROLA ROAD SECTION MUNICIPALITY BY PAANI ALLOCATED BUDGET IN AATHABIS TO CONSTRUCT ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY RURAL ROAD AS A RESULT OF SERIES OF FACILITATION BY PAANI TEAM TO MAYOR
KARNALI MIDDLE AATHABIS MAINTAINANCE OF JUL-19 PARTIAL WORKS MUNICIPALITY ALLOCATED BUDGET TO KARNALI RURAL ROAD IN RAKAM- COMPLETED IN FY 2018/19 COMPLETE REMAINING WORKS OF RAKAM- OMKANA SECTION IN 1.75 KM ROAD SECTION OMKANA ROAD SECTION AS A RESULT OF SERIES OF FACILITATION TO MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY BY PAANI TEAM
KARNALI MIDDLE AATHABIS WATERSHED JUL-19 PRELIMINARY STAGE MUNICIPALITY ALLOCATED BULK BUDGET, KARNALI MANAGEMENT AMONG THIS, CERTAIN BUDGET WILL BE USED TO ESTABLISH HOME STAY, FOR WHICH PAANI FACILITATED TO ALLOCATE BUDGET AND MAY SUPPORT TECHNICALLY
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
KARNALI MIDDLE PROVINCIAL GOVT HOME STAY JUL-19 PRELIMINARY STAGE KARNALI CONSTRUCTION/ESTABL ISHMENT
KARNALI RARA CHHAYANATH RARA SOLID WASTE 7/20/2019 BUDGET ALLOCATED FOR THE MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY WAS ONE OF KHATYAD MUNICIPALITY MANAGEMENT IN RARA (TENTATIVE) THE ACTIVITY PLAN OF THE PARTICIPANTS FROM THE RARA KHATYAD FISCAL YEAR 2076/77 WATERSHED IN THE TRAINING OF AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY CONDUCTED BY ISET-N. AFTER THE DISCUSSION ON THE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLANS IN THE TRAINING, HE ALLLOCATED THE MENTIONED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR.
KARNALI THULIGAAD JORAYAL IMPLEMENTATION OF 22 AUG 2019 COMPLETED. AS PER OUR MSC WORKSHOP,CONSULTATION LDCRP WORKSHOP LDCRP TRAINING & PLAN THEY BUILT A GYAWIN WALL AT CONVINCED TO LEVERAGE FUND TO IMPLEMENT KOTELI VILLAGE WARD LDCRP IN THEIR DISASTER POURN AREA & NO-03 COORDINATION OF PAANI
KARNALI THULIGAAD JORAYAL IMPLEMENTATION OF 11 SEP 2019 COMPLETED. AS PER OUR MSC WORKSHOP,CONSULTATION LDCRP WORKSHOP AND LDCRP PLAN THEY PURCHASED DRR SAFETY CONVINCED TO LEVERAGE FUND TO IMPLEMENT MATERIALS & PLANTATION LDCRP IN THEIR DISASTER POURN AREA & COORDINATION OF PAANI AND NEEFEJ TEAM
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
KARNALI THULIGAAD JORAYAL RANGENI LAKE 12 AUG 2019 COMPLETED. AS PER OUR MSC WORKSHOP,CONSULTATION CONSERVATION WORKSHOP AND SUB-WATERSHED BUILT A DRAINAGE WALL, MANAGEMENT PLAN THEY CONVINCED TO SIDE ROAD AND LEVERAGE FUND TO IMPLEMENTLAKE PLANTATION CONSERVATION & COORDINATION OF PAANI AND SUB-WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN TRAININGS ARRANGED BY CREEW THEY INTERESTED TO DID IT.
KARNALI THULIGAAD JORAYAL CHHATIWAN LAKE 2 AUG 2019 COMPLETED. AS PER MSC WORKSHOP,CONSULTATION CONSERVATION WORKSHOP AND SUB-WATERSHED BUILT A DRAINAGE WALL, MANAGEMENT PLAN THEY CONVINCED TO SIDE ROAD & INVASIVE LEVERAGE FUND TO IMPLEMENT LAKE IN THEIR & CONTROL COORDINATION OF PAANI AND SUB- WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN TRAININGS ARRANGED BY CREEW THEY INTERESTED TO DID IT AND ALSO AND NEEFEJ TEAM HAS MADE DOCUMENTORY OF CHHATIWAN LAKE 2 TIMES SO , THEY INTERESTED TO DID THIS ACTIVITIES
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RAPTI RIVER BASIN
RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
RAPTI JHIMRUK AIRAWATI RM RECHARGE POND 18 MAR 2019 54 RECHARGE PONDS AIRAWATI RM LEVEL WATERSHED MANAGEMENT CREATION COMPLETED. PLATFORM MEETING MINUTE
RAPTI JHIMRUK AIRAWATI RM AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY JULY 2019 1 CAACG FORMED AND MRDCC FACILITATION AND ADVOCACY FOR CONSERVATION CAPACITY BUILDING AND AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION. MOBILIZATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN FUTURE
RAPTI JHIMRUK NAUBAHINI WATER SOURCE 20 JAN 2019 COMPLETED AT REWATI MRDCC FACILTATION AND ADVOCACY FOR PROTECTION WATERSOURCE WATER SOURCE PROTECTION.
RAPTI JHIMRUK AIRAWATI RM SEEDLING PRODUCTION FEBRUARY 40000 SEEDLINGS NEFEJ ADVOCACY THROUGH TOWN HALL FOR ROAD SIDE TO JULY PRODUCED AND MEETING PLANTATION AND 2019 PLANTATION COMPLETED. RESTORATION OF WATERSHED.
RAPTI JHIMRUK PYUTHAN ONE VILLAGE ONE JULY 2019 1 RECHARGE POND PYUTHAN MUNICIPALITY LEVEL WATERSHED RECHARGE POND CONSTRUCTED IN MANAGEMENT PLATFORM MINUTE PYUTHAN RM WARD NO. 4. (THIS YEAR WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ADDITIONAL PONDS.)
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
RAPTI JHIMRUK NAUBAHINI RM TEA SNACKS FOR CAACG 13 SEP 2019 WARD NO. 6 PROVIDED KDCN ADVOCACY FORMATION TEA SNACKS FOR PARTICIPANTS AS THERE WAS NO BUDGET FOR TEA AND SNACKS FOR PARTICIPANTS FROM KDCN SIDE. ONE CAACG FORMED IN WARD NO. 6, BAHANE
RAPTI JHIMRUK DIVISION FOREST RECHARGE POND 2019/2020 TWO RECHARGE PONDS NEFEJ ADVOCACY THROUGH TOWN HALL OFFICE CREATION CREATED AT MALLARANI MEETING DANDA AND DHAIRE KHARKA TOPRE
RAPTI JHIMRUK MALLARANI RM DIFFERENT PONDS 2019/2020 PROGRAM ONGOING. NEFEJ ADVOCACY THROUGH TOWN HALL MAINTENANCE- MEETING RS.120000.00, CHAUTHILAUNE POND MAINTENANCE- RS.50000.00, TWO PONDS CREATION IN JEVIDANDA- RS. 50000.00, PARIKA POND CREATION AT WARD NO. 3 -RS. 50000.00, MADANA PAKKI POKHARI, MAJH POKHARI, SAUNPANI MAINTENANCE-RS.
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
120000.00, RASPURKOT GIRI CHAUR POND CREATION-RS. 50000.00, PLANTATION-RS. 50000.00, BHALKHALDO MANAGEMENT NEAR DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE-RS. 150000.00, DRINKING WATER SOURCE PROTECTION-RS. 50000.00, RECHARGE POND CREATION NEAR CHILDREN PARK SARANKOT TALLO DARBANESUNAR TOL) PANI KHOLA-RS. 250000.00=TOTAL : 945000.00) PLEASE SEE DETAIL ON SNAPSHOT OF MALLARANI RM.
RAPTI MIDDLE RAPTI RAPTI RAISING AWARENESS 19-JUL-19 IN THE PROCESS OF PAANI, HWEPC COORDINATION AND REGULAR ABOUT AQUATIC IMPLEMENTATION FOLLOW UP BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
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RIVER WATERSHED RM/M PURPOSE/ACTIVITY DATE CURRENT STATUS REMARKS BASIN
RAPTI MIDDLE RAPTI RAJPUR TO SUPPORT THE 19-APR-19 RAINI CAACG BOUGHT PAANI, HWEPC COORDINATION AND REGULAR LIVELIHOOD OF RAINI THREE WATER MOTORS TO FOLLOW UP CAACG THROUGH MAKE WATER AVAILABLE AGRICULTURAL IN DRY AREAS. NOW THEY PURPOSES ARE USING THESE MOTORS IN IRRIGATION AND FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
RAPTI MIDDLE RAPTI RAPTI -06 ALLOCATED TO ECO- 19-JUL-19 IN THE PROCESS OF PAANI, HWEPC COORDINATION AND REGULAR CLUB FOR RAISING IMPLEMENTATION FOLLOW UP AWARENESS ABOUT AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
KARNALI PHOKSUNDO SHEY PHOKSUNDO HOMESTAY PROMOTION JUNE TO ONE EVENT OF BASIC AN ACTION POINT OF NEFEJ TH MEETING, SULIGAAD RM AUGUST HOMESTAY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION OF WMS 2019 TRAINING COMPLETED
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