WWT makes a World of Difference in Nepal
WWT's project Wetland Management for Sustainable Livelihoods at Koshi Tappu, Nepal received a special commendation for CIWEM's World of Difference Award. This project addressed the issues of unsustainable exploitation at Ramsar site Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve through proper water and environmental management, education and research.
Seb Buckton, Community Wetlands Programme Manager at The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, said:
"People living around Koshi are dependent on wetland resources, but pressures on people's livelihoods are bringing them into conflict with the reserve, because people perceive that the site's conservation means reduced benefits for them. Many people view the reserve negatively, but even those that don't are often forced to exploit resources in a damaging way.
"Our project has focussed on identifying innovative livelihood options that provide a real benefit to people, without resulting in unsustainable use. Key to success has been identifying marginalised groups of people and empowering them to take control over their resource use. As a result, local people are starting to recognise the benefits to them and their families of looking after the wetlands at Koshi."
