This project focuses on the conservation of Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora) through the engagement of local communities in one of the Mahseer distribution areas of Nepal – Babai and Sarada rivers of Dang and Salyan districts. The Mahseer is a rapidly declining aquatic species in Nepal highly affected by destructive fishing practices and environmental pressures such as sand and gravel mining, agriculture pollution and river development. The Mahseers are protected in the 40 km stretch of Babai River lying inside Bardia National Park which serves as a source population. The species could be conserved with proper conservation measures in upstream and mid-stream areas. In this regard, the project focuses on raising conservation awareness, habitat protection, and promoting recreational fishing-based homestay tourism. Recent activities include:
- An ecological survey recorded 17 species belonging to 8 families in Babai and Sharada Rivers
- 43 behavioral change agents are conducting community awareness camps, reaching ~2,950 people so far
- Mahseer related news clip via national television
- 4,000 awareness posters disseminated
- Two homestays are under development
- Change agents are posting their awareness-raising activities on a dedicated social media page Behaviourial Change Campaign
- 17 change agents are patrolling Mahseer habitats as River Guard Group
- A household survey was conducted to assess the level of agricultural pollution in rivers
The project has significantly raised local awareness about Mahseer and its conservation. Ongoing education and outreach efforts are crucial for bringing positive behavioral changes in the community. With active involvement from local residents, there is strong potential to develop sustainable fishing-based ecotourism at various sites, which could provide incentives for conservation.
Despite this potential, destructive fishing practices remain prevalent. Addressing these requires collaboration between local communities and relevant authorities. Future interventions may be necessary to maintain the progress made so far. It is vital to protect upstream areas where Mahseer breed during their spawning seasons while also regulating mid-stream and downstream areas that are home to adult and juvenile Mahseer.
Threats such as river mining and water development projects pose significant risks to the river ecosystem and demand cooperative efforts among local communities, municipal governments, and relevant agencies to enforce regulations effectively. A new approach introduced by this project involves community patrolling to protect river habitats, which can deter unauthorized fishing. This initiative is based on the belief that communities should play an active role in managing their environments, and support from agencies can enhance these efforts.
Additionally, the project plans to evaluate agricultural impacts on Mahseer habitats by gathering information on pesticide usage from nearby communities. This report will be shared with the municipality governments to highlight future directions for promoting the conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Project’s alignment with global and national priorities:
- Promote community involvement in biodiversity conservation; generate community awareness on biodiversity conservation; promote conservation incentives to local communities; research and knowledge on biodiversity >> Convention on Biological Diversity
- Promote women participation in conservation; community capacity and awareness on biodiversity conservation >> Sustainable Development Goals
- Conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity by promoting biodiversity-friendly economic activities; participation of local communities in biodiversity monitoring >> National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
With support of IUCN Save Our Species and Foundation Segré