Promoting Community Managed Wetland to Uplift the Livelihood of Rural Farmers and Improve Biodiversity Conservation
Case Study C0237
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| Date | 2005 |
| Agency | Lumbini Crane Conservation Centre (LCCC) |
| Donor/support agency | GEF SGP |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Protected area |
| Geographic coverage | Nepal |
| Locality | Lumbini |
| Biodiversity focus | Species, Wetlands ecosystem |
| Development focus | Local communities |
| Conservation goals | Conserve critical wetlands and endangered species in Lumbini |
| Poverty reduction goals | Improve the livelihoods of rural farmers |
Summary
Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha, is a holy site for both the Buddhists and the Hindus, and it is also a World Heritage site declared by UNESCO. The site is equally significant for ecosystem conservation. It harbors a number of permanent wetlands and numerous temporary wetlands which are the homes for globally endangered birds like White Rumped and Slender billed Vulture and threatened bird Sarus Crane. The main objective of this project is to conserve these critical wetlands along with its endangered species through community initiated activities. The project has planned to lease three wetlands to the community focusing on poor and single women and demonstrate that wetlands are truly beneficial and productive. Thus the successful implementation of the project not only helps to conserve the wetland and endangered avian fauna, but also to improve the living conditions of local people. Other activities planned by the project to achieve its objectives were: 1) training local people in the management of the wetland, fish farming, duckery and goat rearing techniques; 2) promoting fishery, duckery and goat keeping as alternative income generating activities; 3) raising awarness on local and global environmental issues.
Conservation impact
Community members have been trained and involved in the census of various endangered species. The project also helped in disseminating the importance of wetland and local endangered species.
Poverty reduction impact
Community members have benefitted from the pisciculture in the wetland. The project supported the purchase of fingerlings and Bahunkoti Community Forestry (Chiliya), which has earned USD 850 from the fish farming in the wetland. Likewise, the community groups from Khudabagar and Khngai have also earned USD 650 and 350 from their wetland. Finally, the project partenered with Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) to build watch towers, visitor sheds and walking trails inside the sanctury.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Provision of alternative livelihoods
Reference 1
http://sgp.undp.org/index.cfm?Module=Projects&Page=ShowProject&ProjectID=6909
Related records above this one:
- Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Organisation O0026)