Nepal has shown its commitment to wetlands conservation, specially the conservation of waterfowl habitats of international importance, by signing the Ramsar Treaty 1971. The present wetlands policy is in conformity with the Article 3 (1) of the Convention and with regard to the need for the preparation of a national policy deemed necessary by the signatory nations. The policy is also in conformity with the directives of the signatory nations passed by the contracting parties in 1996, regarding the mobilization of local communities for their active participation in the management of wetlands listed in the Ramsar Site as well as other wetlands and their watershed areas.

The primary goal of the National Wetlands Policy is to conserve and manage wetlands resources wisely and in a sustainable way with local people’s participation. The policy also aims to put the conservation and management aspects of wetlands conservation within the framework of broader environmental management.

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