Environmental degradation and poverty are inseparably linked in a vicious and negative cycle. The physical environment is closely linked with conditions in the watersheds of Nepal's river systems. Many of these watersheds are over-exploited and degraded. Human activity, combined with natural factors such as steep slopes, fragile geology and intensive monsoon rains, result in extensive soil loss and siltation of rivers and dams. This, in turn, increases the risk of severe flooding, deterioration of the overall environment, displacement of people and economic losses.

When reflecting about the origin and the transition of the Dutch Water Boards, one should realise that they originated in the west of what we call at present the Netherlands, an area predominantly near or under mean sea level.