The World Wetlands Day on February 2 came as another ritual opportunity to reflect on Nepal’s fast dwindling reserve of invaluable wetlands. Nepal has mainly four wetlands — Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve, Beeshazar lake area in Chitwan, Ghodaghodi lake area in Kailali and Jagadishpur reservoir in Kapilvastu — registered under the Ramsar List of wetland sites. Like the documents of most plans and policies, international conventions are first ratified and then allowed to gather dust in the ministry shelves. Ditto is the case with the Wetland Policy formulated in 2003.

The policymakers, unfortunately, are yet to realise that mere observance of international days are futile exercises. For effective implementation, these one-dayers should be transformed into year-long events, regardless of which party or parties are at the helm of power. At least, the policies should not be erratically changed with every change of government. More importantly, they should not become mere instruments of attracting donor funds. If preserved in their natural forms, all the lakes and ponds of Nepal can serve as touristic destinations offering attractions like pristine bird watching and nature-hiking, among others. But the shrinking of Phewa and Begnas lakes in Pokhara Valley, for instance, is a grievous cause for concern. Apart from properly managing and monitoring the wetlands’ conservation, measures to control ground water use and water pollution should also be adopted. All wetlands must be identified, protected and developed if Nepal is to remain a home to a vast reserve of exotic flaura and fauna.