KATHMANDU: Nepal has announced its first-ever Fish Sanctuary, marking a major step toward conserving aquatic biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of fish resources.
Rajapur Municipality in Bardiya and Tikapur Municipality in Kailali have jointly declared a Fish Sanctuary in the lower stretch of the Karnali River. The protected zone spans about 3.9 kilometres, stretching from Tedhiya in Rajapur Municipality–3 and Chhediya of Tikapur–4 to Anarhawa of Tikapur–8.
The designated river segments are considered ecologically critical as they serve as breeding, spawning and nursery habitats for indigenous fish species. These stretches also provide vital habitat for nationally and internationally important aquatic wildlife, including dolphins, gharials and otters.
Tikapur Municipality Mayor Ramlal Dagaura said the decision reflects the full ownership and commitment of both local governments. “This is a historic step taken by the people of Rajapur and Tikapur to protect aquatic animals and biodiversity for future generations,” he said, adding that the initiative demonstrates collective responsibility starting from the local level.
The sanctuary has been declared in line with the Aquatic Animals Protection Act.
Rajapur Municipality Mayor Dipesh Tharu said conserving the lower Karnali belt is a responsibility of the local government. “This step marks the beginning of long-term conservation and responsible leadership through coordinated collaboration among local governments and communities. It is a take-off point for organized, coordinated and sustainable efforts to protect aquatic life,” he said.
Under an eight-point joint declaration, the sanctuary will be managed through a co-management model led by local governments in active partnership with river-dependent communities. Community-based river segment management groups have been formed to handle management, monitoring, awareness campaigns and enforcement of rules, in coordination with the Division Forest Office and security agencies.
Special emphasis has been placed on the meaningful participation of Sonaha and Tharu communities, whose livelihoods and cultural traditions are deeply tied to the Karnali River.
The initiative is being supported by WWF Nepal through a project funded by the UK government’s Darwin Initiative, in collaboration with the Government of Nepal and partner organisations including Sonaha Development Society, Freed Kamalari Development Forum, Dolphin Conservation Centre and the Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation.
WWF Nepal Country Representative Dr Ghan Shyam Gurung said the fish sanctuary is a significant achievement in protecting the habitat of iconic wildlife such as gharials and dolphins while preserving the river ecosystem.
“In these areas, fishing is not only a livelihood but is also linked to cultural and religious identity. When we protect fish, we protect water, and when we protect water, we protect life. By doing this, we ensure our future,” he said.
The fish sanctuary is expected to contribute to biodiversity conservation, food security and the preservation of local livelihoods and cultural heritage.
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