Kathmandu, January 9
Nepal has announced its first-ever Fish Sanctuary, marking a significant step toward conserving aquatic biodiversity and promoting the sustainable management of fish resources.
Rajapur Municipality in Bardiya and Tikapur Municipality in Kailali have jointly declared a Fish Sanctuary along a 3.9-kilometre stretch of the lower Karnali River. The protected area extends from Tedhiya in Rajapur Municipality–3 and Chhediya of Tikapur–4 to Anarhawa of Tikapur–8.
The designated river section has been identified as an ecologically critical zone, serving as breeding, spawning and nursery habitat for indigenous fish species. It also provides essential habitat for nationally and internationally significant aquatic wildlife, including Gangetic dolphins, gharials and otters.
Tikapur Mayor Ramlal Dagaura said the joint declaration reflects full ownership and commitment from both local governments, underscoring collective responsibility for aquatic conservation at the local level. Rajapur Mayor Dipesh Tharu described the move as the foundation for long-term, coordinated conservation of the lower Karnali ecosystem.
The sanctuary has been declared in accordance with the Aquatic Animals Protection Act. An eight-point joint commitment outlines a co-management model led by local governments in partnership with river-dependent communities. Community-based river management groups will oversee monitoring, awareness and rule enforcement in coordination with forest offices and security agencies.
The initiative is supported by WWF Nepal under a Darwin Initiative-funded project of the UK government, in collaboration with government agencies and local organisations. WWF Nepal Country Representative Dr Ghan Shyam Gurung said the sanctuary would help protect critical river habitats while supporting livelihoods and cultural traditions linked to the Karnali River.
