Conservation and Management of Watershed Region by Nepalese Women Leading to Enhancement of Water Potential

Abstract

Within the three ecological belts of the Nepalese Himalayas,the hill has been identified as the extensive horizon of excessive environmental degradation, poverty and underemployed population pressure. The urgency of watershed management and identification of the grass-roots people as 'the prime actor' have now been recorded. Conservation programmes have been undertaken: leasehold and grazing development interlinks management with promotion of living status of the poor, and the community forest aims at forest management through users' group. Women's management role in the Shivapuri Watershed, which supplies water to Kathmandu where half the urban population of Nepal are located, has been noted, pointing out the impact of urban influence in resource management. Essential measures have been sought to enhance women's capabilities in management undertakings.