The First National Water Conference has concluded, issuing a nine-point Kathmandu Declaration.
The two-day conference organized by the National Federation of Irrigation Water User’s Association, Nepal under the leadership of Water and Energy Commission Secretariat wrapped up Sunday evening. It was organized as part of the Nepal National Glacier, Water and Weather Week-2025.
The conference pledged to ensure sustainable use, conservation, management and regulation of water resources in accordance with the Integrated River Basin Plan with coordination and collaboration among the three tiers of government, development partner organizations, community organizations and other stakeholders by ensuring water good governance.
It pledged to strengthen the concerned government and non-governmental organizations regarding the proper use and conservation of water in the policy and legal provisions related to the use and conservation of water, to develop institutional capacity, to maintain legal harmony among the three levels while formulating their policies and laws by the provincial governments and local levels, and to work with priority in this sector by all levels of governments.
Similarly, the Declaration mentions adopting a policy of cooperation to support social and economic transformation by developing water resources through national and international cooperation, effective implementation of preparedness plans for natural disaster management, adoption of latest technologies to mitigate the impact of climate change, and proper use and conservation of water through climate resilient action plan.
It has pledged to develop sustainable infrastructure and provide services in the areas of water resources including drinking water, irrigation and hydropower.
The Water Conference concluded with commitments to broadening the scope of research and studies in water management, as well as acknowledging the importance of indigenous knowledge, skills, and technologies for the effective use and preservation of water resources.
Through the Declaration, it has been vowed to scientifically document, analyze, and enhance the use of available knowledge and data, while building and strengthening an integrated information system. Long-term integrated plans will also be formulated and implemented.
Similarly, the conference emphasized the development of a common platform for all stakeholders to promote the systematic management of water resources with the priorities to strengthen community leadership, capacity building capacity, and the continuity and promotion of successful practices.
The conference also reaffirmed its commitments for utmost utilization of the resources and support available from the Green Climate Fund to address the damages and losses caused by climate change in the water sector.
Moreover, the effective utilization of water resources in various areas such as hydropower, agriculture, irrigation, tourism, and drinking water will be prioritized. This approach aims to advance the country's prosperity through sustainable development, laying the foundation for economic transformation, industrial growth, job creation, and regional trade.
The Water and Energy Commission, in collaboration with stakeholders, has pledged to take a leading role in integrated water resource management, multipurpose use, conservation, and regulation efforts.
According to Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal, the Secretary of the Commission, such conferences will continue in the years to come. He also reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining environmental balance, sustainably managing natural resources, ensuring the proper use and preservation of water, and preventing pollution in water resources.
