Nepal has declared its first natural fish sanctuary in the lower Karnali river, marking a significant step toward freshwater biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management. The sanctuary was jointly declared by Rajapur Municipality of Bardiya and Tikapur Municipality of Kailali during a formal public event held on the banks of the Karnali River on Thursday.
The newly declared sanctuary covers a 4.8-kilometer stretch of the river with a total area of approximately 3.9 square kilometres, spanning the territorial jurisdictions of both municipalities across Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces. Local authorities said this is the first time a river section in Nepal has been formally designated as a natural fish sanctuary.
According to officials, the protected river stretch serves as a critical breeding, spawning and nursery habitat for several indigenous fish species. It also provides important habitat for nationally and globally significant aquatic fauna and birds, including the river dolphin, gharial and smooth-coated otter.
With the declaration, fishing activities in the sanctuary area will be regulated. Fishing will be prohibited during breeding seasons, and permits will be required for fishing at other times, local governments said. The sanctuary has been established under the Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Act of the local governments, following decisions endorsed by the municipal executives of both Rajapur and Tikapur municipalities and public consultations at the ward level.
Officials described the initiative as historic, noting that it is largely community-driven in a region where indigenous communities, particularly the Sonaha and Tharu, rely on fishing for their livelihoods and cultural practices. Local representatives said reaching the decision required extensive consultations to ensure community consent and understanding of the long-term benefits of fish conservation and sustainable resource use.
The sanctuary will be managed under a co-management framework involving the two municipalities, river-dependent communities and relevant government line agencies. Community River Stretch Management Groups have been formed to support monitoring, management and awareness activities in coordination with the Division Forest Office and security agencies.
Officials and conservation partners said the lower Karnali fish sanctuary is expected to serve as a model for community-led freshwater ecosystem conservation in Nepal, contributing to biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods and long-term stewardship of river ecosystems.
“This sanctuary is a decision jointly initiated, endorsed and fully owned by Rajapur and Tikapur municipalities. It reflects our responsibility to lead conservation from the ground up, guided by the voices of our river-dependent communities. This is a decision taken by the people of Rajapur and Tikapur for our own future,” said Tikapur Mayor Ram Lal Dangaura Tharu.
He also said the community should not rely solely on fishing for their livelihood, but should explore alternative income opportunities, adding that the municipality is always open to supporting capacity-building initiatives for local people.
“By taking full municipal ownership of this declaration, we affirm that protecting the lower Karnali is our shared duty. This marks the beginning of long-term stewardship driven by local governments, communities and coordinated action,” said Rajapur Mayor Dipesh Tharu. “This is an exemplary initiative, and other local governments should follow suit in conservation efforts.”
Ghana Shyam Gurung, country representative of WWF Nepal, said local municipalities had demonstrated bold leadership by declaring the Sakhi Fish Sanctuary with the aim of conserving, promoting and sustainably using natural resources. “In this region, fish are not only central to local livelihoods but are also interwoven with cultural and religious life. This initiative also has the potential to strengthen nature-based regenerative tourism by protecting the river ecosystem that sustains iconic wildlife such as gharials, otters and dolphins. When we protect fish, we protect water; when we protect water, we protect life; and when we protect life, we secure our future,” he said.
According to fish expert Suresh Wagle, the Karnali River is home to 197 fish species, of which 136 are found in the lower Karnali. He said the number of species has been declining, making the establishment of a fish sanctuary in the Karnali particularly important.
A local resident of Rajapur, Binod Chaudhary, said the community is positive about fish conservation as people now understand that sustainable practices are vital for future generations. “Fish is an important part of our livelihood, but fishing without proper methods ultimately harms the community,” he said. “Fishing during the breeding season reduces fish stocks in the river and disrupts the ecosystem. Ultimately, if fish numbers decline, we will be left with nothing.”
WWF Nepal supported the initiative through technical and financial assistance under the project Strengthening Communities’ Livelihoods and Stewardship to Conserve Otters in Karnali, funded by the UK government through the Darwin Initiative. The project is implemented in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, WWF Nepal and local partners, including Sonaha Bikash Samaj, Freed Kamaiya Women Development Forum, Dolphin Conservation Center and the Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation.
