Rupa Lake is small advancing eutrophic lake covering about 115 ha of the Lekhnath Municipality in Kaski district of western Nepal. The environment around the lake has been improved over a period of 10 years. Conservat...Rupa Lake is small advancing eutrophic lake covering about 115 ha of the Lekhnath Municipality in Kaski district of western Nepal. The environment around the lake has been improved over a period of 10 years. Conservation practices were initiated by communities including the Rupa Lake Restoration and Fishery Cooperative (RLRFC). As a result, an abundance of non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) has increased considerably. At present, 49 NTFP are available in the lake basin. Some households (HH) i.e 10% has additional income from NTFP. It is an indirect source of food security for local people. They sell NTFP products to generate income. A few households have already started farming of NTFPs. Availability of fodder and fuel wood from community forest has significantly contributed to the livelihoods of people where as wild edible fruits and vegetables have become supplementary for food security. There is yearly food security for 57% of HH with 22% having surplus food. 5% of HH has food security for less than three months where as 19% HHs have food security for more than six months. However, livelihood and nutritional security have improved by fish farming in lake. This lake is most important for the local environment and also helps eco-tourism. The study found that 92% observed the climate change in the form of a rise in temperature (〉 70% HHs); unpredictable rainfall (〉 75% HHs); shifting rainfall (〉 60% HHs); phonological changes (〉 50%). It showed that the lake supports the restoration of natural water capacity, maintain local climate and sound environment by better natural resource management for an environment friendly ecosystem.展开更多
文摘Rupa Lake is small advancing eutrophic lake covering about 115 ha of the Lekhnath Municipality in Kaski district of western Nepal. The environment around the lake has been improved over a period of 10 years. Conservation practices were initiated by communities including the Rupa Lake Restoration and Fishery Cooperative (RLRFC). As a result, an abundance of non-timber Forest Products (NTFP) has increased considerably. At present, 49 NTFP are available in the lake basin. Some households (HH) i.e 10% has additional income from NTFP. It is an indirect source of food security for local people. They sell NTFP products to generate income. A few households have already started farming of NTFPs. Availability of fodder and fuel wood from community forest has significantly contributed to the livelihoods of people where as wild edible fruits and vegetables have become supplementary for food security. There is yearly food security for 57% of HH with 22% having surplus food. 5% of HH has food security for less than three months where as 19% HHs have food security for more than six months. However, livelihood and nutritional security have improved by fish farming in lake. This lake is most important for the local environment and also helps eco-tourism. The study found that 92% observed the climate change in the form of a rise in temperature (〉 70% HHs); unpredictable rainfall (〉 75% HHs); shifting rainfall (〉 60% HHs); phonological changes (〉 50%). It showed that the lake supports the restoration of natural water capacity, maintain local climate and sound environment by better natural resource management for an environment friendly ecosystem.