Watersheds in Asia, particularly in Nepal, are characterized by diverse biophysical settings and socioeconomic situations. The 1980s decade is considered as the “warming up phase” for watershed management in the Himalayas in general and Nepal in particular. It witnessed the launching of a series of global, regional and national initiatives in the form of workshops, seminars, debates, etc. about watershed management concepts and practices.
The 1990s witnessed the expansion phase of watershed management. Projects gained credibility by focusing on the poor and marginalized groups and by being environmentally friendly, more science based and integrated. They encompassed many objectives, including conservation and sustainable management of natural resources for enhanced rural livelihoods, and protection of downstream infrastructures.
These developments in watershed management approaches and practices are important to Nepal. With very limited resources the country is affected by strong natural and human-induced erosion and sedimentation processes while agricultural production is marginal, and hardly meets particularly high population demands. Although farmers have adapted their production systems in the past, they are increasingly confronted by the need to further invest in the land and consider long-term sustainability, particularly in upland areas.
