Community-Driven Assessment of Springs and Ponds in Nepal

This research paper examines a community-led initiative to document and assess the status of springs and ponds in Nepal’s Kavre district. Using citizen science and geospatial tools, local residents identified over 5,000 water sources, revealing that 27% have dried up due to seismic activity, droughts, and infrastructure projects. The study highlights a critical governance gap, noting that while most households depend on these sources, very few have formal management committees. Furthermore, the findings expose gender disparities in leadership, as women hold many administrative roles but rarely occupy high-level chair positions. Ultimately, the authors argue for integrated springshed management and evidence-based policies to protect these vital natural assets against increasing environmental pressures.