In an effort to conserve aquatic biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of aquatic animals, SDC Nepal conducted a training session in Kedarsiun Rural Municipality. This pivotal event led to the formation of Deura Community Aquatic Animal Conservation Group (CAACGs), a grassroots initiative aimed at conserving aquatic animals and managing aquatic ecosystems. The group’s journey began with active community involvement. The Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Act (AABCA) has provision to handover the river segment to the community. Members were motivated to take ownership of the river segment they have been using from ancient times and to implement the conservation practices as well as sustainable utilization.
After the formation of the group, eleven executive members of Deura CAACG demonstrated their commitment by contributing NRP 1000 which was deposited in the bank. There is provision to collect NPR 200 as member fee in CAACG Statute. Membership fees were collected establishing a financial foundation for future initiatives. The fund collected will be used for management and conservation of Aquatic Biodiversity. The bank account was opened and accessed through the joint signature of Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of CAACG.
One of the early steps of the group was to create an official stamp, SDC Nepal has prepared the Statute of CAACG and it was registered in Kedarsiun Rural municipality. Registration of the group was a crucial move that ensured legal recognition and empowered them to take action under the provisions of CAACG statute. The group received their registration certificate, marking a significant milestone.
To support the livelihood of community members they decided to invest the money collected from the CAACG members. They had lent NPR 40,000 to Ramba Devi Okheda, Vice Chairperson of Deura CAACG with an interest rate of 1% for 6 months. This initiative balanced the group’s focus on aquatic animal conservation with economic empowerment.
Apart from this, with legal recognition on hand, the group moved swiftly to address an urgent concern; conservation of fish. Under the approach of SDC Nepal, Jal Jangal Project, Kedarsiun Rural Municipality had released notice regarding the restriction of fishing during the breeding season i.e. February-13 to April-13 and August-17 to October-16. The CAACG supported the rural municipality’s decision to restrict fishing during the breeding season.
They played an active role in spreading awareness by posting the notice released by rural municipalities in key areas including their villages, ward offices and rural municipalities. Also they conducted regular patrolling to monitor fishing in the river. The community collective efforts paid off as they successfully enforced the fishing ban in September and October Month. This proactive measure prevented overfishing during a critical time, helping to recover the fish population. The CAACG not only implemented the provision of AABCA but also set a precedent for other communities to follow.
Their work demonstrates the importance of local involvement, legal backing, and a commitment to sustainable management. Through unity and dedication, this CAACG has become a shining example of how grassroots initiatives can make a real difference in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity for future generations.
Cover photo: a group photo with participants after the meeting conducted to draft the Aquatic Animal and Biodiversity Conservation Bill of Khabtadchhanna Rural Municipality.