Government Approves Grant for Conservation of Native Fish Species Including Asala in Trishuli River Basin

25 Baisakh, Kathmandu — The government has approved grant assistance for the conservation of endangered native fish species that inhabit cold waters in the Mid-Trishuli River basin. The Cabinet meeting held on Baisakh 22 endorsed a grant program aimed at protecting native fish species such as Asala, Katle, and Sahar.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), under the World Biodiversity Structure Fund (WBBF), proposed a grant amounting to 1.45 million US dollars. After deducting technical assistance costs, approximately 1.27 million US dollars will be allocated by the Nepal government through the federal consolidated fund to support the fish conservation program, according to the Ministry.

This funding has been approved for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s project titled “Conservation of Endangered Cold-water Fish Species in the Mid-Trishuli River Basin and Sustainable Livelihoods for Fishing Communities.” The Ministry has stated that the project aims to conserve and restore endangered native fish species in the Mid-Trishuli basin while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local fishing communities.

Activities under this program will include promoting biodiversity-friendly practices, breeding and restoration of endangered fish species, and establishing aquafarms. The project will be implemented in selected local units of Nuwakot district. The duration of the project is from 2026 to 2029, the Ministry added. – Rastriya Samachar Samiti