National Wetlands Policy, 2069 (2012).

This Policy aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, sustainable management and use of Nepal's wetlands in recognition of their ecological, economic, and social importance. Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services, including biodiversity conservation, water regulation, climate resilience, livelihoods, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. However, rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, pollution, unsustainable resource extraction, invasive species, and climate change have led to widespread degradation and loss of wetlands. The Policy was introduced to strengthen the earlier Wetland Policy, 2059 by addressing these emerging challenges, harmonizing sectoral policies, and aligning Nepal's commitments with international agreements.
The policy adopts an integrated approach to wetland governance by promoting conservation alongside sustainable development. It emphasizes the identification, classification, and prioritization of wetlands based on their ecological significance, while ensuring that development activities avoid or minimize adverse impacts on wetland ecosystems. The policy also recognizes the importance of local communities and indigenous knowledge in wetland management, encourages equitable benefit sharing, and promotes research, monitoring, capacity building, and cross-sectoral coordination. Institutional mechanisms are established at national and district levels to improve governance, stakeholder participation, and implementation. The policy further strengthens resilience by integrating climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, environmental assessments for infrastructure projects and invasive species management. It also promotes environmental education, awareness, scientific research, and regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure wetlands continue to provide ecological and socio-economic benefits for future generations while contributing to Nepal's sustainable development goals.