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Wetlands are considered as fertile lands for agriculture and rich from the point of view of biological diversity. These wetlands provide habitat for several species of wildlife and lie within various ecosystems of high-mountain and lowland plains. The Nepali term for wetlands is “Simsar”, which means lands with perennial source of water. Swampy rice fields, water logged areas and ponds are also understood as wetlands in the country. According to the National Wetland Policy, 2003 of Nepal; wetlands denote perennial water bodies that originate from underground sources of water or rains. It means swampy areas with flowing or stagnant fresh or salt water that are natural or man-made, or permanent or temporary. Wetlands also mean marshy lands, riverine floodplains, lakes, ponds, water storage areas and agricultural lands. The lakes above 3,000 m., considered as High Altitude Wetlands, are the major sources of important rivers like Indus, Gangas and Brahmaputra. In Nepal, very limited studies and research have been carried out focusing on high mountain wetlands. There is paucity of information, therefore, making it difficult to get a clear idea on their status especially with regards to the threats and their management. An inventory was carried out by ICIMOD (International center for Integrated Mountain Development) and UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) in 2002, which listed 2,323 glacial lakes above 3500 m. in Nepal covering an area of 75.70 km2. The inventory provides GIS mapping of glacier lakes with its physical characteristics for outburst flood concern, while field verification, inventory for biodiversity and wise use is lacking.
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