Government Approves International Grant for Conservation of Endangered Coldwater Trout
News Summary
Prepared after review.
- The government has approved a $1.45 million international grant dedicated to protecting endangered trout species found in the mid-Trishuli River basin.
- The Cabinet meeting sanctioned funding from the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund for the conservation of trout species such as Asala, Katle, and Sahar.
- The project, running from 2026 to 2029, will be implemented in local units of Nuwakot district, aiming to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
April 25, Kathmandu – The government has accepted international grant assistance for the conservation of endangered coldwater trout found in the mid-Trishuli River basin.
During the Cabinet meeting held on April 22, foreign funding was approved for the conservation of trout species including Asala, Katle, and Sahar.
The funding amounts to 1.45 million US dollars, approximately NPR 21.82 crore, sourced from the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). After deducting technical assistance expenses, the remaining 1.27 million USD, equivalent to about NPR 19.11 crore, will be administered through the government’s federal consolidated fund.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development will implement the project titled “Conservation of Endangered Coldwater Trout Species and Sustainable Livelihoods of Fishing Communities in the Mid-Trishuli River Basin.” The initiative will focus on local bodies in the Nuwakot district.
This three-year program, set to run from 2026 to 2029, aims to expand biodiversity-friendly practices, enhance production and restoration of threatened fish species, and establish modern aquafarms.
The project is expected to contribute to biodiversity conservation while supporting the livelihoods of local communities dependent on the river ecosystem.
