Many environmental flow (e-flow) studies and applications have predominantly used state—(i.e., at a single time point) and rate—(i.e., temporal change) based demographic characteristics of species representing lower trophic levels (e.g., fish communities) to build flow-ecology relationships, rather than using a process that incorporates population dynamics. Recent studies have revealed the importance of incorporating data on species traits when building flow-ecology relationships. The effects of flow on keystone megafauna species (i.e., body mass ≥ 30 kg) reverberate through entire food webs; however, the relationships between flow and these species are not well understood, limiting the scope of the relationships used in flow management. Here, we fill this gap by incorporating the habitat selection traits at different flows of a freshwater apex predator, Ganges River dolphin (GRD, Platanista gangetica gangetica), which plays a significant role in maintaining the structure, functions and integrity of the aquatic ecosystem. Using temporally and spatially measured GRD habitat selection traits, we quantified flow-ecology responses in the Karnali River of Nepal during the low-flow season when habitat was heavily reduced and water demand was highest. We define ecological responses as suitable habitat templates with enough usable surface area to support GRD fitness by improving reproduction and survival. We measured the available and occupied habitats to develop flow-ecology responses. Variation in flow resulted in substantial differences in the ecological response across time and space, suggesting that aquatic species adjusted in a variety of habitats to support their life histories and maintain viable populations. The limited availability of suitable habitats combined with uninformed water regulations by humans likely places GRDs under severe physiological stress during low-water seasons (i.e., January–April), suggesting that  reduced flows contribute to the process of endangering and extirpating highly sensitive endemic aquatic biodiversity. Our study reveals that ad hoc or experience-based flow management is no longer tenable to maintain the integrity and functionality of aquatic ecosystems. We stress that quantifying the flow-ecology relationships of foundational species, particularly megafauna, in response to flow variation is crucial for monitoring the effects of water alterations and determining the minimum flows needed for maintaining healthy and functional freshwater ecosystems in the Anthropocene.

Climate change is the major, overriding environmental issue of our time, and the single greatest challenge facing decision makers at many levels. Without drastic action today, adapting to the impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly. Key informant interview, focus group discussion (n=7) and household survey (n=150) were undertaken to assess local peoples' perception on Climate Change, its impact and adaptive strategies. Meteorological data from 1987 to 2017 were used to analyze climatic trends. These data shows that average temperature has increased from 1987-2017 by 0.0146 °C/yr. and annual rainfall has decreased from 1987-2017 by 0.6507 mm/yr. Majority of the respondents (56%) were unknown about climate change. Weather related disasters, mosquito/other insects, invasive species were found highly increased compared to before. The most common adaptation options include using weed control, compost manure, economic diversification, storage of energy, changing planting and harvesting date, crop diversification etc. However, lack of information concerning climate change, agricultural pests and diseases, lack of education, no access to sufficient seeds and fertilizers, no access to sufficient land, no access to credit were major constraints of adaptation and institutions such as School, Mother's group and Rural Municipality, DFO, INGO like UNDP, WASH are assisting in Climate Change adaptation.

No abstract

Climate change is one of the most serious threats to natural resources and livelihoods. Key informant interview (n=3), focus group discussion (n=3) and household survey (n=60) were undertaken to access the impacts of climate change on livelihood, local people's perception of climate change and the local adaptation measures used by the people. Meteorological data from 1981 to 2010 were used to analyze climatic trends. The meteorological data shows annual maximum and minimum temperature is in increasing trend whereas annual rainfall is erratic in nature. The study revealed that the major threats prevailing in the study area were drought, storm, thunder and lightning, pest attack on crops and outbreak of disease. Decreased agricultural production, shortage of water, increased livestock disease and forest fires were the problems faced. Although the majority of people were not aware of the climate change and its adaptation strategies, they have been traditionally practicing adaptation strategies like change in cropping pattern, change in crop varieties, use of more organic fertilizer, supplemental irrigation, rainwater harvesting, improving livestock shed and ponds, removal of invasive species, etc.

Nepal's decentralized forest governance has now included a new actor, i.e. REDD+ which is a mechanism based on market for mitigation of climate change through conservation of forest. This paper aims to shed lights on the REDD+ effect on community forestry governance, and local livelihood. For this various published articles and reports were reviewed and analyzed. Organizations like ICIMOD, FECOFUN and ANSAB are leading a pilot project in community forestry on measurement of carbon and equalizing benefit. The major objective of the REDD+ program is to reduce forest carbon emissions by providing financial incentives for developing countries. The impacts of the implication of the REDD+ is more questionable preceding its 10th anniversary. Special income generating activities and awareness programs have been implemented by the REDD+ pilot project targeting the poor, women, disadvantaged groups and indigenous people. While some study findings show the REDD+ gave priority to the carbon outcome rather than community forestry's forest management objective which threatens the objective of meeting the local needs of people. Analysis also showed that REDD+ policies have been developed and interventions are made in a way local people’s participation and representation of their voices is limited which may weaken and reverse the trend of forest decentralization. The involvement of the new actors in forest politics can be seen as a proof of positive impact of implementation of REDD+.