CULTURAL VALUES OF WETLANDS IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN NEPAL

Nepal is rich in wetlands and its biodiversity due to diverse geography,ecology,ecosystem,and cul-tures.Participatory research methodology was used.More than 59 different traditional societies reside in various geo-graphical belts with diverse and distinct language,culture,custom,religion,beliefs,social norms,knowledge andpractices have significant roles in the protection and wise use of wetland biodiversity.Wetland ecology,landscape andcultural values may be accordance with the geographic and human dimension.The bio-cultural diversity supports to en-hance wetlands and biodiversity richness from millennia.Traditional cultural,religious,spiritual values,customarylore,folklore,knowledge of the societies are playing important responsibility in wetland ecology,landscapes and biodi-versity restoration,conservation and sustainable use,and they should be recognised,respected in National legislation.Themes of CBD,and RAMSAR should be respected and implemented to protect the cultural,religious,ritual,and cus-tomary contribution of the society.