Climatic Variability and Wetland Resources in Rupa Lake Catchment, Nepal

^{Abstract: Climatic variability with temperature increase is serious concern for wetland resource management and regulates the benefits. Key informant interview (n=5), focus group discussion (n=4) and household survey (n=60) were undertaken to appraise the local experience regarding status of wetland resources with climatic variability. Local households were stratified and chosen close settlement as respondents for the study. Meteorological data from 1979 to 2009 were used to analyze climatic trends where least-squares curve fitting technique was used to appraise trend. We observed both maximum mean temperature and minimum mean temperature have been annually increasing with the rate of 0.0490C and 0.0400C respectively, where overall temperature was found to be increased at the rate of 0.0450C annually. The mean maximum temperature was recorded ever the highest 280C in 2009, and seasonal maximum and minimum temperature trend of the winter was higher (0.051 and 0.067), which can be perceived as indication of global warming. The annual precipitation trend was increasing but Monsoon and winter precipitation was found to be decreasing, which directly affects wetland resource and agricultural productivity. Promotion of indigenous knowledge with training and education are suggested as the best option for coping the problems.  Keywords: Local, Global warming, Meteorological Data, Eutrophication, Cope}