Scope of Payment for Ecosystem Services Mechanism for ... - icimod

facilitate with proper policy responses to benefit conservation as well as povertyalleviation issues (Paudel, 2010).From the study, upstream and downstream are already convinced on the existing linkagesbetween watershed conservation status i.e. replacement of pine trees by other waterstoring trees and downstream hydrological benefit, additionally efficient use of water byupstream could minimize the threat. And potential beneficiaries in the downstream are toinvest, for the proposed management actions which will result in the delivery ofhydrological services. A sustainable and equitable payment mechanism may be developedin which payments are made if forest conservation activities are conducted that lead toincrease in water availability for downstream people. These activities may include,planting of open land with trees, replacement of pine trees into water storing trees,efficient use of water and reducing pollution.From the study hydrological linkages, watershed conservation, replacement of pine treesby other water storing trees and efficient use of water are realistic solutions to mitigatethe water scarcity problem. Negotiation between both buyers and sellers and involvementof KUKL for enforcement offer a practical solution to the water scarcity problem.6.2 Water ManagementBhaktapur is an urbanizing area with common problem if urbanization as in Jema‟a LocalGovernment Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria where water demand cannot be met becauseof increasing population, changing life styles, and over use of water. The situation willimprove only with a deliberate policy on water and sanitation particularly a policy onacceptable safety levels (Abaje et al., 2009).Piped water supply is the most common source of drinking water in Kathmandu.However, insufficient water in the supply system is a serious problem (Kandel, 2007).Similarly in Bhaktapur Municipality Mahadev Khola provides 4.5 ML/d in wet and 1.5ML/d in dry season; while estimated demand stands at 8 ML/d.Over extraction of water in the upstream area, disposal of untreated urban sewerage andsolid waste directly into the river, development of urban infrastructure and services withcomplete disregard of the river environment and insensitivity of Bhaktapur municipalityand other agencies and lack of recognition of river conservation and restoration areproblematic in Bhaktapur urban planning (Sada, 2010). The downstream people receive40