In a remote village in Nepal, a student from an urban university arrived, captivated by the area’s natural beauty. This student, an environmental science major, was there to complete his dissertation on the “Importance of Wetlands.” He planned to stay for a few weeks and, upon reaching a tea shop, encountered some locals. They mentioned an old man named Hari Narayan, living in a dilapidated hut, who was known for welcoming visitors.
One night after dinner, the student asked Hari Narayan about the state of the wetland and forest. Hari Narayan recounted that, long ago, the villagers were cooperative, industrious, and happy, primarily relying on agriculture and farming for their livelihood. They earned well from selling their produce, though they didn’t realize their prosperity was due to the wetland within the forest.
Despite being illiterate, the villagers were content. Their village was their whole world, and they were unconcerned with events outside their community. The forest was dense, home to numerous bird species, flowers, and animals, all living in harmony within a delicate ecosystem. A large pond in the forest was cherished, and the villagers were committed to afforestation, protecting meadows, terrace farming, and safeguarding the pond and its aquatic life.
However, as time passed, the younger generation left Nepal seeking lucrative jobs overseas. Their lifestyles changed drastically, and farming was abandoned. Their dreams were shattered when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, leading to job losses and financial instability. The young villagers returned home but had lost the habit of hard work. They resorted to selling forest products for quick income, disrupting the community’s harmony.
The villagers neglected the forest and wetland, focusing solely on immediate financial gains. The ecosystem began to deteriorate: the pond’s water level dropped, temperatures rose, and farmland dried due to low precipitation. The once vibrant forest grew silent as bird songs and animal sounds disappeared. The area became prone to floods and landslides in the rainy season and droughts in summer, leading to loss of life and property due to these disasters.
Distressed by this story, the student launched a campaign to protect the wetland. He organized awareness programs to educate the villagers on the wetland’s importance and introduced modern irrigation and farming techniques to improve their income. The villagers, appreciative of the student’s selfless efforts, fully supported his initiatives.
As a result, the wetland experienced a remarkable revival. It became beautiful once again, transforming into a major tourist destination. National and international media lauded the student’s relentless efforts. The pond now holds adequate water, teeming with various aquatic species, and visitors are captivated by its biodiversity.
Moreover, the financial condition of the villagers improved significantly. They now understand that conserving the wetland and forest is not just about protecting nature but also brings numerous benefits to their lives.
The writer holds an M.Sc. degree in Physics and is currently teaching Physics in Colleges, Nepal.