ISET-Nepal and GEAG have initiated a multilayered and multistage dialogue process at local, sub-basin and basin and trans-boundary levels around the four dimensions of contestations (Collusion of multiples uses at scales; Sectoral approach to water resources management; Collusion of the state’s and citizen’s interest, and Collusion of interests at the local, national and trans-national levels). The dialogue is expected to identify some key values to address them and build synergy for sustainable management of water resources in the basin. The process will be undertaken over a two year period to:

• Build collaborative leadership at the local, sub-basin and basin scales
• Create opportunities for mutual learning to inform and promote sustainable solutions at scales
• Align the interest of the state and the citizenry
• Progressively internalize the importance of “stewardship” in the use of the basin’s natural resources.

The project is being undertaken with support from The Asia Foundation (TAF). The project aims to undertake a dialogue process to build appreciation and alignment among the stakeholders on sustainable water resources management in Koshi River Basin at local, sub-basin, basin, and trans-boundary levels. This process will help navigate the fragmented approach to water resources management. It will help promote actions without undermining the ecological integrity of the river basin. At the trans-boundary level, the proposed dialogue will help overcome the contested relationship between Nepal and India on shared water resources management that resonates with the emerging social, political and economic contexts.

The dialogue process will systematically involve citizens, state agencies and interest groups at different levels in the basin. It will focus on organizing the sequential dialogues to help unfold interest and issues to develop shared values relating to sustainable water resources management. The process will also track the changes in thinking of the stakeholders and build alignment towards sustainable water resources management.  The outcome of the project will enable a better comprehension of the roles of different actors and their interest to foster dialogue for the sustainability of the river basins. It will also highlight the losers and gainers in water development, describe stakeholders roles in promoting sustainable use of transboundary water resource