The Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) is a non-profit organization that was established by a group of concerned river guides who recognized the ecological and cultural damage that was taking place on Nepal's rivers at an alarming rate.

Since its inception in 1995, the NRCT has worked towards conserving Nepal's Himalayan river system, preserving Nepal's cultural heritage and developing an environmentally responsible river tourism industry. The NRCT hosts the Annual River Festival and the Bagmati River Festival to raise the awareness among all river users about the need to conserve the river, and develop an economical and environmentally sustainable river tourism industry. Our Himalayan River is an international attraction however their existence is under threat from damming and other unfriendly environmental practices.

Our Mission

“To restore, conserve and protect the rivers of Nepal through affirmative action and education, whilst maintaining the cultural integrity of local river side communities."

Objectives

Increasing public awareness through workshops, seminars, and special rafting trips to policy makers, journalists, students and other stakeholders.

• River side community development :

• River-guide training on environmentally sound rafting and camping practices.

• Conducting River restoration projects such as beach clean up and tree plantation;

• Networking with national and international groups and lobbying on the behalf of Nepal's river environment etc.

For our communities

• To identify and develop riverside conservation and community projects.

• To educate village communities about the causes and effects on river due to water pollution and and degradation.

• To raise awareness for conservation and community projects along the rivers.

• To ensure that the community alongside the river benefits directly from income generating activities.

For the natural environment

• To maintain and enhance the natural environment alongside the rivers.

• To promote and implement conservation activities on Nepalese rivers.

• To endeavor to find and ecological balance between human needs and wants and the fragile river ecosystems.

For the Rafting Industry

• To promote sensible and ecologically sustainable rafting kayaking and canyoning practices for Nepalese rivers.

• To work with partner organization of similar interest for the benefit of the rivers, river communities and rafting industry.
  

Overall, it must be highlighted that NRCT seeks to extend its activities into the international arena, extending its linkages with various environmental bodies to improve and sustain river conservation in Nepal. NRCT seeks to affiliate itself with all of the Nepal Rafting Agency, as it is essential that all agencies must unite for the common goal of protecting our national rivers from complete destruction (which will be the case if immediate action does not take place.)