Realizing the need and importance of National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in Nepal to address mid and long term Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), the Ministry of Population and Environment (MoPE) launched the NAP formulation process in September 2015. Nepal is formulating the NAP by mobilizing seven Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) and two Cross-cutting Working Groups (CWGs) with guiding principle of ‘leave no one behind’. Nepal has considered 2018-2030 as medium-term and up to 2050 as long-term to identify and prioritize adaptation options, and prepare a plan with implementation strategies, reporting, monitoring and review. For engagement of multi-stakeholders in the NAP process, Clean Energy Nepal (CEN) and LI-BIRD organized a ‘Regional Consultation Workshop on Nepal’s NAP Process and Progress’ in Pokhara on 3 March 2017.
At the inauguration session, Mr. Manjeet Dhakal, General Secretary of CEN welcomed the participants. Mr. Balaram Dhakal, Local Development Officer, Kaski shared the need to work in an integrated approach so as to avoid duplication. He emphasized that the plans and programmes on CCA, and disaster risk reduction should be grounded based on local needs, for which local level planning process is key. Professor Dr. Krishna Raj Tiwari, Dean of Institute of Forestry, suggested that there are enough policies at national level, and added, “It’s time to focus on the implementation of policies at local level.” He also focused on the need for building local capacity for planning and implementation of CCA. Mr. Sharad Chandra Shrestha, Director, Western Region Agriculture Directorate emphasized the need to work together for the CCA, and also invited like-minded organizations to come together and work for agricultural development and CCA in western region. Mr. Bimal Gadal, Director of Sustainable Development Program in OXFAM shared that Oxfam GB Nepal supported the Government of Nepal’s initiation to facilitate the NAP process.
Mr. Naresh Sharma presenting on ‘Climate Change Adaptation in Nepal: From Policy to Practice’. Photo: Hem G.C., LI-BIRD.
During the technical session, presenting on ‘Climate Change Adaptation in Nepal: From Policy to Practice’, Mr. Naresh Sharma, Under Secretary of MoPE and NAP coordinator, shared the policies of the Government of Nepal on climate change, and also the works done in Nepal on climate change so far. He said, “Now is the time to translate our commitments to actions and achieve results.” Further, he appreciated multi-stakeholders for coming together to discuss on the NAP process. He said that Nepal is seen as an exemplary country by international communities based on the works done so far. He further added, “We have moved significantly in adaptation and are at the beginning stage on mitigation. Now, we have a foundation, and commitment to make the structure.” He also requested all to work in coordinated approach to achieve more in the long run. Mr. Basanta Poudel, NAP Officer, shared the guiding principles of the NAP formulation process and briefed on how NAP team would ensure the inclusion of concerns of all stakeholder. Ms. Jony Mainali, NAP GESI Officer, explained the interrelation between NAPA (National Adaptation Programme of Action) and NAP process, and shared the steps, approaches, and timeline of the NAP formulation. Mr. Anil K.C., Deputy Programme Manager, Nepal Climate Change Support Programmes (NCCSP) shared the learnings of NCCSP, which he believes will be important for the NAP formulation process. Mr. Purushottam Subedi, Under Secretary, Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development focused on the need to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk management activities at community level.
Ms. Bina Silwal, Executive Director of Kopila Nepal providing suggestions.
Photo: Hem G.C., LI-BIRD.
The participants from various institutions in Pokhara provided suggestions and feedback to the NAP team. Dr. Chandra Bhadra, renowned gender expert of Nepal shared that women were the ones who realized the impact of climate change hence there is a need to make sure that NAP should reflect women’s needs and concerns for CCA. Mr. Balkrishna Jammarkattel, CCA and DRR Specialist, CARE Nepal (Representative from Hariyo Ban Program) emphasized on the need to enhance the capacity of local bodies so that they can implement Local Disaster Risk Management and CCA Plans. Mr. Kalyan Panta, Lecturer at Prithvi Narayan Campus emphasized the need of frequent interactions at the local level to have a common understanding. Mr. Raj Kumar Gurung, Senior Natural Resource Conservation Officer, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) highlighted that the local body’s leadership is going to change hence NAP should recognize the changed context from the beginning. Dr. Bikash Poudel, Senior Programme Manager, LI-BIRD emphasized on the need to work more closely with the thematic working groups and ministries for increasing the ownership of the implementing agencies of the NAP.
Wrapping up the programme, Mr. Naresh Sharma said that there will be rounds of consultations at all levels from grassroots to top in the NAP process. He reinforced that “we are at the initial stage of the NAP process”. Mr. Krishna Prasad Baral, LI-BIRD Executive Board Chair thanked all for active participation and joining hands together for the NAP process.
