Namche bazar is among the places highly at risk from Imja GLOF.
Promot b s
g
cosyst m t t o
Nepal is considered highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Given its mountainous terrain, ecosystem based adaptations, complemented by efficient use of resources, is essential to help the country manage risks. UNDP is implementing a global pilot project to promote adaptation in three countries – Nepal, Peru and Uganda – to help these countries better prepare for the effects of climate change. In 2013, the project on Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) began work in Nepal. The project focuses its interventions in the Panchase area that spans parts of Kaski, Parbat and Syangja districts. The project has focused on enhancing the climate resilience of ecosystem services, which are the different benefits that humans derive
38
U ND P N E PAL AN N UAL RE P OR T 2013
Bhoomika Dongol / UNDP Nepal
from ecosystems. It has supported the renovation and construction of 13 conservation ponds and an additional 13 water sources. The pond renovations have enhanced the ground water recharge process, and water sources renovations have led to improved accessibility to drinking water. The conservation of ponds has also contributed significantly to silt collection during the heavy monsoon months, in turn reducing soil erosion.
and user groups easy access to in-demand tree species, such as fodder and multipleuse tree species.
The project’s activities in ecosystem restoration have included plantation in 80 hectares of open land, construction of walls to reduce overgrazing in two rangelands, and establishment of two nurseries to provide local communities
EbA has carried out capacity building programmes such as trainings, awareness raising campaigns and workshops on ecosystem based adaptation, ecosystem services and climate change, benefitting more than 500 individuals. This has led to bridging of knowledge gaps on ecosystem-based adaptation and climate change.
Partners • GEF • BMU
Under its land rehabilitation intervention, the project introduced three different activities - riverbank conservation, irrigation channel improvement and degraded land rehabilitation - in 28 sites. This will ensure protection of 15 hectares of land that includes rural roads, and agricultural and public land.
In order to reduce research gap in this area, the project has also joined hands with the Central Department of Environmental Science (CDES) and Institution of Forestry (IoF) of Tribhuvan University.