Two new climate adaptation projects in Nepal

At the latest application deadline for the so-called CCAM round, Climate Change Adaptation Modality, there were 38 applications for a total of DKK 87.6 million, according to CISU. However, there are only about 53 million kroner available for this round. CICED has submitted two applications. Clarification is expected on April 10. This CICED NYT brings a brief introduction to our two applications

Better communities – locally-led climate adaptation, Helambu II

In 2023, CICED and JNF embarked on the first phase of a long-term effort to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, which is severely affecting Nepal, especially Helambu and Sindupalchowk district.

This first phase is still ongoing, but through extensive data collection and solid fieldwork, a strong foundation has been formed for an application for a CCAM2 phase. Here’s an excerpt of what the first phase tells us:

• Pests and diseases on crops result in smaller or no harvest.
• Prolonged drought, drying up of water sources and water shortages.
• Human-wildlife conflict
• Landslides and mudslides
• Significant crop loss due to migration and flooding. The total crop area in seven departments has decreased from 11.15% to 0.9% over the last ten years.
• Significant increase in the bus area. In the previous 10 years, the total bus area in Helambu has increased from 2% to 29%.
• Over 85% of households in Helambu are farmers (smallholders), but less than 30% of them can make a living from their agricultural production. Despite the large number of people who make their living from agriculture, there is no adequate agricultural advice to support these small farmers.
• Significant decline in the number of tourists in Helambu – although the number of tourists nationwide has reached pre-Covid levels. This is despite the fact that Helambu used to be one of the popular destinations in Nepal and tourism was a prioritized sector.
• There are 31 Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs) with 2,028 ha. Some need better governance and leadership. Only 20 CFUGs have a valid operational plan (OP). Due to the migration of the younger population, the management of the Community Forest has changed and is sometimes not carried out properly. Forests are essential for climate adaptation. New forms of CFUG management are required.
• Marginal lands are no longer managed for subsistence farming – due to migration. These areas can be used for private forestry, agroforestry and production of aromatic medicinal plants/non-timber forest products.

As you can see from that list, there’s plenty to address. Together with our partner in Helambu JUST Nepal Foundation, we have identified three main areas of focus for an upcoming project:

1. Poor and climate-vulnerable households in all seven districts will receive counselling and cash/in-kind support for adopting climate-resilient agriculture. The effort should help overcome food insecurity and adapt the processing of raw materials so that they can be sold on markets. Support for effective marketing and sales is included in the project.
2. Ecosystem services in Helambu need to be improved through restoration of some agricultural lands, expansion of forests and tree cover, rehabilitation of catchment areas around springs and mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts.
3. The ongoing planning in the Helambu municipality itself must incorporate knowledge, experience and concrete ideas from the various disaster committees and local communities so that climate adaptation, as much as possible, is based on the deepest and broadest local knowledge of the current conditions.

We have applied to CISU for DKK 3.7 million to cover the many and extensive courses, advisory services, further analysis, delivery of new seeds, etc., for crops and much more. We’ll know on April 10th if we’ll be among the lucky ones to get a share of the $53 million pool.

New collaboration on climate adaptation – Upper Mustang, Nepal

CICED starts collaboration on climate change adaptation with another partner in Nepal: Lo Gyalpo Jigme Foundation/LGJF in the Upper Mustang region. LGJF is an organization with a number of years behind it. Founded in 1994 and officially registered as a CBO/community-based organization in 2002. LGJF is committed to preserving and promoting the rights of the Loba people. The Loba people are ethnic Tibetan inhabitants of Upper Mustang. LGJF has addressed a broad spectrum of community needs, including formal and non-formal education, health, preservation of cultural heritage, and youth work through community development. The largest international contributor to LGJF’s work is the American Himalayan Foundation.

This new partnership is rooted in the successful CICED-initiated Everest Network, which was established back in September 2022 and where 20 Nepalese organizations exchange knowledge and experience and support each other in capacity building to ensure that development projects and international collaborations are firmly rooted in local conditions and interests.

CICED has applied to CISU for almost DKK 1 million for this first round of a hopefully long-term partnership. Here, too, the d. April 10 is the date to reveal if we can start rolling out a wide range of activities that will aim to

1. Capacity building of local disaster committees’ knowledge and technical capacity in climate adaptation and inclusion
2. Support competence development of key people in climate adaptation and management in the involved municipalities
3. Demonstrate and document the implementation of Local Adaptation Planning for Action, LAPA, where local communities are key actors in a network of local community organizations.

Confident that an exciting new partnership is underway in Nepal, we’re excited to tell you more.