Ecosystem-Based Approaches and Policy Perspectives in Nepal

Abstract

Mountain ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate change since increasing temperatures and disruptive precipitation patterns have led to floods, droughts and other natural disasters. Ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk resilience (Eco-DRR) and Adaptation (EbA), is a nature-based method for climate change adaptation (CCA). That can reduce the vulnerability of the ecosystem to extreme events enhancing sustainability in various sectors, including but not limited to agriculture, forestry, energy and water. Similarly, by increasing the resilience of vulnerable communities, EbA helps countries to meet the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This study reviewed the existing Eco-DRR/EbA approaches and its integration into policy and planning in Nepal. Literature suggests that EbA approaches (1) enhance community adaptive capacity or resilience, (2) help ecosystems to produce goods and services for local communities and (3) is financially and economically viable in Nepal. However, EbA is not in mainstream for CCA so far in the country. Existing policies, institutional and political obstacles are the major challenges for the effective implementation, despite EbA has a high potential in Nepal. Policymakers should bring it into the mainstream of development that could make significant progress in mitigating the climate impact at local, provincial and national scales.