Kathmandu - August 21, 2025
As climate change and rapid development continue to reshape human settlements, experts are emphasizing the need for infrastructure that is sustainable, resilient, and rooted in natural systems. Recognizing the urgency, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is hosting a webinar to discuss how policy can foster nature-based solutions for greener and safer settlements across the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region.
Mountain ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards such as landslides, floods, and erosion. At the same time, rapid urbanization is straining fragile landscapes and threatening traditional practices. Experts argue that nature-based materials and design approaches-ranging from locally sourced building materials to eco-sensitive urban planning-can provide low-impact, climate-resilient alternatives for both urban and remote communities.
However, scaling up such approaches requires more than technical innovation. Strong policy frameworks, clear regulations, and local incentives are crucial to mainstreaming these solutions into development agendas.
The webinar, moderated by Professor Dr. Sangeeta Singh, will bring together specialists to share examples and insights on advancing sustainable infrastructure in the HKH. The session is part of a broader series on resilient development, focusing on how supportive policies, innovative technologies, and community-driven practices can drive wider adoption of nature-based solutions.
Stakeholders from governments, research institutions, and local communities are encouraged to participate and engage in dialogue.
