Kathmandu, August 13 - In a significant step toward strengthening community-based climate resilience in Nepal, Roshi Rural Municipality of Kavrepalanchok and Dhankuta Municipality have reaffirmed their commitment to support the HI-CAS (Himalayan Climate Adaptation and Sustainability) project, which is being implemented in collaboration with ICIMOD and CEAPRED.
The municipalities signed letters of intent with the two organizations to enhance cooperation on a range of climate adaptation initiatives, including springshed management, agrobiodiversity conservation, renewable energy promotion, and gender-responsive adaptation solutions.
According to the project partners, the renewed commitment reflects the growing recognition that local governments play a central role in designing and sustaining effective climate adaptation measures. By aligning project activities with local development priorities, the collaboration aims to ensure that adaptation efforts remain relevant, inclusive, and capable of expanding over the long term.
The HI-CAS project works closely with local communities to address the impacts of climate change in Nepal’s mountain and hill regions. Its interventions focus on protecting water sources, conserving traditional crop diversity, promoting clean and renewable energy technologies, and increasing the participation of women and marginalized groups in climate decision-making processes.
ICIMOD stated that the partnership with local governments is expected to strengthen institutional ownership and improve the sustainability of ongoing adaptation activities. CEAPRED, which has been working on community-based natural resource management and rural development in Nepal for decades, will continue supporting local implementation and capacity-building efforts.
The initiative is supported by Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada, highlighting international cooperation in advancing locally led climate action in vulnerable Himalayan communities.
Experts have increasingly emphasized that climate adaptation is most effective when local governments lead planning, resource allocation, and coordination with communities and development partners. The renewed collaboration in Roshi and Dhankuta is being viewed as a positive example of how municipal institutions can help scale up resilient and inclusive climate solutions across Nepal.
For more information, ICIMOD has published details of the agreement on its official website.
Source: ICIMOD Press Release
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