Prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal launched National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) to climate change. Started in May 2009, it took 16 months to finalize the document. Following the official launching, Nepal can now seek much needed fund for adaptation programs.
“Climate change adaptation is our national priority. The NAPA has been prepared to address climate vulnerabilities and advance our human development agenda. NAPA is a product of an intensive nationwide consultative process involving all relevant sectors,” said prime minister Nepal launching the document.
With support from Embassy of Denmark, United Kingdom’s Department of International Development, Global Environment Facility and UNDP Nepal country office, Nepal’s NAPA document is prepared after intensive consolations among all the stake holders.
“I consider that NAPA process was also instrumental in enhancing public awareness, institutional development and capacity building, developing implementation frame work and establishing coordination mechanisms. I am proud to say that this is the document which is finalized incorporating the voices of people,” said Thakur Prasad Sharma, minister of Environment.
As the impacts of the climate change are more prone in landlocked and mountainous country like Nepal, managing the adverse impacts of climate change on livelihoods, agriculture, water resources, energy, health, bio-diversity and national well being is a tremendous challenge. To address these, there require a comprehensive national adaptation agenda.
“Nepal prepared the NAPA through thematic working group approached by engaging line ministries and departments, local governments, academe, and non-governmental organizations, youth, women, indigenous communities and civil society representatives. Over 2500 people participated at different stages of NAPA preparation in particular the consultation programs during the last 15 months,” said Ganesh Raj Joshi, Ph.D, secretary to Ministry of Environment. “ Nepal is establishing a knowledge management platform and has constituted a multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism named Multi-Stake holder Climate Change Initiative Coordination Committee in April 2010 to serve as a platform for ensuring regular dialogue and consultations and ensue functional level coordination on climate change related policies, plans, financing, programs, projects and activities.”
“This NAPA was prepared by the NAPA project team with the collective efforts and contributions from six thematic working group coordinators, facilitators, TWG members, and with contribution from several organizations and individuals,” said Purushottam Ghimire, joint secretary and National Project Director.
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