KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 7
In a session at Dubai COP28, a panel discussion titled "Building Blocks of Climate Ambition: People, Nature, and Action" convened representatives from diverse sectors, government and non-government entities, development partners, private sectors, community-based organizations, indigenous communities, and women's groups.
The session was organized by The National Trust For Nature Conservation (NTNC) with Dr. Birendra Prasad Mahato, Minister for Forests and Environment (MOFE) as the chief guest. During the session Minister Mahato emphasized Nepal's resilience and the need for global cooperation in the face of climate change challenges.
Minister Mahato acknowledged Nepal's resilience to climate change despite vulnerabilities. He talked about the importance of comprehensive policies and their effective implementation. 'Global cooperation and collaboration were advocated as essential to address challenges beyond political boundaries, taking into account financial constraints and capacity gaps,' Minister Mahato said,' the efforts of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), especially in reinforcing nature-based solutions at the grassroots level, while highlighting the crucial need for increased financial resources to strengthen climate actions.'
Dr. Popular Gentle Bhusal, Development Management Expert to the Prime Minister of Nepal outlined nature-based solutions as strategic actions to address societal challenges, including climate change. He emphasized the benefits of these solutions for both human well-being and biodiversity.
NTNC is currently implementing a GCF funded project titled 'Improving Climate resilience of vulnerable communities and ecosystems in the Gandaki River basin, Nepal', seven-year undertaking of ministry of forest and environment to mainstream and operationalize a sustainable river-basin approach for watershed management by building climate resilience of both vulnerable communities and ecosystems in the Gandaki River.
Similarly, Secretary of MOFE, Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal provided insights about the ministry's efforts, stressing inter-ministerial coordination engagement with parliament, and collaboration with the Prime Minister's office. 'Specific measures included allocating resources for nature-based solutions, collaborating with environmental organizations, and implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation system,' he said.
Dr. Roj Nath Pande highlighted climate change's recognition as a national priority in the Federal Parliament of Nepal. He highlighted parliamentarians' commitment to integrating climate considerations into policies, plans, and actions.
Dr. Bapon Fakhruddin, Water and Climate Leader, Green Climate Fund (Water Resources Management Senior Specialist from the Division of Mitigation and Adaptation (DMA), GCF) discussed the Green Climate Fund's (GCF) role in aligning global interventions with local actions for nature-based solutions, considering challenges and emphasizing external finance for developing countries.
Meanwhile, Claudia Godfrey Ruíz, Committee Chair, CPDAE-GCF/Adaptation Fund, emphasized the Direct Access Modality's role in promoting country ownership of climate projects, sharing insights from ongoing implementations and stressing the importance of aligning projects with national priorities.
During the Closing Remarks, NTNC Member secretary Sharad Chandra Adhikari expressed gratitude to participants, highlighting the significance of the discussions in contributing to collective climate initiatives. He emphasized the need for effective solutions and collaboration, acknowledging diverse approaches discussed and expressing confidence in the shared smart ideas.
As the session concluded, a call to join hands and work collectively for meaningful climate actions resonated, setting a hopeful tone for future endeavors in the face of climate challenges. The commitment of Nepal and the global collaboration showcased during this panel discussion underscored the urgency and importance of addressing climate change on a united front.
The session was moderated by NTNC head of Climate Dr. Manish raj Pandey.
