New Delhi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $30 million financing package to enhance climate resilience, improve water resources management, and promote sustainable livelihoods in rural communities in Nepal, a press release revealed.
Nepal is increasingly at risk from the devastating impacts of climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent. The Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces are assessed to be the most vulnerable regions to climate change, largely owing to the poor communities’ low coping capacity, the release said.
The Climate-Resilient Landscapes and Livelihoods Project will provide $10 million in concessional loans and $20 million in grants to support nature-based solutions to climate change impacts in 24 municipalities in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces.
The project activities include the preparation of catchment management plans to improve water resources management, construction of small-scale drinking water systems and gravity-fed irrigation facilities, and introduction of water and soil conservation measures in 24 municipalities.
It also includes the promotion of nature-based livelihood activities such as the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, non-timber forestry products, and indigenous crops to improve income opportunities of farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises, including women entrepreneurs. The project also aims to promote ecotourism to diversify local income sources.