Efforts to ensure easier access to climate finance must be intensified, stressed stakeholders at a seminar titled “Access to Climate Finance at Local Levels and Climate Finance-related Project Development”. The event was organized by Pokhara University in collaboration with Melamchi Municipality, Sindhupalcchok.  

In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Madan Koirala, Chair of Nepal Climate Initiative (NCI), emphasized the importance of preparing research-based proposals to secure climate finance. He noted that evidence-based planning is critical for effective access and utilization of funds.  

NCI member Prof. Dr. Sanajyanath Khanal underscored the need to enhance the capacity of local governments to assess natural disasters and incorporate national priorities in proposals to access international climate finance mechanisms. He urged collaboration among the three tiers of government, intergovernmental organizations, and stakeholders to implement impactful adaptation and mitigation programmes.  

“Although Nepal’s contribution to global carbon emissions is minimal, we face significant climate-related challenges,” Khanal said. “Mobilizing resources to address these impacts remains a daunting task.”  

Read: NTNC’s NIE Accreditation to Ease Nepal’s Access to Climate Finance: Officials

Khanal also warned that delays by major carbon-emitting countries in reducing emissions would accelerate global warming, severely disrupting ecosystems.  

Manjeet Dhakal, climate change advisor to the Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, pointed out that Sindhupalchowk is particularly vulnerable to climate change. He urged the government to prioritize the development and implementation of climate-friendly budgets.  

“Nepal's temperature has risen by 2.5 degrees Celsius over the past 45 years,” Dhakal stated, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to address climate impacts.  

Similarly, Ranjana Bhatta emphasized the importance of incorporating gender considerations into climate change-related initiatives. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women, people with disabilities, and senior citizens, stressing that their specific issues must be addressed in project development.  

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