The National Adaptation Plan: A Strategic Roadmap for Climate Resilience
July 31, 2025
min read
Nepal confronts a severe climate crisis, evidenced by accelerated glacier melt, erratic monsoons and increased natural disasters. This disproportionate burden was officially acknowledged by Forest and Environment Minister Hon. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri on 6th March 2025 at the World Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi, India1, underscoring the nation's heightened climate vulnerability.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a daily challenge in Nepal. The Climate Risk Index (CRI ) 20252 by Germanwatch ranks Nepal at 68th position for the annual average from 1993 to 2022 A.D. It highlights the extreme events caused by the polluted environment threatening food security and water supply as well as infrastructure development. To adapt the planning of climate control, Nepal has taken steps globally and domestically.
Nepal has also taken steps to ensure the limitations in the effects of global warming, Since the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 A.D3, the government of Nepal guarantees the absolute right to a clean and healthy environment to the Nepalese citizens. Present, Constitution of Nepal 2015 A.D. also guarantees the right to sustainable development4.
In response to climate concerns, Nepal has enacted the Environment Protection Act, 2019 ( 2076 BS ) which institutionalized environmental safeguards with specific provisions highlighting the seriousness of controlling emissions of greenhouse gases and carbon trading, ushering in a more accountable and participatory regulation framework. Establishing these legal foundations acts as a pillar for Nepal’s climate commitments under international law.
Internationally, Nepal remains determined to advance environmental protection efforts. In July 1994 AD Nepal became a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change ( UNFCCC), and its Paris Agreement in 2016. This agreement prioritises national efforts in decreasing the glacier melt, floods and droughts, which severely affect livelihoods through Nationally Determined Contribution ( NDC ) 5. Article 7(9) of the Paris Agreement notes that countries should engage in adaptation planning processes and implementation of actions, making the NAP process central to the adaptation goal of the Paris Agreement. Since 2010, the government has been taking action in climate control in systematic adaptation planning with the implementation of the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA, 2010 ), the launching of Nepal’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP ) process in 2015, the preparation of Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPAs) and the enacting of the National Climate Change Policy in 2019.
The Ministry of Forests and Environment has prepared a National Adaptation Plan (NAPs) considering the vulnerability to climate impacts. Under the UNFCCC, The NDC also ties Nepal’s own NAP in achieving the Paris Agreement goal.6 Its key goal is enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change, with a view to contributing to sustainable development ( UNFCCC 2015 )7.
National Adaptation Plan
NAP is a promising strategy aimed at strengthening national capacity against climate change. It was prepared through Project “Building Capacity to Advance National Adaptation Process in Nepal” which is supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and executed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)8. NAP’s process was initiated in Nepal in September 2015, as mandated by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at its Sixteenth Session (COP 16) in Cancun in 2010. The NAP will build on the experience of preparing and implementing the NAPA 2010.9
Nepal has lost nearly 1 billion USD because of climate induced disasters from 2021-202410. The 11th National summit of Health and Population in April 2025 also reaffirms the vulnerability of Nepal’s health infrastructure because of the climate risks. The discussions made in the summit highlight the need for enhanced resilience and prepared strategies11. Nepal has lacked proper adaptation techniques to deal with climate-induced environmental change.12 Therefore, adaptation to adverse climate impacts was a priority for the nation in preparing the NAP.
The adaptation plan sets out 64 priority programs addressed through long-term, medium term and short term priority goals and actions. Long -term strategies goals are being set to 2050 with medium-term and short-term strategies goals being 2040 and 2030 A.D respectively. The priority programs address the planning, coordination and implementation of adaptation actions needed at local, province and federal levels of government. With a multi stakeholder and inclusive consultation process, strategic goals have also been made for general equality and social inclusion providing a better hope for climate control in Nepal.
The budget implementation provides a hopeful climate for finance and technology transfer. This guarantees essential protection of water resources, infrastructure development, natural heritage, health sanitation, disaster risk management, social inclusion and National researches on climate vulnerabilities for ecological sustainability of the Nation.
Nepal's (NAP) is a comprehensive framework to address climate change impacts and build long-term resilience. It outlines strategic goals, priorities, and actions to integrate climate change adaptation into various sectors and levels of governance. The NAP aims to reduce vulnerability, enhance adaptive capacity, and ensure sustainable development in the face of climate-related challenges.
Strategic Roadmap for Multi-Level Government Implementation
National Adaptation Plans (NAP ) in coordination with the Ministry of Forests and Environment lay out a long-term vision for 2050. Among 64 strategies, 47% are strategic adaptation programs that are to be implemented for the short-term ( 2030 ) immediately, 34% for the medium term (2030 and 2040) and 18% for the long-term (2050) implementation.13 These programs will be reviewed every 5 years with a mandated update on adaptation for 2031 keeping the actions occurring current 14. The key feature of Nepal’s NAP includes the strategies aligning with federal, provincial and local levels of government. The adaptation plan highlights the importance of embedding the adaptation into strategies at all three tiers of government.15
The 64 strategies of NAP equally engage key institutions of all three levels of the Nepalese government. At the Federal level, the Climate Change Management Division (CCMD) under the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE)16. Various sector’s ministries are also responsible for sectoral policies, plans and activities with coordination of Thematic Groups (TWGs) and Crosscutting Working Groups (CWGs). At the provincial level, each of the seven provinces has established Provincial Climate Change Coordination Committees (PCCCC)17 integrating the climate control policies and projects with coordination of capacity building.
The infrastructure and Environment Management Sections under local jurisdiction18 focus on environmental conservation. These sections allow proper health, sanitation, agriculture extension and clean drinking water by decreasing the climate impact. Therefore, the adaptation plan provides a proper timeline of short, medium and long-term goals forming an institutional map for all three levels of government to be in action for climate change.
Nepal’s unique geography with mountainous topography in the mountain region and the plains of terai makes many communities' livelihoods acutely vulnerable. The livelihoods of 75% of Nepal are based on agriculture and forestry, and 65% of agriculture is rain-fed19. Irregular rainfall is the main cause of droughts in the southern plains. These issues cause parched wheat and vegetables as well as irrigation problems.20
Considerations of local vulnerability because of climate impacts directly affected the livelihoods of citizens. The NAP’s three most urgently priority sectors are identified as agriculture and food security, forest biodiversity, watershed conservation and disaster risk reduction and management. The plans have covered everything from conservation of wildlife and natural resources to the considerations given to the locals' vulnerabilities through socially inclusive programs. It specifically promotes the energy mix systems for industrial sustainability and climate resilient livelihoods, addressing the drying up of water resources. It is planned through the reuse and recycling of non-functional solar irrigation pumps (SIPS)21 and explores the potential of grid connected large scale solar irrigation. Through the SIP system, Nepalese women in agriculture are able to irrigate their fields in case of any climate impacts such as landslides.22
Climate change impacts different groups differently. Establishing gender equality, social inclusion, livelihood and governance (GESILG), NAP takes a dual approach of GESI considerations in the programs targeting excluded groups.23 Marginalized groups such as Majhi, Raute, Chepang, Satar suffer the most with climate disasters.24 These climate disasters such as floods, landslides and forest fires cause various diseases like malaria, diarrhea and even heat stress25 among vulnerable groups.
Women are also particularly vulnerable to climate change because of the limited access to credit, markets and capacity diversification of livelihood. Women are also disproportionately affected by climate impacts because of inequalities in the distribution of rights, assets, resources and power, a statement made by Chanda Gurung Goodrich a climate and gender expert at the ICIMOD26 which shows an honest window to the status of Nepalese women in the society. They are specifically primary users of forests in Nepal, playing a major role in collection of various forest products. (IUCN 2020).27
Combating these impacts, NAP plans to provide gender responsive climate change adaptation actions integrated into adaptation plans at 753 local levels.28 NAP strategies in conducting gap assessments and situational analyses at provincial and local levels on GESI29 and climate adaptation technology and strengthening their capacity to use technologies for production commercialization.30
Forest protection and biodiversity conservation are priorities of NAP. The forest area has been increased from 39.6% to 44.74% in Nepal from 1987/88 to 2019/20. This is the primary result of active migration from rural to urban areas, community forests protections and forests conservations programmes.31 Following the steps, NAP also has strategies for saving the forest and biodiversity of the nation. It strategies to revise and formulate a forest fire management action plan for federal and provincial levels 32 specifically in the forest fire lines in Terai, Chure foothills and mid-hills.33 These strategic plans from NAP uplift the ecological sustainability in Nepal while protecting the cultural aspect.
Barriers and Challenges
Nepal's NAP does show a hopeful turning point in climate action, Nepal being a developing country still has several constraints slowing the NAP progress. The adaptation strategy under UNFCCC, has a budget allocation of USD 47.4 billion where Nepal contributes 1.5 USD billion and the remaining USD 45.9 would be collected from external sources. The Nepal government requires at least USD 2.1 billion per year to implement the priority actions. Acquiring aid from any external international institutions has always been a hurdle.
A primary issue is lack of technical capacity within local institutions including government stakeholders in implementing climate projects. Recently, despite securing USD 60 million in GCF funding for climate resilience projects, much of it has been delayed due to poor coordination between government agencies.34 The mismatch between the priorities of external donors and the government results in the failure of programs.
Theoretically, the National Adaptation Plan shows a boost for a national climate action toward a climate resilient development. If each strategy is done so rightfully with no implantation gaps and proper coordination between institutions of government there would be a substantive positive change in climate. To tackle hurdles, NAP strictly should focus on building the technical and managerial capacity of governmental institutions responsible for climate financing. Mobilizing domestic resources, monitoring systems and integrating NAP climate goals into National planning would increase Nepal’s resilience and capacity. The continued commitment to NAP can transform a nation's vulnerabilities into capacity providing a pathway for ecologically sustainable development.
Conclusion
Nepal's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is a comprehensive framework designed to build climate resilience and reduce vulnerability through strategic, multi-level actions. Despite challenges such as funding and technical capacity, its successful implementation with proper coordination among government institutions is vital for achieving substantive positive change and fostering ecologically sustainable development.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a daily challenge in Nepal. The Climate Risk Index (CRI ) 20252 by Germanwatch ranks Nepal at 68th position for the annual average from 1993 to 2022 A.D. It highlights the extreme events caused by the polluted environment threatening food security and water supply as well as infrastructure development. To adapt the planning of climate control, Nepal has taken steps globally and domestically.
Nepal has also taken steps to ensure the limitations in the effects of global warming, Since the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007 A.D3, the government of Nepal guarantees the absolute right to a clean and healthy environment to the Nepalese citizens. Present, Constitution of Nepal 2015 A.D. also guarantees the right to sustainable development4.
In response to climate concerns, Nepal has enacted the Environment Protection Act, 2019 ( 2076 BS ) which institutionalized environmental safeguards with specific provisions highlighting the seriousness of controlling emissions of greenhouse gases and carbon trading, ushering in a more accountable and participatory regulation framework. Establishing these legal foundations acts as a pillar for Nepal’s climate commitments under international law.
Internationally, Nepal remains determined to advance environmental protection efforts. In July 1994 AD Nepal became a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change ( UNFCCC), and its Paris Agreement in 2016. This agreement prioritises national efforts in decreasing the glacier melt, floods and droughts, which severely affect livelihoods through Nationally Determined Contribution ( NDC ) 5. Article 7(9) of the Paris Agreement notes that countries should engage in adaptation planning processes and implementation of actions, making the NAP process central to the adaptation goal of the Paris Agreement. Since 2010, the government has been taking action in climate control in systematic adaptation planning with the implementation of the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA, 2010 ), the launching of Nepal’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP ) process in 2015, the preparation of Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPAs) and the enacting of the National Climate Change Policy in 2019.
The Ministry of Forests and Environment has prepared a National Adaptation Plan (NAPs) considering the vulnerability to climate impacts. Under the UNFCCC, The NDC also ties Nepal’s own NAP in achieving the Paris Agreement goal.6 Its key goal is enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change, with a view to contributing to sustainable development ( UNFCCC 2015 )7.
National Adaptation Plan
NAP is a promising strategy aimed at strengthening national capacity against climate change. It was prepared through Project “Building Capacity to Advance National Adaptation Process in Nepal” which is supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and executed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)8. NAP’s process was initiated in Nepal in September 2015, as mandated by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at its Sixteenth Session (COP 16) in Cancun in 2010. The NAP will build on the experience of preparing and implementing the NAPA 2010.9
Nepal has lost nearly 1 billion USD because of climate induced disasters from 2021-202410. The 11th National summit of Health and Population in April 2025 also reaffirms the vulnerability of Nepal’s health infrastructure because of the climate risks. The discussions made in the summit highlight the need for enhanced resilience and prepared strategies11. Nepal has lacked proper adaptation techniques to deal with climate-induced environmental change.12 Therefore, adaptation to adverse climate impacts was a priority for the nation in preparing the NAP.
The adaptation plan sets out 64 priority programs addressed through long-term, medium term and short term priority goals and actions. Long -term strategies goals are being set to 2050 with medium-term and short-term strategies goals being 2040 and 2030 A.D respectively. The priority programs address the planning, coordination and implementation of adaptation actions needed at local, province and federal levels of government. With a multi stakeholder and inclusive consultation process, strategic goals have also been made for general equality and social inclusion providing a better hope for climate control in Nepal.
The budget implementation provides a hopeful climate for finance and technology transfer. This guarantees essential protection of water resources, infrastructure development, natural heritage, health sanitation, disaster risk management, social inclusion and National researches on climate vulnerabilities for ecological sustainability of the Nation.
Nepal's (NAP) is a comprehensive framework to address climate change impacts and build long-term resilience. It outlines strategic goals, priorities, and actions to integrate climate change adaptation into various sectors and levels of governance. The NAP aims to reduce vulnerability, enhance adaptive capacity, and ensure sustainable development in the face of climate-related challenges.
Strategic Roadmap for Multi-Level Government Implementation
National Adaptation Plans (NAP ) in coordination with the Ministry of Forests and Environment lay out a long-term vision for 2050. Among 64 strategies, 47% are strategic adaptation programs that are to be implemented for the short-term ( 2030 ) immediately, 34% for the medium term (2030 and 2040) and 18% for the long-term (2050) implementation.13 These programs will be reviewed every 5 years with a mandated update on adaptation for 2031 keeping the actions occurring current 14. The key feature of Nepal’s NAP includes the strategies aligning with federal, provincial and local levels of government. The adaptation plan highlights the importance of embedding the adaptation into strategies at all three tiers of government.15
The 64 strategies of NAP equally engage key institutions of all three levels of the Nepalese government. At the Federal level, the Climate Change Management Division (CCMD) under the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE)16. Various sector’s ministries are also responsible for sectoral policies, plans and activities with coordination of Thematic Groups (TWGs) and Crosscutting Working Groups (CWGs). At the provincial level, each of the seven provinces has established Provincial Climate Change Coordination Committees (PCCCC)17 integrating the climate control policies and projects with coordination of capacity building.
The infrastructure and Environment Management Sections under local jurisdiction18 focus on environmental conservation. These sections allow proper health, sanitation, agriculture extension and clean drinking water by decreasing the climate impact. Therefore, the adaptation plan provides a proper timeline of short, medium and long-term goals forming an institutional map for all three levels of government to be in action for climate change.
Nepal’s unique geography with mountainous topography in the mountain region and the plains of terai makes many communities' livelihoods acutely vulnerable. The livelihoods of 75% of Nepal are based on agriculture and forestry, and 65% of agriculture is rain-fed19. Irregular rainfall is the main cause of droughts in the southern plains. These issues cause parched wheat and vegetables as well as irrigation problems.20
Considerations of local vulnerability because of climate impacts directly affected the livelihoods of citizens. The NAP’s three most urgently priority sectors are identified as agriculture and food security, forest biodiversity, watershed conservation and disaster risk reduction and management. The plans have covered everything from conservation of wildlife and natural resources to the considerations given to the locals' vulnerabilities through socially inclusive programs. It specifically promotes the energy mix systems for industrial sustainability and climate resilient livelihoods, addressing the drying up of water resources. It is planned through the reuse and recycling of non-functional solar irrigation pumps (SIPS)21 and explores the potential of grid connected large scale solar irrigation. Through the SIP system, Nepalese women in agriculture are able to irrigate their fields in case of any climate impacts such as landslides.22
Climate change impacts different groups differently. Establishing gender equality, social inclusion, livelihood and governance (GESILG), NAP takes a dual approach of GESI considerations in the programs targeting excluded groups.23 Marginalized groups such as Majhi, Raute, Chepang, Satar suffer the most with climate disasters.24 These climate disasters such as floods, landslides and forest fires cause various diseases like malaria, diarrhea and even heat stress25 among vulnerable groups.
Women are also particularly vulnerable to climate change because of the limited access to credit, markets and capacity diversification of livelihood. Women are also disproportionately affected by climate impacts because of inequalities in the distribution of rights, assets, resources and power, a statement made by Chanda Gurung Goodrich a climate and gender expert at the ICIMOD26 which shows an honest window to the status of Nepalese women in the society. They are specifically primary users of forests in Nepal, playing a major role in collection of various forest products. (IUCN 2020).27
Combating these impacts, NAP plans to provide gender responsive climate change adaptation actions integrated into adaptation plans at 753 local levels.28 NAP strategies in conducting gap assessments and situational analyses at provincial and local levels on GESI29 and climate adaptation technology and strengthening their capacity to use technologies for production commercialization.30
Forest protection and biodiversity conservation are priorities of NAP. The forest area has been increased from 39.6% to 44.74% in Nepal from 1987/88 to 2019/20. This is the primary result of active migration from rural to urban areas, community forests protections and forests conservations programmes.31 Following the steps, NAP also has strategies for saving the forest and biodiversity of the nation. It strategies to revise and formulate a forest fire management action plan for federal and provincial levels 32 specifically in the forest fire lines in Terai, Chure foothills and mid-hills.33 These strategic plans from NAP uplift the ecological sustainability in Nepal while protecting the cultural aspect.
Barriers and Challenges
Nepal's NAP does show a hopeful turning point in climate action, Nepal being a developing country still has several constraints slowing the NAP progress. The adaptation strategy under UNFCCC, has a budget allocation of USD 47.4 billion where Nepal contributes 1.5 USD billion and the remaining USD 45.9 would be collected from external sources. The Nepal government requires at least USD 2.1 billion per year to implement the priority actions. Acquiring aid from any external international institutions has always been a hurdle.
A primary issue is lack of technical capacity within local institutions including government stakeholders in implementing climate projects. Recently, despite securing USD 60 million in GCF funding for climate resilience projects, much of it has been delayed due to poor coordination between government agencies.34 The mismatch between the priorities of external donors and the government results in the failure of programs.
Theoretically, the National Adaptation Plan shows a boost for a national climate action toward a climate resilient development. If each strategy is done so rightfully with no implantation gaps and proper coordination between institutions of government there would be a substantive positive change in climate. To tackle hurdles, NAP strictly should focus on building the technical and managerial capacity of governmental institutions responsible for climate financing. Mobilizing domestic resources, monitoring systems and integrating NAP climate goals into National planning would increase Nepal’s resilience and capacity. The continued commitment to NAP can transform a nation's vulnerabilities into capacity providing a pathway for ecologically sustainable development.
Conclusion
Nepal's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is a comprehensive framework designed to build climate resilience and reduce vulnerability through strategic, multi-level actions. Despite challenges such as funding and technical capacity, its successful implementation with proper coordination among government institutions is vital for achieving substantive positive change and fostering ecologically sustainable development.
References
[1]
Nepal Represents The Voices Of Countries Impacted From Climate Change, Minister Shahi NEW SPOTLIGHT NEPAL, 7 March 2025
[9]
Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), Climate Change Scenarios for Nepal for National Adaptation Plan (NAP) (2019).
[10]
Nepal Represents The Voices Of Countries Impacted From Climate Change, Minister Shahi NEW SPOTLIGHT NEPAL, 7 March 2025
[11]
Bijaya Sharma, Framework Adaptation for Assessing the Climate Resilience of Health Systems in Nepal [poster], Presented at the 11th Nat’l Summit of Health & Population Scientists, HERD Int’l (Apr. 2025),
[20]
Tanka Dahal, Nepal Farmers Face Another Year of Agricultural Drought, Threatening Food Security, GLOBAL ISSUES : SOCIAL, POLITICS, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES THAT AFFECT US ALL, 13 February 13, 2024
[22]
Aashika Adhikari,Women in Nepalese farming community take lead to tackle disaster-induced challenges, INTERNATIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE, March 10, 2025.
[23]
Government of Nepal, Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Operational Guidelines, (2013)
[24]
Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), Vulnerability and Risk Assessment and Identifying Adaptation Options: Summary for PolicyMakers 61 (2021).
[27]
International Union for Conservation of Nature, Gender Assessment: FP131 Improving Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Communities and Ecosystems in the Gandaki River Basin, Nepal (GCF Documentation 2020).
[31]
NPC. (2020b). Nepal: National Review of Sustainable Development Goals. Kathmandu: National Planning Commission
About the Authors
Aarshee Niraula
Undergraduate Law student at National Law College. Co-founder of Safe Healing Nepal (SHN), ensuring healthcare equity for all. She also advances justice through involvement in NGOs, by engaging in initiatives that create tangible social impact.
View all posts by Aarshee Niraula