Jajarkot, Nepal - A collaborative effort by the Government of Japan and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is making significant strides to combat climate change and bolster disaster resilience in Jajarkot, one of Nepal’s most vulnerable regions. The initiative has recently gained momentum with the organization of the national workshop, ‘Enhancing Human Security through Local Climate Actions’, which took place in Surkhet.
Hosted by the Office of Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) of Karnali Province, the workshop attracted key stakeholders from various levels of government, including provincial representatives and local government officials. The headline of the gathering focused on engendering partnerships aimed at enhancing human security, adaptive agriculture, and disaster risk reduction strategies.
According to the Embassy of Japan's press release, the network event saw participation from development partners and municipal representatives who shared insights on local climate action. Takahiro Tamura, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, expressed gratitude for the successful collaboration and emphasized the positive impact UNDP's project interventions have had on the communities, particularly highlighting the assistance provided during the Jajarkot earthquake of November 2023.
“The capacity building through this project was very helpful during the response to the Jajarkot earthquake,” Tamura stated. “It has highlighted the significance of investing to build resilience among local communities, ensuring they can respond effectively to environmental hazards.”
Kyoko Yokosuka, the Resident Representative of UNDP, elaborated on the purpose of the collaborative projects. “Given the high vulnerability of Karnali Province, our goal is to support local and provincial governments to implement initiatives focused on governance and post-earthquake recovery,” she commented. Her remarks stressed the ‘Leave No One Behind’ principle guiding their climate action approach.
Jajarkot is particularly noteworthy due to its Human Development Index (HDI) of just 0.393, significantly below Nepal’s national average. This region, grappling with the compounded impacts of poverty, disasters, and the climate crisis, stands to benefit from the joint effort aimed at improving local resilience.
During the workshop, the launch of the photo book titled Building Resilience for Strengthening Human Security served to exhibit the fruits of cooperation between the UNDP and the Government of Japan. The book chronicles the meaningful interventions under the auspices of this initiative.
The Enhancing Human Security through Local Climate Action (EHSLCA) project is set to run until December 2024 and focuses on providing comprehensive support across several areas. The project involves adaptive agriculture, risk reduction infrastructure, early warning systems, and capacity-building initiatives to allow communities to adapt and thrive amid changing climatic conditions.
Recently, over 40 community members were trained for search and rescue operations, proving instrumental during the earthquake response last November. The trained volunteers even helped provide immediate assistance to those affected, emphasizing the importance of such programs amid the challenges presented by recent natural disasters. ”
The project also offers energy solutions aimed at aiding recovery within Jajarkot and the neighboring West Rukum Districts. This multifaceted approach aligns with Japan and UNDP’s commitment to fulfilling the Climate Promise and addressing the goals established by the Paris Agreement.
Secretary of OCMCM, Ananda Saru, emphasized the necessity of adopting comprehensive strategies to adapt to climate change and to boost local economic potential. During his remarks, he pointed out how these ambitious projects direct attention to building the capacity of communities to cope with environmental changes, thereby unlocking new avenues for economic growth.
Among the attendees, there was clear recognition of how local climate action could make or break community resilience. The workshop concluded with aspirations for enhanced cooperation and commitment among stakeholders to sustain these projects and address the vulnerabilities faced by the region.
This initiative not only strengthens community resilience but also helps pave the path toward meeting Nepal's climate and development commitments. By leveraging local efforts and international support, Jajarkot aims to stand as a beacon of hope for adaptation efforts throughout the country.