Submit your Article

The degradation of public commons—ponds, forests, and water sources—has left many communities vulnerable to climate change. The focus must shift to solutions, reforms, and community-driven initiatives that can rebuild resilience and ensure equitable access to resources.

Juddha Bahadur Gurung, member at National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission (NNRFC), quips, “Public commons are for all, but not cared for by all.” Solid waste is directly dumped into rivers and ponds, while polluted air from industries is released into the atmosphere. “Such actions significantly degrade public commons, yet no one seems concerned about their care,” says Gurung.

Public commons, which are also natural resource ecosystems, provide four essential services: provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. However, many people have yet to fully realize the value of these services. 

Nepal’s existing environmental and climate policies acknowledge the importance of public commons but fail to effectively integrate them into climate adaptation strategies. The Local Government Operation Act 2017 assigns responsibility for resource management to municipalities, but its implementation remains weak due to insufficient technical expertise and funding constraints. Similarly, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2021 recognizes climate risks but lacks concrete provisions for restoring commons as a resilience strategy.

To address this issue, experts ApEx talked to recommend several key measures. First, they propose establishing a dedicated restoration program to regenerate ponds, communal water bodies, and degraded forests. They also emphasize the need for climate-responsive urban planning to ensure that infrastructure projects do not encroach upon natural water systems and commons, preventing further degradation. Strengthening legal protections for commons is crucial to preventing the privatization of public resources and ensuring their equitable governance.

Despite policy gaps, several grassroots initiatives offer replicable models for sustainable resource management. In many local areas, communities have successfully revived traditional water harvesting systems, such as ‘dhunge dharas’ (stone spouts), reducing reliance on the often unreliable municipal water supply. The community forest program has also proven to be an effective climate buffer, empowering local groups to manage forest resources, prevent degradation, and support livelihoods. Expanding this model to include wetlands and water sources could further strengthen local adaptation efforts. Additionally, in the Tarai region, farmer cooperatives are reviving small-scale irrigation ponds, demonstrating how decentralized initiatives can mitigate water scarcity and enhance agricultural productivity.

Integrating technology can significantly enhance public commons management by enabling data-driven decision-making and efficient resource allocation. Satellite monitoring and GIS mapping can help identify lost or degraded commons, allowing for targeted restoration efforts. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered climate forecasting can provide early warnings to communities that rely on commons for agriculture and livelihoods, helping them prepare for climate-induced disruptions. As AI continues to develop rapidly, there should be discussions on how it can assist with public commons management. If other countries have successfully applied AI, we should learn from their experiences. Additionally, promoting water conservation infrastructure, such as decentralized rainwater harvesting, recharge wells, and nature-based solutions, can ensure sustainable water management and resilience against water scarcity.

Avishek Shrestha, Program Director at Digo Bikas Institute, says, “Public commons have always been shared resources for communities. In Kathmandu, Durbar Squares serve as public commons, providing spaces for gatherings in what was once an isolated city. However, their importance is increasingly undermined.” 

For lasting impact, local communities must play an active role in decision-making regarding public commons management. Participatory budgeting allows municipal funds to be allocated for commons restoration based on community needs, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed. Citizen monitoring committees can help maintain accountability in resource governance, preventing the misuse of funds and ensuring transparent management. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial for educating communities about their rights to access and restore commons, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.

Public commons are not just environmental assets; they are lifelines for marginalized communities facing the harshest climate impacts. Strengthening policies, fostering community-led initiatives, and leveraging technology are crucial steps toward climate resilience. Without urgent action, the erosion of commons will continue to deepen social and economic disparities, leaving vulnerable populations increasingly exposed to climate crises.

The path forward requires a collective effort—policymakers must prioritize public commons restoration, local governments must implement inclusive strategies, and communities must actively engage in safeguarding their shared resources. Only through such an integrated approach can Nepal build a climate-resilient future for all.

Indira Kumari Shreesh, Chairperson, Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG) says: “Through my observations and research, I have found that, under the guise of various developments, our public commons—vital for climate resilience—are being destroyed, and all levels of government are equally complicit in this.” 

We have traveled across the nation, visiting rural areas and meeting indigenous communities to raise awareness about this destruction, she says,  however, we are not against development; rather, we advocate for sustainable development. “It should not only preserve the fabric of human communities but also protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.”

Climate change is causing big problems for Nepal’s farming, putting food security, jobs, and the economy at risk. Scientists say Nepal is the fourth most vulnerable country in the world when it comes to climate impacts, and it also ranks high on the Global Hunger Index. The effects of climate change are already being felt in farming, forestry, and fishing. 

Experts warn that many districts in Nepal could face food shortages in the future. To tackle this, they recommend ‘Climate Smart Agriculture.’ But while new technologies are important, we shouldn’t forget the wisdom of our ancestors. Traditional food preservation methods, like fermentation, could be a powerful tool to fight food insecurity caused by climate change.

Fermentation is one of the oldest ways to preserve food. In Nepal, a country with diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines, fermentation has been a key part of life for centuries. From the high Himalayas to the Terai plains, every community has its own unique fermented foods. These foods are not just about survival—they are also about culture, nutrition, and flavor.

Fermentation is a natural process that uses bacteria or yeast to preserve food. It makes food last longer and adds new flavors and textures. Fermented foods are also rich in probiotics, which are good for gut health. In Nepal, with its 128 ethnic groups, fermented foods are a treasure trove of tradition and nutrition. Let’s take a closer look at some of these foods and how they can help us adapt to climate change.

Kinema (fermented soybean)

Kinema is a protein-rich food made from fermented soybeans. To make kinema, cooked soybeans are wrapped in banana leaves and left to ferment for a few days. The result is a sticky, strong-smelling food with a rich umami flavor. It’s used in stews, stir-fries, or eaten as a side dish.

Chhurpi (fermented cheese)

Chhurpi is a type of cheese made from yak or cow milk. It comes in two forms: soft and hard. The hard version can last for years, making it a great food for harsh climates. Soft chhurpi is used in soups and stews, while the hard version is chewed as a snack. 

Serkam (fermented butter) 

Serkam is fermented butter used in Tibetan and Sherpa diets. It’s a key ingredient in butter tea and traditional stews. The fermentation process gives it a rich, unique flavor.

Gundruk (fermented leafy greens)

Gundruk is one of Nepal’s most famous fermented foods. It’s made from mustard, radish, or cauliflower leaves. The leaves are wilted, packed tightly, and left to ferment before being sun-dried. Gundruk is used in soups, curries, and as a pickle.

Sinki (fermented radish taproot)

Sinki is similar to gundruk but made from radish taproots. The radish is packed into bamboo containers and left to ferment for weeks. The result is a tangy, pungent food that can be stored for years.

Purano mula (fermented radish)

Up to 40 years ago, fermented radishes were a common sight in Kathmandu’s Asan Bazar. These radishes were used in pickles, stews, and other dishes, adding a unique flavor.

Tama (bamboo shoot) 

Tama is fermented bamboo shoots, a popular ingredient in Nepali cuisine. It’s used in curries, pickles, and chutneys, giving dishes a tangy flavor.

Akbare chili and salt (naturally fermented chili)

This simple yet powerful fermentation process involves preserving bird’s eye chili in salt. The result is a fiery condiment full of flavor.

Khalpi (fermented cucumber pickle)

Khalpi is a pickle made from overripe cucumbers. It’s fermented with salt, mustard seeds, and spices, creating a cooling and digestive-friendly condiment.

Dahi (yogurt) & lassi

Fermented milk products like yogurt and lassi are popular in Nepal. They are known for their probiotic benefits and are often set in clay pots to enhance flavor.

Masyaura, biriya, and tilkor tarua

These are protein-rich fermented foods made from lentils or black gram. They are used in curries and stews, providing essential nutrients.

Fermented mustard pickles

Mustard seeds are a key ingredient in Nepali pickles. They add a pungent flavor and have antimicrobial properties that help preserve the pickles.

Traditional alcoholic beverages

Fermentation is also used to make traditional drinks like tongba, jaad, and raksi. These beverages are part of cultural celebrations and rituals.

With climate change threatening food security, fermented foods offer a sustainable solution. They are easy to make, require no electricity, and can be stored for long periods. They are also packed with nutrients and probiotics, making them a healthy choice. As the world becomes more interested in gut health and probiotics, Nepal’s fermented foods could gain global attention. Scientists are already studying how these traditional methods can improve food security and health.

But perhaps the most important lesson is this: Adapting to climate change isn’t just about adopting new technologies. It’s also about revisiting the traditional knowledge of our communities. Fermented foods are a perfect example of how ancient wisdom can help us face modern challenges. By preserving and promoting these foods, we can ensure a more secure and sustainable future for Nepal.

The author is a London-based R&D chef

Suwapong Sirisorn, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Nepal, is a distinguished diplomat with a career in foreign affairs spanning over three decades. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (International Affairs) from Thammasat University, Thailand, and a Master of Arts in Policy Sciences from Saitama University, Japan. Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1989, he has held key diplomatic positions across Asia and Europe, including Consul-General in Frankfurt and Minister at the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin. In recognition of his exemplary service, he has been honored with prestigious national decorations, including the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx spoke with him about Nepal-Thai relations. Excerpts:

How do you see the current state of Nepal-Thailand relations?

Thailand and Nepal established diplomatic relations in 1959 or 66 years ago. The relationship between our two countries has always been excellent, based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. We also share deep Buddhist ties and Nepal as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a sacred destination for Thai pilgrims. We have close cooperation in various fields.

I would like to highlight some examples which demonstrate that our two countries have worked together to overcome difficult situations. After the earthquake in 2015, Thai people donated money and volunteered to help reconstruct houses and basic infrastructures, and delivered food and medical assistance to Nepali people. With donations from Thai people, the Royal Thai Government can conduct various projects throughout Nepal. Furthermore, during the Covid-19 outbreak, Thailand provided medical equipment and supplies to Nepal on various occasions including the Royal Assents bestowed by His Majesty the King, the Royal Thai Government, and people of Thailand’s contribution. This shows the warm and cordial ties between our two countries at all levels.

Could you please shed light on the key areas of bilateral cooperation?

We are enhancing cooperation with Nepal in various aspects including, economic, tourism, religion, culture, and education. Thailand has continuously supported human resources development and Nepal’s Sustainable Development Goals by providing scholarships for higher education, sharing knowledge, and best practices. Thailand also partners with other countries and international organizations to offer training courses relevant to the current global landscape. At the same time, our two countries have always worked closely together and supported each other in many international and regional fora including the United Nations and BIMSTEC.

In terms of cultural cooperation, the Royal Thailand Embassy has organized several activities to strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries including Thai Festival in Nepal, Thai Food Festival, and Thai Film Festival in Nepal. For economic cooperation, we also encourage businessmen and industrialists from both Nepal and Thailand to seize this transformative opportunity to enhance trade and investment by focusing on key sectors such as tourism, IT, agriculture, and clean energy.

Tell us about the Thai cooperation in Lumbini.

The Royal Thai Government constructed the Royal  Thai Monastery in Lumbini in 1995. The Thai Monastery in Lumbini, not only plays a significant role in spreading Lord Buddha’s teaching but also conducts social support for Nepali communities in Lumbini. Since 2011 the Royal Thai Monastery in Lumbini and the Royal Thai have been organizing free cataract surgical workshops called Brightness to the Nepal’s Eye Project to improve the quality of life of vulnerable and deprived people in Lumbini and nearby areas who are suffering from cataract and eye-related problems. The medical team from Thailand led by a specialist from Ramathibodi Hospital, joined hands with Tilganga Institute in eye surgery and treatments.  Moreover, the Royal Thai Monastery integrated with Thai and Nepali hospitals also organized free Knee Replacement Operation project, Urolithiasis (bladder-stone) Treatment Project, and weekly dental treatments in Lumbini.

What is the current status of Thail investment in Nepal and what are the potentials?

At present, Thai investment in Nepal remains modest, but there is considerable potential for growth. According to official records up to fiscal year 2022/23, the Government of Nepal approved 13 projects involving Thai investors, with a total value of around $7.76m. However, the actual investment realized so far is about $900,000, which accounts for only 12 percent of the approved amount. This indicates that while interest exists, many projects have yet to fully materialize.

Despite these relatively small figures, we see significant opportunities ahead. First, Nepal has a young and dynamic population—around half of its 30m citizens are under the age of 30—offering a promising labor force capable of driving economic growth. Moreover, Nepal is on track to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, a milestone that reflects its progress in economic and social development. As the country adapts to this new status, we expect an increasingly conducive environment for international trade and foreign direct investment.

Looking ahead, there are several key sectors in Nepal that hold particular interest for Thai businesses. Tourism is a natural fit given Thailand’s strong expertise in hospitality and services, and Nepal’s remarkable cultural and natural attractions. Hydropower is another promising field, given Nepal’s abundant water resources and the potential for sustainable energy development. Additionally, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture offer possibilities for collaboration, technology transfer, and investment.

We at the Royal Thai Embassy are working to raise awareness among Thai entrepreneurs about the opportunities in these sectors. Part of that effort involves providing market information, organizing business forums, and fostering connections between Thai and Nepali companies. Last year on 16th of September we organized the Focus Group Discussion on “Embrace Nepal’s Post-LDC Era for Thai Economic Opportunities” which gathered key stakeholders from Thailand and Nepal to discuss economic opportunities of Nepal which may arise from the LDC graduation. We believe that building strong partnerships on the ground is crucial. For instance, joint ventures or knowledge-sharing initiatives can help Thai investors navigate local regulations, distribution networks, and cultural nuances more effectively. At the same time, we encourage the Nepali government and private sector to continue facilitating a favorable business environment. This includes enhancing transparency, streamlining regulatory processes, and improving infrastructure—steps that will make Nepal even more attractive for Thai investors and businesspeople.

What about interaction at the top political level?

We exchanged several heads of government and high-ranking government officials’ visits including the visits of the President of Nepal and the Minister of Defense of Nepal to Thailand in 2017, the Prime Minister of Thailand visited Nepal for the BIMSTEC Summit in 2018. We are looking forward to increasing high-level visits with the Nepal side to strengthen cooperation between our two countries.

What are the future areas in which Thailand wants to engage with Nepal?

I believe that there is lots of potential to expand our cooperation and work as cooperative partners in this area of interest. I would like to highlight the area of “Tourism” since Nepal is rich in cultural heritage and has such a unique landscape and the country. We can share experiences of the development of our tourism sectors especially in hospitality training, logistic management, and safety measures for tourists. Furthermore, Thailand and Nepal can work together to promote the Buddhist circuit to draw the attention of international tourists to the historical Buddhist sites in Thailand and Nepal. The Royal Thai Embassy is willing to coordinate with the Nepali side to enhance tourism cooperation between the two countries.

In a bizarre moment on Monday, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was seen leaving the House of Commons in Ottawa carrying a chair, with his tongue sticking out. The humorous scene quickly gained traction across social media platforms, sparking widespread attention, The Economic Times reported.

On Monday, Justin Trudeau met with Liberal leader and prime minister-designate Mark Carney to start the transition of power after Carney's landslide win at the Sunday party election.

Trudeau's hilarious exit from Parliament

After the meeting Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill that the transition is expected to be "seamless" and "quick."

Meanwhile Trudeau has started the process to wind down his time in government. A Reuters photographer clicked a picture of Trudeau carrying his House of Commons chair out of Parliament Hill. The image quickly gained traction on social media, with many praising his sense of humour.

"Trudeau's reaction says it all, 'finally I have a normal life and enjoy nature'," a user commented. "This is the pic! Thank you PM Trudeau," wrote another.

"His face reminds me of the Māori people’s Haka dance," a third one quipped. "He don't care. He made his millions, and the new guy will make his," another one said.

"What was this circus all about??," another one curiously asked. "He's too funny!," another one joked.

Trudeau resigns from Liberal party

Trudeau’s resignation as leader of the Liberal Party had been announced earlier on January 6. On Monday, Mark Carney, following a decisive landslide victory, officially succeeded Trudeau as the new leader of the Liberal Party and Canada’s next prime minister.

While the viral image captured the public's eye, it marked a significant shift in Canadian politics, as Carney took the reins of the party after Trudeau's long tenure, according to The Economic Times.

Trudeau’s formal resignation marked the end of his time as both prime minister and MP, though the chair he carried was more about tradition than any protest.

Carney met Trudeau on Monday and said the formal handover of power would be quick. Trudeau is still prime minister until Carney formally takes over the role.

Meanwhile, ahead of the announcement of his successor on Monday, Trudeau highlighted the ‘achievements’ of the Liberal Party over the past decade while looking towards the future.

In his speech at the Liberal Leadership Convention, Trudeau said, “I am damn proud of what we've done over these past 10 years for the middle class and the people working hard to join it.”

As the Liberal Party enters a new era, Trudeau told the crowd that “there is a responsibility to ensure that Canada stays the best country on Earth.”