Nepal at COP29 so far

By the third day of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Nepal had engaged in a couple of events. President Ramchandra Paudel addressed the World Leaders Climate Action Summit and also addressed a high-level session organized by Kyrgyzstan on ‘Advancing Mountain Agenda’. Nepal also hosted a high-level session titled “Addressing Climate-Induced Loss and Damage in Mountainous Regions,” and unveiled two projects—Managing Watersheds for Enhanced Resilience of Communities to Climate Change in Nepal (MaWRiN) and Building National Capacities of Nepal to Meet Requirements of the Enhanced Transparency Framework of the Paris Agreement (CBIT)—funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

In his summit address, President Paudel urged that vast resources currently allocated for arms be redirected toward adaptation and mitigation to safeguard humanity and ensure a habitable planet for future generations. “Not only have pledges for climate funding been insufficient from the outset, but the funds remain largely unmet,” he noted, pointing out that complicated procedures prevent targeted communities from accessing these funds. He called for immediate implementation of the “polluter pays and compensates” principle.

President Paudel also called for the rapid operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund to assist vulnerable developing countries. He argued that climate finance should account for contributions from nations like Nepal, which preserve biodiversity, protect the Himalayan cryosphere and supply freshwater. Such countries, he asserted, should be adequately compensated for climate-related loss and damage.

Highlighting Nepal’s dedication to sustainable resource use, he pointed to increased forest cover and expanded clean energy production, which aligns with Nepal’s ambitious emission reduction goals under its second NDC, benefiting global environmental efforts. However, he cautioned, “The challenges of global warming and climate change far exceed our capacity and resources.” He also emphasized the need for technology transfer and adequate capacity-building grants under the Paris Agreement, insisting that climate finance be provided as grants, channeled through national treasuries for effectiveness.

President Paudel expressed hope that COP29 would make concrete progress on setting a clear NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal) aligned with climate justice, equity and capacity to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and advance sustainable development in least-developed and Himalayan nations.

In a session organized by Kyrgyzstan, Nepal pointed out that “due to the effects of climate change, young people from mountainous regions are forced to migrate, leaving the poor, women, children and the elderly to suffer the most.” President Paudel emphasized the need for integrated programs that simultaneously address poverty and climate change.

With climate indicators breaking records each year, people in mountain regions are facing increasingly harsh conditions. He cited the displacement of over 35 families from Thame village in Solukhumbu, Nepal, following a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) last August, as well as the tragic loss of over 500 lives due to floods and landslides during the monsoon season. “The suffering and trauma from these disasters are long-lasting. Thorough assessment and increased preparedness are crucial to reducing future loss and damage,” he added.

Additionally, the launch of the MaWRiN and CBIT projects underscores Nepal’s commitment to enhancing community climate resilience and strengthening national reporting capabilities under the Paris Agreement. This event, organized in collaboration with Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and GEF, gathered stakeholders from Nepal’s Ministry of Finance, MoFE’s Climate Change Management Division, and global climate organizations.

The MaWRiN project, funded with $9m, aims to build climate resilience for Indigenous people and local communities in the Marin watershed. Through nature-based solutions and diversified livelihood support, MaWRiN is designed to empower vulnerable communities to adapt to climate impacts.

The CBIT project, funded at $1.65m, focuses on building Nepal’s institutional capacity to meet the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) requirements of the Paris Agreement. By tracking progress on Nepal’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), CBIT will bolster Nepal’s climate reporting and accountability, targeting the submission of Nepal’s first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR).

Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, head of MoFE’s Climate Change Management Division, remarked on the importance of these projects for Nepal’s international climate commitments. “With MaWRiN and CBIT, Nepal is advancing its climate resilience and transparency, empowering communities while aligning national goals with global standards,” he said.

Esteban Bermudez, representing GEF, emphasized the projects’ importance in ensuring Nepal’s timely compliance with the Paris Agreement. Although he acknowledged some procedural delays, he praised Nepal’s ministries for their commitment and affirmed GEF’s continued support for Nepal’s climate objectives.

Dhaniram Sharma, joint-secretary of the Ministry of Finance, underscored the CBIT project’s critical role in enhancing transparency and accountability in Nepal’s climate action, highlighting MaWRiN’s focus on watershed management and community-centered sustainability. “While Nepal has received some climate financing, the escalating impact of climate change requires stronger financial backing,” Sharma stated.

Deepak Kumar Kharal, secretary of MoFE, closed the event by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to supporting WWF Nepal in implementing these projects. He expressed optimism for increased international funding to scale climate resilience and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change in Nepal. “These projects are not just a response to present challenges but a step toward a sustainable, resilient future,” Kharal concluded.