EBA Project Completion Report 2016

Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report

2016 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

b Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report

2016 Prepared and Published by Ecosystem based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal (EbA) Project

Citation: Government of Nepal / Department of Forests/ United Nations Development Programme (2016). Project Completion Report of Ecosystem based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project. Project Completion Report. May 2016.

Published by: United Nations Development Programme and Department of Forests. Design and Printed by: Print Communication Pvt. Ltd. Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Panchase Region: Project Site

Table 1: VDCs of Panchase Region

Districts PPF Village Development Committee (VDC) Outside PPFA Village Development Committee

Chapakot Pumdi Bhumdi

Bhadaure Tamagi Salyan Kaski Kaskikot Dhikur Pokhari Sarangkot

Chitre Tilahar

Parbat Ramja Duerali Pakuwa

Arthar Khaula Lakuri

Bangsing Deurali

Syangja Bange Fadke Bhatkhola

Arukharka

Note: PPF – Panchase Protection Forest

iii Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY

With the view to mitigate the threats raised by the climate change and to build resilient ecosystems to reduce the impacts induced by the climate change, the Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) project in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal or EbA Project was piloted in the Nepal, Uganda and Peru. In Nepal, the Department of Forests (DOF) was the implementing agency at the national level in partnership with UNDP, IUCN and UNEP while the Ministry of Population and Environment (MoPE) played an overall coordination role.

Panchase was primarily selected to pilot EbA due to its vulnerability and susceptibility to the impacts of climate change. The changing climate has resulted in accelerated landslides and flashfloods affecting lives/ livelihoods and ecosystems both in up and down streams of Panchase. The EbA Project site covers 278.7 sq. km area and extends over 17 VDCs of Kaski, Parbat and Syangja districts. The Panchase Protection Forest Area (PPFA) covers 57.76 sq. km of the total EbA Project area and is regulated under the Forest Act 1993 since 2011.

The Panchase forest has been recognized as ecosystems lifeline of the people living in upper and lower streams of the Phewa watersheds. The Harpan River that originates in Panchase is the main source of Phewa Lake, therefore the connection of upper and lower streams are directly proportionate to each other. In the context of Nepal where communities are significantly reliant on ecosystem services for their livelihoods, EbA facilitates to conserve the ecosystem and help develop capacity amongst the people for the sustainable use of the ecosystem.

We ardently propose that the learning and experiences accumulated throughout the project as compiled and recorded in the present Project Completion Report be mainstreamed and implemented in similar projects by the Ministry through its various channels, sectors and departments nationwide. We would also like to congratulate the EbA Project team for successfully accomplishing the project and providing the basic learnings of and for implementing ecosystem based adaptation in mountain areas which are more vulnerable to climate induced impacts.

Uday Chandra Thakur Secretary

iv Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY

Climate change is a global concern and without national and international partnerships, the impacts of climate change cannot be tackled. The Ministry of Population and Environment (MoPE) has recognized that it is necessary to have such partnership arrangements to deal with the challenges posed by climate change through collective efforts.

Back in 2012, Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) in Mountain Ecosystem in Nepal, a pilot project in Panchase area in Western Nepal was launched in which the Ministry played an overall coordination role with partner organizations UNDP, IUCN and UNEP. The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) / Department of Forests (DOF) was the implementing agency at the national level.

The completion report is a comprehensive encapsulation offering significant information about EbA’s methodology, annual outcomes and their subsequent outputs, as well as beneficiaries’ data. I am hopeful that the report will be useful in better comprehending the challenges that the changing climate scenario poses and also at the same time will suggest various ways to adapt to and mitigate such situations.

MoPE intends to implement the project’s learnings and knowledge in the Ministry’s various other EbA programmes in coming days. And we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulation to the entire team of the EbA project for successfully designing and executing the project in Panchase area. We are hopeful that the project piloted in the region will be referred to as a benchmark of the EbA whilst implementing it in other parts of the country.

Bishwa Nath Oli, Ph.D Secretary

v Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

United Nations Development Programme

FOREWORD

Nepal being most vulnerable to climate change impacts is under extreme pressure to identify its current and future vulnerabilities and the ways to address them. Particularly the supply of essential ecosystem services that are critical to sustain human lives and livelihoods, has been largely constrained by the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.

UNDP has been working very closely with the Government of Nepal to introduce a new approach of adaption to climate change known as ecosystem based adaptation that enhances ecosystem’s capacities to withstand climate impacts.

The approach in Nepal was piloted in one of most climate vulnerable sites, the Panchase Watersheds, under the Ecosystem based Adaption in Mountain Ecosystems Project, commonly known as EbA project. The EbA project was implemented by the Department of Forests under the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) in partnership with UNDP, IUCN and UNEP. The local communities and district authorities from three Panchase districts namely Kaski, Parbat and Syanja; the Panchase Protection Forest Management Council; and the local institutions such as Machhapuchhre Development Organization and Aapasi Sahyayog Kendra (ASK) Nepal successfully participated in piloting of this approach. The approach included building collective understanding about the vulnerability of Panchase area, choice of priority adaption options, and economic feasibility and sustainability of adopting those options in the long run compared to other non-EbA options.

The Project Completion Report records the methodological approaches used in piloting of EbA model in Nepal, showcases the findings and results of validation, and highlights the lessons learned in the process.

I’m hopeful that the report will be useful for anyone interested in EbA approaches and the ways they can be implemented on the ground.

Vijaya P. Singh

Assistant Country Director UNDP Nepal

UN House, Pulchowk, l G.P.O. Box: 107, Kathmandu, Nepal l Tel: (977-1) 5523200 Fax: (977-1) 5523991, 5523986 E-mail: [email protected] l http://www.undp.org.np

vi Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

FOREWORD

When we think of climate change, we think of the impacts that it might cause to the planet and its inhabitants. Adapting to the changing climate is the key for the better survival in the future. With that in mind, in 2012, Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) in Mountain Ecosystem, a part of the Global Mountain EbA project was piloted in Nepal, Peru and Uganda to enhance the adaptive capacities of local communities through livelihood option who are living in the most vulnerable areas of these countries. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) through its International Climate Initiative. In Nepal, the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation/Department of For- ests is the implementing agency at the national level in partnership with the United Nations Environmental Programme, International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the United Nations Development Programme while the Ministry of Population and Environment plays an overall coordination role.

The EbA Project was implemented in the 17 Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Kaski, Syangj and Parbat district including the 9 VDCs of Panchase Protection Forest (PPF). The PPF area is regulated under the Forest Act 2011 and is one of the many protection forests that have been established aimed at safeguarding biodiversity, biological corridors, ecosystems services and cultural importance. The Panchase area serves as a life-line and the impending threats of climate change will enhance vulnerabilities of ecosystems and communities with implication on water availability, agriculture and climate induced disasters.

During my tenure as the National Project Director, we were able to successfully achieve some of the key outputs outlined by the Project. The Project developed a tool with simplified methodology on vulnerability impact assessment of a sub-watershed, policy arguments for incorporation of ecosystem based approaches through evidence-based outcomes and efforts for internalization of successes and knowledge into the management plan of the Panchase Protection Forest. However, this outcome was only possible by the overwhelming support the Project has received from the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Western Regional Forest Directorate, implementing partners including UNEP, IUCN and UNDP, the district line agencies, Councils of Panchase and local user groups. The supervision and guidance by the members of the Project Executive Board at the central level and the Field Plan Coordination Committee (FPCC) at the field-level have been pivotal towards this successful outcome.

Lastly, I strongly believe that this Project Completion Report has documented knowledge and learnings accumulated throughout the project period in Panchase. We are hopeful that the knowledge generated will be reciprocated positively for future research purposes and replicated in other vulnerable areas.

Gauri Shankar Timala Deputy Director General vii Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Acronyms

BMUB German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety CCWG Climate Change Workshop Group (CCWG) DDC District Development Committee DLA District Line Agency DMEGA District Micro-entrepreneurs Group Association DNPWC Department of National Park & Wildlife Conservation EbA Ecosystem based Adaptation GLA Government Line Agencies FECOFUN Federation of Community Forestry Users, Nepal FPCC Field Level Project Coordination Committee Ha Hectare MCCICC Multi-stakeholder Climate Change Initiatives Coordination Committee MOPE Ministry of Population and Environment MoFSC Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation MoSTE Ministry of Science, Technology & Environment NAPA National Adaptation Programme of Action NTFP Non Timber Forest Products PMER Panchase Mountain Ecological Region PMSC Panchase Mahila Sanjaal-Chitre PPF Panchase Protection Forest PPFA Panchase Protection Forest Area PPFP Panchase Protection Forest Program TU-CDES Tribhuvan University - Central Department of Environmental Science UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNEP-WCMC United Nations Environment Programme – World Conservation Monitoring Center VDC Village Development Committee WRFD Western Regional Forest Directorate

viii Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION TO ECOSYSTEM BASED ADAPTATION 1 Background 1 Project Area 1 Project Working Strategy 2 Project Implementation Modality: Program & Fund Flow 2

MAJOR MILESTONES 4 OUTCOME 1: Development of Methodologies and Tools for EbA Decision-making in Mountain Ecosystems 4 OUTCOME 2: Application of EbA Methodologies and Tools at the Ecosystem Level 6 OUTCOME 3: Implementation of EbA Pilots at Ecosystem Level 7 Theme 1: Watershed Restoration 9 Theme 2: Water Conservation 9 Theme 3: Land Rehabilitation 10 THEME 4: Livelihood Diversification 10 OUTCOME 4: Development of Business Case for EbA at the National Level 12

CROSS CUTTING ISSUES 18 Targeting and voice/Participation of Target Groups 18 Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Social Inclusion 18 Youth Engagement 19 South South Cooperation 20 Lesson Learned 20 Conclusion 21

Annex 1: Project Management Structure 22 Annex 2: Project Support Structures 23 Annex 3: Financials 24 Annex 4: List of EbA Project Staffs 24 Annex 5: Glimpses of EbA 25

ix Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

x Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Introduction to Ecosystem Based Adaptation

Background Fig. 1: Project Area with the Panchase Protection By adhering to the approaches based on adaptation Forest Area to the ecosystem, the Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) Project was piloted in Nepal, Peru and Ugan- da, aimed to strengthen the capacity of these countries, which are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The project targeted to build up the resiliency of ecosystems within these countries and reduce the vulnerability of local communities with particular emphasis on mountain ecosystems.

The project was funded by the German Federal Min- istry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) - through its International Climate Initiative - and jointly implemented by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United Nations Environmental Pro- gramme (UNEP) and the United Nations Develop- ment Programme (UNDP). In Nepal, the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) / Department • The EbA Project was implemented in the 9 core of Forests (DOF) was the implementing agency at VDCs of the Panchase Protected Forest and the national level in partnership with UNDP, IUCN 8 adjoining VDCs of Kaski, Parbat and Syang- and UNEP while Ministry of Population and Environ- ja District. According to census data 2011, ment (MoPE) played an overall coordination role. the population of the Panchase area covering 17 VDCs was 62,001 (Male: 27,406), Female: 34,595) and 15 ethnic groups of which Brah- Project Area min (39.4%) followed by Dalits (23%), Gurungs • The Panchase area is situated in the center of (17.3%), Chhettri (13.1%) and others (7.3%). the Gandaki River Basin and supports three The average household size in the Project area major watersheds, i.e Modi Khola Watershed, was 3.9 persons per household which was low- Upper Seti Watershed, and Lower Mid-Kali er than the national average while the average Gandaki Watershed. The Panchase area is also household size for Kaski, Parbat and Syangja the catchment for the Phewa Lake and the Har- district is 3.92%, 4.1% and 4.2% respectively. pan River, the main feeder river to Phewa Lake • Panchase ecosystem was broadly classified originates in Panchase. into forest, agriculture, grassland, river, lake/ • The elevation of Panchase Area varies from 500 pond, and wetland ecosystems, with the forest to 2517 meters above the mean sea level and ecosystem dominantly covering 61 percent fol- is composed of hills and valleys of different ele- lowed by agriculture at 34 percent and grass- vation with considerable area having extremely land at merely 3 percent. steep slopes to very steep slopes.

1 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

• A total of 589 species of flora had been record- • Formation of EbA coordination committee under ed so far for Panchase area, with 113 species Multi-stakeholder Climate Change Initiatives Co- of orchids including 2 endemic to the region i.e. ordination Committee (MCCICC) by Ministry of Eria Pokharensia and Panisea Panchasenensis. Population and Environment (MOPE)1 Likewise, 15 mammal species, and 14 avian • Building on ‘Action-research’ on new innovative species had also been recorded in Panchase. technique and tools for Ecosystem based Ad- • The Panchase Protection Forest covering aptation to drive local level implementation and 5775.73 ha is classified as ‘Core’ and ‘Fringe’ catalyze large-scale replication at national level while the forest area near vicinity of the set- • Adopt multi-disciplinary, cross-sectoral and tlements were designated as ‘intensive use collaborative approach for the EbA piloting in zone or impact area’. 79% of PPF area which specific sites is managed by community as community for- • Coordinate and collaborate with relevant na- ests (144) that benefited 13,713 households. tional, international, and local organizations im- The remaining 21% forest area is managed as plementing adaptation projects the government forest. • Gender-sensitive and social inclusion approach to • Outside the PPF area of Panchase, one third improve resilience vulnerable communities of the Panchase area is managed by the local people as community forests (209) benefitting • Document lesson learned for piloting EbA and more than 20,503 households. disseminate its contribution to reduce climate • Crop production, livestock farming and trans- risk in Asian context humance and forestry were main sources of • Contribute in implementation of NAPA’s relat- livelihood of the communities. Around 80% of ed with ecosystem management and enhance- the total households of the region were em- ment of national climate change policies and ployed as teachers, professors, civil servants framework and wage labor in Arab countries. But, all set- tlements of Panchase have very high out-mi- Project Implementation Modality: gration related to foreign employment as labor Program & Fund Flow or employed in foreign armies resulting in local • National Level: A Project Executive Board (PEB) human labor shortages. • The project site was selected due to its vulnerability was formed and chaired by the Deputy Director to climate change impacts, with negative impacts General/Chief of Planning Division of Department on water resources, biodiversity, agriculture, and of Forests and the National Project Director of communities that were dependent on agriculture EbA project to facilitate coordination amongst and natural resources. In addition, the villages also donors and line ministries along with approval of faced climate risks from climate induced hazards annual work plans and budget. such as landslide, flash floods and soil erosion • Sub-National/Regional: The Field Level Proj- which were common during the monsoon season. ect Coordination Committee (FPCC) chaired by the Regional Forest Director of the Western Project Working Strategy Region and was pivotal in overall supervision The EbA Project’s key design principles and stra- and monitoring of piloting EbA interventions in tegic consideration included: Panchase. The 25 member committee included • Contribute in addressing NAPA priorities and Regional Directors of Livestock Services and ownership of the lessons learned from its im- Agriculture Development Directorates, Officers plementation of DLAs representing forest, soil conserva-

1 formerly MoSTE OR Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment

2 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

tion, agriculture and livestock, Chairpersons of • Field/Local: The district line agencies, PPFP Councils of Panchase, Planning Officers from and the Main Council and the District Chapters DDCs, Manager of PPFP and representatives of the Panchase Protection Forest (PPF) were of FECOFUN District Chapters and non-gov- the enabling agencies that created conducive ernment organizations. The Field Officer of the environment for planning, and piloting of EbA EbA Project was designated as the Member options and future ownership of interventions Secretary of the committee (Annex 2.1). carried out in the community.

Fig. 2: Project Implementation Modality

Project Executive Board (PEB) Center Chaired by DDG of DoF & National Project Director, EbA Project

Field level Project Coordination Committee (FPCC) Regional Chaired by Regional Director of Western Regional Forest IUCN Directorate (25 members)

Panchase Protection Forest DFO/ DSCO/ DADO/DLSO/ ASK Nepal Program & PPF-Main Council PPFP (Syangja) Field MDO District Council Chapters Existing Community Units (Kaski & Parbat) (Kaski, Syangja, Parbat)

3 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Major Milestones

The major milestones of the pilot project are out- GoN/UNDP conducted a baseline study to pro- lined by the four project core ‘Components’ as vide representative qualitative information on so- structured in the Global Project document. Each cio-economy, ecosystem, ecosystem services, of the project Component is equated to ‘Out- climate change and climate change adaptation comes’ for the project at national level. in all 17 VDCs of Panchase, the project area.2 Similarly, a report ‘Preliminary Identification of OUTCOME 1: development of Essential and Desirable Ecosystem Services methodologies and tools for EbA in the Panchase Area of Nepal’3 was also pre- decision-making in mountain pared and produced to identify key ecosystems, ecosystems services and use of Panchase. Led by UNEP with support from UNEP-WCMC, the outcome is aimed at building national and lo- b) Handbook of EbA Measures (EbA Menu of Services) cal institutional knowledge and capacity to adapt to climate change, using Ecosystem based Adap- UNEP prepared ‘A Review and Compilation of 4 tation approaches, based on the global products, Good Practices,’ a handbook on EbA Measures produced by the global EbA partnership. based on field and desk reviews and compilation of good practices of EbA for mountain ecosystem and shared among key stakeholders in Nepal for OUTPUT 1: EbA Assessment Methodology and Tools, Options and Indicators for Monitoring finalization of potential EbA options available for Available to Decision Makers in Nepal. Nepal. Country specific guidance materials were generated through learning by doing at different levels c) Methodologies and Tools for EbA design and to build solid institutional foundation and promote implementation EbA in Nepal. Four key products were material- A comprehensive Vulnerability Impact Assess- ized under this output; ment (VIA) study was prepared for the Panchase a) Ecosystem based Adaptation and Ecosystem Mountain Ecological Region (PMER) that outlined Resilience Guidance the vulnerability of ecosystems and communities of the 17 VDCs of project site prepared by Review and synthesis of existing knowledge on UNEP. For the purpose of analysis, 32 indicators resilience by UNEP-WCMC was used as a basis were used i.e. 16 indicators on physical systems by the Nepal national project team to deliver bet- including demography, 8 ecosystem/ecological ter understanding of various factors affecting re- and 8 based on disaster/hazards to analyze the silience and management of ecosystems.

2 GoN/UNDP/EbA. 2015. Baseline and Socio-economic Survey of the Ecosystem based Adaptation Project Area. 3 Suwal, RN, Bhuju UR, Tiwari KR, Pokharel R K., 2013. Preliminary Identification of Essential and Desirable Ecosystem Services in the Panchase Area of Nepal, Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness (ECCA). United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) 4 Joshi, D. 2013. Ecosystem based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal: A Review and Compilation of Good Practices. Community Resource Management Centre (CRMC). March 2013. United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Thailand.

4 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

vulnerability of Panchase at sub-watershed scale. Fig. 3: Vulnerability Risk Ranking of 13 Sub-watersheds of Panchase Mountain Ecological Region. The report categorized PMER into 13 sub-watersheds and prescribed six different thematic EbA options for its implementation. Based on the vulnerability impact assessment, sub-watershed resilience planning was undertaken in each of the 13 sub-watersheds to prepare sub-watershed level adaptation plan of PMER. d) Monitoring Tools for EbA

UNEP-WCMC finalized the Monitoring and Eval- uation guideline and indicators based on consultation with the national partners and sharing them during the Global EbA Technical Learning Workshops. Based on the guidelines, UNEP has prepared the ‘Monitoring and Evaluation Frame- work with Indicators for the pilot EbA Project for (Source: UNEP/ISET-Nepal 2015) Nepal. The prepared M&E Framework is outlined analyzed. The key outputs of the component in- by its integrated approach to assess the holistic cludes: set of indicators (ecological, economical, social and institutional) that can help measure outcomes and impacts of the EbA activities in the Panchase Output 2.1: EbA Strategy and Action Plans at Ecosystem Level Developed area at the level of ecosystem services and hu- • Vulnerability Impact Assessment Study and man well-being.5 Adaptation Plan

 A comprehensive vulnerability impact as- OUTCOME 2: Application of EbA sessment report of PMER outlined the vulner- Methodologies and Tools at the ability of ecosystem services and community Ecosystem Level livelihoods to both climatic and non-climatic Led by UNEP with support from UNEP-WCMC, changes in PMER and identified EbA options Outcome 2 aimed at development of an Ecosys- to improve resilience of both agents and system based Adaptation plan using decision-mak- tems of PMER. The VIA study identified six ing tools based on global methodology and local EbA options through sharing and learning knowledge that enabled to demonstrate EbA op- dialogue process aimed towards adaptation tions in order to increase resilience of vulnerable to and mitigation of the negative impacts of mountain communities and ecosystems. UNDP climate change that played a vital role to in- provided inputs to this components and assis- crease the resilience of local communities tance in coordination for the implementation of and the PMER. Three priority sub-watersheds the prepared plan including ownership. The cost were thoroughly analyzed.6 effectiveness of the identified options was also

5 UNEP. 2015. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with Indicators for EbA in PMER. United Nations Environment Programme. 6 Dixit, A., Karki, M. and Shukla, A. (2015): Vulnerability and Impacts Assessment for Adaptation Planning in Panchase Mountain Ecological Region, Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal: GoN, UNEP, UNDP, IUCN, BMUB and ISET-Nepal.

5 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Table 2: List of EbA Options Identified S.No EbA Options Conserving existing drinking water sources together with rehabilitation of infrastructures and 1. improvement of management to enhance resilience of existing drinking water and irrigation systems. Improving agriculture production through crop diversification, off-season and climate smart crop 2. production system. Conserving and managing forest, biodiversity and wildlife with the objective of improving livelihoods 3. and reduction in people-wildlife disputes. Rehabilitating and reclaiming degraded land and promoting measures to control landslide, soil erosion 4. and similar forms of land degradation. Building and rehabilitating roads with due consideration of changes in the local hydrology, especially surface drainage, likely from prevailing construction practices. As an alternative, promotion 5. of technology and practices for climate resilient road building based on the lessons of green road was mentioned. 6. Promoting the use of clean, carbon neutral energy sources and information and communication facilities. (Source: UNEP/ISET-Nepal 2015)

 Other knowledge products included Atlas ence (TU-CDES) were engaged to address of PMER highlighting the climate change the research gaps on ecosystem based ap- 7 vulnerabilities of the PMER and the Adap- proaches and development of knowledge 8 tation Plan of 13 sub watersheds of PMER base on EbA. were also prepared.  Different trainings, workshops and seminars • Research / Supplementary Studies were organized to disseminate knowledge on  Subsequent sector-wise studies on status of EbA by TU-CDES. Furthermore, EbA syllabus forest ecosystems of Panchase, eco-tourism were designed and introduced in Bachelor of and homestay development, status of range- Science (B.Sc.) Programmes among different land, analysis of value chain of NTFPs and academic institutions. analysis of sub-watersheds prioritized for  Based on research, the cases of ecosystem piloting of EbA in Panchase in relation to cli- based approaches implemented was used mate induced hazards were undertaken. Led as examples in the curriculum of B.Sc. in En- by the Western Regional Forest Directorate, vironmental Syllabus of Tribhuvan Universi- a detailed analysis of siltation of Phewa Lake ty, CDES. was undertaken and ecosystem based treat-  Research grants were provided to 32 stu- ment measures were designed to protect dents for the purpose of understanding the 9 Phewa Lake. science of EbA sectors and understanding  Leading research institutions i.e. Institute of ecosystem based approach to activities of Forestry (IoF) and Tribhuvan University implemented in the field. - Central Department of Environmental Sci-

7 Dixit, A. (2015). Climate Change Vulnerabilities and Ecosystem based Adaptation: Atlas of the Panchase Mountain Ecological Region, Nepal. Kathmandu, Nepal: GoN/UNEP/UNDP/IUCN, BMUB and ISET-Nepal. 8 UNEP/ISET-Nepal. 2016. Ecosystem based Climate Adaptation Planning at Sub-watershed Level of Panchase Mountain Ecological Region, Nepal. GoN, UNEP, UNDP, IUCN, BMUB and ISET-Nepal. 9 GoN/EbA/UNDP (2015). Development of Ecosystem based Sediment Control Techniques and Design of Siltation Dam to Protect Phewa Lake. Summary Report. Prepared By Forum for Energy and Environment Development (FEED) P. Ltd. for The Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems (EbA) Nepal Project. GoN, UNEP, IUCN, UNDP and BMUB.

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• EbA Framework of Panchase Conceptualized Members of the committee included

 EbA Framework for guidance of application of representative from the government line EbA options10 was prepared based on con- agencies (forest, soil conservation, agriculture, solidation of EbA option priorities highlighted and local development), non-government for Panchase while sectoral studies were un- organizations and Chairperson of the Councils dertaken to address the knowledge gaps. of the Panchase Protection Forests. • EbA Project also facilitated in the formation of OUTCOME 3: Implementation of EbA Main Council and three District level Councils Pilots at Ecosystem Level for Kaski, Parbat and Syangja of PPF. • Capacity enhancement trainings targeted offi- Under the component, priority actions identified in cials and technical staffs of the regional offices the plan and developed under Component 2 were of forests, agriculture and livestock and district implemented. These activities were jointly man- line agencies, members of the Councils of the aged by UNDP Nepal and IUCN Nepal. The two PPF, user groups of community forest, water key outputs includes: and agriculture, women groups, and community based institutions/ social networks. Output 3.1: Capacity of Local Stakeholder Enhanced on EbA Planning, Executing and • Capacity enhancement trainings were packaged Monitoring into two aspects vis-à-vis knowledge-based • For effective coordination and supervision training to raise awareness and orientation on of implementation of EbA options at climate change and adaptation; and skill-based ecosystem level, a 25 member Field Level trainings to enhance the capacities of the com- Project Coordination Committee chaired munities on management of forests, NTFPs, by Regional Forest Director of the Western eco-clubs as well institutional development in- Region Forest Directorate was fomed. cluding Councils of PPF and women groups. A

Fig. 4: Panchase Framework for Panchase

Build Resilient Ecosystem Ecosys- • Ecosystem restoration and tem and its forest management services as • Wetland restoration/Sustainable a vulnerable • water management system • Rangeland restoration

EbA Increase Adaptive Capacity of the people Ecosystem • Conservation farming and live- management stock husbandry as a means to • PES Mechanism and adaptation • Sustainable use of NTFPs • Land Rehabilitation

Policy Action Capacity Learning/ Intervention Research Building Awarenes

Source: Adapted from the Panchase Framework

10 GoN/UNDP/EbA (2015). Piloting Ecosystem based Adaptation in Nepal: Framework for EbA Interventions in Panchase. 2015.

7 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Fig. 5: Participants Distribution of EbA CD Trainings

total of 6159 individuals attended such trainings Photo 1: Participants of the Good Governance & institutional strengthening training in 2014. with women representing 41% of the participants. • Knowledge based interventions included trainings, awareness campaigns and workshops on climate change, community forest management, open grazing and soil conservation to enhance the capacity of local stakeholders. Among the 2211 participants, 43% represented included women participants representing CFUGs, women groups, and members of Pan- chase Councils. • Skill based trainings were focused upon enhancing the capacity of stakeholders, imple- Panchase Protection Forest, CFUGs, homestay menting partners, members of user groups, operators and women groups. Female partici- and local community. Trainings were conduct- pants comprised of 34%. ed by the EbA project on forest management, • UNDP/SPDEU undertook a comprehensive soil conservation, open grazing, improve grass, study of EbA’s capacity development activities NTFP management and livestock rearing. In- assesses the current level of knowledge, atti- stitutional strengthening including good gov- tudes and practices of the target beneficiaries, ernance, women empowerment and Trainings including individuals, local community institu- of Trainers to technical staffs of DLA were also tions and district/regional implementing part- delivered and participated by 3948 individuals ners in 2015. with 42% of the participants were female. • 232 participants participated in 7 different Output 3.2: EbA Strategy and Action implemented theme-wise exposure visits aimed at enhancing Plans at Ecosystem Level knowledge and capacities of technical officers • EbA intervention were initiated as ‘No-Regret of government line agencies and Councils of Measures’ in 2013 based on best practices and

8 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

the technical know-how on climate change and like Champ (Michelia champaca) and Loth Salla its impacts to forest, land, soil, water and agri- (Taxus wallichina) that posed the risk of being culture ecosystems and communities. threatened, were planted along with NTPF spe- • In 2014, based on the EbA options identified cies such as Timur (Zanthoxylum alatum) and by the VIA Study of Panchase, the EbA Guiding Amriso (Thysanolaena maxima) in public, pri- Framework for piloting EbA in Panchase prior- vate and community forest areas of Panchase itized the thematic approaches of piloting EbA • Six nurseries were established with the capac- into the three sub-watersheds of Panchase ity to produce 60,000 seedlings of in-demand namely, Harpan, Rati and Andhi.11 fodder trees, NTFP species and threatened local • Four EbA thematic options were identified - eco- native species. Nursery to support production of system restoration (forest, rangeland, agro-for- seedlings of fodder species were supported to estry); water conservation; land rehabilitation the DSCO-Kaski, DFO-Kaski, DFO-Parbat and and livelihood diversification focusing on pro- PPFP. Chiraito and Timur nurseries were also motion of NTFPs and ecotourism development. established in Ramja and Chitre of Parbat district to meet the demands of local communities THEME 1: Ecosystem Restoration in NTFP farming by Shree Siddha Baraha and Falgu CFGU with technical support from PPFP. The ecosystem restoration priorities focused on • More than 26,000 seedlings of multiple-use rehabilitation of degraded lands through planta- trees were also distributed to support agro- tions of multiple-use species that benefits both forestry practice in fallow lands, which further ecosystems service and use, distribution of seed- supported the establishment of two nurseries lings for plantations and supportive infrastructures with the capacity to produce more than 20,000 to facilitate plantation activities in future. seedlings of NTFPs and multiple use species as • Forests are credited for ensuring a reliable pro- per the demand of the community. vision for food, medicines and clean water for societies. They are the adobe for conserving THEME 2: Water Conservation biodiversity. In order to control soil erosion, uti- Majority of the communities in Panchase relies on lize open area, promote greenery and control rain-fed agriculture and natural springs to meet open grazing, different tree species as fodder their daily water demand. More so, the Panchase or multiple–use tree species were planted at area supports four major water systems in the re- different sites of the project area. gion and is also the main catchment for the Phe- • More than 54,500 multiple-use trees and NTFPs wa Lake. However, with the changing climate the were planted in degraded and fallow lands in rainfall timing, frequency, duration and intensity 65 Ha and benefitting 2496 households. Plan- is expected to change resulting in extreme rain- tations of fodder species such as Raikanhyo, fall events predicted in the region impacting the Nimaro, Badahar were dominant along with rain-fed agriculture practice and water availabili- the native species such as Uttis (Alnus nepal- ty in the region.12 Thus, the EbA Project through ensis), Chilaune (Schima wallichii) and Paiyu its water conservation initiatives has focused on (Prunus cerasoides). In addition, native species means to store and harvest water during rainy

11 GoN/EbA/UNDP (2015). Piloting Ecosystem based Adaptation in Nepal: Framework for EbA Interventions in Panchase. Prepared by Bikram Tamang Ph.D. for the Ecosystem based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project. GoN, UNDP, IUCN, UNEP & BMUB. Kathmandu, Nepal. 12 Dixit, A., Karki, M. and Shukla, A. (2015): Vulnerability and Impacts Assessment for Adaptation Planning in Panchase Mountain Ecological Region, Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal: GoN, UNEP, UNDP, IUCN, BMUB and ISET-Nepal.

9 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

season, increase water infiltration in soil, and sup- Photo 2: Plantation by members of CFUG in Pumdi Bhumdi (2013). port efficient use of water for agriculture and human consumption.

Water Source Conservation • More than 31 traditional water sources were conserved using natural resources as well as construction of collection tanks for collection and distribution to meeting the water supply during dry seasons. • Renovation and construction of water sources benefitted more than 1542 households of which 50% include women.

Conservation Ponds • Ponds in Panchase were constructed for the purpose of water hole for their domestic animals as buffaloes, and such ponds also functioned as water source for agriculture in the downstream. • 35 conservations ponds were renovated bene- fiting more than 1800 households and irrigating more than 150 Ha Agriculture lands during the dry seasons.

THEME 3: Land Rehabilitation • Land rehabilitation efforts included restoration and rehabilitation of fallow and degraded lands THEME 4: Livelihood Diversification through plantation as well as protection of Promotion of Non Timber Forest Product (NTFP) lands vulnerable to climate induced hazards • Communities of Panchase are dependent on NT- such as flash floods, soil erosion, and land- FPs and engaged in its extraction every year. Un- slides through bio-engineering treatments. derstandings its significance to communities and • Between 2013-2015, land rehabilitation and ecosystem, a detail assessment of value chain of protection efforts included gully erosion con- five prominent NTFPs were undertaken towards trol, stream bank protection, river bank con- commercialization of such high-valued NTFPs.13 servation (development of green belt and drain • Amriso or Broom Grass, Chiraito and Timur were construction). During the period of the Project, identified and heavily promoted amongst the user rehabilitation treatments were applied in 72 vul- groups of Community Forest of Panchase, PPFP nerable sites towards protecting 120 Ha. and the Women Groups for farming through • In addition, plantations have been undertaken seedling distribution. to supplement and strengthen the engineered • Panchase Mahila Sanjaal -Chitre (PMSC), a net- structures along the river banks.

13 GoN/UNDP/EbA. 2013. Value Chain Designing of Potential Non Timber Forest Products of Panchase Protection Forest Area. Final Report. November 2013. Prepared by BARDAN Nepal.

10 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Photo 3: Nursery producing NTFP and Fodder species both national and domestic tourists visiting the seedling in Pumdi Bhumdi by DFO Kaski. area frequently to view the scenic beauty and biodiversity. To support the tourist flow, local communities have registered themselves as homestays with the prominent homestay villages including Bhadaure, Sidhane, Chitre, and Arthar Dandakharka. • To capacitate the homestay operators, the EbA Project provided trainings on homestay operation, hospitality and guest managements. EbA also established a homestay operator’s network to ensure better communication amongst homestays oper- work of women of the 9 Wards of Chitre VDC ating in Panchase area. planted more than 1500 species of Amriso, 100 • 60 participants including homestay operators, species of Timur and other fodder species in a members of District Councils of Panchase Pro- 5 Ha plot degraded shrub land leased from a tection Forest and Women Groups participated private farmer. Besides providing the seedlings, in exposure visit organized to Nagi (Myagdi) to the EbA Project also provided technical train- observe homestay operated by the locals. 25% ings on management, harvesting and process- of the participants were female. ing of Amriso to the members of the PMSC. • In 2013, the Council Members of Main Council • For sustainability purpose, EbA Partnered with and District Chapters of PPF participated in the District Micro-enterprise Development Associa- exposure visit to Bhujung (ACAP) to learn ex- tion (DMEGA)-Parbat/MEDEP-APSO to provide perience on homestay management as well as skill based trainings on commercialization and the Buffer Zone of the Chitwan National Park market linkages of Amriso while the VDC Of- to learn management practices in BZ and re- fice of Chitre stated its commitment to support source allocation. the women entrepreneurs. A business plan for • Information board and directional signboards Amriso was also prepared as an outcome of the have been installed in partnership with the PPF training and the members will be provided with District Chapters. technical support by DMEGA-Parbat in future. • EbA Project supported the establishment of the Resource/Information Center at Bhanjyang, Ecotourism Development Kaski that will house all knowledge products of • Panchase is an ecotourism destination with the EbA Project.

Table 3: Tree Plantation and Beneficiary

Year No. of Plant/area in Area Beneficiary in Total Population % of Female hectare HH Participants

2013 35,000 15 575 4,800 45

2014 15,000 30 586 1,257 43

2015 4500 20 1,335 2,448 58

TOTAL 54,500 65 2,496 8,505 49

Source: EbA Project Annual Progress Reports 2013-2015

11 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Farming and Livestock Husbandry Photo 5: Renovated water source/natural spring in • Towards mitigating the practice of open graz- Arukharka ing, 365 livestock farmers (and members of agriculture groups) in Kaskikot, Bhadaure, Ramja and Arthar were made aware and trained on improved grass plantation and management, si- lage techniques, livestock rearing practices and rangeland management practices. Distribution of fodder species were also promoted to mitigate open grazing practices in the region.

OUTCOME 4: DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS CASE FOR EBA AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL Under this component, the four outputs were outlined;

OUTPUT 4.1 Business Case for EbA Developed bio-engineering or Grey-Green structures im- • The Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) approach was plemented by EbA was also analyzed to under- applied to determine the cost-effectiveness stand its contributions towards restoration and of the EbA approaches piloted in Panchase. conservation of ecosystem services along with A review of existing economic assessment the reduced impacts of climate induced haz- 15 methodology and tools for EbA were prepared ards. Both the case studies were used for the based on consultation with the EbA Global purpose of justification of cost-effectiveness of Team and contextualized for Nepal. ecosystem based approach and for the discus- • Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) analysis of sion on public sector finance in view of building non-timber forest products such as Amriso cases for EbA in national & sectoral policy. (Thysanolaena maxima) or Broom Grass and Timur (Zanthoxylum alatum) and their contri- OUTPUT 4.2 Capacity development of bution to the ecosystem and use value for Government Agencies to Plan, Implement and Monitor EbA Actions the local economy were also analyzed by the Capacity Enhancement study.14 Similarly, Cost Benefit Analysis of • With the aim of developing the capacity of the Photo 4: Paudelswara conservation ponds renovated technical staff to the district line agencies and lo- at Arthar-1, Parbat cal councils aimed towards sharing the concepts of EbA and enrichment of technical capacities through numerous skill and knowledge based trainings including Trainings of Trainers (2) and experiential learning opportunities through exposure visits (7). • A Comprehensive Plan for Capacity Development was prepared by the EbA Partners aimed at dissem-

14 GoN/EbA/UNDP (2015). Non-Timber Forest Products and Their Role in Ecosystem and Community Resilience. Cost Benefit of Analysis of NTFPs. Based on Cost Benefit Analysis Case Study prepared by Dr. Keshav Raj Kanel for the EbA Nepal Project. GoN, UNEP, UNDP, IUCN & BMUB. 15 GoN/EbA/UNDP (2015). Grey Green Structures as Treatment to Climate Induced Disasters: A Cost Benefit Analysis of Grey Green Structures. Based on Cost Benefit Analysis Case Study prepared by Dr. Keshav Raj Kanel for the EbA Nepal Project. GoN, UNEP, UNDP, IUCN & BMUB.

12 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

ination of EbA concept and sharing of the results of Photo 7: River bank protection through grey-green structures at Tuni Khola, Bangsing Vulnerability Impact Assessment Study was also implemented. UNDP provided technical support for the local level and national level trainings and helped facilitate trainings organized by UNEP. • In view of making aware of EbA interventions, high-level delegation from line ministries, DoF, representatives of Technical Committees, members of the Project Executive Board and the FPCC visited the EbA Project. • At the national level, the capacity enhancement interventions was aimed towards sharing lesson learned to facilitated the process of main- streaming EbA. The EbA Technical Committee was crucial in driving the capacity building process of sharing the outputs of the CBA study, to assess EbA intervention impact monitoring the siltation of Phewa Lake along, VIA study along with analysis of capacity development sharing and the outputs of the EbA Project. training undertaken by the EbA Project in 2015.

Monitoring OUTPUT 4.3: EbA Measures Incorporated into • Monitoring and Review of the EbA interventions Selected Sectorial Policies and Strategies/Plan were undertaken once a year at the end of the • EbA Project worked with the DoF in supporting closing cycle by the members of Field level Proj- the first national workshop of the Protection For- ect Coordination Committee (FPCC) and led by ests in Pokhara to facilitate the drafting of the the Regional Forest Director. Protection Forest Directive.16 • High-level visits to the Panchase area were • EbA Project worked closely with the DoF, PPFP organized as knowledge sharing platforms to and the Councils of PPFs in the review of the share urgency of Protection Forest Directive five year PPF Management Plan and prescribed discussion along with highlighting the contribu- and recommended internalization of EbA ap- tion of EbA in Panchase. proach and measures at both the strategic and • Strategic Planning and Development Effective- implementation level. A final reviewed docu- ness Unit (SPDEU)/UNDP conducted studies ment has been shared with the Department of Forests and PPF Councils and PPFP. Photo 6: Bio-engineering interventions towards protecting • EbA Project provided technical assistance physical infrastructures in Saunepani, Ramja and inputs on EbA approaches for adaptation and strengthening the resilience of ecosystems along with sharing of lessons learned and good practices to the ‘Climate Change Workshop Group (CCWG)’ formulated by the MoFSC under the chairmanship of the Chief of the REDD Implementation Center. This CCWG was responsible for preparing a framework on climate change vulnerability of ecosystems and identification of activities under adaptation and

16 The Directive at the moment undergoing review at the MoF and MoFSC.

13 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

ecosystem resilience under the policy 6 of the Photo 8: Monitoring by the members of PEB (2015). Forest Policy 2071. • A task force was formed by the DNPWC chaired by the Senior Official of DNPWC to review the revised management plan of SNNP provided by TU-CDES with incorporation of EbA recommendations within the current proposed management plan. • EbA Technical Committee (TC) was also formed and chaired by the Joint Secretary of Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC). The nine members of the TC was represented by Un- der Secretaries of different departments under the MoFSC i.e. Department of Forests, REDD • Four success stories focusing on the Project Implementation Centre, Department of Soil Con- themes – land rehabilitation, water conserva- servation and Watershed Management, Depart- tion and plantations and capacity development ment of National Park and Wildlife Conservation were prepared. as well as Under Sectaries from National Plan- • In early 2015, a team comprising of members ning Commission, Ministry of Federal Affairs and from the Global Knowledge Management Unit Local Development, Ministry of Science, Tech- from the UNDP Headquarters and the EbA nology and Environment and the Ministry of Ag- team from Nepal travelled to Panchase Region riculture Development. The TC was formed for to review and monitor the EbA interventions the purpose of cross-sectoral coordination and and witnessed and collected stories from the cooperation to mainstream EbA approaches into local people to see which ones could be used sectoral policies and strategies. as a success story or a photo essay. Four of • Central Department of Environmental Studies, the selected stories were published in the UN- Tribhuvan University tested the Vulnerabili- DP-ALM website in the form photo essays. ty Impact Assessment of the Sub-watershed They were also translated into Nepali and pub- of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and lished online on the website as well.17 based on the impact analysis, and submitted a • Global Publication on EbA titled ‘Making Case for revised and recommended SNNP management EbA’18 was launched at 2015 COP 21 Paris side- plan for opportunities of EbA internalization into event organized by the UNDP Global Team. Mr its strategic approach and interventions. Photo 9: Plantation of Amriso by member of PMSC OUTPUT 4.4 Lesson on EbA Produced and Disseminated Nationally and Internationally EbA Knowledge Products • Three EbA Policy Briefs with the purpose of policy level discussion and cost-effectiveness of EbA were prepared that captured the lessons learned on implementation of EbA, opportunities for financing and way forward for EbA in Nepal. The policy briefs were shared in different forums and workshops held nationally and internationally.

14 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Photo 10 : Homestay operators greet their guests in Chitre. Resource Center As an exit strategy and based on consultation with local stakeholders, government line agencies with support from the Western Regional Forest Direc- torate, a Resource Center to disseminate information about EbA and conservation of Panchase area was established in Bhanjyang of Kaski District. EbA has provided technical and financial support for the establishment of the resource center and is under the management of the Main Council of the Panchase Protection Forest. Further, the Resource Center will be equipped with all knowledge docu- ments related to EbA including academic research work, data on EbA activities, and maps. Ram Prasad Lamsal, the Joint Secretary of MoSTE participated as a panelist at the side-event . Photo 11: Directional signs have been supported in Panchase Area • The Conservation Education Curriculum (CEC) was prepared as a guiding material for conservation education in Panchase. The curriculum was prepared in close coordination and inputs from PPFP, Councils of PPF and most impor- tantly with the inputs by the teachers of the high schools in Panchase. • Training slides on Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) were prepared towards bringing uniformi- ty of understanding of the EbA concept for the capacity enhancement trainings to be implemented in the field. • EbA broadcasted radio program ‘Panchase ko Serofero’ through Radio Barahi -99.2 Mhz in Kaski, Syangja FM 89.6 and Radio Shaligram Sharing Workshop / Training 100.6 MhZ. Further, knowledge of EbA approaches and success and lesson learned were disseminated at various workshops and trainings organized nationally and internationally. Some of the key workshops were shared in chronological order below:

17 http://www.adaptation-undp.org/projects/mountain-eba-nepal 18 UNDP (2015). Making Case for Ecosystem Adaptation: The Global Mountain EbA Programme in Nepal, Peru and Uganda. New York.

15 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Sharing Workshop / Training orginazed S.no Workshop Purpose Year Organized By 1. Community Based Plennary Session: Integration and 22 – 28th April International Institute Adaptation (CBA10) Effectiveness of Ecosystem Based 2016 for Environment & Conference, Dhaka Adaptation: Learning from Experiences Development (IIED) 2. EbA Closing Discussion on lesson learned and way 18th April 2016 EbA Nepal Project Workshop forward for EbA in Nepal 3. EbA Kathmandu Share EbA knowledge and experience 1st April 2016 Tribhuvan University Conference gained from EbA pilot project and - Central Department activities of Environmental Science (TU-CDES) 4. Asia-Pacific Forestry Poster Presentation on ‘Ecosystem 22-26th Food and Agriculture Week Approach to Climate Change February 2016 Organization of Adaptation’ the UN (FAO) and the Government of Philippines 5. United Nations Launch of EbA Global Publication 8th December United Nations Framework ‘Making Case for EbA: The Global 2015 Framework Convention on Climate Mountain EbA Programme in Nepal, Convention on Change (UNFCCC) Peru, and Uganda Climate Change COP 21, Paris 6. EbA Global Learning Planning and sharing lesson learned of Peru (2015) Mt. EbA Global and Technical implementing EbA nationally Nepal (2014) Project Team Workshops Uganda (2013) 7. EbA Global Workshop Discussion on planning tool for CBA Peru (2015) Mt. EbA Global on Sharing and approach towards undertaking CBA. Slovakia (2014) Project Team Learning on using Cost Benefit Analysis for making case for EbA 8. International Presentation on ‘Assessing Vulnerability 28-30th August Tribhuvan University- Conference on and Planning Adaptation in Panchase: 2013 Institute of Forestry Forests, People & An Ecosystem-based Adaptation Climate: Changing Approach’ Paradigm 9. Ecosystem based Inception workshop of the EbA Project 9th October Department of Forests Adaptation in 2012 / EbA Nepal Project Mountain Ecosystems (EbA) in Nepal- Inception Workshop

Photo 12: EbA Resource Center established in Bhanjyang, Kaski.

16 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

EbA Output By NUMBERS

54,500 31 35 Plants planted on 65 ha. Area of Natural Water source protected benefitted Traditional Pond conserved benefitted PMER conserving ecological region 1542 HHs and PMER 1800 HHs and benefitted 2496 HHs.

32 5 6 Gully and Landslide protected through River bank protection activities held Sites of river restored with Grey gabion wall construction and green in around 180 meter area benefitted green structure benefitted 156 HHs. structure benefited 1819 HHs. 292 HHs.

32 27 6 Forest fire control and management Invasive species management Nursery of Timur and Chiraito planted training. Participants 547 local training. Participants 694 local 46,000 of seedling people people

10 10 5 Exposure visit. Exposure visit for Soil management training. 527 total Women empowerment training. different purpose 311 local people participants of local people Participants 162 local women and stakeholders

17 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Cross Cutting Issues

Targeting and voice/Participation of with harvesting and processing techniques were Target Groups delivered. Further, trainings to start their own mi- On the basis of the Vulnerability Impact Assess- cro-enterprise along with preparation of ‘Business ment study report, the EbA Nepal Project priori- Plan’ for Timur were also delivered in partnership tized implementation of four of the six EbA options with District Micro-entrepreneurs Group Associa- identified by the study in the 3 prioritized Sub-wa- tion (DMEGA)–Parbat to the members. tersheds. During field-level planning process at the sub-watersheds, interventions were prioritized Panchase Mahila Sanjaal-Chitre (PMSC), that in- addressing the challenges of the most vulnerable cluded women of low income families, socially ex- groups namely, women, disadvantaged and so- cluded and disadvantaged groups in Chitre VDC, cially excluded groups (approx. 40%) in partner- were identified by the Parbat District Council of ship with the key stakeholders of the Panchase Panchase Protection Forest towards promoting Protection Forest. Amriso or Broom Grass plantation in abandoned and degraded lands. Technical trainings on plan- EbA Project worked closely with Parbat District tation, management along with harvesting and Chapter to identify and prioritize working part- processing training were also provided. Further, nership with Falgu CFUG whose major benefi- the members were provided skill-based trainings ciaries included members of socially excluded to develop women micro-entrepreneurs and es- and disadvantaged groups. The EbA Project went tablishing market linkages for opportunities of di- into partnership with the Falgu CFUG to support versified income generations in partnership with plantation of Timur, a non-timber forest product District Micro-entrepreneurs Group Association (NTFP) in their 10 Ha plots in efforts to rehabili- (DMEGA) – Parbat were conducted. As an exit tate the land. The plantation was aimed towards strategy, with support from DMEGA the groups restoring the ecosystem, but also providing eco- has prepared a ‘Business Plan’ for Amriso while nomically viable options to these low income the members of the PMSC and CFUG have also groups. In addition to plantation support, technical registered themselves as a member of DMEGA. trainings on farming practice, management along The project also helped coordinate support from the Chitre VDC Office to members. Photo 13: Members of CFUGs and PMSC attend the TOSE/TOPE Training delivered by DMEGA Parbat Gender Equality, Women’s Empower- ment, and Social Inclusion i. Enhancing Capacities The EbA Project emphasized on women’s participation and social inclusion while identifying participants for decision making, trainings and orientation programs and other EbA implementation initiatives geared towards strengthening the ecosystem resilience of Panchase region. Two of major partners included PMSC and CFUGs in the field.

18 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Photo 14: Members of CFUGs and PMSC attend the research topics include climate change and training on commercialization of NTFPs in Chitre (2015) adaptation, valuation of ecosystem goods and services of Panchase, conservation of PPF, invasive species and vulnerability assessment to climate change etc. • Similarly, 8 students were offered community work research that focused on investigating the market links and promotion of NTFPs and roadside greenery promotion to landslides and earthquake assessment, drinking water and sanitation and river bank conservation through plantations. Five of the community work research grants were awarded to female students. • Between 2013-2015, EbA capacity development trainings meant that women participants iii. EbA interventions Beneficiaries composed of 42% of the total participants. The beneficiaries of EbA interventions included: These included three specific trainings under- • 42% of the participants of the ecosystem resto- taken towards engaging women in ‘Natural ration were participated by women of the com- Resource Conservation’ through the ‘Women munity. Empowerment Trainings’ to the members of • Approximately 50% of beneficiaries included the PMSC and members of the CFUG in Khaula women who benefitted directly from the water and Pakuwa in Parbat district. conservation efforts as source protection and • Engaged the disadvantages and socially ex- conservation ponds in their community, cluded members of the PMSC to promote • Women participation represented approxi- plantation of multiple-use NTFPs as Amriso mately 36% in both skill and knowledge based along with providing them capacity enrich- trainings while three specific trainings under the ment trainings to plant, manage, harvest and livelihood diversification interventions were tar- process the Amriso grass. It is expected that geted at women of disadvantaged and socially when the multi-purpose species planted in the excluded groups and represented 65% of the area mature, they will be able to accumulate an participants. additional source of income, thereby increasing their annual household income. Youth Engagement • Trainings were also provided to groom the lo- • With the support of implementing partner cals as micro-entrepreneurs of NTFPs and PPFP, 3 Eco-clubs were formed participated agro-based products through business and by 120 students which involved 60 female stu- commercialization trainings along with linking dents. Similarly, to strengthen the eco-clubs them to the DMEGA-Parbat. The members also and engage them pro-actively in EbA initiatives prepared a ‘Business Plan’ for Amriso with sup- in their community, 37 students and 12 teach- port from DMEGA-Parbat. ers as eco-club coordinators participated in the EbA orientation workshop. 12 female students ii. Grants to Female students and 2 female teachers from different eco-clubs • Among the 24 thesis research grants provided, of Parbat, Kaski and Syangja were oriented on 46% of the grantees were female researchers different aspects and interventions of EbA. from TU-CDES and Institute of Forestry. Their

19 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Photo 15: Members of Panchase Mahila Sanjaal Chitre and vulnerabilities and integrating traditional in- managing the planted amriso (2015). digenous knowledge of communities towards planning and implementing EbA options. • Piloting of EbA in Panchase was guided by the vulnerability impact assessment of the PMER based on the climate change scenario predicted for the PMER. Thus, it had to be taken into account the uncertainty of climate change, data gaps of social context and risks associated in replication of the EbA approaches. • Despite the uncertainly of climate predictions, climate data gaps, and knowledge, CC impacts can only be planned for a predicted climate scenario and within the boundaries. Working • Members of the Shree Pancha Koshi eco-club with such scenario enables better, participatory of Arthar VDC, Parbat were engaged in the and effective planning process. plantation efforts of 10 Ha plot of Rakameko • EbA options identified must take account of the Danda and have been engaged in management local context such as identification of species for of the plantation. land degradation treatment and plantations of degraded lands to ensure sustainability of conserva- SOUTH SOUTH COOPERATION tion or management practices. As a Global pilot project, the Mountain EbA Proj- • The social-environmental contexts of the vulner- ect is being implemented in three countries: Nepal, ability must be addressed. They need to be in- Uganda and Peru and thus the Global Learning and tegrated towards understanding the community Sharing platform was formed towards enhancing context and addressed the vulnerabilities of com- mutual learning between the countries and took ad- munities to climate change. vantage of the strengths of the partners at both the • EbA Policy discussion and engaging with line global and national levels. The EbA Global Team ministries should enable better policies, main- helped facilitate the sharing platform between the streaming effort of the EbA approach. Further, three countries through the annual meeting held policy discussion in different platforms must once a year. The meetings were hosted by Uganda, be taken into consideration and systematically Nepal and Peru 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. planned. Besides mutual sharing, the annual meetings were also been effective in finalizing the methodology Coordination / Institutions and approaches for VIA and Cost Benefit Analysis • Coordination mechanism established at nation- along with documenting lesson learned and suc- al and regional ensured greater translation of cess of EbA in each of the countries towards de- knowledge and science towards localized im- veloping a knowledge document for ‘Making Case plemention. for EbA’ at Global level. • Utilizing the technical expertise of district line agencies was pivotal in implementing along LESSON LEARNED with the local knowledge of the community during planning of interventions. More so, en- Approach / Activities / Implementation gaging government line agencies fostered part- • EbA approach outlined science based approach nership for greater ownership of the EbA inter- in terms of analysis of climate change impacts vention by the local user groups.

20 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

Photo 16: Members of Shree Pancha Koshi Eco- Photo 17: EbA Global Learning Workshop in Lima, Club plant seedling during World Environment Day Peru (2015). Celebration in 2014.

• While the PMU was effective in coordination CONCLUSION and facilitating discussion towards achieving • Capacity development/enhancement trainings expected outcomes, a discussion amongst fo- must be undertaken prior to implementation of cal points at regular intervals would have en- the field based activities to ensure conceptual abled greater working results. clarity and better outputs. • Technical officials of government line agencies Capacity Enhancement offered their assistance in terms of implemen- • Conceptual clarity and knowledge dissemina- tation and providing technical support. They tion on ecosystem based approaches was crit- are must be integral towards the planning of cli- ical at all levels vis-à-vis central, regional, and mate change adaptation options at local levels. local including user groups towards planning • Social networks, community based organiza- for ecosystem based climate adaptation inter- tions, user groups and women groups con- ventions. Development of a Comprehensive tribute reducing vulnerabilities individuals and Capacity Development Plan helped outline key communities and must be considered as an target groups at national, sub-national and lo- important proponent of adaptation planning. cal levels. • EbA approaches must be able to harmonize • Capacity development training must also be en- between science based analysis of vulnerabil- grained on all project staffs along with technical ities of ecosystems and communities while the staffs to ensure clarity in terms of implementa- field based activities at the local can be driven tion of field based activities and ensuring effec- by taking account of traditional and indigenous tive monitoring of the EbA activities. knowledge. • Considering the previous experience, the fre- • Coordination mechanism must be identified quent partner coordination meeting was very prior to implementation of activities. In case of effective in ensuring that each partner took ac- Panchase, the Western Regional Forest Direc- count of their responsibility not only for the re- torate contributed in terms of supervision and spective component but the project as a whole. guidance of the Project.

21 Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016

ANNEX 1: Project Management Structure

1.1 PROJECT EXECUTIVE BOARD (PEB)

Deputy Director General Department of Forests National Project Director (Chairperson)

German Ministry of Ministry of Ministry of Department UNDP - UNEP – IUCN – Country Embassy in Forests & Soil Population and Agriculture of Forests – Assistant Regional Representative Kathmandu Conservation – Environment – Development – Planning Country Climate Change (On behalf of Planning Officer Planning Officer Planning Officer Officer (U.S) Director Coordinator BMUB) (U.S) (U.S) (U.S)

1.2 EBA PROJECT STRUCTURE

National Project Director Deputy Director General , Dept. of Forests

National Project Coordinator

Project Management Unit EbA Field Office Forestry Complex Pame, Kaski

Admin. Finance Research Communication Support Staffs Field Support Project Support Staff Associate Associate & KM Assistant (2) Associate Assistant (2)

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ANNEX 2: Project Support Structures

2.1 FIELD LEVEL PROJECT COORDINATION COMMITTEE

Member Secretary (EbA Field Panchase Hariyo Ban Officer) Protection (Observer) Forest Program

Regional MDO Agri. Dev. (Kaski) Office

Chair - Regional DSCO ASK-Nepal (Kaski, Syangja, (Syangja) Forest Director, WRFT Parbat)

PPF-District DFO Councils (Kaski, Syangja, (Kaski, Syangja, Parbat) Parbat)

PPF-Main FECOFUN Council (Kaski, Syangja DDC Parbat) (Kaski, Syangja, Parbat)

2.2 EBA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

National Planning Commission

MoFSC/REDD Ministry of Implementation Forests & Soil Center Conservation

Dept. of National Park Chair - Joint Ministry of & Wildlife Secretary of Agriculture Conservation MoFSC Development

Dept. of Soil Conservation Ministry of & Watershed Population & Management Environment

Dept. of Forests

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ANNEX 3: Financials

Donor Budget Actual Expenses Financial Delivery UNEP 1,731,733.00 1,655,481.00 95.60% UNDP 147,255.00 147,255.00 100% UNDP/CBDP 68,000.00 68,000.00 100% TOTAL 1,946,988.00 1,870,736.00 96%

(From APR 2012-2015)

Budget Expenditure (in US $) Total Expenditure % of Exp by Fiscal Year (US$) UNDP Govt. (in US $) Year 2012 81,893.00 81,893.00 81,893.00 100% 2013 640,000.00 113,085.54 484,627.54 597,713.08 94% 2014 589,357.00 91,676.35 466,880.36 558,556.71 95% 2015 537,359.00 66,543.81 454,047.33 520,591.14 97% 2016 133,165.00 6,320.20 117,453.43 123,773.63 93% TOTAL 1,968,841.00 277,625.90 1,604,901.66 1,882,527.56 95%

ANNEX 4: List of EbA Project Staffs

S.No Name Designation 1. Mr. Gauri Shankar Timala National Project Director 2. Mr. Pragyajan Yalamber Rai Interim Project Coordinator 3. Mr. Randhir K Singh Project Assistant (EbA Field Office) 4. Ms. Keerti Singh Pandey Research Assistant 5. Ms. Pritisha Shrestha Communication Assistant 6. Mr. Hitman Bohara Messenger 7. Ms. Sajana Maharjan Office Assistant 8. Mr. Hari Maharjan Driver 9. Mr. DB Lama Driver (EbA Field Office) 10. Ms Leela Khatri Office Assistant (EbA Field Office)

Former Staffs S.No Name Designation 1. Ms. Moon Shrestha Project Coordinator 2. Ms. Bhawani Shrestha Research Associate 3. Mr. Hari Narayan Kurmi Admin. Finance Associate 4. Mr. Naresh Manandhar Admin. Finance Associate 5. Ms. Nawang Chhenjum Sherpa Communication & Knowledge Management Assistant 6. Ms Samridhi Rijal Communication & Knowledge Assistant

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ANNEX 5: Glimpses of EbA

Renovated natural spring and conservation pond in Renovated Dandapokhari at Bange Fadke, Syangja. Dharapani, Ramja (Parbat).

Group photo of participants of Commercialization Training DoF Officials monitoring of the EbA project site in with Mr Renaud Meyer, Country Director of UNDP. Rakameko Danda, Arthar.

Renovated water source in Arukharka, Syangja. Interaction with children & members of Shree Panchakoshi High School.

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Gully control treatment measures implemented in Rakame Plantation of Timur seedling in Bhadaure, Kaski. ko Danda, Arthar (Parbat).

Restored water source in Rapu in Ramja, Parbat. Participants of PMSC and CFUGs attend the TOSE/ TOPE training by DMEGA Parbat

Constructed gabio structures and supplemented by Monitoring undertaken by FPCC in (2015). plantations in Khahare Khola, Kaski

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