An integrated approach for water management and disaster risk reduction in Nepal

Landslides that occur because of monsoon rainfall on the mid-hills of Nepal pose a threat to the communities occupying the mountainous terrain. Climate change has compounded the problem with the irregular nature of the monsoons. In this context, the ‘Rain Communities” pilot project has been seeking measures to reduce the risks associated with situations of heavy rainfall.

The project has used several approaches and methods to understand and seek solutions to the problem. One such was the Participatory, three-dimensional mapping. This Participatory, three-dimensional mapping exercise helps to obtain an understanding of societal vulnerabilities associated with landslides and to identify where erosion-prone slopes can be re-vegetated to prevent soil erosion.

To the east of Pokhara ‘Rain Communities’ project designed to increase passive rainwater retention in watersheds located. The project adopts an ecosystem-based adaption approach (EbA), combining community-based climate change adaptation measures, socio-economic benefits and biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

An important ecosystem-based adaption approach aspect of this intervention has been working with the local Forestry User Group, FECOFUN. This collaboration ensures that tree plantings designed to reduce rainwater runoff and soil erosion can also provide food or spice crops for local inhabitants. As a result of the consultations with FECOFUN and their user committees, fruit trees for chutney making and cinnamon trees have been included in erosion-control plantations.

Extended abstract submitted to the SARNET Conference – “Looming Water Crisis and Climate Change in South Asia; Rainwater Harvesting as an Adaptation Strategy by Ms Rachel Nisbet, Director of Communications and Advocacy for the International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance, Nepal