Project Completion Report...Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016 vii FOREWORD When we think of climate change, we think of the

Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal

Project Completion Report

2016

Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in NepalProject Completion Report 2016

b

2016

Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal

Project Completion Report

Prepared and Published byEcosystem based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal (EbA) Project

Copyright 2016. 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.


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

Kaski

Chapakot Pumdi Bhumdi

Bhadaure Tamagi Salyan

Dhikur PokhariKaskikot

Sarangkot

Parbat

Chitre Tilahar

Ramja Duerali Pakuwa

Arthar Khaula Lakuri

Syangja

Bangsing Deurali

BhatkholaBange Fadke

Arukharka

Note: PPF – Panchase Protection Forest

Panchase Region: Project Site

Table 1: VDCs of Panchase Region


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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 ThakurSecretary


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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.DSecretary


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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 ser-vices 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 adap-tion 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

United Nations Development Programme

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


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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 com-munities 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 meth-odology on vulnerability impact assessment of a sub-watershed, policy arguments for in-corporation 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 TimalaDeputy Director General


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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


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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 24Annex 5: Glimpses of EbA 25

Table of Contents


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1

Introduction to Ecosystem Based AdaptationBackgroundBy adhering to the approaches based on adaptation to the ecosystem, the Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) Project was piloted in Nepal, Peru and Ugan-da, aimed to strengthen the capacity of these coun-tries, 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 of Forests (DOF) was the implementing agency at the national level in partnership with UNDP, IUCN and UNEP while Ministry of Population and Environ-ment (MoPE) played an overall coordination role.

Project Area• The Panchase area is situated in the center of

the Gandaki River Basin and supports three major watersheds, i.e Modi Khola Watershed, Upper Seti Watershed, and Lower Mid-Kali Gandaki Watershed. The Panchase area is also the catchment for the Phewa Lake and the Har-pan River, the main feeder river to Phewa Lake originates in Panchase.

• The elevation of Panchase Area varies from 500 to 2517 meters above the mean sea level and is composed of hills and valleys of different ele-vation with considerable area having extremely steep slopes to very steep slopes.

• The EbA Project was implemented in the 9 core VDCs of the Panchase Protected Forest and 8 adjoining VDCs of Kaski, Parbat and Syang-ja District. According to census data 2011, 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-min (39.4%) followed by Dalits (23%), Gurungs (17.3%), Chhettri (13.1%) and others (7.3%). The average household size in the Project area was 3.9 persons per household which was low-er than the national average while the average household size for Kaski, Parbat and Syangja district is 3.92%, 4.1% and 4.2% respectively.

• Panchase ecosystem was broadly classified into forest, agriculture, grassland, river, lake/pond, and wetland ecosystems, with the forest ecosystem dominantly covering 61 percent fol-lowed by agriculture at 34 percent and grass-land at merely 3 percent.

Fig. 1: Project Area with the Panchase Protection Forest Area


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• A total of 589 species of flora had been record-ed so far for Panchase area, with 113 species of orchids including 2 endemic to the region i.e. Eria Pokharensia and Panisea Panchasenensis. Likewise, 15 mammal species, and 14 avian species had also been recorded in Panchase.

• The Panchase Protection Forest covering 5775.73 ha is classified as ‘Core’ and ‘Fringe’ while the forest area near vicinity of the set-tlements were designated as ‘intensive use zone or impact area’. 79% of PPF area which is managed by community as community for-ests (144) that benefited 13,713 households. The remaining 21% forest area is managed as the government forest.

• Outside the PPF area of Panchase, one third of the Panchase area is managed by the local people as community forests (209) benefitting more than 20,503 households.

• Crop production, livestock farming and trans-humance and forestry were main sources of livelihood of the communities. Around 80% of the total households of the region were em-ployed as teachers, professors, civil servants and wage labor in Arab countries. But, all set-tlements of Panchase have very high out-mi-gration related to foreign employment as labor or employed in foreign armies resulting in local human labor shortages.

• The project site was selected due to its vulnerability to climate change impacts, with negative impacts on water resources, biodiversity, agriculture, and communities that were dependent on agriculture and natural resources. In addition, the villages also faced climate risks from climate induced hazards such as landslide, flash floods and soil erosion which were common during the monsoon season.

Project Working StrategyThe EbA Project’s key design principles and stra-tegic consideration included:

• Contribute in addressing NAPA priorities and ownership of the lessons learned from its im-plementation

• Formation of EbA coordination committee under Multi-stakeholder Climate Change Initiatives Co-ordination Committee (MCCICC) by Ministry of Population and Environment (MOPE)1

• Building on ‘Action-research’ on new innovative technique and tools for Ecosystem based Ad-aptation to drive local level implementation and catalyze large-scale replication at national level

• Adopt multi-disciplinary, cross-sectoral and collaborative approach for the EbA piloting in specific sites

• Coordinate and collaborate with relevant na-tional, international, and local organizations im-plementing adaptation projects

• Gender-sensitive and social inclusion approach to improve resilience vulnerable communities

• Document lesson learned for piloting EbA and disseminate its contribution to reduce climate risk in Asian context

• Contribute in implementation of NAPA’s relat-ed with ecosystem management and enhance-ment of national climate change policies and framework

Project Implementation Modality: Program & Fund Flow• National Level: A Project Executive Board (PEB)

was formed and chaired by the Deputy Director General/Chief of Planning Division of Department of Forests and the National Project Director of EbA project to facilitate coordination amongst donors and line ministries along with approval of annual work plans and budget.

• Sub-National/Regional: The Field Level Proj-ect Coordination Committee (FPCC) chaired by the Regional Forest Director of the Western Region and was pivotal in overall supervision and monitoring of piloting EbA interventions in Panchase. The 25 member committee included Regional Directors of Livestock Services and Agriculture Development Directorates, Officers of DLAs representing forest, soil conserva-

1 formerly MoSTE OR Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment


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tion, agriculture and livestock, Chairpersons of Councils of Panchase, Planning Officers from DDCs, Manager of PPFP and representatives of FECOFUN District Chapters and non-gov-ernment organizations. The Field Officer of the EbA Project was designated as the Member Secretary of the committee (Annex 2.1).

• Field/Local: The district line agencies, PPFP and the Main Council and the District Chapters of the Panchase Protection Forest (PPF) were the enabling agencies that created conducive environment for planning, and piloting of EbA options and future ownership of interventions carried out in the community.

Fig. 2: Project Implementation Modality

Center

Regional

Field

Project Executive Board (PEB) Chaired by DDG of DoF & National

Project Director, EbA Project

Field level Project Coordination Committee (FPCC) Chaired by Regional Director of Western Regional Forest

Directorate (25 members)

ASK Nepal (Syangja)

MDO (Kaski & Parbat)

IUCN

Panchase Protection Forest Program & PPF-Main Council

DFO/ DSCO/ DADO/DLSO/ PPFP

District Council Chapters (Kaski, Syangja, Parbat) Existing Community Units


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Major Milestones

The major milestones of the pilot project are out-lined by the four project core ‘Components’ as structured in the Global Project document. Each of the project Component is equated to ‘Out-comes’ for the project at national level.

OUTCOME 1: development of methodologies and tools for EbA decision-making in mountain ecosystemsLed by UNEP with support from UNEP-WCMC, the outcome is aimed at building national and lo-cal institutional knowledge and capacity to adapt to climate change, using Ecosystem based Adap-tation approaches, based on the global products, produced by the global EbA partnership.

OUTPUT 1: EbA Assessment Methodology and Tools, Options and Indicators for Monitoring Available to Decision Makers in Nepal. Country specific guidance materials were gener-ated through learning by doing at different levels to build solid institutional foundation and promote EbA in Nepal. Four key products were material-ized under this output;

a) Ecosystem based Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience Guidance

Review and synthesis of existing knowledge on resilience by UNEP-WCMC was used as a basis by the Nepal national project team to deliver bet-ter understanding of various factors affecting re-silience and management of ecosystems.

GoN/UNDP conducted a baseline study to pro-vide representative qualitative information on so-cio-economy, ecosystem, ecosystem services, climate change and climate change adaptation in all 17 VDCs of Panchase, the project area.2 Similarly, a report ‘Preliminary Identification of Essential and Desirable Ecosystem Services in the Panchase Area of Nepal’3 was also pre-pared and produced to identify key ecosystems, services and use of Panchase.

b) Handbook of EbA Measures (EbA Menu of Services)

UNEP prepared ‘A Review and Compilation of Good Practices,’4 a handbook on EbA Measures based on field and desk reviews and compilation of good practices of EbA for mountain ecosystem and shared among key stakeholders in Nepal for finalization of potential EbA options available for Nepal.

c) Methodologies and Tools for EbA design and implementation

A comprehensive Vulnerability Impact Assess-ment (VIA) study was prepared for the Panchase Mountain Ecological Region (PMER) that outlined the vulnerability of ecosystems and communi-ties of the 17 VDCs of project site prepared by UNEP. For the purpose of analysis, 32 indicators were used i.e. 16 indicators on physical systems including demography, 8 ecosystem/ecological and 8 based on disaster/hazards to analyze the

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.


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vulnerability of Panchase at sub-watershed scale. The report categorized PMER into 13 sub-water-sheds and prescribed six different thematic EbA options for its implementation. Based on the vul-nerability impact assessment, sub-watershed re-silience 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 con-sultation 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 Nepal. The prepared M&E Framework is outlined by its integrated approach to assess the holistic set of indicators (ecological, economical, social and institutional) that can help measure outcomes and impacts of the EbA activities in the Panchase area at the level of ecosystem services and hu-man well-being.5

OUTCOME 2: Application of EbA Methodologies and Tools at the Ecosystem LevelLed by UNEP with support from UNEP-WCMC, Outcome 2 aimed at development of an Ecosys-tem based Adaptation plan using decision-mak-ing tools based on global methodology and local knowledge that enabled to demonstrate EbA op-tions in order to increase resilience of vulnerable mountain communities and ecosystems. UNDP provided inputs to this components and assis-tance in coordination for the implementation of the prepared plan including ownership. The cost effectiveness of the identified options was also

analyzed. The key outputs of the component in-cludes:

Output 2.1: EbA Strategy and Action Plans at Ecosystem Level Developed• Vulnerability Impact Assessment Study and

Adaptation Plan A comprehensive vulnerability impact as-

sessment report of PMER outlined the vulner-ability of ecosystem services and community livelihoods to both climatic and non-climatic changes in PMER and identified EbA options to improve resilience of both agents and sys-tems of PMER. The VIA study identified six EbA options through sharing and learning dialogue process aimed towards adaptation to and mitigation of the negative impacts of climate change that played a vital role to in-crease the resilience of local communities and the PMER. Three priority sub-watersheds were thoroughly analyzed.6

Fig. 3: Vulnerability Risk Ranking of 13 Sub-watersheds of Panchase Mountain Ecological Region.

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.

(Source: UNEP/ISET-Nepal 2015)


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Other knowledge products included Atlas of PMER highlighting the climate change vulnerabilities of the PMER7 and the Adap-tation Plan of 13 sub watersheds of PMER8 were also prepared.

• Research / Supplementary Studies Subsequent sector-wise studies on status of

forest ecosystems of Panchase, eco-tourism and homestay development, status of range-land, analysis of value chain of NTFPs and analysis of sub-watersheds prioritized for piloting of EbA in Panchase in relation to cli-mate induced hazards were undertaken. Led by the Western Regional Forest Directorate, a detailed analysis of siltation of Phewa Lake was undertaken and ecosystem based treat-ment measures were designed to protect Phewa Lake.9

Leading research institutions i.e. Institute of Forestry (IoF) and Tribhuvan University - Central Department of Environmental Sci-

ence (TU-CDES) were engaged to address the research gaps on ecosystem based ap-proaches and development of knowledge base on EbA.

Different trainings, workshops and seminars were organized to disseminate knowledge on EbA by TU-CDES. Furthermore, EbA syllabus were designed and introduced in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Programmes among different academic institutions.

Based on research, the cases of ecosystem based approaches implemented was used as examples in the curriculum of B.Sc. in En-vironmental Syllabus of Tribhuvan Universi-ty, CDES.

Research grants were provided to 32 stu-dents for the purpose of understanding the science of EbA sectors and understanding of ecosystem based approach to activities implemented in the field.

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.

Table 2: List of EbA Options Identified

S.No EbA Options

1. Conserving existing drinking water sources together with rehabilitation of infrastructures and improvement of management to enhance resilience of existing drinking water and irrigation systems.

2. Improving agriculture production through crop diversification, off-season and climate smart crop production system.

3. Conserving and managing forest, biodiversity and wildlife with the objective of improving livelihoods and reduction in people-wildlife disputes.

4. Rehabilitating and reclaiming degraded land and promoting measures to control landslide, soil erosion and similar forms of land degradation.

5.

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 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)


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• EbA Framework of Panchase Conceptualized EbA Framework for guidance of application of

EbA options10 was prepared based on con-solidation of EbA option priorities highlighted for Panchase while sectoral studies were un-dertaken to address the knowledge gaps.

OUTCOME 3: Implementation of EbA Pilots at Ecosystem Level

Under the component, priority actions identified in the plan and developed under Component 2 were implemented. These activities were jointly man-aged by UNDP Nepal and IUCN Nepal. The two key outputs includes:

Output 3.1: Capacity of Local Stakeholder Enhanced on EbA Planning, Executing and Monitoring• For effective coordination and supervision

of implementation of EbA options at ecosystem level, a 25 member Field Level Project Coordination Committee chaired by Regional Forest Director of the Western Region Forest Directorate was fomed.

PolicyIntervention

ActionResearch

CapacityBuilding

Learning/ Awarenes

Source: Adapted from the Panchase Framework

Ecosys-tem and its services as a vulnerable

system

Build Resilient Ecosystem• Ecosystem restoration and

forest management• Wetland restoration/Sustainable• water management• Rangeland restoration

Increase Adaptive Capacity of the people • Conservation farming and live-

stock husbandry• PES Mechanism and • Sustainable use of NTFPs• Land Rehabilitation

Ecosystem management as a means to

adaptation

EbA

Fig. 4: Panchase Framework for Panchase

Members of the committee included representative from the government line agencies (forest, soil conservation, agriculture, and local development), non-government organizations and Chairperson of the Councils of the Panchase Protection Forests.

• EbA Project also facilitated in the formation of Main Council and three District level Councils for Kaski, Parbat and Syangja of PPF.

• Capacity enhancement trainings targeted offi-cials and technical staffs of the regional offices of forests, agriculture and livestock and district line agencies, members of the Councils of the PPF, user groups of community forest, water and agriculture, women groups, and communi-ty based institutions/ social networks.

• Capacity enhancement trainings were packaged into two aspects vis-à-vis knowledge-based training to raise awareness and orientation on climate change and adaptation; and skill-based trainings to enhance the capacities of the com-munities on management of forests, NTFPs, eco-clubs as well institutional development in-cluding Councils of PPF and women groups. A

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


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total of 6159 individuals attended such trainings with women representing 41% of the partici-pants.

• Knowledge based interventions included train-ings, awareness campaigns and workshops on climate change, community forest man-agement, open grazing and soil conservation to enhance the capacity of local stakeholders. Among the 2211 participants, 43% represent-ed included women participants representing CFUGs, women groups, and members of Pan-chase Councils.

• Skill based trainings were focused upon en-hancing the capacity of stakeholders, imple-menting partners, members of user groups, and local community. Trainings were conduct-ed by the EbA project on forest management, soil conservation, open grazing, improve grass, NTFP management and livestock rearing. In-stitutional strengthening including good gov-ernance, women empowerment and Trainings of Trainers to technical staffs of DLA were also delivered and participated by 3948 individuals with 42% of the participants were female.

• 232 participants participated in 7 different theme-wise exposure visits aimed at enhancing knowledge and capacities of technical officers of government line agencies and Councils of

Fig. 5: Participants Distribution of EbA CD Trainings

Panchase Protection Forest, CFUGs, homestay operators and women groups. Female partici-pants comprised of 34%.

• UNDP/SPDEU undertook a comprehensive study of EbA’s capacity development activities assesses the current level of knowledge, atti-tudes and practices of the target beneficiaries, including individuals, local community institu-tions and district/regional implementing part-ners in 2015.

Output 3.2: EbA Strategy and Action implemented Plans at Ecosystem Level• EbA intervention were initiated as ‘No-Regret

Measures’ in 2013 based on best practices and

Photo 1: Participants of the Good Governance & institutional strengthening training in 2014.


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the technical know-how on climate change and its impacts to forest, land, soil, water and agri-culture ecosystems and communities.

• In 2014, based on the EbA options identified by the VIA Study of Panchase, the EbA Guiding Framework for piloting EbA in Panchase prior-itized the thematic approaches of piloting EbA into the three sub-watersheds of Panchase namely, Harpan, Rati and Andhi.11

• Four EbA thematic options were identified - eco-system restoration (forest, rangeland, agro-for-estry); water conservation; land rehabilitation and livelihood diversification focusing on pro-motion of NTFPs and ecotourism development.

THEME 1: Ecosystem RestorationThe ecosystem restoration priorities focused on rehabilitation of degraded lands through planta-tions of multiple-use species that benefits both ecosystems service and use, distribution of seed-lings for plantations and supportive infrastructures to facilitate plantation activities in future.

• Forests are credited for ensuring a reliable pro-vision for food, medicines and clean water for societies. They are the adobe for conserving biodiversity. In order to control soil erosion, uti-lize open area, promote greenery and control open grazing, different tree species as fodder or multiple–use tree species were planted at different sites of the project area.

• More than 54,500 multiple-use trees and NTFPs were planted in degraded and fallow lands in 65 Ha and benefitting 2496 households. Plan-tations of fodder species such as Raikanhyo, Nimaro, Badahar were dominant along with the native species such as Uttis (Alnus nepal-ensis), Chilaune (Schima wallichii) and Paiyu (Prunus cerasoides). In addition, native species

like Champ (Michelia champaca) and Loth Salla (Taxus wallichina) that posed the risk of being threatened, were planted along with NTPF spe-cies such as Timur (Zanthoxylum alatum) and Amriso (Thysanolaena maxima) in public, pri-vate and community forest areas of Panchase

• Six nurseries were established with the capac-ity to produce 60,000 seedlings of in-demand fodder trees, NTFP species and threatened local native species. Nursery to support production of seedlings of fodder species were supported to the DSCO-Kaski, DFO-Kaski, DFO-Parbat and PPFP. Chiraito and Timur nurseries were also established in Ramja and Chitre of Parbat dis-trict to meet the demands of local communities in NTFP farming by Shree Siddha Baraha and Falgu CFGU with technical support from PPFP.

• More than 26,000 seedlings of multiple-use trees were also distributed to support agro-forestry practice in fallow lands, which further supported the establishment of two nurseries with the capacity to produce more than 20,000 seedlings of NTFPs and multiple use species as per the demand of the community.

THEME 2: Water ConservationMajority of the communities in Panchase relies on rain-fed agriculture and natural springs to meet their daily water demand. More so, the Panchase area supports four major water systems in the re-gion and is also the main catchment for the Phe-wa Lake. However, with the changing climate the rainfall timing, frequency, duration and intensity is expected to change resulting in extreme rain-fall events predicted in the region impacting the rain-fed agriculture practice and water availabili-ty in the region.12 Thus, the EbA Project through its water conservation initiatives has focused on 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.


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season, increase water infiltration in soil, and sup-port efficient use of water for agriculture and hu-man 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 through plantation as well as protection of lands vulnerable to climate induced hazards such as flash floods, soil erosion, and land-slides through bio-engineering treatments.

• Between 2013-2015, land rehabilitation and protection efforts included gully erosion con-trol, stream bank protection, river bank con-servation (development of green belt and drain construction). During the period of the Project, rehabilitation treatments were applied in 72 vul-nerable sites towards protecting 120 Ha.

• In addition, plantations have been undertaken to supplement and strengthen the engineered structures along the river banks.

THEME 4: Livelihood DiversificationPromotion of Non Timber Forest Product (NTFP)• Communities of Panchase are dependent on NT-

FPs and engaged in its extraction every year. Un-derstandings its significance to communities and ecosystem, a detail assessment of value chain of five prominent NTFPs were undertaken towards commercialization of such high-valued NTFPs.13

• Amriso or Broom Grass, Chiraito and Timur were identified and heavily promoted amongst the user groups of Community Forest of Panchase, PPFP and the Women Groups for farming through seedling distribution.

• Panchase Mahila Sanjaal -Chitre (PMSC), a net-

Photo 2: Plantation by members of CFUG in Pumdi Bhumdi (2013).

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.


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Photo 3: Nursery producing NTFP and Fodder species seedling in Pumdi Bhumdi by DFO Kaski.

Table 3: Tree Plantation and Beneficiary

Year No. of Plant/area in hectare

Area Beneficiary in HH

Total Population % of Female 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

work of women of the 9 Wards of Chitre VDC planted more than 1500 species of Amriso, 100 species of Timur and other fodder species in a 5 Ha plot degraded shrub land leased from a private farmer. Besides providing the seedlings, the EbA Project also provided technical train-ings on management, harvesting and process-ing of Amriso to the members of the PMSC.

• For sustainability purpose, EbA Partnered with District Micro-enterprise Development Associa-tion (DMEGA)-Parbat/MEDEP-APSO to provide skill based trainings on commercialization and market linkages of Amriso while the VDC Of-fice of Chitre stated its commitment to support the women entrepreneurs. A business plan for Amriso was also prepared as an outcome of the training and the members will be provided with technical support by DMEGA-Parbat in future.

Ecotourism Development• Panchase is an ecotourism destination with

both national and domestic tourists visiting the 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 vil-lages 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 es-tablished a homestay operator’s network to ensure better communication amongst homestays oper-ating in Panchase area.

• 60 participants including homestay operators, members of District Councils of Panchase Pro-tection Forest and Women Groups participated in exposure visit organized to Nagi (Myagdi) to observe homestay operated by the locals. 25% of the participants were female.

• In 2013, the Council Members of Main Council and District Chapters of PPF participated in the exposure visit to Bhujung (ACAP) to learn ex-perience on homestay management as well as the Buffer Zone of the Chitwan National Park to learn management practices in BZ and re-source allocation.

• Information board and directional signboards have been installed in partnership with the PPF District Chapters.

• EbA Project supported the establishment of the Resource/Information Center at Bhanjyang, Kaski that will house all knowledge products of the EbA Project.


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Farming and Livestock Husbandry• Towards mitigating the practice of open graz-

ing, 365 livestock farmers (and members of ag-riculture 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 miti-gate open grazing practices in the region.

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

OUTPUT 4.1 Business Case for EbA Developed• The Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) approach was

applied to determine the cost-effectiveness of the EbA approaches piloted in Panchase. A review of existing economic assessment methodology and tools for EbA were prepared based on consultation with the EbA Global Team and contextualized for Nepal.

• Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) analysis of non-timber forest products such as Amriso (Thysanolaena maxima) or Broom Grass and Timur (Zanthoxylum alatum) and their contri-bution to the ecosystem and use value for the local economy were also analyzed by the study.14 Similarly, Cost Benefit Analysis of

Photo 5: Renovated water source/natural spring in Arukharka

Photo 4: Paudelswara conservation ponds renovated at Arthar-1, Parbat

bio-engineering or Grey-Green structures im-plemented by EbA was also analyzed to under-stand its contributions towards restoration and conservation of ecosystem services along with the reduced impacts of climate induced haz-ards.15 Both the case studies were used for the purpose of justification of cost-effectiveness of ecosystem based approach and for the discus-sion on public sector finance in view of building cases for EbA in national & sectoral policy.

OUTPUT 4.2 Capacity development of Government Agencies to Plan, Implement and Monitor EbA Actions

Capacity Enhancement• With the aim of developing the capacity of the

technical staff to the district line agencies and lo-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 ex-posure 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.


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Photo 7: River bank protection through grey-green structures at Tuni Khola, Bangsing

ination of EbA concept and sharing of the results of 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, mem-bers of the Project Executive Board and the FPCC visited the EbA Project.

• At the national level, the capacity enhancement interventions was aimed towards sharing les-son learned to facilitated the process of main-streaming EbA. The EbA Technical Committee was crucial in driving the capacity building pro-cess of sharing the outputs of the CBA study, the siltation of Phewa Lake along, VIA study sharing and the outputs of the EbA Project.

Monitoring• Monitoring and Review of the EbA interventions

were undertaken once a year at the end of the closing cycle by the members of Field level Proj-ect Coordination Committee (FPCC) and led by the Regional Forest Director.

• High-level visits to the Panchase area were organized as knowledge sharing platforms to share urgency of Protection Forest Directive discussion along with highlighting the contribu-tion of EbA in Panchase.

• Strategic Planning and Development Effective-ness Unit (SPDEU)/UNDP conducted studies

Photo 6: Bio-engineering interventions towards protecting physical infrastructures in Saunepani, Ramja

to assess EbA intervention impact monitoring along with analysis of capacity development training undertaken by the EbA Project in 2015.

OUTPUT 4.3: EbA Measures Incorporated into Selected Sectorial Policies and Strategies/Plan• EbA Project worked with the DoF in supporting

the first national workshop of the Protection For-ests in Pokhara to facilitate the drafting of the Protection Forest Directive.16

• EbA Project worked closely with the DoF, PPFP and the Councils of PPFs in the review of the five year PPF Management Plan and prescribed and recommended internalization of EbA ap-proach and measures at both the strategic and implementation level. A final reviewed docu-ment has been shared with the Department of Forests and PPF Councils and PPFP.

• EbA Project provided technical assistance and inputs on EbA approaches for adaptation and strengthening the resilience of ecosys-tems 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.


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ecosystem resilience under the policy 6 of the 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 Implementation Centre, Department of Soil Con-servation and Watershed Management, Depart-ment of National Park and Wildlife Conservation as well as Under Sectaries from National Plan-ning Commission, Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development, Ministry of Science, Tech-nology and Environment and the Ministry of Ag-riculture Development. The TC was formed for the purpose of cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation to mainstream EbA approaches into sectoral policies and strategies.

• Central Department of Environmental Studies, Tribhuvan University tested the Vulnerabili-ty Impact Assessment of the Sub-watershed of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and based on the impact analysis, and submitted a revised and recommended SNNP management plan for opportunities of EbA internalization into its strategic approach and interventions.

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 les-sons learned on implementation of EbA, oppor-tunities for financing and way forward for EbA in Nepal. The policy briefs were shared in differ-ent forums and workshops held nationally and internationally.

• Four success stories focusing on the Project themes – land rehabilitation, water conserva-tion and plantations and capacity development were prepared.

• In early 2015, a team comprising of members from the Global Knowledge Management Unit from the UNDP Headquarters and the EbA team from Nepal travelled to Panchase Region to review and monitor the EbA interventions and witnessed and collected stories from the local people to see which ones could be used as a success story or a photo essay. Four of the selected stories were published in the UN-DP-ALM website in the form photo essays. They were also translated into Nepali and pub-lished online on the website as well.17

• Global Publication on EbA titled ‘Making Case for EbA’18 was launched at 2015 COP 21 Paris side-event organized by the UNDP Global Team. Mr

Photo 9: Plantation of Amriso by member of PMSC

Photo 8: Monitoring by the members of PEB (2015).


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Ram Prasad Lamsal, the Joint Secretary of MoSTE participated as a panelist at the side-event .

• The Conservation Education Curriculum (CEC) was prepared as a guiding material for conser-vation 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 imple-mented 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 100.6 MhZ.

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 informa-tion 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.

Sharing Workshop / TrainingFurther, knowledge of EbA approaches and suc-cess and lesson learned were disseminated at various workshops and trainings organized na-tionally and internationally. Some of the key work-shops were shared in chronological order below:

Photo 10 : Homestay operators greet their guests in Chitre.

Photo 11: Directional signs have been supported in Panchase Area

17 http://www.adaptation-undp.org/projects/mountain-eba-nepal18 UNDP (2015). Making Case for Ecosystem Adaptation: The Global Mountain EbA Programme in Nepal, Peru and Uganda. New York.


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S.no Workshop Purpose Year Organized By

1. Community Based Adaptation (CBA10) Conference, Dhaka

Plennary Session: Integration and Effectiveness of Ecosystem Based Adaptation: Learning from Experiences

22 – 28th April 2016

International Institute for Environment & Development (IIED)

2. EbA Closing Workshop

Discussion on lesson learned and way forward for EbA in Nepal

18th April 2016 EbA Nepal Project

3. EbA Kathmandu Conference

Share EbA knowledge and experience gained from EbA pilot project and activities

1st April 2016 Tribhuvan University - Central Department of Environmental Science (TU-CDES)

4. Asia-Pacific Forestry Week

Poster Presentation on ‘Ecosystem Approach to Climate Change Adaptation’

22-26th February 2016

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the Government of Philippines

5. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 21, Paris

Launch of EbA Global Publication ‘Making Case for EbA: The Global Mountain EbA Programme in Nepal, Peru, and Uganda

8th December 2015

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

6. EbA Global Learning and Technical Workshops

Planning and sharing lesson learned of implementing EbA nationally

Peru (2015)Nepal (2014)Uganda (2013)

Mt. EbA Global Project Team

7. EbA Global Workshop on Sharing and Learning on using Cost Benefit Analysis for making case for EbA

Discussion on planning tool for CBA approach towards undertaking CBA.

Peru (2015)Slovakia (2014)

Mt. EbA Global Project Team

8. International Conference on Forests, People & Climate: Changing Paradigm

Presentation on ‘Assessing Vulnerability and Planning Adaptation in Panchase: An Ecosystem-based Adaptation Approach’

28-30th August 2013

Tribhuvan University- Institute of Forestry

9. Ecosystem based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems (EbA) in Nepal- Inception Workshop

Inception workshop of the EbA Project 9th October 2012

Department of Forests / EbA Nepal Project

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

Sharing Workshop / Training orginazed


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54,500 31

EbA Output By NUMBERS

Traditional Pond conserved benefitted 1800 HHs

6 Sites of river restored with Grey green structure benefitted 156 HHs.

6 Nursery of Timur and Chiraito planted 46,000 of seedling

Gully and Landslide protected through gabion wall construction and green structure benefited 1819 HHs.

5River bank protection activities held in around 180 meter area benefitted 292 HHs.

32Forest fire control and management training. Participants 547 local people

27Invasive species management training. Participants 694 local people

5 Women empowerment training. Participants 162 local women

10Exposure visit. Exposure visit for different purpose 311 local people and stakeholders

10Soil management training. 527 total participants of local people

Plants planted on 65 ha. Area of PMER conserving ecological region and benefitted 2496 HHs.

Natural Water source protected benefitted 1542 HHs and PMER

35

32


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Cross Cutting IssuesTargeting and voice/Participation of Target GroupsOn the basis of the Vulnerability Impact Assess-ment study report, the EbA Nepal Project priori-tized implementation of four of the six EbA options identified by the study in the 3 prioritized Sub-wa-tersheds. During field-level planning process at the sub-watersheds, interventions were prioritized addressing the challenges of the most vulnerable groups namely, women, disadvantaged and so-cially excluded groups (approx. 40%) in partner-ship with the key stakeholders of the Panchase Protection Forest.

EbA Project worked closely with Parbat District Chapter to identify and prioritize working part-nership with Falgu CFUG whose major benefi-ciaries included members of socially excluded and disadvantaged groups. The EbA Project went into partnership with the Falgu CFUG to support plantation of Timur, a non-timber forest product (NTFP) in their 10 Ha plots in efforts to rehabili-tate the land. The plantation was aimed towards restoring the ecosystem, but also providing eco-nomically viable options to these low income groups. In addition to plantation support, technical trainings on farming practice, management along

with harvesting and processing techniques were delivered. Further, trainings to start their own mi-cro-enterprise along with preparation of ‘Business Plan’ for Timur were also delivered in partnership with District Micro-entrepreneurs Group Associa-tion (DMEGA)–Parbat to the members.

Panchase Mahila Sanjaal-Chitre (PMSC), that in-cluded women of low income families, socially ex-cluded and disadvantaged groups in Chitre VDC, were identified by the Parbat District Council of Panchase Protection Forest towards promoting Amriso or Broom Grass plantation in abandoned and degraded lands. Technical trainings on plan-tation, management along with harvesting and processing training were also provided. Further, the members were provided skill-based trainings to develop women micro-entrepreneurs and es-tablishing market linkages for opportunities of di-versified income generations in partnership with District Micro-entrepreneurs Group Association (DMEGA) – Parbat were conducted. As an exit strategy, with support from DMEGA the groups has prepared a ‘Business Plan’ for Amriso while the members of the PMSC and CFUG have also registered themselves as a member of DMEGA. The project also helped coordinate support from the Chitre VDC Office to members.

Gender Equality, Women’s Empower-ment, and Social Inclusioni. Enhancing CapacitiesThe EbA Project emphasized on women’s par-ticipation and social inclusion while identifying participants for decision making, trainings and orientation programs and other EbA implementa-tion initiatives geared towards strengthening the ecosystem resilience of Panchase region. Two of major partners included PMSC and CFUGs in the field.

Photo 13: Members of CFUGs and PMSC attend the TOSE/TOPE Training delivered by DMEGA Parbat


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• Between 2013-2015, EbA capacity develop-ment trainings meant that women participants composed of 42% of the total participants. These included three specific trainings under-taken towards engaging women in ‘Natural Resource Conservation’ through the ‘Women Empowerment Trainings’ to the members of the PMSC and members of the CFUG in Khaula and Pakuwa in Parbat district.

• Engaged the disadvantages and socially ex-cluded members of the PMSC to promote plantation of multiple-use NTFPs as Amriso along with providing them capacity enrich-ment trainings to plant, manage, harvest and process the Amriso grass. It is expected that when the multi-purpose species planted in the area mature, they will be able to accumulate an additional source of income, thereby increasing their annual household income.

• Trainings were also provided to groom the lo-cals as micro-entrepreneurs of NTFPs and agro-based products through business and commercialization trainings along with linking them to the DMEGA-Parbat. The members also prepared a ‘Business Plan’ for Amriso with sup-port from DMEGA-Parbat.

ii. Grants to Female students• Among the 24 thesis research grants provided,

46% of the grantees were female researchers from TU-CDES and Institute of Forestry. Their

research topics include climate change and adaptation, valuation of ecosystem goods and services of Panchase, conservation of PPF, in-vasive species and vulnerability assessment to climate change etc.

• Similarly, 8 students were offered communi-ty 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 re-search grants were awarded to female students.

iii. EbA interventions BeneficiariesThe beneficiaries of EbA interventions included:• 42% of the participants of the ecosystem resto-

ration were participated by women of the com-munity.

• Approximately 50% of beneficiaries included women who benefitted directly from the water conservation efforts as source protection and conservation ponds in their community,

• Women participation represented approxi-mately 36% in both skill and knowledge based trainings while three specific trainings under the livelihood diversification interventions were tar-geted at women of disadvantaged and socially excluded groups and represented 65% of the participants.

Youth Engagement• With the support of implementing partner

PPFP, 3 Eco-clubs were formed participated by 120 students which involved 60 female stu-dents. Similarly, to strengthen the eco-clubs and engage them pro-actively in EbA initiatives in their community, 37 students and 12 teach-ers as eco-club coordinators participated in the EbA orientation workshop. 12 female students and 2 female teachers from different eco-clubs of Parbat, Kaski and Syangja were oriented on different aspects and interventions of EbA.

Photo 14: Members of CFUGs and PMSC attend the training on commercialization of NTFPs in Chitre (2015)


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• Members of the Shree Pancha Koshi eco-club of Arthar VDC, Parbat were engaged in the plantation efforts of 10 Ha plot of Rakameko Danda and have been engaged in management of the plantation.

SOUTH SOUTH COOPERATIONAs a Global pilot project, the Mountain EbA Proj-ect is being implemented in three countries: Nepal, Uganda and Peru and thus the Global Learning and Sharing platform was formed towards enhancing mutual learning between the countries and took ad-vantage of the strengths of the partners at both the global and national levels. The EbA Global Team helped facilitate the sharing platform between the three countries through the annual meeting held once a year. The meetings were hosted by Uganda, Nepal and Peru 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. Besides mutual sharing, the annual meetings were also been effective in finalizing the methodology and approaches for VIA and Cost Benefit Analysis along with documenting lesson learned and suc-cess of EbA in each of the countries towards de-veloping a knowledge document for ‘Making Case for EbA’ at Global level.

LESSON LEARNEDApproach / Activities / Implementation• EbA approach outlined science based approach

in terms of analysis of climate change impacts

and vulnerabilities and integrating traditional in-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 predict-ed 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 with such scenario enables better, participatory and effective planning process.

• EbA options identified must take account of the local context such as identification of species for land degradation treatment and plantations of de-graded lands to ensure sustainability of conserva-tion or management practices.

• The social-environmental contexts of the vulner-ability must be addressed. They need to be in-tegrated towards understanding the community context and addressed the vulnerabilities of com-munities to climate change.

• EbA Policy discussion and engaging with line ministries should enable better policies, main-streaming effort of the EbA approach. Further, policy discussion in different platforms must be taken into consideration and systematically planned.

Coordination / Institutions• Coordination mechanism established at nation-

al and regional ensured greater translation of knowledge and science towards localized im-plemention.

• Utilizing the technical expertise of district line agencies was pivotal in implementing along with the local knowledge of the community during planning of interventions. More so, en-gaging government line agencies fostered part-nership for greater ownership of the EbA inter-vention by the local user groups.

Photo 15: Members of Panchase Mahila Sanjaal Chitre managing the planted amriso (2015).


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• While the PMU was effective in coordination and facilitating discussion towards achieving expected outcomes, a discussion amongst fo-cal points at regular intervals would have en-abled greater working results.

Capacity Enhancement• Conceptual clarity and knowledge dissemina-

tion on ecosystem based approaches was crit-ical at all levels vis-à-vis central, regional, and local including user groups towards planning for ecosystem based climate adaptation inter-ventions. Development of a Comprehensive Capacity Development Plan helped outline key target groups at national, sub-national and lo-cal levels.

• Capacity development training must also be en-grained on all project staffs along with technical staffs to ensure clarity in terms of implementa-tion of field based activities and ensuring effec-tive monitoring of the EbA activities.

• Considering the previous experience, the fre-quent partner coordination meeting was very effective in ensuring that each partner took ac-count of their responsibility not only for the re-spective component but the project as a whole.

CONCLUSION• Capacity development/enhancement trainings

must be undertaken prior to implementation of the field based activities to ensure conceptual clarity and better outputs.

• Technical officials of government line agencies offered their assistance in terms of implemen-tation and providing technical support. They are must be integral towards the planning of cli-mate change adaptation options at local levels.

• Social networks, community based organiza-tions, user groups and women groups con-tribute reducing vulnerabilities individuals and communities and must be considered as an important proponent of adaptation planning.

• EbA approaches must be able to harmonize between science based analysis of vulnerabil-ities of ecosystems and communities while the field based activities at the local can be driven by taking account of traditional and indigenous knowledge.

• Coordination mechanism must be identified prior to implementation of activities. In case of Panchase, the Western Regional Forest Direc-torate contributed in terms of supervision and guidance of the Project.

Photo 16: Members of Shree Pancha Koshi Eco-Club plant seedling during World Environment Day Celebration in 2014.

Photo 17: EbA Global Learning Workshop in Lima, Peru (2015).


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ANNEX 1: Project Management Structure

1.1 PROJECT EXECUTIVE BOARD (PEB)

1.2 EBA PROJECT STRUCTURE

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

German Embassy in Kathmandu

(On behalf of BMUB)

Ministry of Forests & Soil

Conservation – Planning Officer

(U.S)

Ministry of Population and Environment –

Planning Officer (U.S)

Ministry of Agriculture

Development – Planning Officer

(U.S)

Department of Forests –

Planning Officer (U.S)

UNDP - Assistant Country Director

UNEP – Regional

Climate Change Coordinator

IUCN – Country Representative

National Project DirectorDeputy Director General , Dept. of Forests

Admin. Finance Associate

Field Support Associate

Research Associate

Project Assistant

Support Staff (2)

Communication & KM Assistant

Support Staffs (2)

National Project Coordinator

Project Management Unit Forestry Complex

EbA Field OfficePame, Kaski


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ANNEX 2: Project Support Structures

2.1 FIELD LEVEL PROJECT COORDINATION COMMITTEE

Member Secretary (EbA Field

Officer)Hariyo Ban (Observer)

MDO (Kaski)

ASK-Nepal (Syangja)

PPF-District Councils

(Kaski, Syangja, Parbat)

PPF-Main Council DDC

(Kaski, Syangja, Parbat)

FECOFUN (Kaski, Syangja

Parbat)

DFO (Kaski, Syangja,

Parbat)

DSCO (Kaski, Syangja,

Parbat)

Regional Agri. Dev.

Office

Panchase Protection

Forest Program

Chair - Regional Forest

Director, WRFT

2.2 EBA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

National Planning

Commission

MoFSC/REDD Implementation

Center

Dept. of National Park

& Wildlife Conservation

Dept. of Soil Conservation & Watershed Management

Ministry of Population & Environment

Ministry of Agriculture

Development

Ministry of Forests & Soil Conservation

Dept. of Forests

Chair - Joint Secretary of

MoFSC


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ANNEX 3: Financials

ANNEX 4: List of EbA Project Staffs

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)

Fiscal Year Budget(US$)

Expenditure (in US $) Total Expenditure(in US $)

% of Exp by YearUNDP Govt.

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%

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 Dharapani, Ramja (Parbat).

Renovated water source in Arukharka, Syangja.

Renovated Dandapokhari at Bange Fadke, Syangja.

Interaction with children & members of Shree Panchakoshi High School.

DoF Officials monitoring of the EbA project site in Rakameko Danda, Arthar.

Group photo of participants of Commercialization Training with Mr Renaud Meyer, Country Director of UNDP.


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Gully control treatment measures implemented in Rakame ko Danda, Arthar (Parbat).

Restored water source in Rapu in Ramja, Parbat.

Constructed gabio structures and supplemented by plantations in Khahare Khola, Kaski

Plantation of Timur seedling in Bhadaure, Kaski.

Participants of PMSC and CFUGs attend the TOSE/TOPE training by DMEGA Parbat

Monitoring undertaken by FPCC in (2015).


27

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Project Completion Report...Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Mountain Ecosystems in Nepal Project Completion Report 2016 vii FOREWORD When we think of climate change, we think of the