As a country that is highly vulnerable to climate change, it is clear that Nepal needs more effective and strategic adaptation and mitigation strategies in light of potentially wide-ranging impacts. Projects by IDS-Nepal, therefore, aim to contribute to the country’s wider climate change and development policies. Within this sector, IDS-Nepal has been involved in policy-related projects including technical support to the Mountain Initiative, a strategic engagement with UNFCCC, and an Economic Impact Assessment of Climate Change in Nepal. The overarching aim of the above projects is that the issue of climate change and its impacts on various sectors are brought to a global platform. IDS-Nepal’s focus on renewable energy is an extension of its work within climate change, as alternative energies have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2001, IDS-Nepal has been a pioneer in the field of alternative energy through the development and promotion of Bio-Briquettes. Bio-Briquettes offer a healthy, environmentally friendly and economically sensible alternative energy source to wood, coal and kerosene. As such, IDS-Nepal continues to support and promote new techniques that are less expensive and more community-friendly than traditional processes. Several National and International television broadcasts and newspaper articles have recognized IDS-Nepal’s work in the promotion of Bio-Briquettes. Declaration of Markhu VDC of Achham smoke free area due to extensive use of Improved Cooking Stoves is one of our achievements. Development of “TAMD and Toolbox” for assessing loss and damage are two of our pilot projects in risks evaluation which can be easily replicated in other areas.

IDS-Nepal coordinated cross-ministerial working group, capacity enhancement activities and develop policy briefs for effective participation in the UNFCCC negotiations at different COPs aligned with national approach to climate change and technical support, as in COP 24 organized side event jointly with MoFoE to share innovative ideas and initiatives that are being implemented on ground level aiming to achieve scaling up adaptation actions; address growing gaps in finance, technology and capacity in least developed countries who were using sustainable methods. The UN Framework Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement clearly recognizes the special circumstances and needs of the LDCs and this recognition must be adhered to in every delivery mechanism of the climate finance. IDS-Nepal assists the governments and local authorities prepare and mitigate the risks of manmade or natural disasters. By working closely with local authorities, concern stakeholders and CBOs assists to build better resilience against disaster, prepare action plans and enhance capacity towards response. Awareness is crafted on mitigation and response, and there capacity is enhanced through the action plans.