National Launch of HI-CAS project in Nepal

30 March, 2026

Nepal launches landmark gender-responsive climate adaptation initiative to boost resilience for rural women and marginalised communities

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implementing partner Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), has launched Nepal’s chapter of the Integrated Climate Adaptation Solution for the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region (HI-CAS). The national launch event, held at ICIMOD headquarters, marks the start of coordinated climate action across Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan under this multi-country initiative.

The project started in Nepal in February 2025 having completed an inception phase in January 2026, and began implementation  in February 2026. The national launch brought together ministries, provincial authorities, development partners, academia, private‑sector actors, and organisations working with women, indigenous peoples, and marginalised groups to build a shared understanding of how HI-CAS will be delivered at the community level.

Participants aligned on the project’s scope, governance mechanisms and inclusive implementation approach. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination between government, technical agencies, civil society groups and local organisations to ensure adaptation efforts respond to the needs of women, indigenous communities and those most exposed to climate risks.

Mr. Jaya Mukunda Khanal, Executive Director of CEPREAD gave welcome remarks, giving a brief about HI-CAS, including the objective of the National Launch programme, “To build coordination with government and other related stakeholders to mitigate the effect of changing climate and develop locally led adaptation plans.”

Director General of Forest Research and Training Centre (FRTC), Mr. Rabindra Maharjan shared the works Ministry of Forest and Environment has been working on climate change mitigation and adaption with alignment to the National Climate Change Policy 2076. “The ministry also endorsed 10-year GEDSI strategy in 2082 and hopes that the HI-CAS will be implemented in line with the ministry strategy.”

HI-CAS team of CEAPRED and ICIMOD  shared the project objectives and planned activities, and project progress updates. Similarly, ICIMOD specialists introduced the project’s Integrated Adaptation Solutions Packages (IASPs), which promote climate-resilient livelihood, ecosystem-based adaptation, inclusive water and energy management, and equitable access to climate services. Presenters underscored the need for solutions that are grounded in local realities and designed to reduce the disproportionate climate impact faced by marginalised women and indigenous peoples.

The launch event concluded with closing remarks by the Chief of Roshi Rural Municipality, Dr. Dinesh Lama. In his address, the Honourable Chief highlighted that the HICAS initiative has the potential to become a model project for the region. He emphasized his municipality’s continuous engagement with the project since its inception and noted its strong potential to enhance the livelihoods of rural indigenous women. He further assured that all concerned Palikas are ready to provide the necessary inputs and institutional support for the effective implementation and sustainability of the project.

PC: Jitendra Bajracharya/ICIMOD