Scaling of GESI Responsive Agroecological Solutions and Springshed Management as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Nepal
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PROJECT LOCATION |
4 Districts: Surkhet, Salyan,Kavre, Khotang |
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PROGRAM STAFF |
3 |
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SUPPORT STAFF |
4 |
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NAME OF CLIENT/DONOR |
FCDO/ICIMOD |
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START DATE (Month/Year) |
April 1, 2025 |
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COMPLETION DATE (Month/Year) |
March, 2026 |
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APPROX. VALUE OF SERVICES |
NPR 1,59,60,440 |
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NAME OF THE FOCAL PERSON AT CEAPRED HEADQUARTER |
Ms. Neha Thapa |
The Scaling of GESI-Responsive Agroecological Solutions and Springshed Management Initiative, implemented by CEAPRED in partnership with ICIMOD in Surkhet, Salyan, Kavre and Khotang, was part of the multi-country Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The initiative aimed to promote Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that strengthen community resilience to climate and socio-economic shocks while supporting sustainable natural resource management, agrobiodiversity conservation and climate-resilient livelihoods in mountain communities.
The initiative focused on testing, demonstrating and scaling GESI-responsive agroecological solutions and springshed management practices that could provide multiple benefits, including improved food and nutrition security, enhanced agricultural productivity, conservation of natural resources and increased resilience to climate-related risks. It was built on learning and innovations generated through previous initiatives, including RMS, HIMALICA and GRAPE, and emphasized action research, field demonstration, knowledge generation and local institutional engagement.
Key focus areas of HI-REAP
Key Achievements
The initiative achieved significant progress under its two key components, GESI-responsive agroecology and springshed management, through community-based demonstrations, capacity development, institutional engagement, and the promotion of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate-resilient and sustainable development.
Under the agroecology component, the initiative strengthened existing Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in Surkhet, Salyan and Khotang and established new CLCs in the project areas. Agricultural inputs and materials were provided to the newly established CLCs to demonstrate simple, affordable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The CLCs served as practical platforms for demonstrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) technologies, facilitating farmer learning, knowledge exchange and local ownership. In addition, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality initiated CLCs through its own efforts, demonstrating growing ownership and commitment of local governments to institutionalize and scale these approaches. Technical and agricultural input support was also provided to establish a CLC at the Agriculture Campus of Mid-West University in Surkhet, further expanding opportunities for learning, demonstration and knowledge sharing on agroecological and climate-resilient practices.
Capacity development was a major component of the initiative. The group members received training on the application of agroecological and Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) technologies as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) across the four project districts. In addition, stakeholder training events were conducted to strengthen understanding of CLC establishment and CRA approaches. The project also organized palika-level consultation and coordination events to promote the integration of NbS and agroecology into local government plans and programmes. These engagements strengthened collaboration among communities, municipalities and other stakeholders and generated commitments for the continued support and expansion of CLCs and CRA interventions. Exposure and cross-learning visits were also organized for relevant stakeholders, providing opportunities for practical learning, experience sharing and replication of demonstrated approaches.
The initiative made notable progress in mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and agroecology into local planning processes. Municipalities demonstrated increasing commitment to integrating Community Learning Centres (CLCs) and Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) approaches into their annual plans and programmes. Municipalities also expressed commitment to supporting the establishment and expansion of additional CLCs, reflecting growing institutional ownership and creating a strong foundation for sustaining and scaling the demonstrated approaches beyond the project period.
Under the springshed management component, the project applied its six-step springshed management protocol, covering spring and catchment mapping, governance assessment, hydrological analysis, intervention planning, implementation, and monitoring. Selected springshed sites in Kavre district were upgraded and maintained to enhance recharge areas and improve the availability and sustainable management of spring water. Farmers and water user committees received training on springshed management, including the development and implementation of water utilization packages. Agricultural inputs and materials were also provided to Community Learning Centres (CLCs) to support the effective management and productive utilization of spring water for climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED)
