Strengthening of climate resilience in watersheds in Nepal

NDF will support a project which aims to improve access to and enhance the reliability of water supply for communities living in the watersheds of Nepal river systems, which are significantly vulnerable to climate change. The project is co-financed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and NDF will provide EUR 3.6 million.

The project areas are in ar Western Development Region, where more than 85 % of households live in scattered dwellings close to natural springs and patches of sloping land. They have subsistence lifestyles based on mixed agriculture, grazing activity and collection of non-timber forest products. These areas are significantly vulnerable to climate change since even a small rise in the temperature is projected to affect the hydrological cycle, which in turn is estimated to have an impact on water availability, runoff and the discharge regime.

Access and reliability to water resources will be improved through a participatory program of integrated watershed management with interventions in upland areas to increase surface water storage and groundwater recharge and deliver water to locations where the community can use it. The project is expected to benefit farm households with improved irrigation, and furthermore, households will benefit directly from improved access to water for domestic use, especially during the dry season. The project will provide the infrastructure needed for increased agricultural production and small-scale market gardening, thereby improving food security and income.

The total cost of the project is approximately EUR 23.5 million. The implementation of the project will require consultants to provide technical assistance. Asian Development Bank procurement rules will be followed in the procurement of consulting services.