124 people across Nepal have died due to monsoon-related disaster since mid-June after monsoon has started this year[1]. Unpredictable rainfall patterns shrinking ice sheets are the major impacts of climate change as water and climate change are inextricably linked [2]. According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report 2023, heavy precipitation events are projected to increase by 50% to as much as three times the historical average this century. This is a disastrous projection for flood-prone countries like Nepal [3].
The Growing Flooding Crisis in Nepal
According to Nepal Economic Forum, above average rainfall has caused an increase in the incidence of flood by 53% i.e. from 94 in 2020 to 144 floods in 2021[4]. The major cause of flooding in Nepal is heavy rainfall. Between 1983 to 2010, approximately eight thousand people lost their lives from floods, landslides and avalanches [5] while economic loss of NRs 22.2 billion was estimated. This amount accounts for 67% of the total economic losses estimated for the period from all types of disasters which is a significant concern in both urban and rural communities [6].
Despite the predicted increase in floods and landslides, marginalized populations in Nepal continue to reside near rivers, roads and steep slopes. This choice is not driven by ignorance of the physical dangers but by the inability to afford relocation to safer areas, coupled with the economic opportunities that these areas offer [7]. Nepal’s current development model also prioritizes infrastructure development over capacity building, leading to inadequately planned construction that exacerbates problems, and despite significant financial and human investments in developing climate change models, there is minimal evidence of their practical use for those whose lives and livelihoods are most vulnerable like the indigenous community residing around river basins in Nepal [8]. As the flood crisis intensifies due to climate change, the indigenous communities have been using their generational practices and insights into effective adaptation and resilience strategies.
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Adaptation Strategies
The Tharu people are the indigenous community, living in the West Rapti river basin who must deal with frequent floods. More than 80% of Tharu population are farmers who use indigenous methods in agricultural practices [9]. Since the region witnesses devastating flood, the community has developed and passed down flood adaptation strategies through generations. For flood forecasting, the community deduces that if the magnitude of heat is high during the monsoon season, the rainfall and subsequent flooding will be more severe. They also assess the chance of heavy rainfall by observing the position of the clouds in the sky. Pre-flood adaptation strategies that the communities undertake include raising the bottom of the floor of the house, constructing drain around the properties, moving properties to safe locations and keeping emergency materials for evacuation. During flood incidents, the community utilizes rotation-wise flood monitoring strategy where the youths in the community monitor the flood level at night and evacuate once the flood level is more than 60 cm (about 1.97 ft) from ground level [10]. These indigenous practices not only reflect a deep understanding of the local environment but also align with broader efforts by the government and NGOs to enhance climate resilience through adaptation strategies.
Government and NGO Efforts
In 2021, the government set out the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which prioritized programs in nine sectors which are designed to address various aspects of climate adaptations ensuring a holistic approach to building resilience in Nepal. The NAP includes provisions for integrating IK into climate adaptation strategies by promoting community-based adaptation practices. The National Framework for Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA) also emphasizes integrating traditional practices into climate change adaptation policies. The framework supports documenting and promoting IK by providing training and resources [11]. The water resource and energy sector also has aimed to bridge climate information gaps and promote climate-informed decision-making by establishing a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk reduction and early warning systems. Similarly, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are also working to enhance resilience by developing climate change models. ICIMOD (International Center for Integrated Mountain Development) is working on customizing Landslide Hazard Assessment model to develop a landslide mapping and flood forecasting system for Nepal. The organizations also have proactively worked to enhance resilience of vulnerable communities through documentation and capacity building through training. However, the study of climate change and its impact on indigenous communities is still sporadic and not well understood and studied.
Challenges and Opportunities
Developing appropriate responses in the form of policies, adaptation and mitigation initiatives, let alone disaster management programs remains a challenge because it requires blending intricate traditional and modern practices into policymaking and application. This integration process is complicated by the lack of systematic data collection and dissemination, which hinders effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) plans and information segregation. Indigenous community being the most vulnerable to climate change induced disasters have been utilizing their generational knowledge, oral history and experiences into building immediate resilience against climate induced disasters. Though they have adapted to natural hazards through their traditional knowledge and survival skills, the current changes in climate and its impact could be overwhelming to deal with[12].
According to the report by ISDR in 2008, knowledge on disaster mitigation is stronger in homogenous and tribal communities than in migrant communities. This is found because of the strong solidarity between the communities, more self-reliant approach and endogenous existence such as in the Tharus and Gurungs [13]. Since the community lives in remote and isolated areas, they build their own coping strategies in the time of disasters. Such generational strategies are sustainable and harmonious to the nature-culture interface. Cross-pollination of the local knowledge and practices with the modern scientific knowledge can help in promote mutual trust, common understanding and the community’s sense of ownership and self-confidence in the policy and government. The incorporation of indigenous practices in the existing practices and policies encourages and empowers communities to take the lead in disaster risk reduction activities. Understanding and supporting these practices can lead to more effective climate resilience initiatives, benefiting both local communities and the global effort to develop strong legal framework that addresses their rights and the unique challenges facing indigenous communities in coping with the dangers of climate change in the region.
[1] “Death toll from monsoon-induced disaster climbs to 124,” The Himalayan Times. Accessed: Jul. 18, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://thehimalayantimes.com/environment/death-toll-from-monsoon-induced-disaster-climbs-to-124
[2] “Water and Climate Change,” UN-Water. Accessed: Jul. 16, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-and-climate-change
[3] “Climate Reports | United Nations.” Accessed: Jul. 18, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/reports?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-uK0BhC0ARIsANQtgGO-6fD_uW0kS-iQP5xihanKmIAINmXTaATw8Rtl8RTo8DzDI8ZVg9kaAjq8EALw_wcB
[4] “Nepal’s Flooding Challenges: Understanding the Struggle for Effective Mitigation.” Accessed: Jul. 16, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://nepaleconomicforum.org/nepals-flooding-challenges-understanding-the-struggle-for-effective-mitigation/
[5] “National Planning Commission.” Accessed: Jul. 18, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://npc.gov.np/en
[6] M. Kafle, “Comparative Study of Flood Impacts and Damages by Major Trans- Boundary Rivers in Nepal using MCDM,” Jul. 2020.
[7] “Nepal: Why do people continue to live near landslides? | PreventionWeb.” Accessed: Jul. 18, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/nepal-why-do-people-continue-live-near-landslides
[8] K. Sudmeier-Rieux, J.-C. Gaillard, S. Sharma, J. Dubois, and M. Jaboyedoff, “Floods, landslides, and adapting to climate change in Nepal: What role for climate change models?,” in Community, Environment and Disaster Risk Management, vol. 11, 2012, pp. 119–140. doi: 10.1108/S2040-7262(2012)0000011013.
[9] D. profile of Nepal and District profile of Nepal, District profile of Nepal:2007/2008(A socio-economic development data base of Nepal. Kathmandu: Intensive Study Research Centre, 2008.
[10] D. R. Devkota, “Climate Change: Trends and People’s Perception in Nepal,” Journal of Environmental Protection, vol. 05, pp. 255–265, Jan. 2014, doi: 10.4236/jep.2014.54029.
[11] “National_Framework_Local_Adaptation_Plan.pdf.” Accessed: Jul. 16, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://climate.mohp.gov.np/downloads/National_Framework_Local_Adaptation_Plan.pdf
[12] A. Ta, “Indigenous and Local Knowledge and Practices for Climate Resilience in Nepal”.
[13] “3646_IndigenousKnowledgeDRR.pdf.” Accessed: Jul. 18, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.unisdr.org/files/3646_IndigenousKnowledgeDRR.pd
