Local governments back long-term support for climate adaptation in Roshi and Dhankuta

Kathmandu, 12 August 2026 – Two municipalities in Nepal have committed to integrating locally led climate adaptation solutions into their plans, programmes, and budgets, a move aimed at strengthening long-term support for vulnerable communities facing growing climate risks.

Roshi Rural Municipality in Kavrepalanchok and Dhankuta Municipality have signed Letter of Intent with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and its implementing partner, the Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), to align the Integrated Climate Adaption Solutions for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HI-CAS) project activities with municipal priorities and development plans.

The commitment is expected to strengthen local ownership of adaption efforts and create pathways for sustainability through municipal programmes and investments.

Launched in March 2026, the HI-CAS project is being implemented in Ward 1 and 2 of Roshi Rural Municipality and Ward 8 of Dhankuta Municipality. The project’s Integrated Adaptation Solution Packages (IASP) combines springshed management, renewable energy to improve irrigation access, and agrobiodiversity conservation to address climate risks identified by local communities. The project integrates feminist and intersectional approaches to empower women, Indigenous Peoples, and marginalised communities in climate adaptation and resilience building efforts. 

“We all know that the impacts of a changing climate are often felt by women and Indigenous People, said Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD. “I am delighted to see the municipalities of Roshi and Dhankuta proactively participating in a project that seeks to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly women, girls, Indigenous Peoples and marginalised groups in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.”

Jessica Fullwood Thomas, Senior Project Coordinator of HI-CAS, said the municipalities’ commitment reflects the importance of locally led adaption.

“This step recognises that adaptation solutions work best when they are rooted in the lived realities of the people and places, they are designed to serve and when local governments play a leading role,” she said. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the municipalities and CEAPRED and the municipalities to ensure that adaptation efforts respond to local needs, align with local priorities, and continue beyond the project lifetime of a single project.”

Local leaders said the letters of intent reflect their commitment to supporting adaption efforts in their communities.

“Roshi Rural Municipality is committed to providing the support needed for the implementation of HI-CAS, which is highly relevant in the current context,” said Dinesh Lama, Chairperson of Roshi Rural Municipality.

Mayor Chintan Tamang of Dhankuta Municipality said the municipality is already promoting GESI -responsive springshed management and sees opportunities to expand their approach. “Dhankuta Municipality is eager to adopt these climate adaptation solutions and hopes to scale them up in the future.”

Jaya Mukunda Khanal, Executive Director of CEAPRED welcomed the municipalities’ continued engagement. “We are very grateful to both local governments for their commitment and enthusiasm since the beginning of the project,” he said. “We hope to continue working together to strengthen these efforts.”

The letters of intent also clarify roles and responsibilities among partners while strengthening coordination and alignment between the project and municipal development priorities. They reinforce commitments to GESI, springshed management, renewable energy, and agrobiodiversity conservation.

The HI-CAS project is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and will run until the end of 2028.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Neraz Tuladhar (Raz), Media Officer
Email: media@icimod.org