Fostering accountability: insights from civil society in Nepal
Written by Kriti Shree Giri
In the wake of escalating climate change impacts, accountability in adaptation has become critical. With its diverse landscapes and vulnerability to climate risks, Nepal stands at the forefront of adaptation initiatives. On the 19th of April, Practical action co-hosted a civil society roundtable discussion in collaboration with University College London (UCL) and Clean Energy Nepal on the topic of “Improving the accountability of Adaptation in Nepal”. The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to explore avenues for enhancing transparency, effectiveness and inclusivity in climate adaptation strategies.
The roundtable served as a platform for collaborative dialogue between academia, civil society and climate experts. The programme aimed to deepen understanding of adaptation mechanisms and fostering accountability across various levels.
The programme catalysed evidence to enhance accountability in tackling climate change challenges. By exploring how measurement approaches affect adaptation implementation, motivation and accountability, it deepened both academic and practical understanding of adaptation strategies. The event showcased the collaborative spirit of the Accountable Adaptation initiative to advance efforts to address climate change challenges.
Key highlights
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from policy frameworks and global initiatives to grassroots adaptation efforts.
Dr. Susannah Fisher (UCL) and Dr. Biraj Adhikari (Practical Action) provided presentations that set the stage for engaging conversations on adaptation finance, global goals and locally-led initiatives including those taking place in western Nepal.
Questions were raised about the current effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation measures in the context of Nepal. Participants were encourage to reflect on the effectiveness of current strategies and possible areas for improvement.
Dr. Jonathan Barnes delivered a presentation that focussed on the key principles of locally-led adaptation (LLA) and downward accountability. He emphasised the importance of community involvement and the challenges associated with obtaining community feedback.
Participants engaged in a ‘World Cafe discussion’, delving into the nuances of adaptation monitoring and evaluation and identifying current challenges and potential solutions. Key themes that emerged included the need for inclusive decision-making, transparent data sharing, bottom-up planning processes and the need to leverage local knowledge. Participants also emphasised the importance of capacity-building at the local level to ensure the effectiveness of adaptation strategies.
The roundtable successfully highlighted the importance of enhancing accountability in Nepal’s climate adaptation efforts. Through collaborative dialogue and proposed solutions, the event showcased a real commitment to addressing climate change challenges. Moving forward it is imperative that we translate these discussions into actionable steps. We must prioritise local projects and strengthen accountability mechanisms.