An ICLEI South Asia team recently visited Dhulikhel Municipality in Nepal to apprise the Climate Core Team of the city about the progress under the Climate and Development Knowledge Network programme, and to facilitate the First Shared Learning Dialogue. This dialogue aimed to discuss the city profile, assess climate risks, and analyse the socio-ecological systems of the city.

The meeting was attended by  42 stakeholders, indicating a strong local interest and commitment to the project. In his welcome address, Mr. Ashok Kumar Byanju, Hon’ble Mayor of Dhulikhel,  emphasised the significance of developing an inclusive Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA) for the municipality. He also said that local adaptation strategies should be comprehensive and ensure that they address the community’s diverse needs and effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change.

ICLEI South Asia will assist the municipality in crafting a gender- and socially-inclusive LAPA and in implementing a pilot project that will focus on gender equality, disability and social inclusion, locally-led adaptation, and ecosystem-based adaptation. The initiative will also emphasise capacity building and joint financing for climate-resilient planning.