Gharapjhong Climate Change Conference Begins in Mustang, Climate Declaration to Be Issued

Dragon Media News Desk

Mustang — The “Gharapjhong Climate Change Conference 2083” began today in Jomsom, Mustang, with the objective of building a common understanding of the impacts of climate change across Nepal’s mountain, hill and Tarai regions, along with measures for risk reduction and local adaptation. The two-day conference, organised by Gharapjhong Rural Municipality, was inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment Gita Chaudhary.

Before the formal opening, the chief guest, representatives from all seven provinces and local government officials gathered at the Gharapjhong Rural Municipality office and proceeded to the conference venue in a cultural procession. Rural Municipality Chair Mohan Singh Lalchan said a message of best wishes sent by Prime Minister Balendra Shah was also read out during the inaugural session. Representatives from local governments across various districts are scheduled to share their experiences of climate-related impacts and challenges in their respective areas.

The conference will hold extensive discussions on rising global temperatures linked to greenhouse gas emissions and the different ways in which climate change is affecting Nepal’s mountain, hill and Tarai regions. Changes in snowfall patterns, drying water sources, risks from glacial lakes and avalanches, increasing threats of floods and landslides, and impacts on agriculture and local livelihoods are among the major issues being addressed.

Participants will also discuss the growing risks posed by the climate crisis to agriculture, livestock, tourism, education, health, infrastructure, the environment, and human and physical security. The conference aims to identify effective approaches to climate adaptation, environmentally responsible development and disaster risk reduction by strengthening coordination between local knowledge, scientific research and government policy.

The conference will also review the loss of lives and property caused by the August 27 flooding in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa. Against the backdrop of increasingly unusual weather events and disasters in Nepal’s mountain regions, participants are expected to underline the growing importance of local governments in responding to climate-related risks and developing a shared direction for future action.

At the conclusion of the conference, organisers plan to issue the “Climate Declaration 2083,” focusing on climate action and climate justice. The declaration, to be released from the Himalayan district of Mustang with the joint participation of local governments, is expected to outline future priorities for climate crisis mitigation, adaptation, risk management and climate justice.

As the effects of the global climate crisis become increasingly visible at the community level, the conference in Mustang is expected to bring together the experiences of Nepal’s diverse geographical regions on a single platform. Organisers believe the gathering can help connect local needs and experiences with national policy and the broader international climate debate.