Nepal’s 16th Five-Year Plan: Charting a Course for Climate Action

The 16th Five-Year Plan's focus on climate action reflects Nepal’s growing national commitment to more effectively addressing growing climate change implications. Limited financial resources and technical expertise still remain hurdles to overcome. However, Nepal's proactive approach positions it to leverage international partnerships and technological advancements to accelerate progress. By establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, Nepal can ensure the successful implementation of the 16th plan and secure a more climate-resilient future.

–  ASMITA RAWAT

Snapshot

Nepal, a country deeply impacted by climate change, has progressively prioritized this concern in its national development plans. This blog delves into Nepal’s 16th Five-Year Plan, examining its focus on climate action and the steps needed to make the 16th periodic plan effective in meeting climate change adaptation and mitigation targets.

Nepal has committed to international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming by ratifying the Paris Agreement. To support these key national initiatives, including the National Climate Change Policy 2019, Nepal developed Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), and a Local Adaptation Plan for Action (LAPA) to guide and implement these strategies effectively.

A Shifting Focus

Nepal’s periodic plan hasn’t always been a central theme. Although earlier plans mentioned it erratically, as the impacts of climate change across Nepali communities became more apparent, its inclusion has grown gradually in the newer plans. The 15th periodic plan acknowledged climate change as a matter of national concern. This brings us to the 16th periodic plan, which expands on this topic of conversation, giving it its own chapter.

The 11th periodic first mentioned climate change, though within the context of forestry and the need for environmental sustainability, including climate change considerations, was acknowledged in the 13th plan. However, this was expanded in the 15th period, which laid the groundwork for the 16th periodic plan. The 16th periodic plan acknowledges the need for reliable data through more relatable climate action policies and ground actions to effectively communicate climate change in cross-sectors, outlining tactics like climate adaptation technologies, increasing banking sector involvement in alternative energy, and pushing for international climate finance access. Building on this foundation, the 16th periodic plan dedicates an environment. Whereas the need for environmental sustainability, including climate change considerations was acknowledged in the 13th plan. But this was expanded in the 15th period, laying the groundwork for strategy in current plans.  

The 15th periodic plan addressed climate change in cross-sectors, outlining tactics like climate adaptation technologies, increasing banking sector involvement in alternative energy, and pushing for international climate finance access. Building on this foundation, the 16th periodic plan dedicates a chapter and suggests particular actions like data collection and green investment promotion.

The 16th periodic plan acknowledges the need for reliable data through more relatable climate action policies and ground actions to effectively communicate climate change. It highlights green investments as an untapped opportunity for driving sustainable development and addressing climate change. The strategy suggests creating green funds and opening concession loans to promote such investments.

Addressing Key Challenges

The 16th periodic plan highlights two main challenges related to climate change:

  1. Reliable Data Availability: Accurate data are necessary for successfully communicating the effects of climate change.
  2. Untapped Green Investment Opportunities: It is determined that green investments represent a substantial but untapped resource for sustainable development.

Programmatic Suggestions for Implementation

  1. Institutional Collaboration: Establish a climate alliance between government agencies, research institutions, and NGOs to collect, analyze, and share climate data effectively.
  2. Capacity Building: To secure a long-term data management system and train local experts in data collection, analysis, and communication.
  3. Green Fund Establishment: Create and oversee green funds to support initiatives that support renewable energy sources and lower greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring that these resources are managed effectively and with transparent governance.
  4. Incentivizing Investments: Offer financial incentives, such as tax cuts, grants, and concessional loans, to encourage private sector investment in green technologies and sustainable practices.
  5. Carbon Market Engagement: Engage in an international carbon trading system and set up national frameworks for trading carbon credits. This approach can generate revenue trading, which can be channeled to renewable energy investment.
  6. Regulatory Support: Develop a clear and consistent regulatory framework that facilitates the formation of green funds, concessional loans, and carbon markets. 
  7. Progress Monitoring: Implement a system to monitor ongoing climate goals and evaluate their success using key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Conclusion: 

The 16th Five-Year Plan’s focus on climate action highlights Nepal’s strengthened commitment to addressing growing challenges. Inadequate funding and technological expertise continue to be obstacles. Nonetheless, Nepal’s progressive approach puts it in a position to take advantage of global alliances and technological breakthroughs to reach its targets. Nepal can safeguard a more climate-resilient future by implementing the 16th periodic plan, which acknowledges the need for reliable data through more relatable climate action policies and ground actions to communicate climate change effectively and a robust monitoring and evaluation structure.