Nepal Pledges Support to LIFE-AR for Local Climate Adaptation

Nepal has officially expressed its strong commitment to advancing the Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience, known as LIFE-AR. The nation aims to ensure that financial resources reach local communities directly and support their specific priorities through locally led adaptation actions. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment Geeta Chaudhary stated that Nepal views LIFE-AR not merely as a financing mechanism, but as a transformative opportunity to alter how climate action is planned, financed, and delivered.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing the Official Announcement of the LIFE-AR Facility during the 31st Conference of the Parties to Climate Change in Antalya, Türkiye. Highlighting Nepal's ecological profile, she pointed out that despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, the mountainous nation faces disproportionately severe consequences from climate change. She noted that rising global temperatures are making climate-induced disasters increasingly frequent and severe in mountain regions, leaving the country in urgent need of dedicated, accessible, and grant-based climate finance.

Recalling the devastating disaster described as a mountain tsunami that struck the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi region, the Minister shared that preliminary estimates indicate catastrophic human and economic losses, including thousands of casualties and missing persons. According to preliminary assessments by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, recovery and reconstruction will require billions of dollars, equivalent to a significant portion of the nation's GDP. She emphasized that these extreme events destroy entire settlements and cultural assets, some of which are entirely irreversible.

Nepal considers LIFE-AR a vital tool to empower vulnerable communities and drive locally led climate action.

Addressing the ongoing challenges, the Minister highlighted that LIFE-AR plays a crucial role in translating broad climate commitments into meaningful ground-level actions. By placing vulnerable communities at the center of planning and decision-making, the initiative aligns closely with Nepal's goals of strengthening local institutions and empowering affected populations. Nepal previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the initiative and is currently making steady progress in its establishment phase.

Looking ahead, Nepal announced its intention to host the 15th LIFE-AR Board Meeting in Kathmandu next year, welcoming the LDC Chair, board members, and stakeholders. The country also invited global representatives to visit its pavilion at COP31 to explore thematic events highlighting mountain vulnerabilities and local resilience efforts. Nepal reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the LDC Group to ensure that climate action reaches the last mile.

Why it matters Minister Geeta Chaudhary said that Nepal considered LIFE-AR not merely as a financing mechanism, but as an opportunity to transform the way climate action is planned, financed and delivered. This commitment directly affects vulnerable populations in mountainous regions who face severe threats from climate-induced disasters.