KATHMANDU, Nov 21: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have urged the government to work towards ensuring climate justice for Nepal at the upcoming COP-28.

Addressing a program organized by Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN) on the theme of 'National Consultation on Climate Change: Civil Society Concerns for COP28,' in the context of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28), members of CSOs, experts, and government representatives made the demand. 

A high-level delegation, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, is set to attend the event from November 30 to December 12 in the United Arab Emirates. The aim of the consultation program was to highlight the issues that will be addressed by the high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at COP 28.

Representatives from various sectors raised concerns, including climate finance, loss and damage, adaptation, the mountains’ agenda, and mitigation at COP28 in the UAE.

Thakur Bhandari, chairperson of the Federation of Community Forest Users, Nepal, stated, “Climate change impacts are increasing every year in Nepal, including intensified natural disasters like floods and landslides, erratic rainfall patterns affecting agriculture and food security. The melting of the mountains is leading to water scarcity and increased vulnerability for communities reliant on mountain ecology, heightening risks to biodiversity and ecosystems.”

Sarita Bhushal, a women farmers’ leader, expressed concern about addressing the issues faced by women farmers who are in the most vulnerable condition, both from climate change and the nation’s policy. She urged government officials to focus on strategies to include women farmers' issues on COP 28, emphasizing that women farmers are not only target groups but also right holders.

Madhav Karki, an environmentalist, emphasized the need to focus on the implementation of past commitments and decisions. He added that PM Dahal should claim the right on climate financing for Nepal to reduce the adaptation gap through climate diplomacy skills.

Yam Nath Pokharel, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Forest and Environment, stated, “We have prepared our agendas to be raised at COP28. We have also planned to hold a separate special session on the mountain agenda to draw the attention of world communities.”

Pem Kandel, Chief Policy Advisor of ICIMOD, stressed that Nepal, as the chair of the LDC Group, must advocate for the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28. This ensures it is robust and accessible, with adequate and non-debt-creating funding mechanisms. He added that PM Dahal should forward the message that this fund is separate from already established climate finance mechanisms.

Bimala Rai Paudyal, former foreign minister, emphasized the importance of ensuring the transparent and equitable allocation of resources from the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring the funds reach the most affected peoples and communities.

 
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