Official Statement of the Government of Nepal

Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR, 2024)

Manila, 14-18 October 2024
1. The Government of Nepal expresses its gratitude to the Government of the Philippines and
the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) for convening
governments and stakeholders from across the region and the world for the 2024
APMCDRR.
2. The APMCDRR’s role is increasingly vital as our region faces more frequent and severe
disasters, escalating climate change-induced loss and damage, and associated economic
crises. This year’s theme, ‘Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to
Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction’, offers us a chance to reflect on our successes and
set aspiring goals for the remaining period of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction.
3. Nepal’s disaster risk stems from its diverse topography and fragile geology, extreme
weather events, and lately, the growing impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures in
the Himalaya are causing glaciers and permafrost to melt, significantly increasing the risk
of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Nepal’s landlocked status presents significant
challenges in transporting supplies during large-scale disasters. Moreover, transboundary
disasters such as GLOFs and floods require strong bilateral and regional coordination and
collaboration with neighbouring countries and international community for understanding
and racking risks, information sharing mechanisms including support for risk reduction
and response.
4. As a Least Developed Country aiming to graduate by 2026, Nepal faces several structural
challenges in scaling up its efforts for effective disaster risk reduction and management
(DRRM).The disproportionate impact of disasters, including those induced by climate
change, leaves Nepal vulnerable to physical and financial losses that are difficult to recover
from. This also affects investments in resilience building and recovery efforts.
5. Recent earthquake assessment shows Nepal is likely to incur, on average of US $ 325
million per year in direct damage to private and public assets due to earthquakes. About
88% per this loss comes from the residential building damage. For floods, estimates show
annual average loss of US $ 220 million.
6. The Nepal Himalaya has compelling stories to share with the world-stories of enduring the
harsh impacts of climate-induced disasters. Recently, on 16 August 2024, a devastating
GLOF ravaged Thame, a picturesque village in Nepal's Everest region. Just a month earlier,
on 7 July 2024 the Terai lowlands of Kanchanpur District experienced unprecedented
flooding, with a record-breaking 624 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, highest ever recorded
in Nepal's history. From the destruction of serene mountain valleys to erratic downpours
inundating the lowlands, these events underscore Nepal’s increasing vulnerability to
climate-related disasters. As we reach the midpoint of the 2030 Sendai Targets,
accelerating disaster risk reduction efforts is crucial to safeguarding vulnerable
communities from these growing threats.

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7. After the adoption of the SFDRR in March 2015, Nepal has made transformational shifts
in DRRM approaches through its constitutional and legal arrangements. Nepal’s DRRM
governance has undergone a paradigm shift with the 2015 Constitution decentralising
power across federal, provincial, and local levels, granting local governments exclusive
authority over disaster risk governance - making Nepal one of the few countries to adopt
this model. The establishment of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Authority (NDRRMA) through the 2017 DRRM Act marked a major shift from a response-
focused approach to a proactive risk reduction.
8. In 2018, Nepal translated the aspirations of the Sendai Framework through its National
Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Plan of Action (2018-2030), which has provided
strategic guidance for DRRM governance across all three levels of government. Yet,
significant gaps remain in addressing risks.
9. As 2030 approaches, with just six years left to meet the Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction targets, Nepal still faces growing challenges in addressing existing risks
while also developing innovative solutions for emerging climate-induced threats. Despite
making significant progress since 2015 across all four priority areas of the SFDRR, there
remains a critical need to expand capacity and resources to manage both current and future
risks.
10. The Local Government Operation Act (2017) and the Local Disaster and Climate
Resilience Framework (LDCRF) further reinforced this focus on the enhanced role of local
governments. Additionally, the National Climate Change Policy (2019) and the National
Adaptation Plan (2021-2050) address climate resilience while integrating gender and social
inclusion. These efforts have strengthened Nepal’s disaster preparedness and resilience,
linking DRR with sustainable development and advancing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and
Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
11. Notable progress has been made in terms of integrating climate change into DRR strategies,
advancing disaster risk financing, investment, and risk transfer mechanisms. Efforts have
been made in enhancing localised DRR through comprehensive hazard knowledge, risk
assessments, and vulnerability mapping. Progress has been made towards developing
multi-hazard early warning systems. The legal and institutional mechanisms on DRR have
embraced the whole-of-society approach to inclusive disaster management.
12. Nepal is actively scaling up financial resources for disaster risk reduction (DRR) through
strategic measures. A national policy mandates that 5% of the development budget be
allocated specifically for DRR activities, ensuring consistent investment in mitigating
disaster risks. Additionally, the government has implemented the Disaster Management
Fund Mobilisation Procedure (2022), which directs 70% of the allocated resources towards
preparedness and risk reduction. Local and provincial governments have established their
own Disaster Management Funds, with contributions increasing annually from their
respective budgets. This growing commitment highlights Nepal’s dedication to managing
disaster risks effectively.

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13. The 16th Periodic Plan of the Government of Nepal outlines a comprehensive strategy for
investing in climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR), underscoring the country’s
commitment to enhancing resilience. To bolster long-term resilience, Nepal has secured
international climate finance from sources such as the Adaptation Fund and the Green
Climate Fund. So far, Nepal has received only 112.1 million USD from Green Climate
Fund. These funds are miniscule compared to the national adaptation needs of cost of USD
47 billion extending to 2050.

14. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Financing Strategy and Action Plan was introduced
in 2020 to secure support from international financial institutions offering loans and grants
to reduce risks for communities exposed to hazards and vulnerable sectors. Key financial
instruments include soft loans and contingency financing such as Cat DDO, which
strengthen financial backing for disaster risk reduction efforts.

15. Socio-cultural and economic disparities heighten the vulnerability of women, children,
persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities to the impacts of disasters,
including those related to climate change. Nepal is committed to ensuring that no one is
left behind in its DRR and resilience efforts by addressing the needs of these groups. The
GEDSI Strategic Plan of Action, 2024 plays a crucial role in this commitment, integrating
GEDSI principles across all four priority areas of the SFDRR. This involves developing
accessible and inclusive multi-hazard early warning systems, ensuring inclusive practices
in DRR activities, and embedding GEDSI into institutional frameworks at various levels
of government. Additionally, Nepal has drafted the National Standard on Shock
Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) to support vulnerable populations with social
protection.

16. Nepal's Bipad Portal a home-grown initiative aligned with the SFDRR - provides
accessible risk, hazard, vulnerability, and disaster data that empowers all levels of
government and communities to make informed decisions and improve preparedness, early
warning, and post-disaster coordination. This approach to a national data ecosystem, based
on the DRRM Act, contributes to evidence-based DRRM planning and policymaking.

17. The approach to localize DRR governance empowers local authorities to lead DRR
initiatives. Local governments are also developing their own DRRM policies to better
manage disasters. Development partners are encouraged to collaborate with local
governments to build resilient communities. LDCRF integrates DRRM and climate
resilience into local fiscal planning and policy. While many local Emergency Operation
Centres (EOC) and Disaster Management Fund have been established, they lack necessary
fund, infrastructure, equipment, and trained personnel. The design and construction of
national and provincial EOCs are nearing final approval.

18. Nepal has made significant strides in establishing an effective early warning system (EWS)
and a robust risk communication framework. For example, in July 2024, the potential
fatalities from record-breaking rainfall of 624 mm in 24 hours in Kanchanpur District could
be minimized due to timely and actionable risk communication including effective
response. The collaborative efforts of NDRRMA, Department of Hydrology and
Meteorology, local governments, humanitarian responders and local volunteers’ role has
been critical in this success.

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19. Nepal has been identified by the UN among the first group of 30 countries for support.
Nepal’s leadership at international forums has stressed the importance of the EW4ALL
initiative for high-risk countries facing increasing climate change challenges. The Early
Warning for All National Consultation Workshop in Kathmandu highlighted a funding
need of $ 615 million by 2030 for a comprehensive EWS.

20. While the flood EWS is already operational and has reduced fatalities, Nepal has drafted
the Multi-Hazard EWS Strategic Concept Note and an Action Plan until 2030 along with
the Multi-Hazard risk assessment framework. The NDRRMA has begun designing a
Decision Support System to include all hazards and key sectors for effective warning
system. Future efforts include enhancing transboundary cooperation with China and India
for high-altitude climate information systems, including GLOF early warning. Nepal also
seeks international support to strengthen its monitoring capabilities, including the use of
InSAR satellite technology for better hazard monitoring.

21. As we gather at the APMCDRR 2024, Nepal reaffirms its commitment to enhancing
disaster risk reduction and building resilience amidst growing climate-related challenges.
Our journey has seen significant progress, including decentralizing DRR responsibilities,
bolstering financial resources, and advancing early warning systems. However, our
capacities and resources remain insufficient to fully address the escalating risks. Nepal’s
experience highlights the urgent need for robust international and regional collaboration.

22. As a high-risk country, Nepal calls for priority access to substantial financial resources
from the Loss and Damage Financing Facility to bolster our efforts against climate-induced
disasters. Strengthening global and regional partnerships is crucial for enhancing disaster
resilience and achieving SFDRR targets. Together, we can build a more resilient future for
vulnerable communities and accelerate our progress.

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