Project on Local Adaptation to Climate Change to continue Finland’s close cooperation with Nepal and EU

Finland will launch a new bilateral project in Nepal with a focus on the sustainable use of natural resources and the development of climate measures at the local level. The project will be implemented by Cowater International Finland OY.

Due to be launched in December 2024, this joint project between Finland and Nepal has received significant funding from the European Union. The five-year Local Adaptation to Climate Change (LACC) project aims to improve the climate resilience of people, livelihoods and living conditions and the sustainable use of natural resources in the municipalities in the provinces of Sudurpashchim and Karnali. Climate change continues to be an increasing challenge to people’s livelihoods and to nature conservation in these areas.

Cowater International Finland OY will implement the project in Nepal in cooperation with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Development Management Institute (DMI) Nepal.

The project will complement the ongoing bilateral water sector cooperation between Finland and Nepal and have a stronger focus on sustainable economic development. It will also promote gender equality and non-discrimination.

The project will offer a unique opportunity to share best practices in sustainable use of natural resources and climate action, while drawing on Finnish expertise and solutions.

The funding for the project is estimated to total EUR 51 million. The EU’s contribution to the project is EUR 18 million and Finland’s contribution is EUR 13 million. Nepal’s share of the funding is estimated to be EUR 20 million.

The project follows on from Finland’s successful Team Europe cooperation in Nepal, and it is one of the EU’s Global Gateway flagship projects.