Promoting community-based climate adaptation

GEF-Small Grants Programme, UNDP, implemented in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan, supports seven micro projects aimed at promoting community-led climate adaptation in six districts.

February 22, 2024

A farmer in Dawami village in Pema Gatshel district

UNDP Bhutan

Farming communities who contribute the least to climate change remain the most affected by its impact. The seven new micro projects supported by GEF-Small Grants Programme, UNDP will work with local communities in six districts to build their resilience to climate shocks and disasters.

Of the seven micro projects, three are led by youth groups and four by community groups. With a total grant support of US$ 200,000 secured through GEF-SGP’s Community Based Adaptation Phase 3, supported by Australian Aid, the projects will promote sustainable agro-ecological production techniques to enhance productivity and income, and improve ecosystem services.

Representatives of youth and community groups with UNDP team

UNDP Bhutan

Phadi-Sezor Community Group from Khar village in Pemagatshel is one of the seven grantees. “Heavy rainfall and windstorms cause major crop damage in our community every year. Human-wildlife conflict and pest infestation is another major issue,” said Devi Lal Phuyuel, Livestock Extension Officer of Phadi-Sezor Community.

“Our project seeks to address these climate-induced challenges through promoting climate resilient farming practices and techniques such as chain-link fencing to address human-wildlife conflict.”

Other key intervention includes sustainable management of water resources to provide access to clean water and sanitation, which is an economic enabler and critical for building climate resilience and adapting to climate change-induced human-wildlife conflict.

The seven projects will directly engage 126 youth and 704 individuals from 111 households with indirect beneficiaries surpassing 1000 individuals. These adaptation projects are also expected to generate an annual income of over Nu. 7.93 million, thus making them more resilient towards climate change with a deep sense of stewardship towards environmental conservation, reduce inequalities and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.