Against the stunning backdrop of Rara Lake, the Karnali Conclave 2024 brought together communities, experts, and leaders to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change in Karnali Province. Organized by the SathSathai Foundation and the Ministry of Forests and Environment, this two-day event was a heartfelt gathering to listen, learn, and take action.
What It Was About
The conclave aimed to:
- Amplify the voices of local communities living on the frontlines of climate change.
- Develop practical solutions for resilience and adaptation.
- Strengthen partnerships between local, provincial, and national stakeholders.
- Align Nepal’s climate efforts with global goals, especially for COP29.
Day 1: Stories from the Heart
The first day was all about listening. Local leaders and community members shared their struggles with erratic weather, melting glaciers, and biodiversity loss. They spoke of combining traditional knowledge with modern science, the heavy burden on women, and the need for stronger federal-local collaboration to tackle disasters. These stories were a powerful reminder that climate action must start with the people who know the land best.
Day 2: Building Solutions Together
The second day focused on solutions. Experts discussed the cascading impacts of climate change and the potential of nature-based tourism to create sustainable livelihoods. They highlighted the role of the media in making climate stories accessible and called for inclusive policies that leave no one behind. A special dialogue with the Environment Minister addressed local concerns and explored ways to strengthen federal support for Karnali’s communities.
The Karnali Declaration: A Pledge for Action
The conclave concluded with the Karnali Declaration, a five-point commitment to:
- Acknowledge the severe impacts of climate change on Karnali.
- Prioritize climate-friendly infrastructure and risk assessments in development plans.
- Advocate for climate justice, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Seek international support for scientific research and resilient development.
- Ensure Nepal’s climate challenges and needs are highlighted at COP29.
A Gathering of Resilience and Hope
The Karnali Conclave 2024 was more than an event—it was a celebration of human resilience and a call for collective action. By centering local voices and fostering collaboration, it planted seeds of hope for a sustainable and just future.
Organized by: Sathsathai Foundation & Ministry of Forests and Environment
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