Skip to content

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Read our Science Bulletin
Project • CBA2020-02MY-Mizuno

Development of adaptation communication framework mainstreaming indigenous and local knowledge for Hindu-Kush Himalayan region

The project aims to enhance the regional capacity of adaptation communication on indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region by engaging important stakeholders at different levels. The project aims to formulate a framework for adaptation communication of ILK for the HKH region. The role of ILK in climate change adaptation has been increasingly highlighted such as in the assessment reports by IPCC, IPBES and the Paris Agreement, but there remain capacity gaps in this regard. ILK is often the first choice and the only option to cope with the impacts of climate change in many localities. Available ILKs are least documented and thus fail to be incorporated in the formal planning for climate change adaptation. Parties to UNFCCC are required to periodically submit issues, priorities and progresses, including NDCs, as a part of their adaptation communication efforts under the Paris Agreement. However, there is no agreed framework for adaptation communication, in particular, for ILKs. Establishing a regional framework for adaptation communication of ILKs could greatly support the recognition and reporting of ILK practices on climate change adaptation. To ensure its applicability, the regional framework needs to be tested and evaluated in diverse local contexts and across ILK domains. The application of the framework should also bridge the existing capacity gap on systematic identification, documentation, promotion and reporting of the effectiveness of ILK in enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability, as stated in the Global Goal on Adaptation under the Paris Agreement.