Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
culture, hydropower, tourism, spiritual values and transport. There is a
heavy responsibility leaning on the shoulders of upstream land and water
managers to ensure reliable provision of good quality water downstream.
PES schemes can be developed at different scales, from local to national
to regional and involve local communities, governments and the private
sector. So far, the opportunities to establish PES schemes in the Himalayas
to ensure safe provision of good quality water remain largely unexplored.
However, land and water managers, as well as policy and decision makers,
should be encouraged to look for win-win solutions in this context.
19.11.2.4
DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Novel and affordable technologies and energy resources that do not emit
greenhouse gasses are needed. Notable examples in the region include
the diffusion of hydropower in Bhutan, solar energy and biogas in China,
bio-diesel and wind energy in India, and biogas and microhydropower in
Nepal.
19.11.3
ADAPTATION MEASURES:
19.11.3.1 DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND FLOOD
FORECASTING
Floods are the main natural disaster aggravating poverty in the Himalayas
and downstream. Technical advances in flood forecasting and manage-
ment offer an opportunity for regional cooperation in disaster manage-
ment. Regional cooperation in trans boundary disaster risk management
should become a political agenda. Preparedness for disasters is essential
19.11.3.2
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY LED ADAPTATION
One approach to vulnerability and local level adaptation is 'bottom-up'
community led processes built on local knowledge, innovations and prac-
tices. The focus should be on empowering communities to adapt to a
changing climate and environment based on their own decision-making
