Sherab Lhamo

Bhutan’s battle against climate change is becoming increasingly urgent, but experts say that much of the focus has been at the national and policy levels, while the real impacts are felt most acutely at the local level.

According to Netra Binod Sharma, Programme Specialist at the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), local communities are often hit hardest by climate change, but they lack the capacity, climate literacy, and resources to effectively implement adaptation measures. “These findings were uncovered through engagements with the local government.”

In a panel discussion on locally led climate action at the Sustainable Development Goals Partnership Week at the Royal University of Bhutan on November 14,  Thursday, Netra Binod Sharma emphasised the need to shift focus towards empowering local governments and communities to take climate action.

“This provides an important entry point for us to work directly with local governments,” he said, adding that local governments need more support to address climate change at the grassroots level.

Panellist Sonam Pem, the executive director of Tarayana Foundation, highlighted the need for stronger partnerships between the government and civil society organisations (CSOs), which is currently limited.

“Given the diverse needs and capacities of different communities, a more coordinated approach is necessary. By fostering stronger partnerships, government and CSOs can work together to effectively address community needs and achieve shared goals,” she said.

One promising initiative discussed during the panel was LIFE-AR (Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience), a project led by the Least Developed Countries group to increase climate financing at the local level.

LIFE-AR aims to direct at least 70 percent of climate resources directly to local governments and communities, empowering them to implement their own adaptation strategies.

Netra Binod Sharma described the initiative as a “significant boost for climate financing”, which would help alleviate some of the financial challenges faced by communities and local governments.

Tendel Wangmo, a member of the UPSHIFT group, presented an example of climate-smart agriculture that combines technology with sustainability.

Their grouo has developed an automated greenhouse system equipped with sensors that monitor plant growth and regulate irrigation. Using drip irrigation, one of the most water-efficient methods, the system helps optimise water usage, reduce waste, and enhance crop yields.

“This system not only contributes to sustainable farming but also supports climate action by increasing carbon sequestration, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

Another innovative solution was shared by Kinley Wangmo, the founder of Bhutan Hydroponics, who believes hydroponic farming can play a vital role in combating potential future food shortages exacerbated by climate change.

Hydroponics, which allows for soil-free farming, can help produce food in a controlled environment, minimizing the impacts of changing weather patterns on crop yields.

“Hydroponics can be a solution to create sustainable farming,” she said.