Designing community-based
adaptation actions - examples
from Eastern Himalaya
Sangeeta Agarwal
16 November 2011
Vulnerability Assessment for Adaptation
Practices
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Vulnerability assessment (VA) involves analysis of exposure, sensitivity and
adaptive capacity of a system.
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VA act as useful tool for identifying adaptation strategies for specific
vulnerable groups and areas.
Macro – level Vulnerability Assessment
(incl. future projection)
Detailed Vulnerability Assessment
at field level using PRA
Adaptation Pilot Projects
Vulnerability Assessment - Sikkim
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South Sikkim – most Vulnerable
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East Sikkim - High Adaptive
Capacity
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Climate - data shows fluctuation;
only minor increase in temp. &
winter rainfall
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PRAs – erratic rainfall but heavy
in shorter duration
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Future climate projections predict
larger changes at the end of
century (2070 to 2100s) as
compared to near future (2040) –
- decrease in rainfall;
- increase in surface temp.
Ecosystem Vulnerability - Sikkim
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South Sikkim high on sensitivity index
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Forest quality deteriorating
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specially for space heating.
Water sources decline
Phenological changes reported
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% of degraded forest increasing.
Similar trend observed in Protected areas.
Hydropower & road building
Firewood still used widely
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dependence on rainfed agriculture & monsoon
dependent water sources
(Rhododendron and Prunus sp.)
Shift in range of some crops to higher
elevation (e.g., Ginger)
Decrease in yield/quality of crops
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(potato, ginger, chilly) as well as oranges and
orchids
Ensuring rural water security
Springshed Restoration
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Spring shed conservation work piloted with State Government support
Increased spring discharge; enhanced soil moisture & vegetation cover
Spring discharge increase by 100% (Mallagiri dhara, Sumbuk, Melli) to 400%
(Nunthaley Dhara, Deythang, Kaluk)
Downstream dhara users & upstream land-owners benefitted
Learnings
• Role of state government in mainstreaming through linking with existing schemes
- Scaled up by the government to 500+ springs across the state through the
MGNREGA programme
• Getting the right technical partners and building local capacity (barefoot
engineers)
• Importance of identifying the infiltration zones as opposed to simple catchment
area treatment
Alternate Energy
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Objective: Reduce fuelwood use for water heating
Two pilot locations in East Sikkim District,
• Gnathang (14,000 ft)and Zaluk (12000 ft)
• Proximity to Red Panda habitat (Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary)
• High dependence on fuel wood and bamboo
Solar Water Heaters
• 4 community systems installed
• 300 lpd (1) & 200 lpd (3)
• Domestic use – washing, bathing; women benefit
• Frequent bursting of Pipes – technology concern
Alternate Energy
Space Heating
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Objective: Reduce fuelwood use for space heating
Use solar passive architecture concepts and locally available insulation material
in building design in East Sikkim District, Sikkim
• Retrofitting existing houses, Gnathang village – 14,000 ft
• New Prototype construction for FD Ranger’s hut, Kupup village – 13,000 ft
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Improvements in the design of local bukharis to enhance efficiency
Learnings
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Despite some rough edges, solar water heaters can work at high altitudes
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Local capacity building and management key to success, for community
systems. Women primary beneficiaries
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Government identifying Energy as a priority issue esp. in high altitude
remote areas; Mainstreaming through State Action Plan on Climate Change
Western Arunachal Landscape (WAL)
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Includes 2 districts – Tawang and West Kameng
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Changes in forest cover (80% land area) impacts local livelihoods
• Dense forests declining
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Climate - Shift in rainfall patterns and warmer winters
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Hydropower & infrastructure development seriously affecting water & forest
resources
Landuse Projection
- Upward Shift in tree line
- Decline in grass production In Alpine meadows
Community Conserved Areas –
enhancing ecological resilience
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CCAs are forests owned & managed by
local communities
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Maintaining these forests can contribute
to increased resilience to climate change
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Thembang Bapu (312 sq.km) &
Pangchen-Lumpo-Muchat (98 sq.km)
Community Conserved Areas set up
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WWF aims to increase the extent of
CCAs as a ‘safety net’ for future climate
adaptation
Community Conserved Areas - Building
Community Resilience
Community Based Tourism
Alternative Energy
Pilots
• Solar Water heaters at
campsites and home stays
in 2 villages – Thembang &
Lumpo Muchat
• Solar Street Lights (12)
• Yak dung – pine leaf
briquettes (thermal
efficiency of 27%)
Learnings
• Community ownership of land
• Clear linkages between income
generation and forest conservation
• Long association and local team in place
• Political support
• Potential of scaling up at a state level to
include all community owned areas above
300m
Thank you