This blog was written and submitted by Y4N Managing Director, Asmita Rawat.
Who would've thought I'd find myself back in a remote Nepali village, trading city life for the tranquility of the rural landscape? As a Climate Fellow - a program by Youth Innovation Lab that places young people in local governments to help tackle climate change and disaster issues - I spent five months in Chaukune Rural Municipality, Surkhet, Nepal.
Let me paint you a picture of Chaukune Rural Municipality. This municipality lies in the western part of Nepal's Karnali Province- one of the most remote and least developed regions of Nepal. The municipality is characterized by its location within the Chure Range, also known as the Siwalik Hills, which are the youngest and most geologically active mountains in the Himalayas. These hills are composed of sedimentary rocks and are prone to natural processes like erosion and landslides, shaping the dynamic topography of the area. The Chure Range is rich in forest resources, diversified by the presence of the Bheri River, a significant tributary of the Karnali River. This river system has carved out valleys and gorges, creating a mosaic of landscapes ranging from riverine plains to steep hillsides.
This landscape, the people, and the everyday signs of climate change effects shaped my experience. It was a whirlwind of challenges, discoveries, and heartwarming moments I'll never forget.
Adapting the BIPAD Portal: Empowering via technology
One of my responsibilities involved localizing the BIPAD (Disaster) portal, an Information Management System by the Nepalese Government and managed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). This portal wasn't just a technical tool for me; it was a lifeline for the community. My goal was to ensure that this platform became a lasting resource for Chaukune, empowering local governments to protect their people.
I vividly remember my early days in Chaukune, sitting with the IT and Disaster Risk Reduction officers, working through the technical details, and slowly building their confidence in managing the portal on their own. We didn’t just exchange knowledge; we shared stories, laughter, and a mutual commitment to making a difference. Together, mapping critical infrastructure across the region—schools, health centers, financial institutions, government buildings—ensuring that these vital datasets were integrated into the BIPAD system. Every piece of data felt like a small step toward greater safety and preparedness for the community.
Building Resilience: The Heart of My Work
Beyond the technical aspects, my role extended to the heart of the community. Conducting Vulnerability Capacity Assessments (VCA) meant I had the chance to truly listen to the people of Chaukune. We talked about their lives, their fears, and their hopes. These conversations weren’t just about gathering information; they were about building trust, understanding the local context, and their interplay with climate.
In Chaukune, one of the issues highlighted was the absence of resources, both tangible and personnel for climate change adaptation since the rural municipality was the sole authority. While health and education were the major concerns of the municipality, disaster and climate change were considered secondary concerns. Although a positive aspect was the community's strong resilience and unity. During disasters, neighbors provided ration supplies and help to those who needed it, showing a close-knit community despite the lack of formal sources.
The insights I gained through the VCA were critical in shaping a comprehensive Local Disaster and Climate Resilient Plan (LDCRP), which culminated in a collective vision for a safer, more resilient Chaukune. It reflected the voices of the people I met—the farmer worried about erratic monsoons, the teacher concerned about school safety, and the local leaders determined to protect their community.
Overcoming Challenges: A Test of Resilience
Living and working in Chaukune wasn't easy. With no electricity, rough roads, and some differences, I had to push myself beyond my comfort zone every day. Local realities like the monsoon rains, ongoing paddy cultivation, and the pressures of the fiscal year added layers of complexity to the work. But these challenges also brought out the best in me, forcing me to be resourceful, patient, and adaptable.
One of my first observations in Chaukune was the limited presence of young people living along with other vulnerable groups. This struck me and I realized how few choices they have. The education base is weak, as evident by the result of the school-level examination as only two students in the whole of the municipality passed. This reality narrows their choices: for young women, it means early marriage, while young men are under pressure to be bread providers, hence many travel abroad or to India in search of jobs.
To break this cycle, we must prioritize what young people truly need: security through education and employment, especially in regards to climate change. If we invest in these areas - think climate education and green jobs - we can help these youth to remain in their communities and create their own futures. Now is the time to change the paradigm and make sure that the next generation has what they need to succeed in a new environment and bring their communities along with them.
I remember the long walks to remote wards, often under the sun or through muddy trails, but those journeys were also moments of connection. I was not just a fellow; I was a part of the community, learning from them and with them. Every conversation, every shared meal, and every smile reinforced my commitment to this work.
A Journey of Growth and Commitment
Looking back at my Climate Fellowship in Chaukune, I can say that it was a journey of personal and professional growth. My passion for climate resilience and disaster management has been broadened, especially in vulnerable areas such as Karnali. The people I met and the stories they told are lasting.
In retrospect, I can now say that Chaukune was not just a place I worked at but a defining part of my life. The spirit of the people there, their strength, and their resilience has made a lasting impression on me and my commitment to keep fighting for change even when the odds are stacked against you.
Experiences of communities like Chaukune underscore the need to incorporate local knowledge and experiences into climate change plans. These are the people who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but they are also the ones who have the most to offer in terms of knowledge and social organization for adapting to the changes. Our work should help to give them a platform to be heard and to have their findings translated into policy and practice.
Looking to the future, it is important to promote the use of sustainable resources and the creation of opportunities for these communities, especially the young people. Through education, employment, and climate change mitigation and adaptation, the cycles of vulnerability can be addressed. It is time to ensure that community resilience is at the heart of our climate plans. It is not about giving a handout; it is about helping communities to take their own hand. In this way, we can build a future in which everyone’s voice is heard and everyone’s story is a part of the solution to climate change.