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Adapting to Water Stresses
Adapting to Climate-induced
Water Stresses and Hazards
in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas
Julie Dekens, Integrated Water and Hazard Management, ICIMOD, jdekens@icimod.org
Mats Eriksson, Integrated Water and Hazard Management, ICIMOD, meriksson@icimod.org
T
he most forceful impact of a changing climate risk-fi lled environment. Second, these adaptation
on the biosphere and society is through strategies need to be analysed in the light of greater
impact on the hydrological cycle. Increasing uncertainties and accelerated changes, where climate
temperatures translate to more energy in the is one important driver among many other drivers (e.g.,
atmosphere, which in turn intensifi es the water cycle. globalisation), in order to understand their future and
The result may be enhanced differences between long-term sustainability. In addition, adaptation to new
wet and dry areas as well as enhanced seasonal conditions requires a supportive policy environment. Thus
differences. For the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, for any external support to adaptation to be useful, it is
climate predictions indicate that the already dry of paramount importance to analyse the role of existing
western Hindu Kush-Himalayas might become drier, policies in infl uencing, positively or negatively, people’s
some other areas might become wetter. However, ability to adapt in a sustainable way.
it is still diffi cult to see clear trends in precipitation
and climate predictions for this part of the world
ICIMOD has taken up the challenge to improve
remain in their infancy. Nevertheless, it is generally
understanding of current adaptation strategies, for
accepted that we are facing an increased frequency
water stress their long-term sustainability, and the
and magnitude of high intensity rainfall events as part
infl uence of current policies on these strategies, through
of an increased variability in the climate. There are
a programme of documenting adaptation strategies
already signs that this is happening in the Himalayan
in the region. Currently, fi ve fi eld teams are working
region.
in four countries (China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan)
to document local adaptation strategies, and a team
Water-induced hazards are already a looming threat of policy experts is working in parallel to unravel the
throughout the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region; every infl uence of existing policies at selected sites.
year riverine fl oods, inundations, fl ash fl oods, and
droughts exact a heavy toll on human life, livelihoods,
In the following, we highlight some preliminary fi ndings
and economic prosperity. To some extent, societies
from these studies, especially in relation to the role of
have developed mechanisms to minimise the negative
uncertainties, scale, indigenous knowledge, and culture
impacts on houses, infrastructure, crops, and access
in infl uencing local adaptation strategies to climate-
to safe drinking water when disaster strikes. However,
related stresses and hazards.
adaptation strategies developed over generations
might still not be enough if fl ood and inundation levels
When climate sidelines current adaptation
increase, the number of fl ash fl ood events doubles, or
strategies
seasonal drought lasts longer.
Parts of Kavre District in eastern Nepal that lie in
These challenges highlight two urgent priorities. First,
a rainshadow area have had less annual rainfall
current adaptation strategies need to be documented
during the last fi ve years than usual. For generations,
and assessed in order to understand the mechanisms that
people have taken advantage of seasonal differences,
people rely on for making their living in an inherently
cultivating vegetables using drip irrigation, planting
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