29/06/2026
Building Local Leadership for Nature-Positive Urban Development
On 28 June 2026, the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) under the Urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation ( ) for Climate-Resilient Development in Kathmandu Valley Project, organized a one-day Orientation Training on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) for the Executive Members of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality at The Soaltee Kathmandu.
The program was inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr. Navaraj Pyakurel, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MoID), Nepal. The session was chaired by Ms. Sunita Shrestha, National Project Director, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of integrating NbS and EbA into local urban planning and development to address growing climate challenges.
The training featured four technical sessions delivered by distinguished experts:
Dr. Dharam Upreti, Practical Action Nepal
Dr. Neera Shrestha, ICIMOD
Mr. Prabin Man Singh, Prakriti Resources Centre
Mr. Deepak Dhakal, Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation
The sessions provided practical insights into NbS and EbA concepts, ecosystem restoration, blue-green infrastructure, climate-resilient urban planning, and the role of local governments in mainstreaming nature-positive development. The interactive discussions enabled participants to exchange experiences and identify opportunities for integrating ecosystem-based approaches into municipal policies and development initiatives.
The orientation emphasized the importance of:
✅ Strengthening local leadership for climate-resilient urban development
✅ Mainstreaming NbS and EbA into municipal planning and decision-making
✅ Enhancing institutional and technical capacity for implementation
✅ Fostering collaboration among government agencies, technical experts, and local stakeholders
The program concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Prakash Aryal, Deputy Development Commissioner, KVDA, who reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration and capacity building to advance nature-positive and climate-resilient urban development across the Kathmandu Valley.
Together, empowered local governments and strong partnerships are key to creating greener, more resilient, and sustainable cities.
