Nepal’s breathtaking geography from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the fertile plains of the Terai is not only a source of national pride but also a reminder of our profound responsibility to safeguard its natural heritage. Yet, this unique landscape faces mounting environmental challenges. Climate change is accelerating the melting of our Himalayan glaciers, threatening the water security of millions downstream. Erratic and unseasonal rainfall patterns have become more frequent, undermining agricultural productivity and pushing rural communities toward food insecurity. At the same time, the country is witnessing an alarming rise in climate-induced loss and damage from destructive floods and landslides to prolonged droughts that is disrupting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Springs, the lifeline for mountain communities, are drying up at an unprecedented rate. The study conducted by the YAE team in western part of Nepal, around 70% of springs has decreasing its discharge, which endangering both ecosystems and human survival.
At the Youth Alliance for Environment (YAE), we believe that confronting these challenges requires a dual approach: strong, community-driven local action and robust, evidence-based policy engagement. For over 15 years, YAE has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship in Nepal supporting climate change policy formulation, advancing pioneering research on mountain springs, and working directly with communities to enhance their resilience through innovative ways. Our approach blends scientific research with indigenous knowledge, fostering innovative, inclusive solutions that ensure no community is left behind in the journey toward environmental sustainability.
As a leading organization in environmental sustainability, springs research, climate change policy support, and adaptation planning, YAE acts as a vital bridge between science, policy, and grassroots action. We collaborate closely with government agencies, civil society, academia, and local communities to shape policies that respond to Nepal’s rapidly changing climate reality. Our work champions the principle that solutions must be locally rooted yet informed by global best practices.
The way forward demands more than resilience it calls for transformation. YAE envisions a climate-smart Nepal where people and nature thrive together. This means strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, accelerating Nepal’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, and promoting green enterprises that drive low-carbon economic growth. We must also secure greater access to climate finance, ensuring that funds reach those most vulnerable to climate impacts. In the highlands, restoring and protecting springs is not just a water management strategy it is the only viable long-term solution to sustain fragile mountain ecosystems.
Furthermore, addressing waste management and controlling pollution are urgent priorities to safeguard public health and environmental quality. We must also commit to protecting intergenerational equity, ensuring that future generations inherit not a depleted environment but a thriving, biodiverse, and productive environmental resources.
The road ahead will require courage, collaboration, and creativity. YAE stands committed to leading with purpose, advocating for stronger climate action, and empowering communities to adapt, innovate, and prosper. Together, we can ensure that Nepal’s environmental legacy is not only preserved but strengthened leaving behind a resilient and sustainable nation for generations to come
