Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Sectoral strategies within the HKH countries

Water Numerous authorities, acts and policies within each HKH country address the water sector in relation to climate change adaptation, but the analysis examines only the main policy for each country. The central governments are responsible for adopting legislation and for the planning and development of the sector, whereas the regulation of the sector takes place at the subnational/state level in some countries.

Afghanistan’s National Capacity Needs Self- Assessment for Global Environmental Management identifies water as one of the sectors most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and its Strategic Policy Framework aims to sustainably develop and manage the country’s water resources by actively involving user organizations, institutions and the private sector. Bangladesh is seeking to build cross- country collaborations; to develop regional action plans to address water security, integrated river basin

management, GLOF hazard zoning, early warning systems, flood prevention and management; and to strengthen hydrological and meteorological networks. The Water Act of Bhutan focuses on integrated water resources management, and its National Integrated Water ResourcesManagement Plan aims touse climatic, hydrological, social and institutional assessments to avert water crises in the future. China’s Opinions of the State Council on Implementing the Strictest Water Resources Management System, and Opinions of the State Council on Accelerating Progress in Water Ecological Construction aim to address issues such as water-resource development and utilization control, water-use efficiency control, and pollutant-load control in water function zones. India’s National WaterMission aims to ensure integrated water resources management and equitable distribution of water, whereas the National Water Policy takes cognizance of the current water situation. Myanmar’s Water Vision aims to make water resources sustainable by 2030. In 2014, the country drafted its National Water Policy to transform governance of water resources from a sectoral approach to one of integrated river basin management. Nepal’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Policy addresses the need for a safe, convenient and adequate water supply, with a specific focus on disadvantaged groups. Meanwhile, its National Water Plan aims to maximize the benefits of sustainable water use. Finally, Pakistan’s National Drinking Water Policy aims to provide safe drinking water to the entire population by 2025; its National Climate Change Policy recommends the formulation and enforcement of river floodplain regulations and laws; and its Water Vision 2025 aims to generate hydroelectricity, prevent water shortages, limit drought and increase water storage.

Ten of Asia’s largest river systems originate in the HKH and are the main sources of freshwater in South Asia

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