National Adaptation Programme of Action (Bhutan)

The Bhutan National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) aims to identify urgent and immediate projects and activities that can help communities adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, to seek synergies with existing multilateral environment agreements and development activities, and to integrate climate change risks into the national planning process. In the preparation of the NAPA, the country’s climate change-related vulnerabilities in its unique geographical setting were examined, as well as the relationship thereof to developmental goals. The process showed how highly vulnerable the country is to effects of climate change given its fragile mountain eco-systems, high dependency on monsoon rains, and the ever present threats of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods from its northern mountain ranges. The effects of climate change are particularly risky considering the largely agrarian population that could be greatly affected by frequent flooding and flash floods. Moreover, Bhutan's economy is highly dependent on hydropower resources, whose infrastructure is at risk from the adverse impact of climate change. The NAPA then summarized the proposed adaptation activities per sector as culled from the public consultations and stakeholder workshops.