Kathmandu: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Ken Shimizu, held a meeting with Sarita Dawadi, Secretary of Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
The discussion highlighted the longstanding partnership between FAO and the Ministry, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus to enhance food security and protect rural livelihoods from growing climate risks.
The meeting focused on aligning basin-level water planning with sustainable agricultural systems to address challenges ranging from drying mountain springs to groundwater stress in the plains. The two sides also discussed the ongoing development of the Living Sagarmatha: Nepal Mountain Resilience Strategy, which is being designed around Nepal’s four major river basins and is expected to be endorsed soon.
The Strategy emphasizes basin-level watershed management, river basin climate frameworks, water harvesting and recharge ponds, flood risk and water stress management in urban areas, groundwater mapping and monitoring, and multi-hazard early warning systems.
Through integrated river basin planning, climate-smart agriculture, watershed management, and the mobilization of strategic climate finance, FAO and the Ministry reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening national resilience and inclusive development.
During the meeting, Shimizu congratulated the Ministry on the upcoming Water Resources Act, noting its significance in strengthening governance, ensuring water security, and promoting the sustainable management of Nepal’s vital water resources.
