Adaptation in the Himalayas: Knowledge, action and results

Highlights from the Himalayan Climate Change Adaptation Programme (HICAP), 2012–2017

This short report presents a selection of the key findings, achievements and lessons learned from the Himalayan Climate Change Adaptation Programme (HICAP) over the period 2012– 2017. This summary report focuses on selected HICAP approaches to science, action research, pilot activities, and communications and outreach. In doing so, this report highlights:

• The broader implications of HICAP’s scientific research, how it has contributed to and filled critical gaps in knowledge on climate change and impacts in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, and how this knowledge can be applied locally to achieve some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• How HICAP’s scientific recommendations, approaches and tools have been incorporated into decision-making at various levels (policies, actions, decisions)
• How HICAP’s engagement with various stakeholders, such as regional partners or the media, has resulted in multiplication/ amplification and new levels of action and awareness where it is most needed

This report also concludes with some of the important lessons learned over the duration of the programme, particularly in terms of policy outreach and partnerships.