A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan (2021-2025)

Section 1, motivation and objectives, provides a brief overview of climate change issues with import for Bhutan. It lays out the need to strengthen the capacity of national institutions, outlines the objectives of the roadmap document, and spells out the general structure of the report.

Section 2, state of climate change research and key actors, surveys national institutions invested in climate change research. It reviews past initiatives, on-going programs, and assesses institutional mandates and interests. It identifies gaps, issues and challenges, and highlights research areas which need attention.

Section 3, the roadmap, spells out the principles and salient features of the roadmap document. It then provides five strategic imperatives to ensure value creation and strengthening of climate change research.

Section 4, action items and milestones, stipulates key activities which need execution in the next 3 years (2021 – 2023), and provides overarching milestones which need to be achieved.

Section 5, monitoring and evaluation, provides a framework to ensure that key milestones are reached. It identifies agencies which should monitor and evaluate the milestones proposed in this roadmap. |7| A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 2. State of Climate Research and Key Actors 2.1. State of Climate Research, Policy Support & Mandates Research in general and climate research in particular has been sporadic and lacks coherence. Each sector, depending on funds available, have been conducting one-off climate change related research projects, with no particular long-term goals and continuity plans. See Annexure 1 for a list of on-going and past climate related research projects. Recognizing the scattered and incoherent approach to climate change research, the Climate Change Policy of Bhutan (2020)24 stipulates a few overarching guidelines to strengthen research and bring about coherence in approach and strategies. It calls on the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) and other research institutions, in line with their respective mandates, to carry out needs-based research to support informed decision-making and the planning and implementation of climate change action. The Policy also recognizes the need to increase public awareness and understanding on climate change. It further acknowledges the need to enhance the capacity of all relevant stakeholders and institutions, including local governments, community groups and beneficiaries. And it calls for a coherent and coordinated process to access support from international mechanisms for climate change capacity building. The Policy reiterates the role of the National Environment Commission (NEC), chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister or his nominee as the highest cross-sectoral environmental policy and regulatory body responsible for coordinating all matters relating to the protection, conservation and improvement of the environment. The NEC is mandated to continue to function as the high- level National Climate Change Committee (NCCC), where it derives its mandate from the National Environment Protection Act of 2007, Water Act of 2011, Waste Prevention and Management Act of 2009, Environmental Assessment Act of 2000, and other directives of the government. 2.2. Climate Issues, Key Actors & Climate Change Research 2.2.1 Paleoclimatology, Climate Projections, Monsoons & the Cryosphere The National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) is mandated to provide climate change data and weather information. The NHCM is also responsible for cryosphere research and is continuing to monitor and research the dynamics of Bhutan’s glaciers25. The list below elaborates further on NCHM’s focus areas. Weather & Climate: • Climate change projection • Historical analysis of climate (paleoclimate26) • Weather forecasting and modelling 24 RGoB. (2020). Climate Change Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Royal Government of Bhutan. Thimphu, Bhutan. 25 Glaciers were earlier monitored by the Department of Geology & Mines and work was mostly done in collaboration with JICA. 26 Krusic, P. J., Cook, E. R., Dukpa, D., Putnam, A. E., Rupper, S., & Schaefer, J. (2015). Six hundred thirty‐eight years of summer temperature variability over the Bhutanese Himalaya. Geophysical Research Letters, 42(8), 2988-2994. |8| A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | • Seasonal forecasting and verification (Monsoons27) • Medium and extended range forecasting • Regional climate modelling (currently being setup process) Cryosphere: • Glacier mapping and inventory • Glacier monitoring program & assessment of potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Bhutan Hydrology & Water: • Flood modelling • Flood hazard assessment and mapping • Sedimentation • Ground water and climate change impacts to hydrological regime 2.2.2 Agriculture, Livestock & Food Given the importance of the agriculture sector, research within the MoAF is well institutionalized and the most mature. It executes its research and development mandate through a network of Agriculture Research and Development Centers (ARDC/s) spread across Bhutan (Figure 6 & Table 1). As of now, there is no coherent framework for climate change research within the agriculture sector, albeit there are scattered efforts across the different ARDCs (Table 1). Figure 6. Location map of the Department of Agriculture’s ARDCs, their sub-centers and UWICER under DoFPS Figure 6. Location map of the Department of Agriculture’s ARDCs, their sub-centers and UWICER under DoFPS Under the Department of Livestock, the National Highland Research & Development Center in Under Bumtangthespecifically Department of Livestock, mentions climatethe National change Highlandresearch adaptation Research for&highlanders as one of their Development main Center in Bumtang specifically mentions climate change thrust areas. adaptation research for highlanders as one of their main thrust areas. 27 Sano, M., Xu, C., Dimri, A. P., & Ramesh, R. (2020). Summer Monsoon Variability in the Himalaya over Recent Centuries. In Hima- layan Weather and Climate and their Impact on the Environment (pp. 261-280). Springer, Cham. Table 1. Research agencies under the MoAF & focus areas |9| Department Center/ Focus Areas (initiatives related to Agencies climate change only listed) Department of ARDC, Yusipang  Currently testing drought A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Table 1. Research agencies under the MoAF & focus areas Focus Areas (initiatives related Department Center/ Agencies to climate change only listed) Department of ARDC, Yusipang  Currently testing drought Agriculture: tolerant potato varieties ARDC, Bajo (with sub-stations at  Drought resistant trails for rice Tsirang and Chimipang Royal Project) are on-going ARDC, Samtenling ARDC, Wengkhar (with sub-stations at Lingmethang & Khangma)  Heat resistant vegetable varieties are being trailed Department of National Highland Research &  Climate change adaptation Livestock: Development Center, Bumtang research for highlanders Department of UWICER  Dendrochronology for Forests & Park understanding paleoclimate Services Bhutan Tiger Center  Impact of climate change on apex predators like the tiger28 The CNR29 is also conducting climate change research with some bearing on food security and livelihoods (Box 1). Box 1. Ongoing climate change research at the CNR • Rainfall Pattern and Water Poverty and their Implication to Local Livelihoods in the Context of Changing Climate in Bhutan (ongoing till December 2020) • Livelihood Vulnerability Approach to Assessing Farmers Vulnerability to Climate Change in central Bhutan (ongoing till December 2020). 2.2.3 Forests & Biodiversity Research on forests and biodiversity are mostly carried out by the UWICER (Figure 6) based out of Bumthang under the DoFPS. The recently established Bhutan Tiger Center under the DoFPs is initiating research to understand the impacts of climate change on apex predators, like tigers. The National Biodiversity Center (NBC) also has a stake in biodiversity research and holds the mandate to conduct bioprospecting and conserving genetic resources through their national gene bank initiative. NBC has partnered in the GLORIA initiative (Annexure 1) to track species range and composition shifts within alpine regions of Bhutan. 2.2.4 Water Water being a resource of critical importance cuts across various sectors and many agencies have a stake and oversight responsibility30. The NEC is tasked with the overall mandate for 28 Personal communication with Dr. Tshering Tempa (PhD), Program Director of the Bhutan Tiger Center 29 https://www.cnr.edu.bt/ 30 NEC (2016) National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan 2016. Royal Government of Bhutan. Thimphu, Bhutan | 10 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | water resources governance, but implementation agencies spread across a spectrum of users, from drinking to irrigation to energy generation. Water can also be a source for vector borne diseases and floods. See Figure 7. NCHM MoAF Water Flagship Program Department of Engineering Source Services, MoWHS MoH KGUMSB Rural Water Supply Scheme Drinking & MoAF Diseases Health MoH Crop & Livestock Water DDM, MoHCA Disasters Irrigation DoA, MoAF NCHM Energy Implementation/ Responsible DGPC Agencies DHPS, MoEA Water Use Dimensions & Implications Figure 7. The cross-cutting nature of the water means the intersection of multiple interests. There is no7.dedicated Figure institution The cross-cutting for conducting nature research of the water means on thewater related of intersection issues. multiple interests. There is no dedicated institution for conducting research on water related To enhance cooperation across sectors, the Bhutan Water issues. (BWP) has been in operation Partnership since the early 2000s and is currently hosted under the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature To enhance cooperation across sectors, the Bhutan Water Partnership (RSPN). The BWP however is not carrying out any research. (BWP) has been in operation since the early 2000s and is currently hosted under the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN). The Given the intersecting interests of many actors and dispersed governance structure, research BWP however is not carrying out any research. on water has been lacking and the impacts of climate change on water resources has not been addressed. This leaves ample room for institutions to collaborate and redress this shortfall. Given the intersecting interests of many actors and dispersed governance structure, research on water has been lacking and the impacts of climate 2.2.5 Energy change on water resources has not been addressed. This leaves ample Bhutan’s room for economy institutionsistoheavily reliant collaborate andonredress hydropower, which in turn is dependent on the hydrology this shortfall. of Bhutanese rivers. Climate change raises uncertainties and increases risks for the hydropower sector. 2.2.5 Given Energy that hydrology, sedimentation, and the resilience of hydropower infrastructure are of prime importance Bhutan’s economy to the DGPC, reliant is heavily it has established its ownwhich on hydropower, Hydropower in turn isResearch & Development Center (HRDC) dependent which on the operates hydrology of 3 Centers of Bhutanese Excellence rivers. Climate(CoE): change a) raises Condition Based Monitoring; b) uncertainties and increases risks for the hydropower sector. Automation, Control and Protection; c) Civil & Geotechnical Engineering; Given that and d) Hydraulics. The hydrology, CoE for sedimentation, Hydraulics is taskedand to the resilience provide river of hydropower discharge infrastructure and generation forecasts. 14 | 11 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | There is also increasing recognition that Bhutan needs to diversify its energy sources not only to buffer the impacts of climate change on the hydropower sector, but also as a means of creating employment through the promotion of renewables. The Center for Renewables and Sustainable Energy Development (CRSED)31 under the College of Science & Technology (CST), RUB intends to research on and promote renewables. There are further opportunities for cross and multi-agency collaboration since CSOs like BES are also actively pursuing and committed to the promotion of renewables in Bhutan32. 2.2.6 Health Bhutan is witnessing increasing incidences of mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya fever and dengue, parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, and tick-borne diseases, which may exhibit changes in transmission intensity or shifts in their geographical ranges due to the impact of climate change33, 34. Figure 8. A Kuensel article from July 2019 reporting on dengue and chikungunya Figure 8. A Kuensel article from July 2019 reporting on dengue and 35 outbreak in Phuentsholing & Samtsechikungunya outbreak in Phuentsholing & Samtse 35 AlthoughAlthough there isthere no dedicated climate is no dedicated climatechange research change research program program on the Khesar Gyalpo on health, health, the Khesar University GyalpoSciences of Medical University Bhutanof(KGUMSB) Medical isSciences taking stockBhutan of such incidences and preparing to assess what new risks are likely to emerge due to climate change. (KGUMSB) is taking stock of such incidences and preparing to assess what new risks are likely to emerge due to climate change. 31 https://cst.edu.bt/index.php/en/research-3/research-center/cdsed 32 https://kuenselonline.com/mou-to-widen-the-energy-supply/ 2.2.7 Transport & Industry 33 Rocklöv, J., & Dubrow, R. (2020). Climate change: an enduring challenge for vector-borne disease prevention and control. Nature Immunology, 21(5), 479-483. Bhutan’s aspiration to remain carbon neutral and to pursue a low 34 McMichael, A. J., Campbell-Lendrum, D. H., Corvalán, C. F., Ebi, K. L., Githeko, A., Scheraga, J. D., & Woodward, A. (2003). Climate change and human health: risks and responses. World Health Organization. Geneva, Switzerland. carbon development pathway will depend critically on what kind of 35 https://kuenselonline.com/dengue-and-chikungunya-outbreak-in-p-ling-and-samtse/ innovation occurs within the transportation and industries sector36. The | 12 | transportation sector is a significant contributor of GHG emissions (about A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 2.2.7 Transport & Industry Bhutan’s aspiration to remain carbon neutral and to pursue a low carbon development pathway will depend critically on what kind of innovation occurs within the transportation and industries sector36. The transportation sector is a significant contributor of GHG emissions (about 424.75 Gg of CO2e) along with the industrial processing and product use sector accounting for 796.423 Gg of CO2 e emissions, about 21.23% of the national net emission37. Research leading to innovative policy and promotion of viable technologies is needed to ensure carbon neutrality of the transport and industry sector. Currently, there are no academic institutions dedicated to the study of transport and industries in Bhutan. 2.2.8 Climate Related Disasters GLOFs remain a real and immediate risk to many of Bhutan’s 2.2.8 Climate Related Disasters infrastructure and agricultural land. With rise in temperatures, there is GLOFs remain a real and immediate risk to many of Bhutan’s infrastructure and agricultural alsoland. increasing risk from forest fires, weather storms and flash floods. With rise in temperatures, there is also increasing risk from forest fires, weather storms and flash floods. Figure Figure 9. A 9. A Kuensel Kuensel articlearticle reporting reporting damage damage from heavy rains (20 – 23 July, 2020) from heavy 38 in 38 rains (20 – 23 July, 2020) in Tsirang Tsirang While While the the NCHMNCHM is tasked is tasked withproviding with providingearly early warning warning and and operates operatesaanetwork of early warning systems network across of early Bhutan, there warning is no systems dedicated across institution Bhutan, theretois no research what climate change means for dedicated Bhutan in terms of loss and damage, risks and disasters. institution to research what climate change means for Bhutan in terms of loss and damage, risks and disasters. The Center for Disaster Risk Reduction and Community Development Services (CDRRCDS)39 under Thethe CST under Center RUB can for Disaster upscale Risk research Reduction activities and on climate Community change and disasters in collaboration Development with the Department of 39 Disaster Risk Management under Services (CDRRCDS) under the CST under RUB can upscale researchthe Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs. activities on climate change and disasters in collaboration with the 36 Newman, P., & Yangka, D. (2018). Bhutan: Can the 1.5° C agenda be integrated with growth in wealth and happiness?. Urban Plan- Department of Disaster Risk Management under the Ministry of Home ning, 3(2), 94-112. and Cultural Affairs. 37 RGoB. (2019). Bhutan’s 3 National Communication to the UNFCCC – National Circumstances (DRAFT). National Environment rd Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan. Thimphu, Bhutan 38 https://kuenselonline.com/heavy-rains-damage-homes-and-properties-in-tsirang/ 2.2.9 Climate Finance 39 https://cst.edu.bt/index.php/en/research-3/research-center/cdrrcds Currently, | 13 | using mechanisms afforded by the Bhutan Climate Change Policy, the NAP process and NDCs, the NEC in partnership with the UN and other agencies source funding for climate mitigation and A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 2.2.9 Climate Finance Currently, using mechanisms afforded by the Bhutan Climate Change Policy, the NAP process and NDCs, the NEC in partnership with the UN and other agencies source funding for climate mitigation and adaptation programs. Most assessments for both the NAP and the NDC formulations are carried out on a need basis and not tied to any particular long-term climate change research being carried out in Bhutan. There are also no studies on the efficacy and impact of climate finance and the projects which have been executed. There is, however, acknowledgement, that climate financing and future climate related projects will need to allocate funds to support climate change research. And research in turn will have to address the efficacy and impact of such funds and influence the way funds are secured, governed, and disbursed. | 14 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 3. The Roadmap – Creating Value & Strengthening Impactful Research 3.1 Principles & Salient Features This roadmap is crafted on the following principles and salient features to render and chart a way forward which is of significant value to a wide array of actors. • Climate change is acknowledged as a clear, present, and imminent danger to Bhutan’s socio-economic wellbeing and prosperity. • Up scaling research initiatives by empowering and capacitating national institutions are considered a key imperative and of strategic value to Bhutan as we adapt to a changing climate. • The scale, strength and relevance of individual institutions are acknowledged and weighed, with the intent of leveraging and capitalizing on strengths and the opportunities therein. • Strategies are proposed to reduce redundancies, improve synergies, and promote coherence. • Strategies encourage networking and advocates for the adoption of common goals by establishing mechanisms and frameworks which allows for definition of common intent and deliverables, and to take stock of impact and value. • Proposed mechanisms are intended to bridge current gaps and break systemic inertia which constrain research execution, impact, and opportunities. Furthermore, the roadmap document is a product of multiple stakeholder consultations and reflects a distilled synthesis of ideas and proposals from a wide range of stakeholders. 3.2 Strategic Imperatives 3.2.1 Strategic Imperative I: Tackle Issues Which Matter Bhutan’s socio-economic wellbeing is dependent on sectors which are tied to the vagaries of climate and weather. The issues surrounding hydropower and agriculture are twinned to the availability of water, a resource which is inextricably tied to climate. Bhutan’s low carbon development aspirations will have significant bearing on the way we design our transportation systems and build our homes and cities. Climate change also means that we will grapple with increasing incidences of diseases and disasters. Understanding the full ramifications of climate change with an intent to design effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, and influencing climate change discourse and financing, will matter most and be of consequential value as we move ahead. See Figure 10. | 15 | Understanding the full ramifications of climate change with an intent to design effective mitigation and adaptation strategies, and influencing climate change discourse and financing, will matter most and be of A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | consequential value as we move ahead. See Figure 10. Glacial ablat ion Snow Localized climat e Paleo climate Rain project ions Temperature Rise Climate & Climate change impacts on forest growth, dynamics & biodiversity Cryosphere M A T Forest s & Impacts on watersheds, buffering capacity & carbon sinks M GNH, vulnerability, Biodiversity Designing nat ure based solutions M A T development Employment , Water scarcit y and impact of climat e change on water Incomes, Justice & Water sources The efficacy of climate Wellbeing Design of climat e resilient water related technology P F finance? (irrigat ion & drinking wat er) A T Rates, trends and Climate Food & Impact on yield A project ions of vector Resilient Bhutan Agricult ure Designing drought / heat resist ant crops A borne diseases Diseases Storage/ market ing A T Policies, infrastruct ure, A syst ems and costs? Impact on hydrology and generation Energy Climate resilient design M A T Disasters Feasibility & promot ion of renewables M A T A T Climate resilient design Transport , Climate resilient design & green infrastruct ure M A T Const ruction & Industry Policies, infrastruct ure, syst ems and costs? M A T P F M A T P F Mit igation – Adapt ation – Technology - Policy –Finance Figure 10. General delineations of enquiry along broad themes which are of pressing and consequential Figure 10. General delineations of enquiry along broad themes which are of pressing and concern to building a climate resilient Bhutan consequential concern to building a climate resilient Bhutan To To focus focus research research efforts efforts andand to to ensuremeaning ensure meaningand andvalue, value,research research institutions, CSOs and institutions, CSOs and constituent Colleges of RUB should prioritize constituent Colleges of RUB should prioritize research areas and frame execution plans. Tentative research costs areas and and timelines for frame priorityexecution researchplans. areas Tentative should becosts and timelines estimated. These execution plans should for priority research areas should be estimated. These execution plans be made openly available once the Climate Research, Information and Services Portal (CRISP)40 is should be made openly available once the Climate Research, Information operationalized. and Services Portal (CRISP)40 is operationalized. Such an exercise will ensure transparency, promote collaboration, and avoid redundancies. Most Such an exercise will ensure transparency, promote collaboration, and importantly, in line with aspirations drawn up in the Climate Change Policy, it will allow and enable avoid redundancies. Most importantly, in line with aspirations drawn up in a coherent and coordinated process to access support from international mechanisms for climate change 40 research and capacity building. Elaborated under Section 3.3.4, Strategic Imperative IV to operationalize CRISP All plans should be prepared with the intention,20 particularly for RUB, to substantially add to understanding the social, economic, and ecological ramifications of climate change in Bhutan and the region in the next decade. Alignment of this intent is important to ensure that limited research funds are used for impact. Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 illustrate pressing research issues, relevant institutions which might address these research questions, and a possible timeline for delivery. 40 Elaborated under Section 3.3.4, Strategic Imperative IV to operationalize CRISP | 16 | | 17 | 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 M A T Climate & Glacial ablation Cryosphere monitoring NCHM M A Snow and monsoons monitoring NCHM Sherubtse CST Development of localized climate projections NCHM Sherubtse CNR CST Understanding paleo climate using dendrochronology CNR UWICER M A T P F Mitigation – Adaptation – Technology - Policy –Finance Key climate concern Research issues/ questions Year Proposed Timeline Process Feeds Into Relevant Implementing Institutions Figure 11. Cryosphere, monsoons, and snow related research imperatives Figure 11. Cryosphere, monsoons, and snow related research imperatives A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 M A T Understand water (scarcity Water & & disaster) issues across Climate Bhutan M A T Sherubtse UWICER CSOs Research & design of climate resilient water related technology DoFPS CNR SCE CST (drinking & irrigation water) MoWHS CST JNEC ARDC, DoA M A T Research & design of climate resilient water technology (urban infrastructure) Understand source (glaciers, snow and rain) CST JNEC DDM MoWHS contributions to Bhutan s rivers and water supply Sherubtse Figure 12. Climate research issues related to water Figure 12. Climate research issues related to water A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | | 18 | | 19 | 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 M A Forests & Climate impacts on Biodiversity watersheds, buffering capacity & carbon sinks M A T CNR Sherubtse UWICER Design and application of nature based solutions ARDC, CNR CST UWICER Climate impacts on species DoA persistence, biodiversity and range shifts CNR Sherubtse UWICER GTF M A Climate risks to forest (fires, heat, drought) CNR Sherubtse UWICER Figure 13. Climate research issues related to forests and biodiversity Figure 13. Climate research issues related to forests and biodiversity A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 M A Food, Livestock Climate risks & impacts on & Agriculture food & livestock production ARDCs, NPPC, DoLS CNR DoA DoA M A Crop & livestock: pests & diseases ARDCs, NPPC, DoLS DoA DoA A T Climate resistant varieties for essential crops ARDCs, CNR M A T DoA Research & design of climate resilient technology (green-houses, smart irrigation, hydro-aqua-aeroponics, storage) ARDCs, NPPC, DoLS CNR CST DoA DoA M A T Climate risks to soil & water ARDCs, NPPC, NSSC, DoA DoA DoA A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Figure Figure 14. 14. Climate Climate research research issuesissues related related to to food, food, agriculture, agriculture, and and livestock livestock | 20 | | 21 | 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 M A P T Transport, Construction & Emissions trajectory & Industry innovative technology NEC CST MoEA CSOs M A T Energy efficiency, materials and low carbon technology CST MoIC MoWHS DRE CSOs M A T P F Infrastructure design, technology & implementation CST MoIC MoWHS P F Carbon off-sets and carbon finance M A T P F Mitigation – Adaptation – Technology - Policy –Finance Key climate concern Research issues/ questions Year Proposed Timeline Process Feeds Into Relevant Implementing Institutions A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 15. Climate Figure Figure research 15. Climate issues related research to transport, issues related construction, to transport, and industry construction, and industry 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 M A P Energy Climate change, hydrologyM A P & energy Climate security change, hydrology Energy & energy DGPC CST security MoEA DGPC CST MoEA M A T Renewable energy technology, M A T feasibility Renewable & economics energy technology, feasibility CST & economics DRE BES P F CST DRE BES Carbon off-sets and carbon P F finance Carbon off-sets hydro from and & carbon renewables finance from hydro & renewables research energy Figure Figure16. 16.Climate Climateresearch issues issuesrelated relatedtotoenergy Figure 16. Climate research issues related to energy 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2021 M A 2022 2023 2024 2025 Understand climate risks &M A Disasters potential threats Understand climate risks & Disasters DDM, potential threats NCHM MoAF CST M A T MOHCA DDM, Research & design of disaster NCHM MoAF CST M A T MOHCA preparedness – information & Research & design of disaster institutional preparedness – information systems & DDM, systems NCHMinstitutional CST JNEC MOHCA DDM, NCHM CST JNEC Figure 17. Climate research issues MOHCA related to disasters A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Figure 17. Climate research issues related to disasters Figure 17. Climate research issues related to disasters | 22 | 27 | 23 | 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2021 A 2022 2023 2024 2025 Vector diseases Human Health prevalence, growth rates &A Vector diseases implications Human Health prevalence, growth rates & A T P F KGUMSB MoH implications Research on preparedness, policies, costs and systems A T P F KGUMSB MoH Research on preparedness, policies, KGUMSBcosts MoH DDM and systems KGUMSB Figure 18. Climate research issues MoH related toDDM human health and diseases Figure 18. Climate research issues related to human health and diseases Figure 18. Climate research issues related to human health and diseases 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2021 A P F 2022 2023 2024 2025 Climate vulnerabilities, Society GNH, finance and A P F Climate vulnerabilities, development Society GNH, finance and CBS RUB developmentJSWLS CBSShrubtse RUB SCE JSWLSGCBS Shrubtse SCE GCBS Figure 19. Climate research issues related to society, development, and finance Figure 19. Climate research issues related to society, development, and finance Figure 19. Climate research issues related to society, development, and finance A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Proposed research should aim to influence design, institutional structures, and climate policy architecture. Research findings should feed into adaptation and mitigation proposals. Research gaps, such as our lacuna in the understanding of snow41 and water scarcity, and adaptation technologies which can offset negative impacts, should be frontloaded, and accorded priority. To ensure relevance of research to stakeholders, an annual platform should be designed and implemented to support an iterative process where research feeds into practice, and practitioners can take stock of impact, and help define the next set of research issues which need tackling. This can take the form of annual national level seminars. The NEC should provide support for this multi- stakeholder initiative. 3.2.2 Strategic Imperative II: Strengthen Institutions & Networks, Inspire leaders & Empower Researchers Research does not feature as a strategic priority for Bhutan as yet. However, there is increasing consensus that science, research, and innovation, has to feature prominently within mainstream discourse as Bhutan continues to develop. Institutions currently invested in research have to be supported and strengthened at multiple levels, in terms of staff capacity, research financing, institutional facilities and credibility. The strength and institutional mandate of RUB – and KGUMSB for health – should be harnessed and deployed to full effect (See Figure 20). Similarly, research institutions under the MoAF and other agencies including CSOs should be supported. In particular, it is noted that RUB has the institutional mandate and reach across disciplines and harbors the required manpower to effect transformational impact on climate change research. Furthermore, RUB is not constrained by the institutional burdens associated with a regular Government agency. As such, RUB should be able to deliver faster, be responsive to changing needs, and proactively acquire opportunities. 41 Vano, J. A. (2020). Implications of losing snowpack. Nature Climate Change, 10(5), 388-390. | 24 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Figure 20. Constituent Colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan and their Centers Figure 20. Constituent Colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan and their Centers Centers at constituent Colleges should take center stage and act as hubs for climate Centers research, at constituent action, and Colleges engagement. should take center stage and act as hubs for climate research, action, and engagement. RUB also needs to increasingly view and adopt research as an institutional coretocompetence RUB also needs increasinglyandviewstrength, and adoptwith guaranteed research as anbenefits institutional core competence for faculty who produce stellar research outputs. and strength, with guaranteed benefits for faculty who produce stellar research outputs. Leaders Leaders within within the RUB, KGUMSB the RUB, KGUMSBand andresearch researchinstitutions institutionsshould shouldbe persuaded to support be persuaded to support and promote research. High level workshops and promote research. High level workshops and leadership seminars aimed at coaxing leaders and leadership to bring seminars about the aimed required at coaxingand organizational leaders to change cultural bring about thebe initiated and convened on should required organizational an annual basis. and cultural change should be initiated and convened on an annual basis. Researchers in turn will have to be supported through access to dedicated research funds, Researchers particularly forinaddressing turn will have toclimate urgent be supported change through access building issues. Capacity to programs to enhance dedicated research funds, particularly for addressing urgent climate analytical and writing skills should be mainstreamed within annual programs and convened on a change regular issues. basis. Capacity building programs to enhance analytical and writing skills should be mainstreamed within annual programs and convened Teaching on a regular load shouldbasis. be examined to determine whether time can be freed for research. Researchers should be encouraged to network and forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders Teaching load should within mainstream be examined Government agency,toCSOs determine whether and partner time can academic institutions. be freed for research. Researchers should be encouraged to network and forge strategic To ensure research partnerships withcredibility, relevance and stakeholders within RUB and mainstream research institutions should enter into Government agency, CSOs and partner academic institutions. mutually beneficial and actionable MoUs with relevant Government agencies and institutions of worth in the region and abroad. These MoUs should be enable research issues of mutual interest42 to be collaboratively addressed. Such 30 an exercise will ensure stakeholder buy in through proactive engagement, and to some degree, allow researchers to influence policy and design. 42 RUB should provide a template stipulating key elements which should feature in the MoUs | 25 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | College Centers should publish annual climate related data analytics and reports. For instance, the CST in collaboration with CNR and the DDM could produce an annual report on all disasters in Bhutan and report the toll which climate related disasters wreck on our agriculture, services, and infrastructure. All such reports could then be published both on the respective websites of Colleges and the proposed CRISP (See 3.2.3 below) platform. Such reports which are not yet covered by the NSB will serve as important data sources for researchers and policy makers alike. 3.2.3 Strategic Imperative III: Operationalize a Climate Information, Research & Services Portal (CRISP) Research initiatives are hampered by bureaucratic hurdles to accessing climate related data and obtaining administrative clearances. A web-based Climate Research, Information and Service Portal (CRISP), to hold and provide climate related data and relevant analysis should be set up. CRISP should also serve as a repository for all publications on climate change in Bhutan and provide information to guide researchers on administrative clearances required from multiple sectors. Contingent on clearance from data providers, the following datasets to facilitate climate change research will be of value and should be made available through the portal: • Climate data and data from weather stations43 • Geo-spatial data on landuse, infrastructure (roads, bridges, public facilities), administrative delimitations, and geographical features (rivers and glaciers) To ensure that climate data from the portal is only used for scientific analysis and not to predict and forecast weather, climate data on the portal maybe be uploaded with a time lag of a few months. It should also be made explicit, with a disclaimer, that only weather information provided by NCHM should be treated as valid and official. CRISP can also serve as a repository for all publications on climate change in Bhutan and provide information to guide researchers on administrative clearances required from multiple sectors. NEC should initiate discussions on CRISP, formulate operational modalities, assess overlaps with ongoing information repository initiatives, estimate fund requirements and concretize operational plans. 3.2.4 Strategic Imperative IV: Mainstream & Strengthen Pedagogy, Outreach & Capacity Building Credible research findings should positively influence policy and practice, and an individual’s construction of world views and narratives44. Over the next three years, execute a string of priority capacity building programs to bring researchers and leaders up to speed on climate change science, mitigation and adaptation strategies and technologies, and financing frameworks. Annexure 2 provides a list of priority capacity building programs to be executed over the next three years. 43 There are some openly available weather data from the UWICER HEROES project 44 van der Linden, S., Leiserowitz, A., & Maibach, E. (2018). Scientific agreement can neutralize politicization of facts. Nature Human Behaviour, 2(1), 2-3. | 26 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Annual forums for climate change research dissemination should be organized. Frameworks such as the Annual Research Symposium of BES should be utilized and supported. Such fora should be used as venues to ensure that research findings influence policy, design and decision-making. In turn, policy and decision-makers should use such fora to influence the agenda and direction of research. Each research institutions should prepare its own communication and outreach strategy within the next 2 years. Research organizations should proactively use CRISP to disseminate all climate research outputs. Existing regional partnerships, such as the Himalayan Universities Consortium45, and global networks, such as the LDC University Consortium on climate change46, should be used for sharing and cross-fertilization of ideas and solutions. A systematic and regular review of RUB curriculum should be conducted to ensure that the latest climate change findings and innovate pedagogical approaches are adopted. This will increase climate literacy and support for climate action. 3.2.5 Strategic Imperative V: Establish the Bhutan Science Foundation Currently, the Royal Government has accorded approval for the RUB to maintain and operate a Research Endowment Fund. Funding proposals are entertained from all interested individuals and research agencies and not limited to RUB. The endowment totals Nu. 9.55 million as of 31st October 2020. However, the utility and scale of the fund is limited due to the rigid operational modalities imposed by Government norms and regulations. Within constituent Colleges, the RUB also stipulates each College to allocate 2% of its annual revenues for the purposes of research. No assessment is available yet on how much this amounts to on an annual basis, and how much is spent on research. Additionally, RUB Colleges also actively source grants from outside donor agencies. Research within institutions outside of RUB are mostly funded by the RGoB and donor assisted projects and programs. A notable exception is the UWICER which has its standalone ‘endowment fund’ to support research and education. Given the rapid pace of climate change, a mechanism to provide funding for critical research is required. To provide and sustain funding for research, the Bhutan Science Foundation (BSF) should be established. The BSF should be accorded the mandate to manage and oversee the research endowment fund which is currently under the keep of the RUB. The Royal Government should commit an annual contribution for the upkeep of the BSF, and the BSF in partnership with the RUB, KGUMSB and other partners should raise funds to support critical research. 45 https://www.huc-hkh.org/ 46 http://www.luccc.org/ | 27 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | BSF will be a vital and important addition to Bhutan’s growing public benefit apparatus established with the intent to support basic and applied research to create knowledge that supports the present and transforms the future. Sustained support for critical research will promote the nation’s security by advancing Bhutan’s international standing and repute, and contribute to economic prosperity, social wellbeing and ecological resilience. The BSF may be overseen by a Government appointed Board, who in turn will appoint a Director to oversee staff and day-to-day administration. Operational and policy priorities will be guided by a National Science Board comprised of eminent individuals representing various subject areas and domain expertise. The RUB should prepare a concept note to initiate discussions and kick start the process of operationalizing BSF. To support the institution of BSF, RUB should also spearhead the development and adoption of a National Research Policy in discussion with the GNHC. | 28 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 4. Action Items & Milestones 4.1 Action Items for the Next 3 Years (2021 – 2023) 2021: • RUB Colleges, KGUMSB and research institutions should formulate research plans around key climate change concerns. NEC should facilitate this. • These research plans should be translated into project proposals. Funding for such proposals could be sought independently or as part of bigger proposals being developed by relevant agencies. Furthermore, these projects should align with national plans, programs, policies, and priorities. • RUB Colleges should initiate discussions on MoUs with relevant Government agencies. • Five MoUs47 should be explored, initiated, and entered into as soon as possible: o A MoU between Sherubtse College, CNR, UWICER & NCHM on understanding paleoclimate and monsoons using dendrochronology and other methods o A MoU between KGUMSB and the MoH to initiate, upscale and mainstream climate change research within the health sector o A MoU between the CRSED, CST and the DRE to engage and empower the CST to fulfill, where appropriate, the research needs of DRE o A MoU between the CDRRDCS, CST and the DDM, MoHCA to fulfill, as appropriate, the research needs of the DDM o MoU between MoWHS, MoAF, JNEC and CST to research and promote climate resilient infrastructure and design for buildings and irrigation • Further MoUs with reputed international climate research institutions that will help build capacity of national institutions and address key climate issues should be explored and entered into. • NEC should support discussions on CRISP, formulate operational modalities, estimate fund requirements, develop proposals, and source funds. • RUB should prepare a concept note and framework for the Bhutan Science Foundation which should be circulated for discussion with Government and academia. • RUB should prepare a concept note on a National Research Policy in discussion with the GNHC. • RUB College Centers either independently or in collaboration with relevant agencies should organize 2-week long ‘climate data’ camps for: o Climate projections, emissions, and adaptation scenario development o Climate impacts on agriculture and hydropower o Climate impacts on health • RUB College Centers should organize 1-week long ‘science write’ camps. • RUB, NEC and partners should organize and convene high level policy seminars (half day) for organizational change and effective leadership. The high-level forum should also provide a platform for policy makers and academics to take stock of research findings 47 Additional MoUs should be entered into depending on need and potential to add value | 29 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | and define future priorities. A mechanism to institutionalize this annual platform should be agreed upon and endorsed for implementation. Existing mechanisms, as that of the annual research symposium conducted by BES should be utilized. • RUB should carry out periodic curriculum reviews and Colleges should engage students in climate change research. • College Centers, KGUMSB and research institutions should prepare research communication and outreach strategies. 2022: • RUB Colleges, KGUMSB and research institutions should sign MoUs with relevant Government agencies, regional and international partners. • NEC should initiate the design and operationalization of CRISP. • RUB and GNHC should ensure that discussions on the National Research Policy and the Bhutan Science Foundation are continued and that proposals continue to get refined and concretized. • Key research on pressing climate issues should be initiated within RUB Colleges, ARDCs and relevant agencies. • RUB College Centers should continue to provide 2-week long ‘climate data analysis and writing’ camps. • RUB, NEC and partners should continue to organize and convene high level policy seminars (half day to a day) for organizational change and effective leadership. • RUB, NEC and BES should continue to organize and provide high level fora for policy makers and academics to take stock of research findings and define future priorities. The forum should add onto existing frameworks at the individual College/ research institution level to disseminate climate change research findings. • RUB, NEC and partners provide a string of capacity building programs to bring researchers and leaders up to speed on climate change science, mitigation and adaptation strategies and technologies, and financing frameworks. • RUB should continue to carry out periodic curriculum reviews (RUB) and engage students in climate change research. 2023: • GNHC, nudged by RUB, should ensure that a National Research Policy for Bhutan gets adopted. • The NEC should operationalize and launch CRISP. • RUB College Centers should continue the 2-week long ‘climate data analysis and writing’ camps. • RUB, NEC and partners should continue the annual high-level policy seminars (half day to a day) for organizational change and effective leadership. • RUB, NEC and BES should continue the annual research symposium to provide a platform for policy makers and academics to take stock of research findings and define future priorities. • RUB, NEC and partners provide a string of capacity building programs to bring researchers and leaders up to speed on climate change science, mitigation and adaptation strategies and technologies, and financing frameworks. | 30 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 4.2 The Milestones We stipulate eight overarching milestones to track progress and assess whether the aspirations outlined within the roadmap document are being realized. Milestone 1: In the next decade, from now to the close of 2030, Bhutanese institutions produce a comprehensive corpus of research findings which will: a. Further our understanding of paleoclimate, rates of climate change and allow for localized climate projections for Bhutan (and the region possibly); b. Lead to development and implementation of adequate mitigation and adaptation strategies and actions; c. Bring forth innovative clean and green technologies to ensure sustainable economic growth, conservation of our environment and secure the well-being of Bhutanese society; and d. Significantly contribute to global discourses on climate change by providing local insights on limiting warming to less than 1.5°C. Milestone 2: By 2022, respective Colleges and institutions with a mandate to further climate change research enter into actionable MoUs with relevant Government agencies, CSOs, regional and international institutions and agree to deliver on collaboratively identified research issues. These MoUs will help promote and institutionalize research while also increasing ownership and support for research. Milestone 3: By 2023, Centers at RUB constituent colleges to have mainstreamed and convened annual ‘Climate Change Data Analysis and Writing Camps’ with the intent to upgrade analytical skills of researchers. Milestone 4: By 2023, operationalize a functional and dynamic48 climate data49 and research portal (CRISP) which is publicly accessible. Milestone 5: By 2021, mainstream and institutionalize a high level50 mechanism and forum51 to take stock of research programs and define research and information needs on an annual basis. Government and client agencies should be encouraged to define research questions and assess the relevance and utility of research findings produced by academia. Milestone 6: By 2025, establish the ‘Bhutan Science Foundation’ with clear strategies for resources mobilization, governance, and fund allocation. Milestone 7: By 2023, a string of capacity building programs executed to bring researchers and leaders up to speed on climate change science, mitigation and adaptation strategies and technologies, and financing frameworks. Milestone 8: By 2030, RUB to offer a wide range of undergraduate and research-based MSc and PhD programs related to the environment and climate change. 48 Dynamic here referring to the expectation that such a system and its components would be regularly updated 49 Facilitate uploading and free sharing of all data which is open to the public with proper clearance from responsible agencies 50 Participation from Government agencies should be guaranteed from at least one Chief Level officer or upwards (Directors & Spe- cialists) who not only have an in depth understanding of critical issues within their sectors and are able to articulate their research needs and concerns, while also assuring that research findings will be examined for policy and implementation purposes. 51 The Annual Research Symposium organized by the Bhutan Ecological Society offers an opportunity to host such a forum effectively across multiple stakeholders and agencies. | 31 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | 5 Monitoring & Evaluation Strengthening of climate change research and ensuring impact will require the engagement of a range of stakeholders, entering into mutually beneficial partnerships, and successful implementation of key strategies. It is imperative that the RUB and the NEC provide leadership and assume catalytic roles in ensuring that key objectives are met and that milestones are achieved. Table 2 outlines milestones, the year by which the milestone should be reached, and the institutions which should monitor progress to ensure that goals are achieved. Table 2. Milestones, time frames and institutions responsible for monitoring progress By When/ Who Should No Milestones Interval Monitor Progress? Respective Colleges and institutions with a mandate to further climate change research will enter into By the end of 1 RUB actionable MoUs with relevant Government agencies, 2022 CSOs, regional and international institutions. Centers at RUB constituent colleges to have By the end of 2 mainstreamed and convened annual ‘Climate Change RUB 2023 Data Analysis and Writing Camps’. Provide a string of capacity building programs to bring researchers and leaders up to speed on climate By the end of 3 RUB change science, mitigation and adaptation strategies 2023 and technologies, and financing frameworks. Operationalize a functional and dynamic climate data By the end of 4 NEC and research portal (CRISP). 2023 Mainstream and institutionalize a high-level mechanism and forum to take stock of research programs and By the end of 5 RUB define research and information needs on an annual 2021 basis. By the end of 6 Establish the ‘Bhutan Science Foundation’. RUB 2025 RUB to offer a wide range of undergraduate and By the end of 7 research-based MSc and PhD programs related to the RUB 2030 environment and climate change Annually From now to the close of 2029, Bhutanese institutions through NEC & partner 8 produce a comprehensive corpus of climate change an annual institutions research results. research forum | 32 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | References 1. Boyd, E., James, R. A., Jones, R. G., Young, H. R., & Otto, F. E. (2017). A typology of loss and damage perspectives. Nature Climate Change, 7(10), 723-729. 2. Broberg, M., & Romera, B. M. (2020). Loss and damage after Paris: more bark than bite? Climate Policy, 20(6), 661-668. 3. Dehm, J. (2020). Climate change,‘slow violence’and the indefinite deferral of responsibility for ‘loss and damage’. Griffith Law Review, 1-33. 4. DoA. (2018). Bhutan Agriculture Statistics 2018. Department of Agriculture. MoAF, RGoB. 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Six hundred thirty‐eight years of summer temperature variability over the Bhutanese Himalaya. Geophysical Research Letters, 42(8), 2988-2994. 11. Kusters, K., & Wangdi, N. (2013). The costs of adaptation: changes in water availability and farmers’ responses in Punakha district, Bhutan. International Journal of Global Warming, 5(4), 387-399. 12. McMichael, A. J., Campbell-Lendrum, D. H., Corvalán, C. F., Ebi, K. L., Githeko, A., Scheraga, J. D., & Woodward, A. (2003). Climate change and human health: risks and responses. World Health Organization. Geneva, Switzerland. 13. MoAF. (2016). The Renewable Natural Resources Sector Adaptation Plan of Action (SAPA 2016). MoAF, RGoB. Thimphu, Bhutan. (http://www.moaf.gov.bt/download/Publications/The- RNR-Sector-Adaptation-Plan-Action-2016_FINAL.pdf) 14. NCHM. (2019). Reassessment of Potentially Dangerous Glacial Lakes in Bhutan. NCHM. Royal Government of Bhutan. Thimphu, Bhutan. 15. NEC. (2016). 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Wester, P., Mishra, A., Mukherji, A., & Shrestha, A. B. (2019). The Hindu Kush Himalaya assessment: mountains, climate change, sustainability and people (p. 627). Springer Nature. 29. Wheeler, T., & Von Braun, J. (2013). Climate change impacts on global food security. Science, 341(6145), 508-513. 30. World Bank. (2015). Modernizing Weather, Water and Climate Services: A Road Map for Bhutan. Washington, DC 20433, USA | 34 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Annexure 1. A list of past and on-going climate change research initiatives52 Project: What? GLORIA53: Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments. A monitoring plot was established at Jumolhari in 2010 with the NBC. CHARIS54: Contribution to High Asia Runoff from Ice & Snow. A US-AID funded project beginning in 2012 concluded in March 2019, covering 8 Asian countries had Sherubtse College as collaborators from Bhutan. The project assessed the role of glaciers and precipitation (snow and rain) on the hydrology of the mountains of High Asia. HEROES55: Himalayan Environmental Rhythms Observation and Evaluation System managed by the UWICER. A network of 20 AWMS and phenology monitoring systems covering a gradient of altitudes and spread across 20 schools throughout Bhutan. Dendrochronology: The UWICER, DoFPS with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Earth Institute of the Columbia University have been carrying out dendrochronology research in Bhutan56. The CNR also has a dendrochronology program. Agriculture: Heat tolerant vegetables are being trailed at the ARDC Wengkhar under the IFAD supported CARLEP project. And the Potato Program under ARDC Yusipang is currently testing 20 climate resilient potato clones57. Loss & Damage: The UWICER conducted the first ‘Loss & Damage’ study58 in Bhutan in 2012. 52 This is not an exhaustive list 53 www.gloria.ac.at 54 http://nsidc.org/charis/ 55 www.heroes.gov.bt 56 Krusic, P. J., Cook, E. R., Dukpa, D., Putnam, A. E., Rupper, S., & Schaefer, J. (2015). Six hundred thirty-eight years of summer temperature variability over the Bhutanese Himalaya. Geophysical Research Letters, 42(8), 2988-2994. 57 Personal communication with Dr. Yadunath Bajgai at the ARDC, Yusipang 58 Kusters, K., & Wangdi, N. (2013). The costs of adaptation: changes in water availability and farmers’ responses in Punakha district, Bhutan. International Journal of Global Warming, 5(4), 387-399. | 35 | A Roadmap and Strategy for Strengthening Climate Change Research in Bhutan | 2021 – 2025 | Annexure 2: A list of priority capacity building programs59 Relevant National Coordinating Capacity Building Program Agency Understanding the physical basis of climate change NCHM Climate change modelling and projections NCHM GHG emissions inventory and low emissions technology NECS Climate vulnerability and risk assessment NECS Climate change mitigation – challenges and opportunities NECS Climate change adaptation – challenges and opportunities NECS Climate change and water availability - projections, adap- UWICER tation and technology Climate resilient water infrastructure CST & JNEC Climate resilient infrastructure (roads, urban buildings and CST & JNEC systems) Ecosystem based adaptation/ nature-based solutions to UWICER, CNR, RSPN & BES climate change Climate change and food security (crop modelling, climate resilient crop production, livestock management, climate DoA and DOLS, MoAF smart technologies) Climate change, forests, and biodiversity UWICER & BES Climate change and health KGUMSB Climate change and socio-economic development (mod- elling the socio-economic impacts and cost-benefits of NSB climate change) Climate change and gender GNHC Climate change financing (accessing, green bonds, inclu- GNHC & MOF sive green financing) Leadership and design thinking in an era of rapid (climate) RIGSS, RIM, RCSC and GNHC change Geopolitical implications and developmental impacts of RIGSS climate change 59 This list has been proposed, refined, and endorsed by the NEC constituted TWG members for climate change during a TWG consul- tative meeting held in Paro on the 22nd of October 2020 | 36 |