Sustainable consumption for effective ecosystem-based adaptation in urban and peri-urban settlements in the lowlands of Nepal

Abstract

The concept of sustainability is not new to Nepal and was accepted as early as the Brundtland Commission published its report in 1987. However, very few studies have been conducted to see the linkage between sustainable consumption and nature conservation, such as ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), and no research was reported from Nepal. A mixed research method was applied which included primary data collection from household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and experts’ consultation workshop, as well as secondary data from literature reviews and documents published by the Government of Nepal. The major factors influencing household/individual consumption were people’s lifestyle being more luxury-oriented, busy schedule of household members, availability of modern facilities, peer-pressure, increasing income, laziness, and modernisation. The people in the study area were found less aware on climate change and their impacts. Under conditions such as awareness on climate and health benefits, people were willing to pay the premium price for green food products and urban green parks. The individuals who are engaged in conservation initiatives were found to practise environment-friendly behaviours at the household level such as growing their own vegetables, using bicycles to work, using green parks instead of sophisticated gym centres, among others. The study, therefore, collected evidence to claim that sustainable consumption should be considered as one of the indicators of effective EbA. The findings will be very relevant to the policy makers, academia, private sector and development practitioners. Furthermore, it will pave the path for national as well as international discussions and commitments for climate financing efforts that are evidence-based, locally driven and local solutions-oriented.