@ICLEISouthAsia participated in the Trans-Himalayan Urban Climate Conclave 2026 on 10โ11 April in Leh, themed โAdvancing Climate-Resilient and Net-Zero Pathways for Himalayan Cities.โ
At the panel discussion on โEnabling Governance for Climate-Resilient Mountain Cities,โ ICLEI South Asia highlighted that conventional approaches are no longer sufficient for high-risk and geographies and volatile ecosystems such as mountains. Instead, they require integrated, locally contextualised planning supported by strong institutions, community participation, and data-driven decision-making.
The organisation also highlighted its ClimateResilientCITIES (CRC) methodology, which cities across the region are using for comprehensive climate action planning through multi-climate governance mechanisms, and emphasised the urgent need for a systematic and integrated planning in the hilly regions.
Key highlights from the intervention included:
โขPutting communities at the centre via participatory planning and implementation, with the local population at the centre of decision-making to ensure long-term resilience.
โขDesigning for local realities โ Recognising that each mountain city has unique geography and ecology. Therefore, solutions must be locally relevant rather than one-size-fits-all.
โขAnnual budgetary planning through a climate lens with projects designed to deliver clear mitigation or adaptation benefits.
โขPrioritising nature-based solutions and climate resilience investments.
โขStrengthening governance systems by establishing dedicated climate core committees, climate cells inside urban local bodies, and robust Monitoring, Reporting & Verification systems.
โขEnabling multi-level integration by developing Climate Action Plans at city, state, and UT levels.
โขScaling hyperlocal solutions by gathering local data and promoting ecosystem restoration such as stream and lake rejuvenation.
โขLinking climate plans and policies with statutory master plans and statutory planning frameworks.
ICLEI South Asia remains committed to supporting cities across the Trans-Himalayan region in building climate-resilient, low-emission futures.
#UrbanResilience #ClimateAction #LocalAdaptation