Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – In a major boost to climate resilience, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a $36.1 million grant to help Nepal tackle the rising threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) — one of the most pressing climate risks in the Himalayas.

The seven-year initiative, led by Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marks a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive flood prevention. It aims to protect 2.3 million people living in vulnerable high-altitude regions.

Key elements include lowering water levels in four high-risk glacial lakes — Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu 2 — and strengthening flood-prone zones through reforestation and protective infrastructure like check dams and gabion walls. Early warning systems will also be expanded and upgraded, helping local authorities and communities prepare more effectively.

“This project enhances resilience in Nepal’s most vulnerable Himalayan areas, protecting lives and infrastructure,” said Kamal Ram Joshi, Director General of DHM. “Strong local partnerships will ensure its long-term sustainability.”

The Himalayas are warming faster than the global average, accelerating glacier melt and raising the risk of deadly floods. Nepal has over 2,000 glacial lakes, with 21 identified as potentially dangerous.

Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of GCF, stressed the urgency: “2025 is a milestone year for global glaciers. This initiative is crucial for mountain communities facing rising climate threats.”

With an additional $14 million in co-financing, the total project budget nears $50 million. The project will also partner with hydropower firms, tourism operators, and local governments to expand monitoring systems and promote community-led adaptation.

UNDP’s Kyoko Yokosuka called it “a game-changing investment in climate resilience where it’s needed most.”