The cultural context of climate change impacts: Perceptions among community members in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

• Published in: Environmental development 2013-10, Vol.8, p.22-37
• Main Authors: Becken, Susanne, Lama, Anu Kumari, Espiner, Stephen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climate change; Culture; Local climate knowledge; Nature-based tourism; Nepal; Risk perceptions
• ISSN: 2211-4645; 2211-4653
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2013.05.007

There is increasing empirical evidence that the climate in Nepal is changing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, with substantial impacts on the long-established ways of life of the local people. The development of responsive actions, or climate change adaptation, hinges on understanding how people make sense of changes in their local climate and how they interpret associated risks and opportunities. Based on a qualitative case study with 30 tourism stakeholder participants in the Annapurna Region of Lower Mustang, Nepal, this research explored people’s understanding of climate change and their perceptions of different levels of impact. The range of perceived impacts is discussed against the background of multiple livelihoods and diverse cultural interpretations. Participants, while not always scientifically ‘accurate’ in their assessments, displayed a high level of engagement with, and understanding of their local environment and climate. The results of this study provide further testimony to the value of local knowledge on relevant climate parameters and impacts, and the role it could play in enhancing the usefulness of macro-level climate projections, as well as local-level climate change adaptation initiatives. •Understand the role of multiple livelihoods in terms of climate change in Nepal.•Highlight the importance of culture for climate change perceptions.•Confirm the value of local-level knowledge on climate change.•Collect and interpret culturally shaped information by a cultural insider.