This project was implemented in Bhutan between 2008 and 2013. Its main goal was to enhance the adaptive capacities needed to prevent climate change-induced disasters in Bhutan.
Driven by the rapid retreat of glaciers caused by rising temperatures, the formation of glacial lakes and the potential occurrence of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) stands out as one of the most significant natural hazards that climate change has posed to Bhutan. In recent decades, the risk of potential disasters associated with these phenomena poses new threats not only to the lives and livelihoods of people in the mountains and surrounding lowlands, but also threatens important economic sectors such as forestry, hydropower and agriculture, which are key to the development of these regions.
The project “Reducing climate change induced risks and vulnerabilities from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in the Punakha, Wangdue and Chamkhar Valleys” was launched by the Royal Government of Bhutan and had the objective to reduce climate change-induced risks and vulnerabilities to GLOFs in two areas previously identified high-priority areas. The various activities carried out were intended to contribute to risk reduction, safety improvement and awareness raising. In addition, lessons learned from the project were intended for subsequent scaling up and replication of early warning systems in other GLOF disaster-prone areas.