Climate change is predicted to lead to major changes in freshwater flows; impacting on every aspect of freshwater use. Including people's lives, livelihoods and biodiversity.

Local communities in the Eastern Himalayas need to be equipped to cope with the rising threat of extreme wet and dry periods, and to respond to changing and unpredictable weather patterns. Adapting to climate change calls for a better understanding of its impacts on river systems in order to build resilience. WWF is working on the ground in the Eastern Himalayas to help communities take protective measures against the adverse effects of climate change.

Adaptation strategies at the community level are designed to be locally appropriate, and are developed in close collaboration with the communities themselves. These include actions such as providing advice and education to farmers on crop diversification, and choice of agricultural practices under changing climatic conditions. As well as technical and financial support in the development of irrigation and drinking water reservoirs.

Climate change has a direct impact on water resources in terms of availability and timing. To tackle the issue WWF is working on interventions that build the resilience of communities and the environment, to water scarcity. One approach has been the development of "Water Smart Communities".

Under WWF's guidance and support water smart communities have been constructing conservation ponds, irrigation ponds, and drinking water reservoirs that collect rainwater in the wet season to be used in the dry season.

Combined with informal education on using scarce water wisely, and sustainable alternatives, farmers have been able to adapt their choice of crop to the changing climate, and generate more income from higher-value alternatives. Pressure is also reduced on the natural water resources and biodiversity that rely on it. The idea of Water Smart Communities has already directly benefited 100's of households across Nepal.