Raute Community Faces Climate Change Threats, Urgent Action Needed

Karnali Province’s Minister for Social Development, Ghanashyam Bhandari, has raised concerns over the increasing threats climate change poses to the Raute community, urging all stakeholders to take immediate action to protect this endangered indigenous group.

Speaking at a program titled ‘Impact of Climate Change on the Raute Community’, organized by DPNet Nepal in coordination with the Province Government in Surkhet, Minister Bhandari emphasized the need for a collective approach to safeguarding the Rautes from climate-induced risks.

Bhandari highlighted that, despite being recognized as one of Nepal’s unique indigenous communities, the traditional skills and craftsmanship of the Raute people remain underutilized. He called for greater efforts to promote and market Raute-made wooden crafts such as Kosi and Madhus, which could help sustain their livelihoods while preserving their cultural heritage.

“There is an urgent need to exhibit and commercialize their handicrafts while ensuring the preservation and transmission of their traditions to future generations,” he stated.

Additionally, he expressed concern over rising substance abuse among the Raute people, particularly smoking, tobacco, and alcohol consumption, calling for immediate interventions to prevent further harm.

Minister Bhandari stressed the importance of improving access to healthcare and education for the Raute community, recognizing these as essential for their overall well-being and integration into modern society.

He also revealed that the province government is preparing a strategic plan to systematically support the community. This includes documenting the Raute language and preserving their traditional scripts, ensuring their linguistic heritage is safeguarded for future generations.

With climate change posing an existential threat to the Raute way of life, Minister Bhandari urged all sectors to act swiftly in addressing the challenges they face and securing a sustainable future for Nepal’s last remaining nomadic community.