Integrating Remote Sensing and Community Perceptions for Sustainable Climate Adaptation Strategies in Mountain Ecosystems

Mountain ecosystems, such as Nepal’s Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), are highly vulnerable to climate change, which threatens biodiversity, water resources, and livelihoods. This study examines Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), climate variability, and community perception and adaptations over a 35-year period (1988–2023) using remote sensing, meteorological data, and community surveys. Vegetation expanded by 19,800 hectares, while barren land declined, reflecting afforestation and land reclamation efforts. NDVI showed improved vegetation health, while NDSI revealed significant snow cover losses, particularly after 1996. Meteorological analysis highlighted intensifying monsoonal rainfall and rising extreme precipitation events at lower elevations. Communities reported increased flooding, unpredictable rainfall, and reduced snowfall, driving adaptive responses such as water conservation, crop diversification, and rainwater harvesting. These findings demonstrate the value of integrating scientific data with local knowledge to inform sustainable adaptation strategies. Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 13, the findings emphasize the importance of adaptive water management, resilient agriculture, and participatory conservation to enhance climate resilience in mountain ecosystems.