Description
Ad-hoc climate actions rarely contribute to long-term solutions; however, institutionalisation helps to embed these actions in the established policy and governance system, creating long-lasting outcomes. This study employs the theoretical framework of “Institutional thickness” comprising recognition, groundwork and action components to examine the process of institutionalisation at three levels of governance in Nepal. Based on 68 key informant interviews, the study found that the formal institutional setup is strongest within the national government. Most of the evidence was related to the Groundwork component, which involves preparatory activities that establish the conditions for effective institutional action. Fewer instances were found in the Recognition and Action component, which weakens the reinforcing cycle of institutional thickness. Overall, the study's results highlight the difference between having an institution and its functionality, the thicker the institutional process, the greater the institutional sustainability, and vice versa. This paper debates that although systemic institutional frameworks are necessary, the effective institutionalisation of climate actions depends fundamentally on the individual; thus, institutionalisation depends on political will, bureaucratic leadership, and accountability towards vulnerable people. In the case of Nepal, these individual agency factors were found to be lacking, thereby impeding the institutionalisation process.
