A workshop on “Capacity Development for Promoting Better Understanding of Mountain Ecosystems for Deriving Economic Benefits” was successfully held from 26–27 August 2026 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The workshop brought together delegates from BIMSTEC Member States for a valuable opportunity to facilitate regional knowledge exchange on sustainable mountain economies, highlighting opportunities in eco-tourism, green enterprises, value chains, and ecosystem-based livelihoods.

The discussions identified practical approaches to better understand the opportunities and challenges in enhancing economic benefits from mountain resources; and the policy and institutional approaches for promoting sustainable mountain economy. During these discussions, delegates spoke of the need to support the implementation of the BIMSTEC Mountain Economy Action Plan and made a number of suggestions accordingly.

Participants also made a visit to ICIMOD’s Living Mountain Lab in Godavari which pilots innovative mountain solutions while serving as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and capacity building across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The workshop was financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with technical support from ICIMOD.