AP-PLAT Capacity Development Programme
| Event | AP-PLAT Capacity Development Programme |
|---|---|
| Date | 10 January 2025 |
| Venue | Hotel Harmony Bistro, Lalitpur, Nepal |
| Language | Nepali |
| Session Title | Comprehensive Risk Preparedness and Mitigation for Compounding and Cascading Disaster in Nepal |
| Organizers |
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As part of efforts to enhance resilience to compounding and cascading disaster risks (CCDR) in developing countries, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), with support from the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) through AP-PLAT, in cooperation with the Center of Research for Environment Energy and Water (CREEW) and the Center for Water Resources Studies, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University (CWRS, IoE, TU), is facilitating capacity-building initiatives and supporting the development of projects to address CCDR in Nepal.
Nepal's geographical and climatic conditions make it highly vulnerable to extreme disaster events, including landslides, floods, debris flows, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). Unplanned development activities in fragile mountainous regions, coupled with climate-induced extreme weather, have compounded these impacts, leading to significant socio-economic consequences. Given the increasing frequency and complexity of these disasters, Nepal requires a comprehensive disaster risk preparedness and mitigation strategy that integrates compound and cascading disaster impacts.
Building on past initiatives such as AP-PLAT’s capacity development e-learning course on Compound and Cascading Disaster Risks Management (CCDRM), IGES and its partners have engaged in a series of activities to support adaptation efforts. These include online consultations, stakeholder workshops, and, most recently, the facilitation of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) concept note aimed at securing financial support for adaptation projects addressing CCDR.
Field Investigation and Stakeholder Engagement
To inform the development of the concept note, IGES, CREEW, CWRS, and MoEJ conducted a field visit to disaster-affected areas in Nepal in January 2025, followed by a stakeholder workshop. The objectives of these activities were:
- To gather field-based evidence to inform the design of the concept note.
- To engage stakeholders in discussions on project objectives, components, and framework.
Field Visits
The field investigation focused on two key locations:
- Roshi Village, Panauti Municipality – This area experienced severe flash floods due to heavy monsoon rains. The team observed multi-hazard effects, including sediment and gravel deposition from upstream landslides, which exacerbated flooding and damaged infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land. The lack of effective flood protection measures and early warning systems further increased the vulnerability of local communities.
- Katunje Besi Village, Dhading Municipality – Situated at the confluence of the Roshi and Sunkoshi Rivers, this area suffered from severe erosion along the BP Highway, a critical transportation route. Disruptions to the highway impacted economic activities, delaying the movement of goods and people. Damage to schools, agricultural fields, and settlements highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cascading disaster events.
In preparation for the workshop, the team also consulted with CREEW to discuss the finalization of the workshop agenda, the Theory of Change framework, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure meaningful participation.
Workshop on Concept Note Development
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, academia, NGOs, and development partners. It was opened by Prof. Vishnu Prasad Pandey (CREEW) and Dr. Binaya Raj Shivakoti (IGES), followed by presentations from government and non-government representatives. Some of the key discussion points during the workshop are:
- Stakeholders emphasized the need for clear, accessible language in policy documents and alignment between national climate change policies and disaster risk reduction strategies.
- The revision of Nepal’s national DRR program and the development of seven concept notes for all levels of government were discussed. Stakeholder mapping and community engagement were identified as critical components.
- Challenges in communication, data integration, and dissemination were highlighted. Improving forecasting models and ensuring warnings reach marginalized communities were key priorities.
- Concerns were raised about the vulnerability of infrastructure, including hydropower plants, irrigation systems, and roads, to extreme climate events. Strengthening design standards and incorporating disaster risk management into infrastructure planning were emphasized.
- The need for social protection measures and livelihood restoration strategies was underscored, with a focus on vulnerable and marginalized communities.
- Stakeholders stressed the importance of well-defined project components, clear deliverables, and the integration of socio-economic aspects into project planning. Strong alignment with GCF priorities and country ownership were identified as crucial for securing funding.
Moving Forward
The field visit and workshop provided critical insights for drafting the Theory of Change, a key component of the GCF concept note. The next steps involve finalizing the concept note through further consultations and a second round of field visits before submission to MoEJ and Nepalese authorities for review. The project aims to strengthen Nepal’s disaster resilience through data-driven planning, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and targeted capacity-building efforts. By leveraging climate finance and fostering inter-sectoral coordination, IGES and its partners are committed to supporting Nepal in addressing the increasing risks posed by compounding and cascading disasters.
(Posted : 04/Mar/2025)
