1.6 - Local Disaster Risk Management in Nepal
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Disaster Risk and Poverty Nexus
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Today, we're going to explore the connection between disaster risk and poverty in Nepal. Can anyone tell me why these two concepts might be related?
Maybe because poorer communities have fewer resources to recover from disasters?
Yes, and they might live in riskier places, like flood zones.
Exactly! This understanding is essential for implementing effective disaster risk management strategies. Remember, we can think of it as a key interlink—the more vulnerable a community is economically, the more at risk they are to disasters.
Frameworks of Resilience
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Now, let's discuss some frameworks that have been developed for resilience in the face of disasters. What frameworks have you heard of?
I know the DFID has a resilience framework based on livelihoods.
And I think there's also the Sendai Framework!
Great points! The DFID resilience framework focuses on economic and social dimensions while the Sendai Framework emphasizes disaster risk reduction. So, how can we apply these frameworks in local contexts?
Community-Based Disaster Management
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Let’s shift our focus to community-based approaches. What do you think the benefits of Community-Based Disaster Risk Management could be?
Communities can quickly mobilize and respond better because they know their area's risks.
And they can build trust and cooperation among residents.
Absolutely! CAM and CBDRM leverage social capital effectively. The communities play a crucial role in identifying risks and planning mitigation strategies, which is vital in a country like Nepal.
Legal and Planning Challenges
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Let's address the legal framework surrounding disaster risk management in Nepal. What challenges do you think exist?
I think some laws just stay as proposals and never get enacted.
And that can delay action in disaster-prone areas.
Correct! There is often a disconnect between proposed legislation and practical implementation, which hinders effective disaster management planning.
Learning from Global Examples
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Finally, we have seen how other cities and heritage sites manage risks. Can you recall any examples we previously discussed?
Pitalkhora caves were one.
And I remember Ayutthaya being highlighted for its heritage risks.
Exactly! The analysis of these cases informs our understanding of risk mitigation, emphasizing the need for specific interventions based on geo-technological assessments.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
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This section explores the intertwined relationship between disaster risk and poverty in Nepal, reviews resilience frameworks like the DFID framework, highlights legal challenges in disaster management planning, and presents case studies of heritage sites at risk as well as reconstruction strategies from various global instances.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
The section delves into the critical elements of Local Disaster Risk Management (LDRM) in Nepal, referencing established frameworks like the DFID's resilience model and the institutional roles of organizations such as the UN. The pivotal connection between disaster risk and poverty is highlighted, advocating for an integrated approach to preparedness that's not yet fully realized in Nepal due to legal inadequacies. Moreover, community-based networks are discussed, showcasing initiatives like Community Asset Management (CAM) and Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) that leverage social capital to mitigate risks.
Case studies, including the preservation of the Pitalkhora caves and lessons from global examples like Kiruna and Ayutthaya, emphasize the assessment and intervention strategies necessary for safeguarding historical sites and municipalities against disasters. The discussion brings to light how reconstruction efforts can be theorized and the critical lessons learned from past incidents, driving home the importance of theoretical frameworks in disaster response.
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Introduction to Local Disaster Risk Management
Chapter 1 of 7
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Chapter Content
And I have referred with the good practice reviews work on John Twigs work of disaster risk reduction and that is where he compiled everything all these frameworks into one segment. So, this is a very recent edition.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the concept of local disaster risk management by referencing the important work done by John Twigs. It highlights that his efforts compile various frameworks related to disaster risk reduction, suggesting a comprehensive approach that integrates different strategies.
Examples & Analogies
Think of John Twigs's work like a chef creating a recipe book. Just as a chef collects different recipes to help others prepare meals, Twigs brings together different methods and practices to help communities manage disaster risks effectively.
Understanding the Disaster Risk and Poverty Nexus
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Chapter Content
And where we talked about the disaster risk and poverty nexus.
Detailed Explanation
This section highlights the relationship between disaster risk and poverty, indicating that these two issues are interconnected. When disasters strike, those living in poverty often suffer the most because they have fewer resources to recover, underscoring the need for understanding this relationship in local planning.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a small boat in a storm. The stronger the storm (disaster), the harder it is for the fragile boat (people in poverty) to stay afloat. This analogy illustrates how vulnerability increases with poverty during disaster situations.
Global Resilience Frameworks
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The similarly, we talked about the DFIDs resilience framework from the livelihood framework, how we moved on to the resilience frameworks.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk discusses how different resilience frameworks, including the DFID's (Department for International Development) framework, relate to livelihoods and have evolved. It suggests a progression in thinking about how societies can better prepare for and respond to disasters.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a farmer who learns new farming techniques. These techniques are like resilience frameworks, which help the farmer prepare for and withstand the unpredictability of weather—and in this case, disasters.
Institutional Networks and UN's Role
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So when we talk about the resilience frameworks and that at a global level, how the Sundae framework, how the Hugo framework for action, what are these priorities for action.
Detailed Explanation
Here, the discussion shifts towards the institutional networks and global frameworks like the Sundae and Hugo frameworks aimed at improving response to disasters. These frameworks prioritize actions that nations and communities can take to enhance resilience.
Examples & Analogies
Think of these frameworks as a game plan for a sports team. Each player has a role to prepare and respond during the game (disaster), ensuring that the team works together effectively during critical moments.
Community-Based Disaster Risk Management
Chapter 5 of 7
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And we did also discuss about the community-based networks. That is where the CAM and CBDRM. So, this is where the community asset management and the community base disaster risk management.
Detailed Explanation
This section emphasizes the importance of community-based networks in disaster risk management. CAM (Community Asset Management) and CBDRM (Community-Based Disaster Risk Management) are approaches that focus on the role of local communities in managing their own disaster risks.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a neighborhood coming together to develop a plan for emergency situations, like a detailed fire drill. This collective effort exemplifies community-based networks: working together to ensure everyone knows what to do during a disaster.
Legal Challenges in Disaster Management in Nepal
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So in the case of Nepal, we also discussed about how legally that is certain things which have not been acknowledged so far.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk introduces the legal obstacles facing Nepal in effective disaster risk management. It points out that some important bills have not transitioned into actionable laws, which can hinder disaster preparedness and response.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a student who has studied hard for a final exam but receives no permission to take it. Similarly, despite having plans (bills) in place for disaster management, without actual laws, those plans cannot be executed effectively.
Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction
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Chapter Content
So, there should be an ideally some kind of planning process which has to go within it.
Detailed Explanation
This segment advocates for structured planning processes that integrate disaster risk management with development planning. It underscores the necessity for strategic coordination to effectively mitigate risks and address vulnerabilities.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a city planner designing a new neighborhood. If the planner does not consider where potential floods might occur, the neighborhood could be built in a risky area, leading to problems—similar to failing to integrate disaster strategies into planning.
Key Concepts
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Disaster Risk: Risk of loss resulting from natural hazards exacerbated by social vulnerabilities.
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Poverty Nexus: The relationship where socio-economic factors increase disaster susceptibility.
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Community Engagement: Importance of local participation in risk management.
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Legal Challenges: Bottlenecks in legislation that inhibit disaster policy implementation.
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Global Learning: Utilizing international case studies to inform local disaster practices.
Examples & Applications
The Pitalkhora caves demonstrate the need for geo-technological assessments in heritage conservation.
The city of Ayutthaya illustrates how historical sites must integrate disaster risk planning into urban management.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Risk and poverty are intertwined, in disasters, who’s behind? Be it floods or fiery blaze, the vulnerable lose in countless ways.
Stories
In a small village in Nepal, a community faced heavy rains. The villagers learned to work together, assessing risks in their fields and homes, preparing for flooding, showing that unity and local understanding help survive disasters.
Memory Tools
RAPID - Risk Assessment Planning In Development (to remember steps for community-based disaster management).
Acronyms
CAMP - Community Asset Management Practices for disaster preparedness.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Disaster Risk
The potential for losses or damages resulting from a natural hazard, significantly influenced by socio-economic conditions.
- Resilience Frameworks
Models that provide guidelines for preparing communities to withstand and recover from disasters.
- CommunityBased Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM)
A participatory approach that empowers local communities to assess risks and foster collective action in disaster response.
- Community Asset Management (CAM)
Strategies that enhance social capital and leverage community resources to prepare for disasters.
- Legal Framework
The system of laws and regulations governing disaster management practices and policies.
Reference links
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