Building Resilience with Nature: Exploring Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan Region

About the event

The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, the source of ten large river basins providing water to 2.1 billion people, is facing a growing threat of disaster risks due to climate change. In fact, the HKH region is known to be a major disaster hotspot in the world. Climate change and globalisation are wreaking havoc on this fragile ecosystem, wiping out resources, communities and cultures that have existed for centuries. Moreover, these factors are contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters in the region.

Traditional approaches to disaster risk reduction (DRR) are often expensive and unsustainable. Nature-based Solutions (NBS) offer a promising approach to mitigate disaster risks while promoting environmental sustainability. In order to understand this further, ICIMOD’S Disaster Risk Reduction intervention, part of Action Area A: Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks, under Strategic Group 1: Climate and Environmental Risks is organising an expert consultation workshop on exploring NbS for DRR with a specific focus in the HKH region.

This workshop aims to develop inclusive solutions to enhance resilience to vulnerable communities and infrastructure, and strengthen the regional and national institutions for DRR, preparedness and resilience.  Additionally, the workshop will explore and refine a conceptual framework on applying NbS for DRR in the HKH region through an interactive consultation using the Delphi Method.

Objectives

• Exchange knowledge of NbS for DRR among stakeholders by exploring diverse NbS approaches relevant to the HKH region (e.g., mangrove restoration for coastal protection, forest restoration/conservation for slope stabilisation, wetland restoration, eco-DRR etc. for flood control).
• Share a conceptual framework for NbS in DRR for the HKH region, considering the local needs and challenges.
• Gather expert feedback and refine the framework to ensure its effectiveness in the HKH context.

Workshop format

The workshop will include a mix of presentations with case studies specific to the HKH region, interactive sessions, and group discussions. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute to the development of a regional NbS framework.

Conceptual framework on NbS for DRR steps:

Step 1: Understanding risk: understanding of disaster risk in all its dimensions of vulnerability, capacity, exposure of persons and assets, hazard characteristics and environment

Step 2: Defining the context: setting the context specific to a disaster or a hazard with collection of relevant baseline information and assessment

Step 3: Comprehensive risk analysis: risk assessment using mixed methods and visualization tools like GIS mapping and modelling for analysis and prioritisation of hotspots

Step 4: NBS design, planning and implementation: identifying suitable solutions specific to disaster or hazard in specific location aligning with the criteria

Step 5: Monitoring and learning: establishing a monitoring protocol to track the effectiveness of NBS in reducing disaster risk and share best practices, challenges, lessons learned and adapt future applications

Step 6: Scaling: encouraging widespread adoption of effectiveness of NbS solutions and promoting scaling up customizing the solutions for the risk profile and region

Expected outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of Nature-based solutions and NbS approaches for DRR (i.e., types of solutions being promoted in the region, which ones are better adapted for DRR, where and which factors contributed to wider uptake)
• Identification of priority areas in the HKH region where NbS can achieve the greatest impact on DRR (where we will be focusing- what are low hanging fruits for us).
• A refined conceptual framework on scaling of NbS for DRR with clear pathways (e.g. how and which institutions, government programmes/policies to be supported through HI-REAP, how we can ensure effectiveness and suitability in various disaster scenarios within the HKH.)