Building resilience with nature: Exploring Nature-based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Hindu-Kush Himalaya region

Agenda

About the event:

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (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.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer a promising approach to mitigate disaster risks while promoting environmental sustainability. To understand this further, ICIMOD’S Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) intervention of Action Area A ‘Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks’, under Strategic Group 1 ‘Climate and Environmental Risks’ is organising an expert consultation on exploring NbS for DRR with a specific focus on the HKH region. This consultation is supported by the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), funded by United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Building capabilities for green, climate resilient, and inclusive development in the Lower Koshi River Basin (HI-GRID) funded by Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

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

Objectives

• Knowledge exchange on NbS for DRR among stakeholders by exploring diverse NbS approaches relevant to the HKH region.
• Share a conceptual framework for NbS for DRR in the HKH region, considering local needs, inclusive approaches and challenges.
• Gather expert feedback and refine the framework to ensure its effectiveness in the HKH context.

The Consultation Format

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

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of NbS and its approaches for DRR.
• Identification of priority areas in the HKH region where NbS can achieve the greatest impact on DRR.
• A refined conceptual framework on NbS for DRR in the HKH and a scaling protocol with clear pathways to contextualize the solutions.