Environment & DRR - Building Resilient Communities

One of the four objectives of our work is Env. & DRR. This means communities have improved resilience to disaster risks and care for mother earth.

The strategic objective three focuses largely on affecting changes in the disaster risk reduction and ecological wellbeing domain. It emphasizes the need of Caritas Nepal to continue to promote healthy and sustainable environment for ecological balance and harmony. This is in consideration of the fact that marginalized communities are unjustly affected by climate change and disaster mainly due to the prevailing inequity and discrimination in the society. The disaster and climate crises adds further to the multiple layers of vulnerabilities the vulnerable communities faces whereas they do not have adequate capacity and resources to cope with it.

SDRR

Goal

To create a safer school, safe learning environment and more resilient rural communities in Jhapa district of Nepal, who are vulnerable to the impact of hazards such as earthquake and flood through capacitating especially the vulnerable schools and neighboring families to enable them to be prepared against disaster.

Duration: December 2022 -November 2025

Location: Jhapa and Kamal Rural Municipality

Funding Partner: Caritas Italiana

This project aims to enhance the resilience of schools, local institutions, and communities against hazards, particularly floods. Over a three-year period from 2022 to 2025, the project will engage in consultations with educational stakeholders, local government, schools, and communities to implement various activities. The primary focus will be on increasing knowledge, capacity, and preparedness for disaster response practices. Based on findings and recommendations from a previous project in Kamal Rural Municipality, Jhapa District, nine government schools in Jhapa Rural Municipality (wards 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7) have been identified for targeted interventions. Moreover, the seven vulnerable schools from the previous phase in Kamal Rural Municipality will receive one-year sustainability support. This support aims to strengthen their disaster risk mechanisms, raise awareness on disaster risk reduction, and actively involve students in relevant activities.

Achievements:

1 toilet was renovated in Simalbadi Basic School, Jhapa Rural Municipality, ensuring better usability, proper waste collection, continuous water supply, and improved hygiene facilities.
87 students from 2 schools in Jhapa Rural Municipality received orientation on DRR and CCA as well as school safety.
20 IEC message boards with messages on WASH promotion and disaster risk reduction (DRR) have been installed in ten locations in Jhapa to disseminate information on these topics to students and community members.
21 task forces were established, consisting of search and rescue, first aid, and early warning teams from the 16 selected schools vulnerable to different hazards. These task forces, along with SDMCs, have enhanced their capacity to survive impacts and respond effectively to possible crises.
11 schools in Jhapa and Kamal Rural Municipality have established child clubs with the goal of improving students’ knowledge and skills in areas such as DRR, CCA, school safety, hygiene, and extracurricular activities.

Completed Projects

Strengthening Community Resilience Program in Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal

Goal: Communities’ vulnerabilities to disaster and climate change in the Sudurpaschim Province of Nepal are resilient, collectively prepared, and proactively mitigating risks.

Funding Partners: Caritas Austria

Duration: January 2021 to December 2022

Location: Budhiganga Municipality, Bajura and Jorayal & Bogtan Phudsil Rural Municipality, Doti

Implementing Partner: Community Development Forum (CDF)

Project Description:

The project has contributed in the reduction of vulnerabilities to disasters and improved resilience to climate change in Doti and Bajura districts. Through community engagement and participation, communities have actively worked towards reducing their vulnerabilities. Additionally, students and school management have become more environmentally conscious and aware, ensuring preparedness for potential disasters and the impact of climate change.

The project also worked on setting up systems in the government to be ready for disasters. This means that local leaders, like those in the Province, District, and Municipality, are prepared and ready to act if there is occurrence of any disaster. These efforts have made the area better at dealing with dangers and disasters.

Overall, the project has helped in enhancing community resilience, promoting environmental awareness among students, and establishing DRR systems at the institutional level.

Achievements:

9 irrigation schemes were constructed, benefiting 550 households and enabling irrigation across 1,260 ropani (63 hectares) of land. Additionally, 91 farmers were supported with plastic ponds designed for water harvesting, empowering them to connect collected water for drip irrigation in their farming practices. Furthermore, the construction of four recharge ponds further contributed to enhancing water storage and recharge capabilities.
323 tons of cash crops, vegetables, and spices were cultivated by farmers. Around 71% of this produce was sold within five cropping seasons, generating a substantial income of NRs. 14,666,154.
1,200 vulnerable households, through grassroots community groups developed a Community-Based Adaptation/Preparedness Plan. This plan was approved by ward offices and stakeholders. Moreover, Local Climate and Disaster Resilient Plans, as well as DRR strategies, received endorsement from Bogtan Phudsil RM, Doti, and Budhiganga Municipality, Bajura. While, Jorayal RM’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan was also updated in collaboration with related stakeholders.
Budhiganga Municipality in Bajura underwent a multi-hazard risk assessment, resulting in a comprehensive disaster mapping. This initiative enhanced the area’s capacity for disaster risk reduction and management.
3 municipalities endorsed safer construction policies, accompanied by training for local masons in earthquake-resistant building techniques.
Comprehensive School Safety Plans were developed in 25 schools, following the guidelines of the Nepal Government.

Integrated Food Security, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in Jumla/Mugu

Goal
To improve the resilience of the vulnerable communities towards potential future disasters and to increase food security by strengthening livelihoods opportunities in the communities and strengthening the capacities of the local level institutions especially cooperatives, collection centers and community groups.

Duration: December 2019 to June 2023

Location: Khatyad, Kanaka Sundari, Patarasi, Hima and Tila Rural Municipality of Mugu and Jumla

Funding Partner: Caritas Germany

Implementing Partner: PACE Nepal
Project Description:

The project has provided support to 17 cooperatives and 43 community groups. Its main objective is to enhance the resilience of poor and marginalized communities in Jumla and Mugu districts of Nepal. The primary beneficiaries are vulnerable families, particularly those facing challenges in coping with their current situation. This includes women-headed households, Dalits, indigenous people, single women, disabled individuals, disaster-affected families, and socially and economically excluded groups. By targeting these specific beneficiaries, the project aims to uplift and empower the most vulnerable members of the community and contribute to their overall well-being and resilience.

Achievements

59 farmers participating in the FFS have improved their farming practices and productivity. The project-supported greenhouses have helped in off-seasonal vegetable production, leading to increased income for these farmers. Moreover, the irrigation support provided by the project has been beneficial to households, resulting in improved agriculture outcomes.
124 farmers received kitchen gardening training, encouraging the consumption of fresh vegetables. Also, 319 members from 8 groups of farmers were provided vegetable seeds.
DRR focal persons enhanced knowledge from DRR and first aid training. Whereas, child clubs actively engaged 174 children in various DRR activities and helped develop preparedness plans.