Turning Lessons into Resilient Strategies
The Third National Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (NCDDR), themed “Monsoon 2024 and Beyond: Turning Lessons into Resilient Strategies,” emphasized the importance of extending disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts to the community level. The conference was jointly organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the Disaster Preparedness Network, Nepal (DPNET).
Inaugurating the event, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak highlighted the need to strengthen disaster management initiatives using research, innovation, and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and GIS mapping.
Focus on Technology and Collaboration
Minister Lekhak stressed that early-warning systems, geological analyses, and advanced tools like AI and GIS can significantly enhance risk assessments and precautionary measures.
“We will organize a monthly ‘Disaster Risk Reduction Programme with the Home Minister’ to interact with organizations working in the disaster risk reduction sector,” Lekhak announced.
This initiative aims to review ongoing efforts, evaluate outcomes, and identify future strategies.
Enhancing Institutional Capacity
Dr. Bhishma Prasad Bhusal, Joint Secretary and Chief of the Disaster Management Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs, shared insights on making the institutional capacity of NDRRMA more effective and impactful.
DPNET Nepal representatives, including Dr. Raju Thapa, highlighted the annual conference’s role in fostering collaboration among agencies, learning from Nepal’s disaster management experiences, and sharing these insights on international platforms.
Technical Insights and Collaborative Efforts
The conference featured technical sessions led by experts, focusing on collective efforts in disaster risk reduction:
- Prof. Bidyanath Uprety, senior geologist, emphasized the need for joint action in disaster management.
- Shanti Kadel, senior meteorologist, noted that 2024’s heavy rainfall, the highest since 1980, caused severe loss of life and property.
- Shiva Banskota, Department of Mines and Geology, and Dr. Shreeram Sharma, a lightning expert, called for expanding community-level DRR initiatives to mitigate localized risks effectively.
Community-Centric DRR Initiatives
Speakers underscored the importance of extending disaster management programs to community levels, where they can have the most direct impact. Initiatives like early-warning systems and localized education campaigns can help mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
The conference aims to turn lessons learned from past disasters into resilient, actionable strategies for the future.
Conclusion
The Third NCDDR reaffirmed the importance of collaboration, technology integration, and community-level initiatives in disaster risk reduction. With ongoing efforts to leverage AI, GIS, and institutional reforms, Nepal is taking significant steps to build resilience against future disasters.