The DIPECHO funded project 'Living with Risk - Sharing Knowledge on Disaster Preparedness in the Himalayan Region' started in April 2006. Main activities under the project were

• Inception Meeting:
  View Inception Meeting Report
  
  
• First Regional Workshop on ‘Disaster Preparedness Plans for Natural Hazards'
  
  ICIMOD organised a regional workshop on ‘Disaster Preparedness Plans for Natural Hazards’ from 7-9 August under the project ‘Living with Risk – Sharing Knowledge on Disaster Preparedness in the Himalayan Region’ funded by the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (DG ECHO). During the workshop the current status of disaster preparedness plans in the four countries; Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan were reviewed to explore gaps and shortcomings in the functioning and implementation of plans.
  
  Nearly sixty key actors representing government and NGO sectors from the four target countries and from International Organisations ADPC, ADRC, UNISDR and WMO participated in the workshop and formulated a conclusion document highlighting 15 key conclusions/recommendations for improved disaster risk reduction.
  
  The document observes an improving paradigm shift in Disaster Management (DM) from a relief-driven approach to a more preparedness-driven, and emphasises the need to address local communities and vulnerable groups at the core of DM plans.  A multi-hazard approach for Disaster Preparedness is essential in the framework of DM plans. The DM plans should duly recognise and incorporate appropriate historical and local/traditional knowledge. Political will and support are essential to direct sufficient available resources for the efficient implementation of existing DM plans. The conclusions also highlight the currently insufficient and inefficient communication and coordination among key actors and calls for the establishment of functional communication and information sharing system at a regional level considering the contiguous nature of the regions geology. Finally, a wide awareness about disaster preparedness is essential which can be achieved by the combined efforts of key actors.
  
  The document which is being finalised has gained recognition in other international forums as the general way forward for improving disaster risk reduction.

Forthcoming Activities

• National Training course on Multi-Hazard Assessment, Pakistan, November 2006
• Regional Training course on Multi-Hazard Assessment, Pakistan, February 2007
• Dissemination Workshop, May 2007

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