Recovery, Renewal, Resilience

The Himalayan Risk Research Institute (HRI) is developing a platform for disaster risk reduction students, researchers and young professionals to conduct research and share findings to inform policy and practice. The platform aims to build resilience through a scientific approach to DRR initiatives in Nepal. Consider establishing a DRR coordination platform in partnership with local and national government and non-government organisations, national and international research institutes to:

• Facilitate and promote the work and research of young scientists, researchers and professionals to build a scientific base for local DRR initiatives
• Establish a “skill transfer mechanism” whereby training, field research and workshops can build the knowledge and skills of young scientists and professionals and in turn benefit local DRR activities
• Share research and findings, and establish local databases to inform local governments on disaster preparedness and response activities that aim to build resilience
• Involve young people in the co-production of local development planning

Local people and organisations are vital to delivering change, however, many face barriers and lack the resources to undertake resilience building activities. In the USA, Community Development Financial Institutions work to promote economic revitalization and community development in low-income communities through ‘values driven, locally informed and locally targeted investments’. Consider:

• That investment in community resilience can mitigate the impacts of shocks and stresses caused by crises and accelerate recovery from crisis
• When investing in community resilience, it is important to consider the life span of projects to ensure all communities have the opportunity to achieve their resilience goals
• That all people and communities should have equal access to the ability to build resilience and some may require additional or targeted support
• Engagement of all stakeholders is critical, to ensure that investment will benefit all people in the community