Resilient Nepal: Earthquake Retrofitting and Disaster Risk Reduction in Kathmandu
Youth for Good - Nepal conducted retrofitting workshops to enhance earthquake resilience in Nepal, focusing on using sustainable materials. Over 300 participants from Kathmandu district were trained, improving local capacity in disaster risk reduction and structural safety, aligning with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Description
Youth for Good - Nepal's mission is to empower communities through sustainable disaster risk reduction (DRR) practices. One of our key projects was a series of retrofitting workshops aimed at improving earthquake resilience using locally available, sustainable materials. This initiative aligns with our commitment to reduce disaster risks and supports the objectives of the Sendai Framework, which emphasizes strengthening disaster resilience through community-based approaches and promoting structural safety.
Goal and Scope of the Commitment:
The goal of this project was to increase local resilience to earthquakes by training over 300 participants in earthquake retrofitting techniques. The workshops were conducted in Kathmandu with a focus on sustainable building practices. This commitment was aligned with the Sendai Framework's priority for “Strengthening disaster risk governance” and “Building a culture of resilience.”
SMART Objectives:
- Specific: Conduct retrofitting workshops for over 300 participants, training them in earthquake resilience and sustainable construction practices.
- Measurable: 300 plus individuals were trained, with post-training surveys over 90% improvement in knowledge regarding retrofitting techniques.
- Achievable: The workshops were facilitated by experts in the field, using locally available materials for hands-on demonstrations.
- Resource-based: Funding and materials were sourced through partnerships with global organization, local organizations, clubs, and engineering colleges, ensuring the workshops were cost-effective and resource-efficient.
- Time-bound: The project was completed in 6 months, from Jan 2024 to Aug 2024, with periodic evaluations to track progress.
Deliverables:
- Training of 300 participants, including engineers, students, and local volunteers.
- Completion of hands-on retrofitting activities, including community-based projects.
- Creation of a knowledge-sharing platform for continued learning and application of retrofitting techniques in local communities.
- Report on the effectiveness of sustainable retrofitting methods in reducing vulnerability to earthquakes.
The retrofitting workshops were a resounding success, significantly increasing local capacity in disaster risk reduction.
Did the Sendai Framework change or contribute to changes in your activities/organization? If so, how?
The Sendai Framework has significantly influenced Youth for Good - Nepal’s approach to disaster risk reduction by emphasizing the importance of community-based solutions and structural resilience. It has guided our retrofitting workshops, prioritizing disaster risk governance and capacity development. By aligning with the Sendai Framework’s priorities, we’ve integrated local knowledge and sustainable practices into our projects. It has also enhanced our collaborations with local engineering colleges, clubs, and partners, ensuring that our initiatives are aligned with global DRR standards and contribute to building long-term resilience in Nepal.
What led you to make this commitment/initiative?
What was your position before making this Voluntary Commitment / prior to the Sendai Framework?
The devastating effects of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which left thousands of homes destroyed and many communities vulnerable, deeply inspired our commitment to strengthening disaster resilience. Recognizing that traditional construction methods were inadequate in withstanding earthquakes, we decided to focus on retrofitting as a sustainable, cost-effective solution. The need for better disaster preparedness, particularly in earthquake-prone areas, motivated us to provide communities with the tools and knowledge to safeguard their homes. Additionally, our ongoing work in climate change and youth empowerment aligned with the vision of creating safer, more resilient communities. The urgency to act on disaster risk reduction and the opportunity to apply sustainable methods in local construction made this initiative an essential step in our mission to build a culture of resilience in Nepal, directly contributing to the Sendai Framework’s goal of reducing disaster risks and losses.
Deliverables and Progress report
Deliverables
Deliverables are the end-products of the initiative/commitment, which can include issuance of publications or knowledge products, outcomes of workshops, training programs, videos, links, photographs, etc.
The Retrofitting Workshops Phase I aimed at enhancing earthquake resilience through 8 workshops, reaching 321 participants, 60% of whom were female. The curriculum covered basic earthquake science, various retrofitting methods tailored to different house types, and practical training using a Kathmandu-based house prototype with a jacketing method. The program focused on empowering communities with knowledge on disaster preparedness and retrofitting techniques. Recommendations for future phases include expanding the scope to include hands-on implementation in vulnerable areas. These workshops are free to attend, and further initiatives will engage local residents in strengthening the resilience of their homes and communities against future earthquakes. The report will be shared with stakeholders to guide future disaster risk reduction efforts.
Organizations and focal points
Implementing Organization(s)
Focal points
Partners
