Accelerating change: Engaging local communities in Disaster Risk Reduction in the Indian Himalayan Region

This science-policy briefing paper details the problem of increasing disaster risk in mountain regions alongside a gap in local community engagement. The briefing calls for a shift in emphasis, which fosters inclusive community engagement, and takes better account of local knowledge in disaster risk reduction. Specific recommendations are (p. 5):

1. revision of State and District disaster management plans;
2. implementation of comprehensive awareness campaigns; and
3. programmes to capture the diversity of local knowledge.

The target audience is government authorities, NGOs, and research organisations.