Key learnings and recommendations for creating local disaster and climate resilience plans

This paper focuses on the Mercy Corps Nepal's programs which began in 2007 with focus on natural resource management, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, economic development, and youth engagement. Under the "Managing Risk through Economic Development" program, Mercy Corps is conducting disaster risk management and climate change adaptation programs in eleven local municipalities of Kailali, Kanchanpur, Baitadi and Dadeldhura Districts in the Sudur Paschim Province.

Nepal has recently transitioned to a federalist structure with seven provinces and 753 municipalities covering urban and rural areas. Local governments now hold significant responsibility for decision-making and service delivery. In this context, municipalities also have the authority and responsibility to plan for disasters and climate change, which had been done at the district and national levels.