Adaptation in the Himalayas: Knowledge, Action and Results

Community responses to the 2015 Nepal earthquake

The devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in April 2015 put the action research to the test, in different conditions than anticipated. According to Dibya Gurung (DEKMIS), even though “the communities [targeted through the action research], like many in Nepal, faced severe losses, they appeared to be better able to respond to the earthquake than many others. Being aware of which local institutions and officials to approach for support enabled them to effectively seek support for relief, and the leadership training enabled community heads to equitably distribute resources within the villages.” Later, the village micro-plans for adaptive capacity were revised in view of the new situation. The communities used their skills to develop comprehensive plans for recovering their losses from the earthquake, while building their capacity to adapt to future changes and challenges.

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