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Inclusion of Older People in Disaster Resilience in South Asia. (IDR-1st)

The Inclusion of Older People in Disaster Resilience in South Asia (IDR-1st) program was implemented in Kailali and Bardiya districts, covering the areas of Geta, Urma, Fulbari NDC, and Dhangadhi Municipality in Kailali, as well as Sorahawa, Mainapokhara, Mahamadpur, and Deudakala in Bardiya. This initiative focused on strengthening the capabilities of older people to ensure their meaningful participation in disaster-related policies, plans, and actions, recognizing their unique needs and contributions in disaster resilience efforts.

Objectives:

·       Empower Older People

·       Enhance the knowledge and skills of older people to actively participate in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

·       Promote Inclusive Disaster Policies and Plans

·       Advocate for the inclusion of older people in local and regional disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks.

·       Ensure that disaster policies and plans address the specific vulnerabilities and strengths of older populations.

·       Strengthening Community Resilience

·       Build age-inclusive community disaster management structures.

·       Foster intergenerational collaboration for holistic disaster resilience.

Key Components:

1. Capacity Building for Older People

· Conducted training sessions on disaster preparedness, response mechanisms, and early warning systems tailored to older people's needs.

·  Provided education on first aid, evacuation planning, and post-disaster recovery strategies.

2. Inclusive Community Engagement

·       Established forums and platforms for older people to voice their concerns and contribute to disaster planning processes.

·       Promoted intergenerational dialogue to integrate older people's perspectives into community decision-making.

3. Advocacy and Policy Integration

·       Worked with local governments to include older people’s needs in DRR policies and municipal development plans.

·       Developed guidelines for creating age-inclusive disaster preparedness and response strategies.

4. Resource Support and Accessibility

·       Ensured access to disaster preparedness resources, including mobility aids, communication tools, and emergency supplies tailored for older populations.

·       Enhanced the physical and social infrastructure to meet the needs of older people during disasters.

Outcomes:

·       Older people were equipped with the skills and confidence to actively participate in disaster resilience efforts.

·       Their contributions were recognized and valued within their communities.

·       Local disaster risk reduction frameworks incorporated the perspectives and needs of older populations, ensuring a more equitable approach.

·       Communities benefited from the active participation of older people, leveraging their wisdom and experience to improve disaster preparedness and response.

·       Age-inclusive disaster management structures were established, fostering collaboration across all age groups.

·       The program created a replicable model for integrating older people into disaster resilience efforts across South Asia.

Conclusion:

The Inclusion of Older People in Disaster Resilience in South Asia (IDR-1st) program highlighted the critical role older people play in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building. By empowering them and ensuring their active involvement in disaster-related policies and plans, the program not only addressed their unique vulnerabilities but also harnessed their potential as key contributors to community resilience. This inclusive approach set a precedent for promoting equity and collaboration in disaster management efforts across South Asia.