Introduction: This is a cross border project on climate resilience supported by Malteser International from Germany. The project was implemented from the year 2012-2015 in Bardiya district of Nepal in the Karnali river basin and downstream of Karnali in Barhaich & Barabanki, India. In Nepal the project area consisted of Rajapur Municipality and Khairichandanpur VDC.

Approach/Methodology: RSDC adopted its swabalamban approach of social mobilization. Communities from the flood affected areas were mobilized into group to undertake various activities that would enhance their capacity for disaster preparedness resilience. Multidimensional approach was used as an project intervention. This consisted of improvement on economic, infrastructures, health, and sanitation to improve the livelihood of the distressed community. Several vocational trainings have facilitated the members to generate income utilizing the knowledge acquired.

Aim: The project aimed to improve access to water, sanitation and livelihood security through various training to lessen the vulnerability to disaster of local community in future flooding. Several activities aimed to promote socio-economic opportunities for participation of households, so that they can use their own potential was introduced.

Achievements:  

• Construction of elevated tube wells, elevated shelter with water supply and latrine facility,  grain storage supported the local community members during the flood;
• 2 elevated WASH refuge area platform with raised handpump and latrines constructed;
• Vocational trainings provided to youths, on home gardening and vegetable growing, food processing supported in generating income in the community;
• Adolescent schoolgirls trained on reusable sanitary pad making and its use.
• 46 Homogeneous IGG group established are functioning in the program area in accessing resources to undertake activities to enhance their income;
•  The embankment dam constructed to control flooding;
• Local DRR plans developed by strengthening the capacities of leaders, institutions, and the community to be better prepared for future flood events.
• Cross-border coordination meetings and study tour conducted to synergize programme activities to learn about flood induced disaster management and WASH activities.