April 26, 2018
On April 26, 2018, JICA sponsored the seminar entitled "From Build Back Better to Disaster Risk Reduction" held by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. This third commemoration seminar focused on, not only the progress report, but also the lessons learned, and presented successful case examples that may further accelerate the future reconstruction of Nepal. The seminar was an opportunity to discuss the importance of strengthening national and local level disaster risk reduction (DRR) management activities.
Regarding the lessons learned and the successful cases, the concept of "mutual assistance" to complement the government's public assistance system and enhance the effectiveness of DRR was taken up, and two successful cases were presented. One of the successful cases was the effort to rebuild houses severely damaged by earthquakes, which is a community based house rebuilding measure where mutual help groups of neighboring residents are organized and a dedicated stonemason assigned to each group. It was noted that, in the JICA model development area, both commencement rate and completion rate more than doubled those of other regions.
The second case was an effort to improve livelihoods to meet the needs for nonstructural reconstruction measures. A women's union was organized at the epicenter of the village, and JICA supported livelihood recovery activities based on that union.
The Nepalese government's effort to focus on people vulnerable to earthquakes was praised, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to the reconstruction from disasters was again emphasized. This seminar was an opportunity to promote the "Build Back Better" program of government, and it emphasized the importance of DRR against future disasters.
Mr. Neupane, Director of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, explained the four (4) priority actions listed in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the efforts of JICA and the Nepalese government in accordance with each priority action. After the Director's presentation, a panel discussion on DRR was held, and the importance of advancing various DRR policies were explained, centering on the formulation of local DRR plans in which achievement targets are set at the year 2020.
(From right) Mr. Yubaraj Busar, Secretary, National Reconstruction Agency; Dr. Bhishma K. Bhusal, Undersecretary, National Reconstruction Agency; Mr. Kedar Neupane, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Disaster Management; Mr. Masashi Ogawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Japan; and Mr. Itsu Adachi, Director General, Infrastructure and Peacebuilding Department, JICA.
Mr. Kimio Takeya, Distinguished Technical Adviser to the President of JICA, acting as the moderator of the panel discussions.
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