The document summarizes the launch of disaster risk reduction projects in Nepal funded by the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid department. The Minister of State for Home Affairs said the government is committed to strengthening disaster risk reduction policies to protect vulnerable people. The 3.1 million euro projects aim to build the capacities of local communities to reduce the impacts of disasters on lives and livelihoods. They will train over 3,000 youth in emergency response skills and form task forces for disaster response. The projects also seek to establish early warning systems and small-scale mitigation efforts to make communities more resilient.

1. DIPECHO PARTNERS IN NEPAL
… working together, for a risk free Nepal
PRESS RELEASE
Minister launches Disaster Risk Reduction Projects
Kathmandu, 19th Aug. ‘09 – Minister of State for Home Affairs Mohammed Rizwan
Ansari has said that the government was committed to promote a strong disaster risk
reduction (DRR) policy in Nepal to protect the rights of disaster-affected and disaster-
vulnerable people. He said this while launching a comprehensive disaster preparedness
projects funded by European Commission Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) under
its fifth DIPECHO Action Plan for South Asia.
The 3.1 million euro DIPECHO projects in Nepal aim at reducing vulnerabilities by
building the capacities of vulnerable communities so as to reduce the impact of
disasters on lives, livelihoods, property and to protect the dignity of people. As a part of
building the local capacities, the project anticipates to build a volunteer base of over
3,000 youth who will be trained in search and rescue, first aid, emergency response and
disaster preparedness.
Similarly, task forces will be formed in the project areas for efficient response to
calamities. Sustainable models of efficient early warning systems and small scale cost-
effective mitigation models like bio-embankment, culverts, elevated hand pumps and
low cost barrier-free emergency shelters will be established. The project emphases on
mainstreaming people with differential vulnerabilities and will work closely with the
government, donors and other key stakeholders to strengthen the national disaster risk
reduction framework and disaster management policies.
The EC, Under the fifth DIPECHO Action Plan, has funded eight projects, managed by
ActionAid Nepal, CARE, Danish Red Cross, Handicap International, Mercy Corps, Mission
East, Oxfam GB and Practical Action. The projects are implemented through local NGOs,
covering 19 districts and reaching over 243,000 disaster-vulnerable people.
Representatives from government, donors, UN agencies, I/NGOs, and national networks
attended the function. Feron Dominique, ECHO; Dr. Govind Prasad Kusum, Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs and Dr. Chewan Namgyal Lama Sherpa, Member Secretary of
SWC also spoke on the occasion. The launching of DIPECHO projects in Nepal also
coincides with the World Humanitarian Day.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Sten van Leuffel Mr. PV Krishnan
DIPECHO Project Manager DIPECHO Project Manager
Oxfam GB ActionAid Nepal
Mobile: Mobile: 97510 01368
www.europa.eu/echo Mail: svanleuffel@oxfam.org.uk Mail: Krishnan.pv@actionaid.org
www.dipechonepal.org