Building resilience in communities through integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies in Nepal

Effective integration of climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) can contribute to building community resilience. Despite shared objectives of reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience, DRR and CCA efforts remain fragmented, limiting their effectiveness. This study examines the integration of CCA and DRR policies and practices in Nepal, focusing on the Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) and Local Disaster Risk Management Plan (LDRMP) and their framework. Using a mixed-method approach, this study identifies challenges, opportunities, and entry points for the integration of CCA and DRR. There is poor community awareness of LAPAs and LDRMPs, but potential for improvement. The results also highlight overlapping methodologies, tools, and stakeholders in LAPA and LDRMP, indicating opportunities for synergies in planning, resource allocation, and implementation. A proposed framework for integration emphasizes community-driven approaches, policy coherence, and stakeholder coordination. This integration is crucial for achieving resilient development, reducing duplication, and comprehensively addressing climate-induced and disaster risks at local levels.