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Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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Project • CBA2024-02SY-Neupane

Empowering communities: visualization of citizen science contributions in disaster risk reduction (CSDRR)

Nepal is situated within areas prone to multiple hazards. The monsoon rains have been resulting in a significant amount of discharge and generation of debris from the Northern mountains and foothills of Siwalik which often results in the triggering of hydro-meteorological disasters. Due to complex topography, existing meteorological stations can’t offer accurate data in hilly terrains. Hence, in a world where climate impacts are increasingly evident, the collaboration between science and communities has become more crucial than ever. This project aims to harness the collective strength of communities, turning everyday individuals into scientific contributors through a blend of hardware and software solutions. Low-cost hardware includes precipitation measurement devices (from recycled soda bottles) and bamboo-made river water level measurement staff. Software solution includes the citizen science mobile application with its web-visualization dashboard capable of integrating hazard layers to contribute towards the early warning system. The project will be piloted in two rural municipalities in Gandaki River Basin, Nepal: Nashong Rural Municipality, Manang and Dordi Rural Municipality, Lamjung. At the end of the project, with the availability of data on the precipitation, disaster events, the municipality will be able to explore and plan suitable interventions. Similarly, the scientific community will utilize the obtained data for hydro-meteorological analysis.