As part of our commitment to enhancing climate resilience in Nepal, the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR) recently undertook comprehensive field visits supported by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to key sites for the "Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for HydroSOS Nepal." The HydroSOS project, supported by the Adaptation Fund, aims to establish an early warning system that safeguards communities from floods and droughts across the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) River Basin.

Our team visited the selected pilot sites, including the Tamakoshi River in Dolakha District, the transboundary and GLOF-prone Bhimeshwor Municipality, and flood- and drought-affected areas along the Kankai River, covering Kankai Municipality, Jhapa Rural Municipality, and Shivasatakshi Municipality in Jhapa District. These visits were essential in understanding the unique challenges faced by these communities.

In-depth discussions were held with 40 local stakeholders—20 men, 20 women, including 1 person with a disability (PWD)—to explore how the HydroSOS project can best address local needs. Guided by a carefully designed questionnaire, these conversations focused on legal compliance, gender equality, and the preservation of indigenous rights. The insights gathered not only revealed strong community support but also emphasized the need for inclusive, accessible communication strategies to ensure that even the most vulnerable populations are empowered by the early warning system.