The convergence of COVID-19 with natural hazards has reshaped the disaster riskscape in Southeast Asia, further exacerbated by climate change and the ongoing environmental crisis. During their efforts to manage the pandemic, Nepal and Bangladesh have also faced multiple natural disasters—including cyclones, heatwaves, landslides, and volcanic eruptions—intensifying the vulnerability of their populations and systems.
The RISK-E-SCAPE Project aims to foster recovery and resilience in this complex risk environment by strengthening the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Partner Countries in the fields of disaster health management and public health. The project seeks to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation in Southeast Asia by offering academic programs in disaster health and environmental studies. These include the development of open-access courses, the design and implementation of practical disaster-response drills in Nepal and Bangladesh, and the establishment of RISK-E-SCAPE Hubs. These hubs will serve as focal points connecting academic communities, policymakers, and civil society organizations to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in environmental disasters.
RISK-E-SCAPE promotes capacity building at a multi-professional and multidisciplinary level, advancing mechanisms for multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration between the health and disaster management sectors. It also supports local authorities in improving emergency preparedness and response strategies.
A key focus of the project is on equity and inclusion—ensuring that educational activities, recovery, and reconstruction efforts prioritize women and marginalized or vulnerable groups, particularly those in low-income and rural areas. Furthermore, RISK-E-SCAPE facilitates the exchange of experiences, expertise, and networking, bridging European and Southeast Asian practices in pandemic, disaster, and crisis health management. Through these initiatives, the project contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the strengthening of regional resilience.
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