Program Goal: To build resilient communities that can withstand, adapt to, and recover from disasters and climate change impacts, while promoting environmental sustainability.

The Disaster and Climate Resilience pillar focuses on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Biodiversity Conservation.

• Disaster Risk Reduction: The geographic areas, where LASOONA works, is prone to various natural hazards like floods, droughts, heatwaves, earthquakes, and waterborne epidemics, necessitating a strong focus on DRR. LASOONA’s strategy involves understanding different roles and needs of men and women in DRR, ensuring an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach. Central to this effort has been Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM), aimed at strengthening indigenous coping mechanisms and building resilience. LASOONA has developed comprehensive training modules on first aid, rescue operations, and emergency evacuation, and has built functional relationships with government authorities for effective disaster management.
• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Climate change poses significant challenges to the region, particularly for communities dependent on natural resources and agriculture. LASOONA has marked Climate Change as a key focus area, aiming to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate variations. This includes promoting community-based biodiversity conservation, advocacy campaigns, and supporting measures to improve resilience through capacity building and appropriate practices.
• Biodiversity Conservation: The conservation of biodiversity is integral to LASOONA’s approach, recognizing the importance of protecting natural resources for sustainable livelihoods and disaster resilience. Efforts have been made to raise awareness among communities and key stakeholders about biodiversity and conservation.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Goal: Strengthen Community Resilience to Effectively Mitigate and Respond to Recurring Disasters

 The goal emphasizes not only enhancing the resilience of at-risk communities but also focuses on developing their capacity to effectively mitigate and respond to recurring disasters. It underscores a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, ensuring communities are better prepared and equipped to handle adverse events.

Climate change adaptation, mitigation and biodiversity conservation

Goal: Strengthen community resilience, promote biodiversity conservation, and advance sustainable practices for climate change adaptation and mitigation

 This goal for this program area is enhancing community resilience to climate change and natural hazards, with a strong emphasis on conserving biodiversity and managing natural resources sustainably. It involves not only preparing communities to effectively respond to environmental challenges but also actively working towards maintaining ecological balance. This approach ensures that both the immediate needs of adapting to climate change and the long-term objectives of environmental conservation and sustainability are addressed for the benefit of communities and the planet.