The 2015 Gorkha earthquake was the worst disaster to strike Nepal in 80 years. We were one of four organizations that formed the Owner Driven Reconstruction Collaborative (ODRC), responsible for the reconstruction of 26,912 houses. We provided socio-technical facilitation services in 6 rural and 2 urban municipalities, with a focus on construction technology and design.

This project developed approaches to address water-related risks in Assam, particularly floods and erosion along the Brahmaputra, Beki and Buri Dhing rivers. A framework for climate resilience of over 100 vulnerable villages along with implementation plans were formulated. Both were carried out through a participatory approach, in line with existing policies and plans.

Prefabricated emergency shelters are the global standard and fastest way to put a roof over displaced, homeless families after a disaster. However, a one-size-fits-all approach has been adopted thus far. This project customizes such shelters to local cultural and climatological contexts, tapping into local skills, techniques and materials.