An HKH Call: best practices and solutions on Multi-Hazard Risk Assessments, Early Warning Systems and Nature-based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction

Photo: Jitendra Bajracharya/ICIMOD

Application form

In recent years, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has experienced an increasing frequency of both multi-hazard and single-hazard events. Major multi-hazard incidents include the Melamchi flood (2021), the Chamoli disaster (2021), the South Lhonak Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in 2023,  the Thame GLOF in 2024, the Rasuwa-Kerung glacier discharge and debris flood in 2025,  the compound flood and landslides in southern Kathmandu in September 2024 and cyclones Amphan 2020 and Mocha 2023 in Bangladesh. In addition, several single-hazard events such as Pakistan flood 2022, Baghlan flash flood in Afghanistan 2024, drought in Madhesh Province 2025, and mudslide in Dharali, (Uttarakhand, India) 2025 have caused severe damages. Together with many events across the region, these disasters have resulted in significant loss of life, and infrastructure damage and major disruptions to livelihoods and economic activities.

In response to these growing risks, various disaster risk reduction measures have been implemented across the HKH region at local, national and regional levels by communities, governments and development partners. However, understanding the interactions among multiple hazards, their potential cascading effects, the areas exposed to these hazards,  and the vulnerability of exposed elements is essential to design more effective disaster risk reduction strategies. In this context, tools and approaches such as Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA), Early Warning Systems (EWS), and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) play a critical role in improving risk understanding and strengthening resilience.

EWS have enhanced community preparedness, while Nature-based Solutions are increasingly being applied to strengthen ecosystem resilience and reduce current and future risks. At the same time, Multi-Hazard Risk Assessments help identify risks and inform more integrated disaster management strategies. Building on these approaches, there is a growing need to document and share practical experiences from across the region.

Therefore, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) invites submissions of evidence-based examples, best practices, and innovative solutions that demonstrate how MHRA, and/or EWS and/or NbS have been designed, implemented and used to reduce disaster risks and strengthen disaster preparedness across HKH region.

Who can apply?

Individuals, community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations  (local, national or international), academic institutions, and intergovernmental organisations that can demonstrate experience with initiatives that are being piloted/tested or implemented.

What are we looking for in the submission?

The submission should

• Clearly present a hazard-related challenge, describe the context in which it has been applied and identify the communities involved in piloting/scaling the solution.
• Focus on MHRA, EWS or NbS, or present a hybrid approach that combines two or all of these elements. Evidence supporting the solution should be measurable and demonstrate its impact on the target stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sustainability indicators such as scalability, value for money, equity and social inclusion. Supporting materials such as pictures, videos, graphics or relevant documentation of the solution should also be included where available.
• Include a cost-benefit analysis where possible, to strengthen the case for the assessment, system, or solution, and support potential upscaling.

Applicants must complete the submission template, which includes:

• Basic project information
• Context and risk drivers
• Detailed description of the solution
• Multi-hazard considerations
• Results and measurable outcomes
• Innovation, scalability, and value for money
• Equity and inclusion aspects
• Lessons learned
• Supporting documents (reports, links, visuals)

Submissions should be clear and concise, and evidence-based.

Evaluation criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on:

• Impact and measurable results
• Innovation and uniqueness
• Multi-hazard relevance
• Scalability and replicability
• Cost-effectiveness
• Equity and inclusion
• Co-benefits (health, livelihoods, biodiversity, climate mitigation, etc.)

Selected submissions demonstrating clear and measurable benefits for communities will be featured in a ‘Compendium of solutions’ to be published this year by ICIMOD.

How to submit?

Submissions must be completed using the official form linked below:
An HKH Call: best practices and solutions on Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment, Early Warning Systems and NbS for DRR

Submission deadline:

The deadline for submissions is 27 March 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Contact for queries

For any additional information or clarification, please contact:

Bipin Dulal (MHRA) – bipin.dulal@icimod.org,
Winn Lai Lai Yi (NbS) – Winn.Yi@icimod.org
Shailendra Shakya (EWS) – Shailendra.Shakya@icimod.org