This project aims to ensure long-term sustainability of disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities by securing the commitment, involvement, and resourcefulness of local communities. Sixty-four village committees - in the form of community-based organisations (CBOs) - were initially formed to be the driving force; 31 additional CBOs were organised in subsequent phases. The CBOs, which include both men and women, have facilitated the achievement of a number of activities, including: developing hazard, risk, and evacuation maps at the community level; undertaking small-scale mitigation projects; participating in community drills; carrying out training on risk assessment, disaster management, financial management, organisation building, leadership, project design, and monitoring and evaluation; and dissemination of information by Youth Rescue Groups (volunteer groups). Public awareness on disaster preparedness was raised through training, school competitions, evacuation drills, and information, education, and communication (IEC) material.

The CBOs have developed project proposals and have submitted these to other donors. According to organisers, many CBOs were successful in accessing grants from other donors. Guidelines for the use of community endowment funds and design and implementation of small-scale mitigation projects were developed by DipacT in collaboration with CBOs. Another reflection of concern for sustainability is the ongoing fourth phase of the project, which was launched in February 2007 with a natural resource management (NRM) component.

Risk Management, Natural Resource Management.

Organisers contend that "[m]any of the CBOs have since become very active, taking disaster preparedness and village development into their own hands, with support from local authorities (jamoats) that are involved in all project stages."