Enhancing Citizens’ Disaster Resilience through an International Transdisciplinary Research Project in Mongolia

Abstract

As emphasized in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015-2030, an important key for enhancing citizens' resilience is cooperation, in which universities and academic organizations may bear the burden of connecting people. Recently, some universities have conducted various DRR education programs together with local governments and citizens in Japan. In this report, we introduce the progress of our three international cooperative projects between Japan and Mongolia conducted between 2014 and 2018: 1) establishment of the Cooperative Center for Resilience Research (CCRR) by the National University of Mongolia and Nagoya University; 2) the Public Symposium for Earthquake DRR with the Mongolian Government; and 3) the GrassRoots Joint Project of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for disaster awareness in Khovd Province (Aimag), Mongolia. Through these transdisciplinary research projects, we intended to identify the essential conditions for an effective enhancement of citizens' resilience. As a result, we found the following key aspects to be considered in international DRR cooperation flamework: 1) transfer the spirit of DRR rather than simply its components, 2) customize DRR to match the climate and residents' temperament in the target area, 3) consider whether the project is consistent with the public policy of the target area, and 4) involve regional organizations and residents to ensure continuity for DRR activity.

Flood hazard mapping and disaster prevention recommendations based on detailed topographical analysis in Khovd City, Western Mongolia

“…Khovd City, with its distinctive geographic structure is home to diverse ethnic groups and recognized as one of the historical cities (Nara and Battulga, 2019;Suzuki et al, 2019). characterized by dry temperate and mountainous conditions (Beher, 2014;unpublished).…”

“…The geographical location of most provincial centers in Mongolia, particularly those in semi-arid of Western Mongolia, places them in the valleys of larger rivers originating in the Altai Mountain ranges. In Khovd City, despite a general decrease in precipitation in last decades, our previous research indicates that heavy sudden rainfall thawing permafrost and melting glaciers in the Altai Mountains contribute to an increase in the warm season runoff and flood intensity of the Buyant River (Kor Heerema, 2013;Pan et al, 2019;Yasuhiro et al, 2019;Zagdsuren.S et al, 2021). The rising water levels and increased flow in larger rivers pose a serve flood threat to nearby settlements and cities.…”

“…Khovd City currently sustains a population of approximately 32,000 residents, with a density of 440 people/km² (Khovd Statistical Office, 2020). The population density in the provincial center increased notably in recent years, despite the fact that the city faces a significant risk of natural disasters and in particular floods triggered by climate change (Nara and Battulga, 2019;Yasuhiro et al, 2019). In response to this risk, we developed a hazard map depicting flow directions using our new a topographic map.…”

“…Recommendations for local govern and residents include enhancing flood protection facilities for flood disaster prevention on flood risk zones. example, the escalating frequency of sudden floods in semi-arid zones, attributed to global climate change (Sato et al, 2007;Suzuki et al, 2019), poses a particularly high risk to cities in the semi-arid and mountainous regions of Western Mongolia.…”