Introduction
Three graduate students of Harvard University (John F. Kennedy School of Government) undertook a capstone project to help address a knowledge gap lack of access to awareness-raising products and early warning systems for multiple hazards in Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) subregion. The graduate students worked with a UNFCCC regional partner, the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to produce actionable and feasible policy recommendations that the intergovernmental organization could implement. ICIMOD pioneered the community-based flood early warning system, access to which has been expanded to Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
The graduate students were awarded with the best multi-method Policy Analysis Exercise by their school.
Faculty advisor from John F. Kennedy School William Clark commented:
"This is a very strong, indeed masterful, policy analysis. This has done a particularly impressive job with several things: developing a focused and productive relationship with [the] client; field program planning, data collection and coding; library research to uncover useful evidence from other cases; and a crisp report on actionable advice for policymakers.”
Methodology and outcomes
The project delivered two major outcomes: 1) an in-depth policy analysis report that analyzes barriers and solutions to promote early warning systems for multiple hazards in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, and 2) a policy brief, developed with ICIMOD, to inform policymakers on the key benefits, mechanics, and implementation considerations of the Community-Based Flood Early Warning System.
Using key informant and community-based interviews, a literature review, qualitative coding analysis, and case studies from around the world, the graduate students identified and prioritized the most consequential barriers to access in the region. They then developed three potential solutions to overcome barriers and create an enabling environment where multi-hazard early warning systems could be effectively developed, implemented, and scaled.
Dr Neera Shrestha Pradhan, Senior Water and Adaptation Specialist, Programme Coordinator, SWaRMA from ICIMOD noted:
“The collaboration with Harvard Kennedy School and the UNFCCC secretariat resulted in a tangible outcome to bridge one of the Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI) gaps on access to early warning information in the HKH region. The findings and recommendations of the research will be helpful for the decision-makers at various levels to understand the benefits of the community-based flood early warning system for informed decision making, and nudge them to share this information with the communities who need the most for early action and preparedness.”
Policy recommendations to protect lives and livelihood of vulnerable communities
For policy makers looking to strengthen existing community-based flood warning systems or implement new ones, the project outcomes include three main recommended actions:
1. Improve information sharing and coordination
2. Explore mechanisms for financial innovation and sustainability
3. Expand roles and responsibilities for private sector actor
If you would like to learn more about the initiative and its outcomes, a case study on this specific initiative and its outcomes is available here