Nepal frequently faces natural hazards and is ranked among the 20 most hazard-prone countries globally, placing 4th, 11th and 30th for risks related to climate hazards, earthquakes and floods, respectively. Open spaces, such as parks and natural areas, are essential public assets that serve as recreational areas and vital shelters during disasters. Mapping these spaces strengthens emergency preparedness, offering a crucial foundation for local governments and partners to deliver life-saving assistance, especially to displaced populations during environmental crises.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been supporting the Government of Nepal in identifying, mapping and protecting open spaces for humanitarian purposes since 2013. In that year, under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and as the co-lead of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster, IOM conducted a detailed study and identified 83 open spaces in Kathmandu Valley suitable for humanitarian use during disasters. In 2019, a survey was conducted to collect data on the status of these spaces, including current land use and the available flat areas suitable for humanitarian purposes in the valley.

Currently, under the project “Strengthening Institutional Knowledge and Capacity of Provincial and Local Governments to Embark on Disaster Risk Management Actions and Implementation (SIKAI)”, supported by USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA), IOM has mapped and identified 81 humanitarian and 123 community open spaces in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. In Gurbhakot Municipality,  Karnali Province, IOM has mapped 22 humanitarian and 63 community open spaces, along with 85 educational, 28 health and 29 government facilities. Moreover, IOM developed four books on open spaces and facilities in Gurbhakot Municipality. The first book was launched on 25 September in the presence of Deputy Mayor of Gurbhakot Municipality, Maina BK and the Regional Director of USAID/BHA, Ivana Vuco.

“USAID/BHA is delighted to hand over the open space mapping book to Gurbhakot Municipality as it paves the way for better disaster preparedness. It is an honour to be presenting the joint efforts of the municipality and IOM through this informative booklet”, mentioned Ms Vuco.

The Deputy Mayor thanked IOM for continued the support to Gurbhakot Municipality through USAID/BHA funding and expressed optimism for further collaboration in disaster management. She added, “These open spaces identified at the municipal level will be protected and utilized when needed.”

"As Nepal faces increasing risks from natural hazards, strengthening emergency preparedness at the local level is more important than ever. IOM is proud to support the Government of Nepal and local municipalities by identifying, mapping and protecting open spaces that serve as critical hubs for humanitarian response during crises. These spaces are essential not only for immediate life-saving efforts but also for fostering long-term community resilience. Our partnership with USAID/BHA and local governments ensures that communities are better equipped to face emergencies, with the necessary resources and infrastructure to protect vulnerable populations. We remain committed to supporting Nepal in building safer, more disaster-resilient communities," said Helene Fors, IOM Chief of Mission in Nepal.

This initiative has highlighted the crucial role of open spaces in strengthening Nepal’s disaster preparedness. By mapping these spaces for emergency use, IOM and the Government of Nepal, are providing essential resources for swift, life-saving responses, ensuring that local communities are better equipped to manage climate-induced crises.

For more information, please contact: Ruchi Thapa, National Project Officer at IOM Nepal, Email: ruthapa@iom.int