Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) wins World Habitat Awards “Gold Award”

The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) has won the World Habitat Awards 2020 “Gold Award” today for its “Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Technology for Safer Habitat” project.  

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Pakistan has suffered an estimated US $18 billion in damages and losses as a result of disasters over the past decades. The northern mountainous areas – home to some of the most disadvantaged and isolated communities – are especially vulnerable to earthquakes, floods and many other hazards that have caused significant damage in recent years.

Although international and national agencies have undertaken work on disaster preparedness at different levels, the integration of hazard, vulnerability and risk assessments (HVRAs) into planning processes – for disaster preparedness, response, rehabilitation and development – is rare.

The Integrating indigenous knowledge and technology for safer habitat approach set up by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Pakistan (AKAH Pakistan) integrates disaster-risk management into habitat planning and development projects at village and community levels. AKAH Pakistan introduced community-based HVRAs in the country for the first time in 2004, combining local and scientific knowledge to map risks, determine residential and economic zones, and develop disaster management plans. AKAH geologists use satellite images and risk-mapping tools, with participation from residents, who contribute local knowledge and receive training on the process. This enables them to build in safer areas and protect against hazards.

Read more at the source: Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) wins World Habitat Awards “Gold Award”