Sinhalagoda, Ratnapura
Care Earth Lanka recently facilitated a three-day Participatory Assessment of Climate and Disaster Risks (PACDR) workshop in Sinhalagoda, Ratnapura, aimed at strengthening community resilience to climate change and disaster risks.
The workshop brought together 20 community members (13 women and 7 men) representing different age groups and livelihoods, primarily daily wage workers. Local leadership engagement was encouraged, and the Samurdhi Officer participated in the process, contributing to the development of the community action plan.
Using the PACDR approach, participants were guided through a structured, participatory process that linked climate change concepts to everyday experiences. The discussions explored observed changes in weather patterns, climate-related hazards and disasters affecting the area, existing coping mechanisms, and gaps in preparedness and response. Community members collectively assessed current practices and identified practical, locally effective solutions.
The outcome of the workshop was a community-driven Climate and Disaster Resilience Action Plan, outlining priority interventions to reduce risk and strengthen preparedness. The plan focuses on key areas including community coordination, disaster preparedness, early response capacity, climate-resilient livelihoods, essential services including mental health wellbeing during recovery, environmental management, and economic resilience.
Participants expressed strong ownership of the process and appreciation for the opportunity to better understand their environment and risks, while contributing directly to solutions for their village.
The Way Forward
The next critical step is implementation of the Action Plan, translating community knowledge into tangible resilience-building actions on the ground. Care Earth Lanka seeks strategic and financial partners to support the implementation of these priority initiatives and to scale community-led climate and disaster resilience efforts in vulnerable areas.
Your support will help turn local solutions into lasting impact.
Contact Us
If you are interested in supporting the implementation of the community Climate and Disaster Resilience Action Plan, or would like to explore partnership opportunities, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact us at:
📧 careearth24@gmail.com
🌐 https://web.facebook.com/CareEarthLanka
