Under the Building Resilience and Addressing Vulnerability to Emergencies (BRAVE) program, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) together with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) UK, Concern Worldwide Pakistan, and Aga Khan Foundation conducted a training workshop on Community-Based Climate Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (CCRVA). Held at Hotel Hillview in Islamabad, Pakistan from 29 May to 01 June 2023, the event aimed to equip trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate community-based climate resilience initiatives.

The first day focused on discussing concepts related to climate change risks and vulnerabilities. The training workshop also covered an overview of disasters and climate risks in Pakistan, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan province, as well as global and national climate change frameworks and policies.

On the second day, the participants immersed themselves in activities to facilitate the use of CCRVA tools in local communities of Gilgit-Baltistan. Such CCRVA tools included the Hazard and Resource Mapping, Historical Timeline, Seasonal Calendar, Vulnerability Matrix, Household Decision-making Pile Sorting, and Venn Diagram with Social and Institutional Network List. These tools were instrumental in helping the trainers understand the process of assessing climate change risks and vulnerabilities at the community level. The participants actively participated in the discussions and hands-on exercises, enhancing their understanding of the practical application of these tools.

The focus shifted on the third day towards identifying climate change adaptation options and exploring adaptation pathways using the CCRVA tools. These sessions provided the trainers with insights into selecting appropriate adaptation strategies based on community-specific vulnerabilities and risk profiles. The importance of developing comprehensive and context-specific plans to enhance resilience was emphasized.

On the final day, the participants delved into the planning for data collection and rollout of the climate risk and vulnerability assessment, an essential step in implementing the CCRVA process. Safeguarding policies and ensuring inclusion were also highlighted, emphasizing the need for ethical practices and equal participation of all community members.

The Training of Trainers event was a pivotal initiative in building capacity and empowering trainers to drive climate resilience efforts within communities. The participants gained valuable insights into climate change concepts, assessment methodologies, and the development of adaptation strategies. These trainers are now better equipped to support communities in understanding and addressing climate risks and vulnerabilities. The event served as a crucial step towards fostering resilience and preparedness in the face of climate change-induced challenges.

Armed with newfound knowledge and facilitation skills, the participants will travel to Gilgit-Baltistan within the month of June 2023 to put their expertise into action, collecting field data and utilizing the CCRVA tools with local communities. This activity will engage national, sub-national, and local government line agencies. The program goal is to empower the local communities in Gilgit-Baltistan by co-creating community-based climate adaptation plans tailored to their unique needs. This endeavor signifies a united front against climate change toward community resilience.