Transdisciplinary Approach to Enhance Citizens’ Disaster Resilience in Khovd, Western Mongolia

Residents, schools, universities, and governments in Khovd Province, Mongolia, have been working together since 2017 to increase awareness of and preparedness for disaster risk reduction (DRR). This DRR project is in partnership with Nagoya University, the Open University of Japan, the National University of Mongolia, the Institute of Geography and Geoecology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and the National Emergency Management Agency of Mongolia, and is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 states the importance of enhancing citizens’ disaster resilience and understanding of disaster risk, strengthening risk governance, and investing in DRR. Although the goals of the Sendai Framework are rapidly being met, a proven methodology to inspire citizens remains a major issue. It is essential to disseminate citizen-led DRR that encourages citizens to understand that they must take action themselves. This material discusses and validates a methodology for a transdisciplinary approach for citizen-led DRR involving numerous related stakeholders in a remote area of western Mongolia. Transdisciplinary activities began in 2017, including the creation of a DRR educational card game by students, citizen-led workshops, hazard map creation by geographical methods, and production of educational online content. These activities were derived from anthropological interviews with regional ethnic groups, geographical surveys, and sociological risk communication. We conclude that the keys to success lie in understanding local cultures and needs, customization of methods and materials, and voluntary public participation. The methodology’s further verification is warranted through future nationwide dissemination in Mongolia.