Practical Action
The Pitch
Practical Action trained volunteers, installed environmental condition detection systems and developed new hardware to create a disaster early warning system that protects residents and improves Lima’s climate resilience. In addition, they worked alongside municipalities to create drainage infrastructure that reduces disaster risks after extreme rainfall.
The Problem
Lima is prone to flooding and landslides, and the risks will only increase as climate change makes extreme weather events more frequent and unpredictable. In addition, the city lacked adequate monitoring and warning systems that could predict disasters.
The Process
- Used locally produced and cost-effective hardware to build accurate, real-time early warning systems
- Installed rain gauges, information dashboards and communication systems to alert nearby communities of possible floods and landslides
- Created 25 handmade monitoring stations and five low-cost automated systems: Powered by solar, they monitor rainfall, soil moisture and water levels, and take photos
- Installed four automated monitoring stations in partnership with the National Weather Agency and the Korean International Cooperation Agency
- Installed and improved culverts and “geonets” that prevent debris from falling down ravines
- Conducted 200+ capacity-building workshops to educate 2,500+ residents on climate resilience, hardware installation and early warning systems
- Held press conferences to advocate for disaster preparedness
- Created the Rímac Watershed Resilient Leaders Network: Comprised of community leaders who work with municipalities to meet their needs, the Network creates new policies and spreads awareness about climate resilience
The Impact
- Improved drainage systems
- Extended monitoring systems’ reach and improved efficacy of information
- Keeps residents well-informed and safe
- Increased capacity to create community-based climate solutions
- Equipped residents with the necessary skills to respond to floods and landslides
- Influenced investment of $740,000 into risk mapping and preparedness in Lima
