SUMMARY

Cultural beliefs, myths, and faith are integral components of local knowledge and practices, playing an important role in strengthening community responses to disaster risk reduction through various pathways. Firstly, these aspects influence people’s understanding of the risks associated with disasters (e.g., risk perception) and their responses to such events. Gobargada Village in the Koshi region serves as a living example of how cultural beliefs, myths, and faith deeply influence community life. These traditions not only shape the identity of the residents but also act as strong pillars during the times of crisis. They are often intertwined with natural elements, historical events, local landscapes, and ecosystems, reflecting a deep understanding of the environment and its challenges. This policy brief suggests recognizing and incorporating cultural beliefs, myths, and faith into disaster plans, using Gobargada as a case study. It proposes that local governments value and promote these cultural elements into broader resilience strategies