Abstract ID: 3.12047 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

This research examines disaster risk communication (DRC) and resilience-building in High Mountain Asia (HMA) through the lens of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) among the Wakhi people, who span the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and China. Preliminary findings from the four countries reveal nuanced and complex dynamics: while elders emphasize the value of IK—rooted in centuries of evolution—youth increasingly favor scientific methods as more relevant to contemporary challenges. This contrast highlights a gap in DRC, as government-led initiatives prioritize scientific knowledge and adopt an autocratic, top-down approach, whereas NGOs employ participatory approaches, though their reach and effectiveness remain limited. Indigenous practices such as resilient construction, communal storage, land planning, and ritual offerings reflect a profound relationship with the environment, grounded in both practical adaptations and spiritual traditions. These practices embody a spiritual bond with nature, where rituals and offerings seek harmony with natural and supernatural forces, reinforcing both community resilience and individual confidence in facing disasters. Yet, formal systems often marginalize these practices. This study advocates for a decolonized approach that respects both scientific and Indigenous epistemologies, recognizing the unique resilience strategies of cross-border communities. By bridging these knowledge systems, this research aims to foster inclusive, context-sensitive frameworks for DRC in HMA.