Development of a Network of Peruvian and Latin American Universities Committed to Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Change

Latin America is affected by frequent floods and landslides, with widespread implications for the well-being of vulnerable communities. Since 2016, several Peruvian and Latin American universities have been actively participating in the development of a network as a multidisciplinary centre, where they promote (through discussion forums) the incorporation of relevant material to understand the complexity of the Integral Risk Management of Disasters and Adaptation to Climate Change’ in university programs. A run of four network forums culminated with the establishment of a network comprising: Higher Education Institutions of Latin America and the Caribbean (Ries GIRD-LAC) and the Peruvian Network of Universities committed to managing risk and adapting to climate change. The Rectors of the universities signed full agreements to implement actions that promote the network action plan. The network was known as: ‘NETWORK OF PERUVIAN AND LATIN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES COMMITTED TO RISK MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE’. We will use the mnemonic GIRD-ACC when referring to the network. As a result of this initiative, the Jorge Basadre Grohmann University (UNJBG) in Tacna, Peru, co-founder of the aforementioned networks, has carried out pilot projects to implement the GIRD-ACC framework through: (a) workshops to build awareness on risk management and climate change aimed at the university community; and (b) incorporating elements of IDRM-ACC in content units of architecture, communication and veterinary programs, living projects supported by disaster management protocols, risk reduction and, with the active participation of students and communities. This article reports on the results of the implementation management process of the network during the last 5 years. We discuss the relevance of the actions proposed by the networks and the progress of their results in the pioneering public universities of southern Peru. In addition, we suggest ways in which these actions can contribute to the achievement of SDGs such as: resilient cities SDG 11, Climate action SDG 13 and SDG-17 Alliance. Finally, we reflect on the current problems and the barriers that impede the development and implementation of network actions. This study contributes to filling a gap by describing the process of creation and implementation of a Peruvian and Latin American Network for risk management and adaptation to climate change. It will be of interest to anyone who wants to be involved in risk management, particularly in Higher Education.