Cooperating countries: Bhutan, Nepal, Austria

Coordinating institution: BOKU University

Project coordinator: Christian Zangerl

Partner institutions: College of Science and Technology (Royal University of Bhutan), Tribhuvan University

Project duration: 01 February 2026 - 31 January 2028

Budget: € 37.705,00

The INSPIRE project aims to enhance landslide hazard assessment and mitigation strategies in high-mountain regions, focusing on Bhutan and Nepal. These countries face increasing challenges due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and infrastructure expansion in geologically unstable areas. INSPIRE integrates interdisciplinary research across geosciences, engineering, and psychosocial disaster management to develop sustainable solutions. The project investigates landslide dynamics and multi-hazard interactions by comprehensive investigation of past and ongoing landslide case studies to understand the underlying physical processes and enhance future hazard mitigation strategies. A key focus includes assessing landslide hazards along roads and highways to investigate critical sections and develop sustainable mitigation measures. Additionally, the study will contribute to the development of a decision support system for Himalayan road corridors, incorporating data-driven hazard assessments and mapping techniques to aid policymakers and engineers in infrastructure planning. Additionally, the project addresses psychosocial disaster management by incorporating risk perception and capacity-building programs. INSPIRE emphasizes gender inclusivity by promoting female participation in research and training programs. The project fosters international collaboration between universities and stakeholders through joint research activities, workshops, and exchange programs. The findings will enhance infrastructure resilience, inform disaster preparedness efforts, and promote sustainable development. Through a participatory and open-data approach, INSPIRE ensures long-term benefits for scientific communities, policymakers, and local populations in landslide-prone high-mountain regions such as Bhutan and Nepal.