As Honduras strives for a brighter future for all its citizens, it must confront the reality that its vulnerability to natural hazards threatens the country’s long-term development prospects. The devastating impacts from tropical storms Eta and Iota in November 2020, which affected 4.5 million people and caused nearly $1.9 billion in damage and losses, highlighted this reality.

In response to this challenge, the Honduran government has drawn on the support of GFDRR in its efforts to reduce its vulnerability to natural hazards, with a recent focus on ensuring the resilience and accessibility of Honduran schools. These efforts have been undertaken under the auspices of the Honduras Tropical Cyclones Eta and Iota Emergency Recovery Project, which is being supported with a $150 million contribution from the International Development Association (IDA).

Drawing on best practices in resilient school design, GFDRR has provided technical assistance to help the government build 37 disaster- and climate-resilient schools in vulnerable communities, with 30 additional schools under construction.

In providing that technical assistance, the technical team drew on comprehensive disaster risk assessments of schools that informed the government’s integration of structural interventions such as raised foundations, reinforced roofing, and improved drainage systems to mitigate risks from flooding, landslides, and earthquakes. The assessments also informed the integration of bioclimatic designs—adaptations in roofing, window placement, and ventilation—to counter the effects of climate change and extreme weather conditions.

In a country where nearly 70 percent of households with persons with disabilities are vulnerable to poverty, and 20 percent of outof- school children aged 6 to 12 have disabilities, GFDRR provided technical assistance to enable incorporation of universal access principles into the designs of the resilient schools. This includes the addition of ramps, railings, and accessible toilets, ensuring that schools are functional and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their physical ability.

Although the initial costs of inclusive and accessible designs are slightly higher—ranging from 0.5 to 1 percent of construction costs when planned from the outset—studies have shown that the long-term benefits far outweigh these expenses.

Across all these efforts, the technical team engaged in extensive consultations with communities, parents, and teachers such that the designs reflect local needs. Moreover, collaboration with civil society organizations representing persons with disabilities, such as the Federación Nacional de Padres de Personas con Discapacidad de Honduras, have helped ensure that the designs meet their needs.

By addressing the dual challenges of natural hazard vulnerability and accessibility for persons with disabilities, Honduras is making significant progress toward creating more resilient and inclusive communities. This initiative not only enhances the lives of people across Honduras, but also sets a precedent for future development projects in the region and beyond, demonstrating how thoughtful, inclusive design can create safer, more accessible societies for all.