A science policy briefing paper from academics in Bath (UK) and Almora (India). This details the problem of increasing disaster risk in mountain regions alongside a gap in local community engagement. The briefing calls for a shift in emphasis, which fosters inclusive community engagement, and takes better account of local knowledge in disaster risk reduction. Specific recommendations are: (i) revision of State and District disaster management plans; (ii) implementation of comprehensive awareness campaigns; and (iii) programmes to capture the diversity of local knowledge
