Disaster Risk Reduction programming
Print this page- a definition of disaster risk reduction,
- an overview of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and the Hyogo Framework for Action , and
- tools and reference guides in support of disaster risk reduction (DRR) programming.
I. Disaster Risk Reduction: a definition
The ISDR definition of disaster risk reduction (disaster reduction) is:
The conceptual framework of elements considered with the possibilities to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society, to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigation and preparedness) the adverse impacts of hazards, within the broad context of sustainable development. The disaster risk reduction framework is composed of the following fields of action (as described in ISDR's publication 2002 "Living with Risk: a global review of disaster reduction initiatives", page 23):
- Risk awareness and assessment including hazard analysis and vulnerability/capacity analysis;
- Knowledge development including education, training, research and information;
- Public commitment and institutional frameworks, including organisational, policy, legislation and community action;
- Application of measures including environmental management, land-use and urban planning, protection of critical facilities, application of science and technology, partnership and networking, and financial instruments;
- Early warning systems including forecasting, dissemination of warnings, preparedness measures and reaction capacities.
II. The ISDR and the HFA: an overview
ISDR's mission and objectives: The ISDR aims at building disaster resilient communities by promoting increased awareness of the importance of disaster reduction as an integral component of sustainable development, with the goal of reducing human, social, economic and environmental losses due to natural hazards and related technological and environmental disasters.
Recognising that natural hazards can threaten any one of us, the ISDR builds on partnerships and takes a global approach to disaster reduction, seeking to involve every individual and every community towards the goals of reducing the loss of lives, the socio-economic setbacks and the environmental damages caused by natural hazards. In order to achieve these goals, the ISDR promotes four objectives as tools towards reaching disaster reduction for all:
- Increase public awareness to understand risk, vulnerability and disaster reduction globally
- Obtain commitment from public authorities to implement disaster reduction policies and actions
- Stimulate interdisciplinary and intersectoral partnerships, including the expansion of risk reduction networks
- Improve scientific knowledge about disaster reduction
The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters:The HFA was adopted by 168 Governments at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Japan in January 2005. It was later endorsed by UN General Assembly. It represents the internationally most accepted and legitimate policy document on disaster risk reduction. The HFA contains three strategic goals and five priorities for action for the period 2005 to 2015.
Three strategic goals:
- The more effective integration of disaster risk considerations into sustainable development policies, planning and programming at all levels, with a special emphasis on disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness and vulnerability reduction;
- The development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities at all levels, in particular at the community level, that can systematically contribute to building resilience7 to hazards;
- The systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the design and implementation of emergency preparedness, response and recovery programmes in the reconstruction of affected communities.
Five priorities for Action:
- Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation
- Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning
- Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels
- Reduce the underlying risk factors
- Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels
The full text of the HFA is available in English and Spanish.The Report of the World Conference on Disaster Reduction, which includes the HFA, is available here in English, French and Spanish.
A two-page summary of the HFA is available here in English, French and Spanish.
A brochure version of the HFA is available in English, French and Spanish.
To see a presentation on the final outcome of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Geneva on 5-7 June 2007, click here
For more information on the Hyogo Framework for Action, visit ISDR's website.
III) Supporting DRR programming: tools and reference guides
The following tools and reference guides provide further assistance on designing and implementing DRR programming:
A Set of Guiding Principles for Implementing Disaster Risk Reduction. This set of guiding principles is offered as part of the "Words Into Action" (UN/ISDR, 2007) publication. They are basic principles that underpin or facilitate the achievement of effective disaster risk reduction.
Words Into Action: A Guide for Implementing the Hyogo Framework provides practical examples of strategies, advice, examples and indicators for Disaster Risk Reduction programmes, to support states in implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action (ISDR).
Indicators of Progress: Guidance on Measuring the Reduction of Disaster Risks and the Implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action and Annexes. This publication by UN/ISDR (2008) helps set priorities for implementing disaster risk reduction while regularly monitoring and reviewing achievements against clear indicators. It can be used by national authorities, civil society and community organizations, regional inter-governmental institutions, technical bodies, and international and donor communities.
Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction into CCA and UNDAF (ISDR and UNDP joint publication) and Annexes
Building Capacities for Risk Reduction, 1st edition, UN Disaster Management Training Programme, DHA, 1997
Drought Risk Reduction Framework and Practices: Contributing to the Implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action covers drought definition and typology, understanding drought risk and vulnerability, the main elements for a drought risk reduction framework and practices, and networks and mechanisms to encourage the implementation of drought risk reduction projects and practices. (ISDR)
Guidelines for National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction, available in English, French and Spanish, providin g guidance to establish or strengthen National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction. (ISDR)
Tools for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction: Guidance Notes for Development Organisations is a useful ProVention publication. Further tools and publications are available on their website. ProVention Consortium is a global partnership of governments, international organisations, academic institutions, the private sector and civil society dedicated to increasing the safety of vulnerable communities and to reducing the impacts of disasters in developing countries. Its overall goal is to reduce the risk and social, economic and environmental impacts of natural hazards on vulnerable populations in developing countries in order to alleviate poverty and contribute to sustainable development.
Gender Perspective: Working Together for Disaster Risk Reduction - Good Practices and Lessons Learned is part of ongoing efforts facilitated by the UN/ISDR secretariat to build a global partnership for mainstreaming gender issues into the disaster risk reduction process. Such efforts have become urgent because disaster risk reduction has long remained a largely male-dominated affair, yet it is clear that the full and balanced participation of women and men, and girls and boys make disaster risk reduction more effective. (ISDR)
Lessons for a Safer Future: Drawing on the experience of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, contains eleven key actions for building nations' and communities' resilience to disasters (ISDR).
Building Disaster Resilient Communities provides lessons learnt and case studies and makes the case for increased community-oriented DRR action (Global Network of NGOs for Disaster Risk Reduction)
On Better Terms: A Glance at Key Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Concepts provides an overview of disaster risk reduction and climate change terminology and concepts (ISDR).
ISDR's website contains extensive further reading material, tools and guides on Disaster Risk Reduction.
PreventionWeb is an information portal on disaster risk reduction (DRR), currently under development by the ISDR Secretariat. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the work of professionals involved in disaster risk reduction and promote an understanding of the subject by non-specialists. Its contents will include a DRR initiatives database, DRR jobs, Contacts: National Platform and HFA, Training and events, and Mailing list services.
The International Recovery Platform (IRP) has a website database on "good practices on recovery". The IRP, of which OCHA is a member, was launched in May 2005 to support the Hyogo Framework for Action. It seeks to fulfill strategic goal (c) of the HFA by functioning as an international repository of knowledge and as a networking mechanism for recovery, aiming to address the gaps and constraints inherent in the current contexts of recovery. A pamphlet on IRP's activities is available here.