Skip to main content

Disaster Management international framework


The international landscape for disaster management relies on frameworks that emphasize reducing risk, improving preparedness, and fostering resilience to protect lives, economies, and ecosystems from the impacts of natural and human-made hazards. Here's a more detailed examination of key international frameworks, with a focus on terminologies, facts, and concepts, as well as the role of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR):

1. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030

Adopted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, and endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2015, the Sendai Framework represents a paradigm shift from disaster response to proactive disaster risk management. It applies across natural, technological, and biological hazards.

Core Priorities:

  • Understanding Disaster Risk: This includes awareness of disaster risk factors and strengthening risk assessments based on geographic, social, and economic vulnerabilities.
  • Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: Effective governance structures are crucial to coordinate and implement disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts. It calls for policies, legal frameworks, and institutions at all levels to manage disaster risks effectively.
  • Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience: Promotes investments in structural (e.g., infrastructure) and non-structural (e.g., education, awareness) measures to reduce vulnerabilities.
  • Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response, and Building Back Better in Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction: This involves creating contingency plans, improving response mechanisms, and ensuring that post-disaster reconstruction efforts enhance resilience to future events.

The Sendai Framework established seven global targets aimed at reducing mortality, economic losses, and infrastructure damage by 2030. It also set benchmarks to improve the availability of early warning systems, enhance international cooperation, and increase the number of countries with DRR strategies.

2. Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World (1994)

Established at the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction in Yokohama, Japan, in 1994, this was one of the earliest frameworks for international disaster risk reduction.

Key Concepts:

  • Political Will and Governance: Emphasized the role of political commitment to support legislation and policy-making for DRR.
  • Public Awareness and Education: Recognized the importance of community education in enhancing preparedness and resilience at the grassroots level.
  • Integration into Development Planning: Encouraged integrating disaster preparedness and risk reduction into national development plans.

The Yokohama Strategy laid foundational principles for DRR, including vulnerability reduction, community involvement, and international cooperation, which later informed frameworks like the Hyogo and Sendai.

3. Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015)

The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) sought to build the resilience of nations and communities to disasters, with an overarching goal to reduce losses in lives, assets, and economies by 2015.

Five Priorities for Action:

  1. Ensure DRR is a National and Local Priority
  2. Identify, Assess, and Monitor Disaster Risks
  3. Use Knowledge, Innovation, and Education
  4. Reduce Underlying Risk Factors
  5. Strengthen Disaster Preparedness

While the HFA helped establish national DRR platforms in several countries, it faced challenges, especially in measuring progress and achieving substantial reductions in disaster losses, leading to the more ambitious Sendai Framework.

4. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Established in 1992, the UNFCCC aims to mitigate climate change impacts by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate effects, which are linked to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-induced disasters.

Key Contributions to DRR:

  • Kyoto Protocol (1997): Set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, aiming to address the causes of climate-related risks.
  • Paris Agreement (2015): Targets to keep global temperature rise below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with a more ambitious aim of 1.5°C. This agreement underscores adaptation as a key pillar, which includes measures to reduce vulnerabilities to climate-driven disasters.

The UNFCCC promotes National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and financial mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund to support DRR efforts in climate-vulnerable countries.

5. The Paris Agreement

Adopted by 196 countries at COP21 in 2015, the Paris Agreement aims to address the climate change crisis by committing countries to emissions reduction targets and climate resilience measures.

DRR Components:

  • Adaptation Communication: Countries must outline their efforts to adapt to climate impacts, directly influencing disaster resilience and preparedness.
  • Loss and Damage: Recognizes that some climate-related disasters will exceed adaptive capacities, so strategies for addressing irreversible losses are essential.
  • Climate Finance: High-income countries commit to providing financial support to assist lower-income countries in managing climate risks and enhancing DRR.

6. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Adopted in 2015, the 2030 Agenda acknowledges the importance of reducing disaster risk in achieving sustainable development. Ten of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are related to DRR, including:

  • Goal 1: End poverty in all forms, with targets to build resilience to climate and disaster shocks.
  • Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, focusing on urban planning to mitigate disaster risks.
  • Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change, with direct reference to strengthening resilience and adaptive capacities.

The SDGs emphasize a holistic approach where DRR is essential for sustainable development, highlighting interdependencies between social, environmental, and economic goals.

7. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

UNDRR (formerly UNISDR) is the United Nations entity responsible for coordinating global DRR efforts and supporting countries in implementing the Sendai Framework.

Key Functions:

  • Data and Reporting: UNDRR helps in gathering and disseminating disaster-related data to track progress on Sendai's targets.
  • Capacity Building: Provides technical support and training for countries to build robust DRR systems.
  • Policy Advocacy and Coordination: UNDRR works with various UN agencies, regional bodies, and governments to ensure coherent DRR policies and frameworks are integrated into national and regional agendas.
  • Global Assessment Report (GAR): Published by UNDRR, the GAR provides a comprehensive overview of global disaster risk and emerging trends, aiding policymakers and stakeholders in planning effective DRR strategies.

Key Terminologies and Concepts

  • Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): DRR encompasses all efforts aimed at analyzing and managing the causal factors of disasters to reduce exposure, minimize vulnerability, and enhance preparedness.
  • Vulnerability and Resilience: Vulnerability is the susceptibility to harm, while resilience is the ability to recover from disasters. Both are core concepts in international DRR strategies.
  • Mitigation, Adaptation, and Preparedness: Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce or prevent hazard impacts; adaptation is about adjusting systems to cope with risks, particularly those from climate change; and preparedness includes actions that enable an effective response to emergencies.

These international frameworks and policies collectively establish a multi-dimensional approach to disaster management, addressing everything from immediate disaster preparedness to long-term climate adaptation. They emphasize the importance of integrating DRR into national policies and sustainable development plans, recognizing that reducing disaster risks is critical to resilient, sustainable growth.




Disaster Management fyugp note 

PG and Research Department of Geography,
Government College Chittur, Palakkad
https://g.page/vineeshvc

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The global dimensions of disaster

Disasters are not merely natural occurrences but complex interactions between natural hazards and human vulnerabilities. To effectively address disaster risk, we must consider several interconnected dimensions: 1. Vulnerability: Definition: The susceptibility of individuals, communities, or assets to harm from a disaster. Factors: Socioeconomic conditions, geographic location, and environmental factors influence vulnerability. Example: Communities with high poverty rates and limited access to resources are more vulnerable to disaster impacts. 2. Exposure: Definition: The degree to which people, property, and infrastructure are located in hazard-prone areas. Factors: Population density, land use patterns, and infrastructure development influence exposure. Example: Coastal cities with high population density are highly exposed to hurricane and tsunami risks. 3. Capacity: Definition: A community's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Factors: Strong ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Overview of Disasters in India

India's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters India's diverse geography and climate make it highly susceptible to a range of natural disasters. These events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, cyclones, and landslides, can have devastating consequences for millions of people and the economy. Major Natural Disasters Affecting India: Earthquakes: Tectonic Setting: India's position on the Indian Plate, which is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, makes it prone to seismic activity. Impact: Earthquakes can cause widespread destruction, including building collapses, landslides, and tsunamis. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake is a prime example of such devastation. Tsunamis: Oceanic Triggers: Underwater earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can generate tsunamis, as seen in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Impact: Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis, which can lead to massive loss of life and property. Floods: Monsoon Influence: India's...
Post a Comment
Read more

Water Act 1974

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 is a significant piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution. Here are some key facts about the Act: 1. Objective: The primary objective is to prevent and control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in the country. 2. Establishment of Boards:    - Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The Act mandates the establishment of the CPCB to oversee and coordinate activities across the nation and advise the Central Government.    - State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Each state is required to establish its own SPCB to plan comprehensive programs for the prevention and control of pollution. 3. Powers and Functions:    - The Boards have the authority to inspect any sewage or trade effluents, works, and plants for the treatment of sewage and trade effluents.    - They can establish standards for the discharge of pollutants into water bodies and ensure adherence to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Environment Management DRR

Environmental management plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by harnessing the power of natural ecosystems to prevent and mitigate the impacts of disasters. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable development. Interconnections Between Environmental Management and DRR: Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR): Natural Barriers: Ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and coral reefs act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of hazards like floods, landslides, and storm surges. Resilience Building: Healthy ecosystems enhance community resilience by absorbing excess rainfall, preventing erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Environmental Considerations in Disaster Planning: Sustainable Practices: Incorporating environmental considerations into disaster planning helps prevent further environmental degradation, which can exacerbate disaster impacts. Resource Conservati...
Post a Comment
Read more

Forset management and water conservation

Forest management and water conservation are closely intertwined concepts, as forests play a crucial role in maintaining water resources. Here's an explanation of their connection: 1. Water Regulation: Forests act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and releasing it gradually. Trees help regulate water flow, preventing rapid runoff and reducing the risk of floods. 2. Groundwater Recharge: Trees contribute to groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil. This replenishes underground aquifers, which are important sources of freshwater. 3. Erosion Control: Forests provide vegetation cover that protects soil from erosion caused by rainfall. This, in turn, helps maintain the quality of water bodies by preventing sedimentation. 4. Streamflow Maintenance: Healthy forests ensure consistent streamflow. Trees release water through transpiration, influencing local and regional precipitation patterns and sustaining rivers and streams. 5. Biodiversity and Water Qual...
Post a Comment
Read more