Feature article

Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action 2005-2015

Building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters

The ongoing and increasing vulnerability of Pacific Island nations and communities to the impacts of disasters has led to increased national and regional commitments to disaster risk reduction and disaster management on an ‘all hazards’ basis in support of sustainable development. These commitments have recently been articulated in the Pacific Plan and the Pacific Regional Framework for Action for Building Safer and more Resilient Nations and Communities to Disasters 2005 – 2015.

The Regional Framework complements other relevant international and regional frameworks, declarations and policies including those relating to climate change, ocean resources, freshwater, health, HIV/AIDS and agriculture.

The focus of the Regional Framework is to build safer, more resilient Pacifi c islands nations and communities to disasters, so that pacific peoples may achieve sustainable livelihoods and lead free and worthwhile lives.

THEME 1

Governance – Organisational, Institutional, Policy and Decision Making Frameworks

Expected outcomes by 2015:

1. Disaster risk reduction and disaster management mainstreamed into national policies, planning processes, plans and decision-making at all levels and across all sectors.
2. Partnerships and organizational arrangements with and between government agencies, civil society, development partners, communities and other stakeholders strengthened.
3. CROP agency partnerships coordinated, harmonised and strengthened to ensure country- and outcomefocused delivery of services.
4. Good governance by all stakeholders in disaster risk reduction and disaster management at regional, national and local levels strengthened.

THEME 2

Knowledge, Information, Public Awareness and Education.

Expected outcomes by 2015:

1. Better informed and more resilient communities as a result of quality public awareness and education programmes.
2. Sustainable, user-friendly information management networks in use at national and regional levels.
3. Improved knowledge of social, economic and environmental impacts of disasters in Pacific island nations and communities to monitor the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction and disaster management measures.
4. Disaster risk reduction and disaster management training programmes institutionalised at national and regional levels.
5. Accredited and recognised qualifications in disaster risk reduction and disaster management.

THEME 3

Analysis and Evaluation of Hazards, Vulnerabilities and Elements at Risk.

Expected outcomes by 2015:

1. An integrated framework for disaster risk reduction planning developed and implemented in Pacific island nations and communities.
2. Estimates of disaster risk and vulnerability that will enable informed decisions regarding the impact of disasters on physical infrastructure, social, economic and environmental conditions in Pacific island nations and communities.
3. Data and statistical information on disaster occurrence and impacts available for the region.
4. Implementation of a comprehensive scientific and technical regional database enabling spatial analysis of hazard prone areas, and establishment of magnitude frequency relationships and loss functions.

THEME 4

Planning for effective Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Expected outcomes by 2015:

1. Disaster preparedness, and the capacity for effective and timely response and recovery, strengthened in all Pacific island nations and communities;
2. Funds and resources made available to achieve an effective model of disaster management;
3. Emergency communication systems established and operating effectively;
4. Public awareness programmes addressing all known hazards;
5. Emergency response organizations and systems strengthened, including at the regional level.

THEME 5

Effective, Integrated and People-Focused Early Warning Systems.

Expected outcomes by 2015:

1. Robust, effective national and regional monitoring and early warning systems established and strengthened for all hazards incorporating traditional knowledge and appropriate technology and tools.
2. Community, national and regional warning systems integrated into the global network supporting early warning and vice-versa to improve safety and security to disasters
3. Effective communication and awareness raising in place as part of these community-focused early warning systems

THEME 6

Reduction of Underlying Risk Factors.

Expected outcomes by 2015:

1. Active steps are taken to address underlying risk factors such as poverty and population trends that negatively impact on community resilience.
2. Adoption of risk assessment, codes of practice and design standards by key sectors such as private sector, health, transport, communication, construction, and agriculture for improving their resilience.
3. Disaster risk reduction measures for major infrastructure, industries and projects are covered by planning processes.
4. Resource-use policies and practices incorporate risk reduction measures.

In response to the call by the Pacific Leaders for regional organisations to assist member countries to develop national action plans consistent with the Regional Framework SOPAC has coordinated the formation of a regional disaster risk management partnership network and through the support of this network is assisting countries to develop their national action plans.

For further information, please contact [email protected] or (679) 338 1377.