scholarly journals Disaster management and climate adaptation roadmap for coastal cities based on UNDRR's ten essentials

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-297
Author(s):  
Carlos Germano Ferreira Costa

Disasters and natural hazards increasingly affect people in the most vulnerable communities in coastal cities, and low-lying areas are especially exposed in the context of increased urbanization, where the urban risk continues to rise. This paper endeavors to establish a Roadmap for Disaster Risk Management Planning for coastal cities based on the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Ten Essentials (UNDRR, 2012). We report on local Disaster Risk Management (DRM) practices in a mid-Atlantic capital -the city of Praia, in Cabo Verde. DRM in coastal cities in island states turns out to be an intricate process due to the incorporation of socio-environmental anthropogenic exposure to physical, economic, population, political, and climate vulnerabilities. This paper contributes to the growing knowledge of the institutional framework's role in the facilitation of local adaptation, and design-thinking of urban-development planning processes in coastal cities and low-lying areas, by distinguishing arising opportunities for planned Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and describing a roadmap intended at further advances the discussions for the progress of risk-informed sustainable development pathways in the context of coastal cities. It advocates for the design of adaptative processes understood according to local initiatives, to foresee a possible expression of the growing engagement of different actors in the control and monitoring of risks and vulnerabilities in these areas.

Author(s):  
Kevin K. C. Hung ◽  
Sonoe Mashino ◽  
Emily Y. Y. Chan ◽  
Makiko K. MacDermot ◽  
Satchit Balsari ◽  
...  

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 placed human health at the centre of disaster risk reduction, calling for the global community to enhance local and national health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM). The Health EDRM Framework, published in 2019, describes the functions required for comprehensive disaster risk management across prevention, preparedness, readiness, response, and recovery to improve the resilience and health security of communities, countries, and health systems. Evidence-based Health EDRM workforce development is vital. However, there are still significant gaps in the evidence identifying common competencies for training and education programmes, and the clarification of strategies for workforce retention, motivation, deployment, and coordination. Initiated in June 2020, this project includes literature reviews, case studies, and an expert consensus (modified Delphi) study. Literature reviews in English, Japanese, and Chinese aim to identify research gaps and explore core competencies for Health EDRM workforce training. Thirteen Health EDRM related case studies from six WHO regions will illustrate best practices (and pitfalls) and inform the consensus study. Consensus will be sought from global experts in emergency and disaster medicine, nursing, public health and related disciplines. Recommendations for developing effective health workforce strategies for low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries will then be disseminated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla A. Zamisa ◽  
Sybert Mutereko

Section 151(2) of the Constitution empowers municipalities in South Africa to pass disaster management-related by-laws. Such by-laws should be specific on the role of traditional leaders, owing to their authority and proximity to the people coupled with their constitutional mandate to preserve customs and traditions. However, their role is often not maximised because of vague and inadequate policies. There has been little or no scholarly attention to the role of traditional leadership and the policy and legal framework that guide their participation in disaster risk management. Employing a comprehensive content analysis of Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law, this article assesses the adequacy of these by-laws on disaster risk governance in the context of collaboration disaster risk reduction. While the Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law provides for the participation of traditional leadership, this study reveals that it is fraught with ambiguities and seemingly vague clauses. For instance, although in Article 5.1.1 the word ‘authorities’ is used, it is not clear whether this refers to traditional leadership or other entities at the local level. In addition, the composition of the Disaster Management Advisory Forum in Ugu does not explicitly include AmaKhosi. While these results add to the rapidly expanding field of disaster risk management, they also suggest several courses of action for policymakers at local government. Such actions might include, but not limited to, a review of the by-laws to address the lack of collaborative essence relative to traditional leaders for optimal disaster risk reduction initiatives targeting traditional communities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Hiroshi Une ◽  
Takayuki Nakano

Geographic location is one of the most fundamental and indispensable information elements in the field of disaster response and prevention. For example, in the case of the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011, aerial photos taken immediately after the earthquake greatly improved information sharing among different government offices and facilitated rescue and recovery operations, and maps prepared after the disaster assisted in the rapid reconstruction of affected local communities. Thanks to the recent development of geospatial information technology, this information has become more essential for disaster response activities. Advancements in web mapping technology allows us to better understand the situation by overlaying various location-specific data on base maps on the web and specifying the areas on which activities should be focused. Through 3-D modelling technology, we can have a more realistic understanding of the relationship between disaster and topography. Geospatial information technology can sup-port proper preparation and emergency responses against disasters by individuals and local communities through hazard mapping and other information services using mobile devices. Thus, geospatial information technology is playing a more vital role on all stages of disaster risk management and responses. In acknowledging geospatial information’s vital role in disaster risk reduction, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, repeatedly reveals the importance of utilizing geospatial information technology for disaster risk reduction. This presentation aims to report the recent practical applications of geospatial information technology for disaster risk management and responses.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Raju ◽  
Karen da Costa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify how governance and accountability have been addressed in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030. Design/methodology/approach The research is mainly based on the analysis of the SFDRR; scientific literature, particularly recent publications covering the SFDRR. The paper also takes into account grey literature. Findings The SFDRR does address issues of governance and accountability in disasters. However, more needs to be done to translate it into practice – particularly with regard to accountability. Originality/value The paper covers a topic that has not attracted considerable academic attention, despite the fact that the need to address accountability in disaster risk management, notably in DRR, has been generally acknowledged. By addressing governance and accountability in the most recent international DRR framework the paper adds value to the literature.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tauisi Taupo

<p>The four essays investigate the impacts and implications of climate change and disasters in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific by examining disaster risk, resilience, response, and recovery in Tuvalu.  The first chapter starts with a survey on the conceptual framework of disaster risk which relies on its associated components of hazard, vulnerability and exposure. It is an introductory literature review that sets the scene for the other chapters. It is not intended to make an original contribution nor a critical review of the literature justified to be publishable. How we measure these risks depends on how we define disaster risk and its components. Though there are diverse views on these definitions in different disciplines, we can capitalise on their commonalities to frame disaster risk models.  The second chapter investigates the vulnerability of households to climatic disasters in Tuvalu. Small Island Developing States, particularly the atoll islands, are considered to be the most vulnerable to climatic change, and in particular to sea-level rise and its associated risks. From the Tuvalu Statistics Department household survey, we construct poverty and hardship profiles for households on the different islands of Tuvalu, and combine these with geographic and topographic information to assess the exposure differentials among different groups using spatial econometric models. Besides the observation that households in hardship are more vulnerable to negative shocks because they lack the resources to respond, we also find that they are also more likely to reside in highly exposed areas to disasters (closer to the coasts and at lower elevation) and have less ability to migrate (between and within the islands).  The third chapter examines cyclones. The intensity of cyclones in the Pacific is predicted to increase and sea levels are predicted to rise, so an atoll nation like Tuvalu can serve as the `canary in the coal mine' pointing to the new risks that are emerging because of climatic change. Based on a household survey we conducted in Tuvalu, we quantify the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Pam (March 2015) on households, and the determinants of these impacts in terms of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and responsiveness. Households experienced significant damage due to the storm surge caused by the cyclone, even though the cyclone itself passed very far away (about a 1,000 km). This risk of distant cyclones has been overlooked in the literature, and ignoring it leads to significant under-estimation of the disaster risk facing low-lying atoll islands. Lastly, we constructed hypothetical policy scenarios, and calculated the estimated loss and damage they would have been associated with { a first step in building careful assessments of the feasibility of various disaster risk reduction policies.  The fourth chapter examines the financing of disaster risk management. Future climate and disaster risks are likely to impose increasing financial pressure on the governments of low-lying atoll nations. The aftermath of a disaster such as a cyclone requires financial means for quick response and recovery. Hence, we quantify appropriate levels of financial support for expected disasters in Tuvalu and Kiribati by building on the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative (PCRAFI) calculated likely costs for disasters. To these, we add estimates of the potential effects of distant cyclones, droughts, sea level rise and climate change as they are predicted to affect low-lying atoll islands. There are several potential financial instruments available for disaster risk management in the Pacific Islands. We focus on the potential contribution of the sovereign wealth funds (SWF) of Tuvalu and Kiribati in reducing reliance on foreign aid for both ex-ante and ex-post disaster risk management. We forecast the future size of the SWF using Monte Carlo simulations and an Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average model. We examine the long-term sustainability of the SWF, and the feasibility of extending their mandate to cover and pay for at least some climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Intan Adhi Perdana Putri

Preventing and reducing disaster victims is crucial in the disaster risk reduction context. The government, particularly at the local level, plays a vital role in reducing such risk. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of local governments is needed to reach the goal. This necessity is clearly stated in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDDR) 2015-2030. The capacity of local government in disaster risk management is essential in preventing and minimizing the number of victims. Floods and forest and land fire haze are the most common disasters in Jambi Province. Understanding the local government capacity is imperative in the context of disaster risk reduction as such. This paper aims to explain the current capacity of the Jambi local government in managing flood and forest and land fire haze. Data were collected qualitatively from government officials through focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews. The findings showed that the capacity of Jambi’s local government needs to be improved, and there are issues to be solved. Jambi Province policy capacity tended to focus on forest fires and lacked attention on flood-related policies. On implementation capacity, there exist some issues to be overcome, such as the local government officials’ knowledge and skills related to disaster risk management, redundant disaster preparedness programs at the village level, and the need for more detailed hazard maps. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chandra Lal Pandey

Purpose Understanding bottom-up approaches including local coping mechanisms, recognizing them and strengthening community capacities is important in the process of disaster risk reduction. The purpose of this paper is to address the questions: to what extent existing disaster policies in Nepal support and enable community-based disaster resilience? and what challenges and prospects do the communities have in responding to disaster risk for making communities resilient? Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on policy and academic literature reviews complimented by field research in two communities, one in Shankhu, Kathmandu district and another in Satthighare, Kavrepalanchowk district in Nepal. The author conducted in-depth interviews and mapped out key disaster-related policies of Nepal to investigate the role of communities in disaster risk management and post-disaster activities and their recognition in disaster-related policies. Findings The author found that existing literature clearly identifies the importance of the community led initiatives in risks reduction and management. It is evolutionary phenomenon, which has already been piloted in history including in the aftermath of Nepal earthquake 2015 yet existing policies of Nepal do not clearly identify it as an important component by providing details of how communities can be better engaged in the immediate aftermath of disaster occurrence. Research limitations/implications The author conducted this research based on data from two earthquake affected areas only. The author believes that this research can still play an important role as representative study. Practical implications The practical implication of this research is that communities need to understand about risks society for disaster preparedness, mitigation and timely response in the aftermath of disasters. As they are the first responders against the disasters, they also need trainings such as disaster drills such as earthquakes, floods and fire and mock practice of various early warning systems can be conducted by local governments to prepare these communities better to reduce disaster risk and casualties. Social implications The mantra of community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) is community engagement, which means the involvement of local people to understand and prepare against their local hazards and risks associated with disaster and haphazard development. CBDRM approaches motivate people to work together because they feel a sense of belongingness to their communities and recognize the benefits of their involvement in disaster mitigation and preparedness. Clearly, community engagement for disaster risk reduction and management brings great benefits in terms of ownership and direct savings in losses from disasters because the dynamic process allows community to contribute and interchange ideas and activities for inclusive decision making and problem solving. Originality/value This research is based on both primary and secondary data and original in case of its findings and conclusion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-142
Author(s):  
Iwan Permana ◽  
Rosliana Dewi ◽  
Johan Budhiana ◽  
Iyam Mariam ◽  
Lia Novianty ◽  
...  

The Sirnaresmi indigenous people are one of the communities that still maintain their traditional culture to this day. In carrying out the rules and customs in the community, Sirnaresmi Village has its own institutional structure. There are several stakeholder institutions that support landslide risk reduction in Sirnaresmi Village. This study aims to determine the socio-cultural life and disaster risk management of the customary community in Sirnaresmi Village, West Java. The result showed that efforts to reduce the risk of landslides in Sirnaresmi Village have been carried out. However, the capacity in Sirnaresmi Village is still insufficient to reduce the risk of landslides. Some possible solutions are disaster risk reduction efforts by community organizing in disaster management through the formation of Disaster Management Community Groups (KMPB) and increasing public knowledge in reducing disaster risk together with experts from the Regional Disaster Management Agency of Sukabumi Regency. The other practical implications were also suggested such as by nurturing local traditions to help reduce disaster risk and involving local leadership roles in disaster risk reduction efforts.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lianchun Song ◽  
Yujie Wang

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ABSTRACT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160; China belongs to monsoon climate suffering from a wide-range of meteorological disasters such as flood, drought, typhoon, heat wave, frost, haze, sandstorm and etc. Many of these disasters have become more frequent and resulted in more significant impacts on socio-economy development in China in recent decades, and this can be attributed to climate change in part. From 1984 to 2018, the average annual direct economic loss caused by meteorological disasters reached $29 billion, accounting for 1.8% of the GDP coupled with a death toll of up to 3710 people. It is of major national importance to provide high-quality, useable climate services to help manage and reduce the risk of meteorological disasters, as well as to aid sustainable development.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We describe the climate services for the whole cycle of disaster risk management including risk identification, risk warning, disaster prevention, restoration and reconstruction in China. Based on the practices of National Climate Center(NCC) of China Meteorological Administration, we summarize the benefits, experiences and challenges of climate services for meteorological disaster risk reduction in China.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Firstly, identifying and understanding climate risks are fundamental for effective disaster risk management. In addition to short term risk management, such climate services assist in building long term resilience through restoration and reconstruction which focus on reducing the underlying risk factors, siting critical infrastructure, transferring risks and strengthening disaster preparedness capacity. Secondly, China has established successful working approaches, such as government leadership, coordination among different sectors, and participation from key communities, to more effectively manage disasters. Thirdly, capacity building of climate services for disaster risk reduction is very important. NCC has established a climate impact assessment service platform including comprehensive climate risk assessment indicators, quantitative assessment of the scope, intensity, duration and losses in meteorological disasters. These services are tailored to decision-making for the effective management of disasters for society. Finally, we discuss the challenges of climate services for disaster risk reduction. Many decision-makers in climate sensitive sectors have insufficient awareness of their vulnerability to future climate change. In fact, decision-makers would benefit from better understandings of climate-related hazards and impacts. A more comprehensive assessment of the risk of meteorological-related disasters needs undertaking, along with an analysis of the vulnerability of the hazard-affected system and interactions between meteorological-related disasters and socio-economic systems.&lt;/p&gt;


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