DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION - GLOBAL, REGIONAL & NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE - Dr. Pande LAZAREVSKI National Coordinator for NPDRR Implementation and Chair of the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION- GLOBAL, REGIONAL & NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE - What is Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)? UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA): 2005 - 2015 The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) GPDRR 2007 GPDRR 2009 GPDRR 2011 Regional Platforms European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR) National Platforms Macedonian National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Understanding Disaster Risk Reduction as a lifestyle…

What is Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)? There is no such thing as a 'natural' disaster, only natural hazards. DRR aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards through an ethic, habits and practice of prevention. Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through: Systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters. Reducing exposure to hazards, lessening vulnerability of people and property, Wise management of land and the environment, and Improving preparedness for adverse events. Disaster risk reduction is everyone's business. Disaster risk reduction includes disciplines like disaster management, disaster mitigation and disaster preparedness, but DRR is also part of sustainable development. DRR involves every part of society, every part of government, and every part of the professional and private sector.

UNISDR - part of the United Nations Secretariat Created in 1999, UNISDR is the secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). The mandate of UNISDR expanded in 2001 to serve as the focal point in the UN system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the UN system and regional organizations and activities in socio-economic and humanitarian fields. The "Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters" was adopted by the World Conference on Disaster Reduction, held in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, in January 2005. The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) tasked UNISDR with supporting the implementation of the HFA.

HFA is the guiding document in strengthening and building international cooperation to ensure that disaster risk reduction be used as a foundation for sound national and international development agendas. Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 • The Hyogo Framework for Action: • - Is the first plan to explain, describe and detail the work that is required from all different sectors and actors to reduce disaster losses. • - was developed and agreed on with the many partners needed to reduce disaster risk - governments, international agencies, disaster experts and many others - bringing them into a common system of coordination. • outlines five priorities for action, and offers guiding principles and practical means for achieving disaster resilience. • - Its goal is to substantially reduce disaster losses by 2015 by building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. • This means reducing loss of lives and social, economic, and environmental assets when hazards strike.

Expected Outcome: The substantial reduction of disaster losses, in lives and in the social, economic and environmental assets of communities and countries Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 • Strategic Goals • The integration of DRR into sustainable development policies and planning • Development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities to build resilience to hazards • The systematic incorporation of risk reduction approaches into the implementation of emergency preparedness, response and recovery programmes • Priorities for Action • Ensure that DRR 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.

Implementation and Follow-Up In order to achieve the goals and act upon the priorities identified in this Framework, the following tasks have been identified to ensure implementation and follow-up by States, regional and international organizations in collaboration with civil society and other stakeholders: Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 • Cross Cutting Issues • Multi-hazard approach • Gender perspective and cultural diversity • Community and volunteers participation • Capacity building & technology transfer

Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction The Global Platform for Disaster Reduction (established 2007) - managed by UNISDR, with the core function to support the implementation of the HFA. • a biennial forum for information exchange, discussion of latest development and knowledge and partnership building across sectors, • the goal - to improve implementation of disaster risk reduction through better communication and coordination amongst stakeholders, to assess and share information as well as set new directions for the disaster risk reduction imperative, with emphasis on local initiatives and activities. • the world’s foremost gathering of stakeholders committed to reducing disaster risk and building the resilience of communities and nations, bringing together disaster risk reduction, recovery and reconstruction experts, policy makers and practitioners, from government, international organizations (UN agencies, international financial institutions, regional bodies), NGOs the scientific and academic communities, and the private sector from both developing and developed countries

Main global forum for all parties involved in disaster risk reduction, namely Governments, UN agencies, international financial institutions, regional bodies, civil society, the private sector, and the scientific and academic communities to: Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction • Raise awareness on reducing disaster risk: • Increase the profile of DRR as part of development and climate change adaptation, recognizing that it is “everybody's business” and must be a multi-stakeholder undertaking, with Governments' playing a central role; Reiterate the commitment of policy and decision-makers to implement the HFA. • Share experience: • Learn from good practice; • Provide practical guidance for nations and communities to reduce disaster risk. • Guide the ISDR system: • Assess progress made in implementing the HFA, and identify obstacles, critical problems and emerging issues that must be addressed to speed up national and local implementation; • Enhance cooperation and concerted action by the international community to support national and local implementation of disaster risk reduction including identification of priorities for the ISDR system for 2008-2009.

Particular emphasis on topical issues of concern to policy makers and specific substantive themes (especially those linked to the HFA’s first priority for action): The First Session • Reducing disaster risk through the Hyogo Framework for Action as a key strategy for climate change adaptation. • Challenges in reducing disaster risk in urban settings and mega-cities. • Roadblocks, costs, and opportunities to implement disaster risk reduction policy. • Summary of the first GPDRR session: • Supporting country efforts • Programme focus • UN ISDR system development

The benchmarks set out in the Chair's Summary of the Second Session of the Global Platform-2009 focused on: 1. To urgently harmonize the frameworks for both DRR and climate change adaptation in the broader context of poverty reduction and sustainable development; 2. To reduce risk at the community and local levels, through collaborative partnerships based on recognition of the mutual dependence; 3. To move from isolated actions and pilot projects to full implementation of the HFA; 4. To scale-up action and funding from national budgets and international sources … as well as starting to measure the effectiveness of investment in risk reduction; 5. Mid-Term Review of the HFA would require ownership on the part of Governments, the close involvement of civil society, and strengthened regional capacities for coordination and support. Outcomes To establish direction and focus, advance local and national implementation, and introduce new investments and commitments. a model for substantive, multi-stakeholder dialogue with sessions designed to foster interactivity and partnership-building among stakeholder groups. The Second Session

Reducing Disaster Risks through Science: Issues and Actions Report of the ISDR Scientific and Technical Committee Disasters, DRR, and the role of science Practical applications of natural and social sciences to reduce vulnerability Selected topics - climate change, early warning, health and societal resilience Achieving a more effective interplay of science, technology and policy Recommendations (i) Promote knowledge into action (ii) Use a problem-solving approach that integrates all hazards and disciplines (iii) Support systematic science programmes

Third Session convened 8-13 May 2011 “Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow – Increased Investment in Local Action” Main topics: Recovering and Reducing Risks after Disasters - World Reconstruction Conference; Understanding the Economics of Disaster Risk Reduction; Strengthening Alliances for Climate Change Adaptation and Development.

“By its very nature, the work of risk reduction may go unsung. The flood or earthquake one plans for may not happen for years, even generations. And when it does, success is measured by what does not occur: The school that did not collapse. The building that did not fall. The village that was not destroyed. But it goes far deeper. Your efforts are really about making sure that despite the fury and force of natural hazards, communities can continue to thrive ... families can continue to prosper ... children can continue to dream. That is the essence of your work. And there is nothing more meaningful than that.” Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nation “Disaster risk is a reality of today, and a real threat for tomorrow. A threat that can be solved only by fulfilling the commitments and numerous pledges our governments have taken in past decades. It is the most important responsibility of this generation to hand over a less vulnerable world to generations to come, just as Noah did for mankind on the summit of biblical Mount Ararat.” Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, President of the Republic of Macedonia

Discussion Paper on The Third Session of the Global Platform for DRR Discussion points: the effective involvement of communities and local authorities in planning integrated, multi-hazard approaches to disasters: national institutional arrangements are not enough to promote effective action when resources do not reach local communities. the role of the private sector, especially in the local setting… infrastructure and reconstruction; the economics of disaster risk reduction; building alliances and partnerships in climate adaptation action. integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning, whether in finance, health, education, public works, agriculture, watershed or forest management. Progress and challenges since the Second Session in 2009 The Chair’s Summary of the 2009 Global Platform established common directions for disaster risk reduction in areas of climate change adaption, protecting the most vulnerable, and set some targets for financing risk reduction.

Discussion Paper on The Third Session of the Global Platform for DRR Key objectives: Know more– raise the awareness of citizens and governments. Invest wisely–to invest in disaster risk reduction activities. Build more safely– include disaster risk reduction in planning processes and protect critical infrastructure. Global Assessment Report 2011 and the Mid-Term Review of the HFA: factors contributing to reduced risk: Understanding risk The balance of responsibility Creating public awareness Questions for consideration What can national governments do to promote public awareness? What steps can be taken to ensure that risk information is sufficiently available? Who is responsible for ensuring safe from natural hazards?

Points from the Official Statement of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia on the Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction “Disaster Risk Reduction is actually a lifestyle, or vice versa, a lifestyle resulting with risk reduction. …the Republic of Macedonia is strongly committed to promoting the merging of risk reduction and adaptation efforts on a national, regional and global level, that implies the following: development of integrated risk assessment methodologies and procedures; establishing mutually interdependent disaster prevention standards, inspection procedures and insurance mechanism introducing national disaster resilience index for international financial support eligibility criteria.” Dr. Pande Lazarevski National Coordinator for NPDRR Implementation

Points from the Chair’s Summary on The Third Session of the Global Platform for DRR • “... The choice before us as Governments, institutions, communities and individuals is to place disaster risk reduction at the forefront of our efforts to: • preserve and protect the balance of nature, • ensure sustainable development and • well-being for generations to come. “

Regional Platforms Regional platforms are multi-stakeholder forums that reflect the commitment of governments to improve coordination and implementation of disaster risk reduction activities while linking to international and national efforts. Regional Initiatives Governments recognize the need for regional collaboration on disaster risk reduction and have taken the initiative to organize ministerial conferences for disaster risk reduction. These conference have successfully brought together key stakeholders including governments, regional inter-governmental organizations, technical and scientific institutions involved in disaster risk reduction, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, donors and the media. “…UNISDR's regional offices serves as a supportive secretariat for regional platforms.”

European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR) EFDRR was established during the Meeting of European National |Platforms and HFA Focal Points, in November 2009 in London, UK, as a forum: to stimulate and facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge among participating National HFA Focal Points, National Platforms and regional / sub-regional partners; provide advocacy for effective action to reduce disasters, in particular by promoting and supporting the creation of new National Platforms; facilitate exchanges among European nations on the implementation of HFA and promoting inovative ideas in the field of DRR; create a safer Europe by reducing the impact of natural hazards to reduce vulnerability, and increasing the ability to minimize consequences of disasters.

Who is part of the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR) The EFDRR includes: HFA Focal Points and representatives of NPs in the European region, UNISDR-Europe, Regional organizations and sub-regional organizations/institutions as agreed by the forum: Council of Europe (CoE) – EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement European Commission / European Union (EC/EU) The Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South-Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE) The Regional Cooperation Council A European Network of National Platforms

How theEuropean Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction Functions - Five basic principles: Bottom-up and participatory approach, Building on Existing institutions / organizations, Avoiding the creation of bureaucratic layers and rigid structures, Not existing as a political forum, Meting on an annual basis: 1st annual meeting of the EFDRR – Gothenburg, Sweden (06-08 October 2010) 2nd annual meeting of the EFDRR - Skopje, Macedonia (10-13 October 2011) Chair of EFDRR: Swedish Emergency Management Agency, Chair of the EFDRR (2009-10) Macedonian National Platform, Chair of the EFDRR (2010-11)

European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction - Focus areas and activities: Adaptation to Climate Change and extreme weather events Critical infrastructures safety (such as hospitals and schools) Local level / Community level approach Safety level standards Development of integrated risk assessment methodologies and procedures Harmonize risk mapping and assessments including data collection

National Platforms National Platforms are nationally owned and led multi-stakeholder forum or committee working on disaster risk reduction. They reflect the commitment of its government to implement national and local disaster risk reduction activities while linking up to international efforts. National platforms for disaster risk reduction (NPDRR) are coordination mechanism which need to be built through a nationally-owned and led participatory process that includes different sectors’ perspectives and actions, and a multi-stakeholder composition, in order to be effective and sustainable. (effective integration into the existing governance, decision-making and institutional frameworks). National participation is primary ingredient for regional and international cooperation and is critical for implementing DRR policies and measures at the local scale. National Platforms builds on existing systems relevant to DRR and include representatives from all stakeholders involved, such as government, international organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, the private sector and the media.

National Platforms A National Platform for DRR can be defined as a nationally owned and led forum or committee of multi-stakeholders. National Platform serves as an advocate of DRR at different levels and provides : coordination, analysis, advice on areas of priority requiring concerted action through a coordinated and participatory process. A National Platform for DRR should be the coordination mechanism for mainstreaming DRR into development: policies, planning, programmes in line with the implementation of the HFA. National Platform should aim to contribute to the establishment and the development of a comprehensive national DRR system, as appropriate to each country.

National Platforms The focus National Platforms for DRR need to focus on the following components: The political component ensures strong political commitment from the top leadership. The technical component involves various activities such as developing knowledge bases on DRR, a methodological framework for the National Platform for DRR, and a set of disaster reduction indicators. The participatory component involves relevant groups, including various overnment bodies, the private sector, NGOs and academic institutions. The resource mobilization component obtains resources required for developing National Platforms for DRR and carrying out their planned tasks.

Macedonian National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction(established in 2009)

Macedonian National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

Understanding Disaster Risk Reduction as a lifestyle… “By supporting development based on moral judgment, knowledge, resilience, prevention and adaptation, we are jointly building a future that will not need an Ark to endure the days of the flood. Still, we need to plan ahead. After all, it was not raining when Noah built his Ark.” Dr. GjorgeIvanov, President of the Republic of Macedonia

Thank you!

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION - GLOBAL, REGIONAL & NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE - Dr. Pande LAZAREVSKI