INTRODUCTION ABOUT THIS ISSUE Voices of Leadership from

t is conventional wisdom that South Asia Idisasters derail the development process. However, the impacts of avaged by one disaster after another, the countries of South Asia have disasters can be far more Remerged as highly vulnerable to the risks posed by natural hazards. In debilitating on developing light of this enhanced vulnerability, a regional perspective on risk and countries as compared to their more resilience arising out from South Asia is both pertinent and desirable. The developed counterparts. Plagued 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) provided an by a plethora of humanitarian opportunity to hear the insights of South Asian perspective on disaster risk reduction (DRR). Held from 14-18 March, 2015 in the Japanese city of Sendai, challenges, the region of South Asia the 3rd WCDRR saw the heads of disaster management dispensations from is consistently ranked as one of the all the South Asian countries issue country statements regarding the progress most vulnerable regions exposed to of their respective countries in implementing the priorities of the Hyogo the risk of natural hazards. Framework for Action (HFA). These leaders also expounded on their vision Recurring disasters in the region for the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) aptly putting and the devastation followed in forward their nations' aspirations and apprehensions. their aftermath only serve to This booklet is a compendium of the country statements delivered by these highlight this enhanced South Asian leaders at the 3rd WCDRR and aims to capture a South Asian vulnerability of South Asia. perspective on DRR. It contains country statements from India, , Bhutan, Maldives (which represented the Alliance of Small Island States), It is therefore timely and pertinent Myanmar, , and Sri Lanka. These statements provide a greater to focus on voices of DRR leaders insight into the DRR achievements and anxieties of these countries. from South Asia. The 3rd World Conference of Disaster Risk A lot of common strands emerge from these statements such as the need for Reduction (WCDRR) was a perfect local level planning in DRR; promotion of risk sensitive development; integrating climate change adaptation with risk reduction; consolidating opportunity to focus on such voices. upon the progress of HFA and enhancing international cooperation to build This issue of Southasiadisasters.net a safer world. Moreover, it was unanimously agreed upon by all the South highlights the country statements Asian countries that the synergies between the SFDRR, the Climate Change issued by the dispensations of negotiations and Sustainable Development Goals be leveraged to engender various South Asian nations at the sustainability in the present systems and processes of DRR. 3rd WCDRR. A compendium of these statements helps in The UN Secretary-General recently drew the attention of the world to the fact that an annual investment of USD 6 billion in DRR could lead to savings understanding the South Asian in the vicinity of USD 360 billion. This implies widespread cooperation and perspective on DRR. These country sharing of resources, technology and manpower to cultivate a global culture statements also list out the of preparedness. The first step towards this vision starts from South Asia, achievements of these nations in which is one of the most vulnerable regions of the world. This booklet is an making their countries and attempt to present a regional South Asian perspective and vision on DRR as communities safer to the various enunciated by its leaders. – Mihir R. Bhatt risks they are exposed to.

A lot of common strands emerge from these country statements that can and they have been listed as a 'Way Ahead' towards the end of this issue. This issue is a must read for all who are interested in understanding the DRR aspirations and apprehensions of South Asia.

Source of speeches: http://www.wcdrr.org/ conference/programme/statements Photo: AIDMI.

2 southasiadisasters.net April 2015 Regional Cooperation for a Resilient South Asia Country Statement by His Excellency Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs, India

Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen! It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of the Indian delegation for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I wish to congratulate the United Nations and the host, the Government of Japan, for organizing this event.

The Hyogo Framework for Action has provided a blue print for disaster risk reduction activities including promotion of culture of prevention, mitigation, preparedness and resilience at all levels. Since then, Photo credits: www.rajnathsingh.in considerable progress has been made The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) Head Ms Margareta Wahlstrom by investing resources and enhancing meets the HM Rajnath Singh at WCDRR in Sendai. capacities in dealing with the disasters. However, much needs to be done in the future. We are pleased to policies, practices and partnerships and children, exposed to these events note that the post–2015 framework for implementation. are trying to adapt to these regular has provided us a practical and useful occurrences, the economic and social document with people–centered Recent events in India such as the costs continue to mount year after preventive approach to disaster risk. landslides and floods of 2013 in the year. In this context, we believe that This would contribute to the reduction Himalayan State of , there is a need to actively build of disaster risks and strengthen cyclone 'Phailin' in Odisha in 2013, the synergies among the DRR resilience of the poor and the most floods and landslides in Jammu & framework, the climate change vulnerable. We need to take risk and cyclone 'Hudhud' in adaptation framework and the informed decisions while making Andhra Pradesh in 2014 have once sustainable development framework public and private investments. again brought into focus the need for to ensure that our collective efforts Mainstreaming disaster risk multiplying our efforts towards enable us to create a safe, secure and reduction in development disaster risk reduction. In addition, disaster–free environment. programmes and community Typhoon 'Haiyan' in Philippines in resilience building are some of the 2014, Ludian and Yutian Earthquakes In India, our ancestors gave us the noteworthy features in the new in in 2014 and extreme weather concept of 'Vasudhaiva framework. Indeed, the concurrent events in United States of America Kutumbakam', which means that the post–2015 focus on sustainable and South Canada have taken place whole planet — with all its human development, climate change and in the world. The unplanned beings, plants, animal, birds and disaster risk would further provide development of cities and lack of natural resources — is one family. the international community with a proper infrastructure are the major This ancient realisation of our inter– unique opportunity to ensure challenges of the future. While connectedness is even more relevant coherence and alignment across communities, particularly women and urgent today. I would like to call

April 2015 southasiadisasters.net 3 upon this august gathering to meteorological disasters in the proceeds between the federal embrace this notion and enhance region. Our National Disaster government and the states, in its international cooperation through Response Force which has the recent report has called for hazard, sharing of technology, expertise and expertise in addressing national risk and vulnerability assessment in necessary resources. Here I would disasters also attends to disasters in all our states. This will be critical first also like to reiterate the commitment the region and beyond. The National step in ensuring that over time, made by our Prime Minister in Institute of Disaster Management notions of risk reduction are SAARC Summit last year by ensuring organizes trainings on various embedded in every penny we spend India's help and expertise to the thematic domains of disaster risk on development. We are promoting neighbouring countries. management. We are keen to share cooperative federalism and our expertise and help other countries devolving more power and resources India hosts the SAARC Disaster in disaster response and capacity closer to the ground of action. Management Centre which is building. We envisage a bigger role working towards putting in place a in capacity building in the Asia Pacific Before concluding, we pledge our framework to reduce disaster risks region and look forward to build support to the post–2015 Framework, and promoting knowledge sharing sustained regional and international its goals and priorities. We commit among the SAARC countries. The partnerships under the post–2015 ourselves to work with countries in Indian National Centre for Ocean Framework. the region and beyond in building Information Services operates the resilient nations and communities, Tsunami Early Warning System. This I would like to share that the against disasters. We would also like is a State–of–the–Art warning system Government of India has to call upon all entities, public and which benefits not only India but also mainstreamed disaster risk reduction private, to strengthen the the littoral countries of Indian Ocean. in its development policies at all international support mechanisms As a part of SAARC Monsoon levels, and has earmarked 10 percent for disaster risk reduction by sharing Initiative, an integrated Operational of development funds towards of reliable and affordable modern System for monitoring and innovation, disaster mitigation and technology for capacity–building and forecasting monsoon weather restoration. Our Finance enabling institutional and policy systems has been set up to address Commission, a constitutional body environment at all levels. monsoon induced hydro– that recommends distribution of tax Thank you all.... Business of Reducing Risk

nternational Recovery Platform I(IRP) Public Forum on "Actions on Engaging Private Sector in Recovery: Ensuring greater impacts of recovery programs at the community level" was held at Tohoku University on March 16, 2015 during third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Sendai, Japan.

Mihir R. Bhatt as a panelist, said that Business of Reducing Risk is not yet from left to right: Mr. Stefan Kohler, UNOPS; Mr. Dale Sands, AECOM; Mr. Mihir Bhatt, regular mainstream business and as AIDMI; Dr. Kit Miyamoto, Miyamoto International; Mr. Gay Mitchell, Former Member a result we cannot reduce risk fully of European Parliament, Ireland; and Mr. Damon Coppola, Bullock and Haddow, LLC. or involve private sector in reducing risk. He said we need to know far available from supply side. We also far more on the nature and extent more on the market of reducing risk, do not know when risk is reduced, of business of reducing risk before the demand for risk reduction, and and how much, in most cases, and we cannot on it in Sendai the nature and extent of risk even more so when we face individual Framework for Disaster Risk reduction services and products families. He said that we need to know Reduction implementation.

4 southasiadisasters.net April 2015 Building Back Better for a Culture of Preparedness Country Statement by Dr Mohammad Daim Kakar, Director General, Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, Afghanistan

xcellences, distinguished E delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be invited to participate to the 3rd UN World Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction. Our presence today illustrates the importance and timeliness to understand and learn from the experiences of each other in area of Risk Reduction.

Now we have to address the underlying risks factors to ensure that the future disasters will not cause Photo credits: Webtv.un.org devastation, in line with DRR policy to "Build back better" to create the affected over 10,000 families (70,000 satisfactory over the last ten years culture of prevention. It is also individuals) across 10 provinces in (The overall level achievement for important to ensure that medium and northern, north-eastern and north- HFA priority points is 2.5 out of 5 longer-term disaster risk reduction western provinces. 2,500 families score). and resilience building be made a (17,500 individuals) were displaced, strong component of the recovery an estimated 450 people killed, 214 Thanks UNDP for being instrumental process and embedded in the needs other sustained injuries and over 8,000 in revising Disaster Management Act assessment and implementation homes destroyed. which significantly shift Afghanistan plans of disaster recovery framework. National Disaster Management In addition to the natural hazards, Authority (ANDMA) from post Afghanistan is exposed to multiple Afghanistan is also facing the disaster response to comprehensive hazards the most prominent among challenges of man-made disasters, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). It also which are earthquakes, extreme conflict, war, explosion and mines provides a legal basis for establishing winter conditions, landslide, cultivation. More than 500 Km square the roles and responsibilities of the avalanches, floods as well as droughts of Afghan lands in 1700 villages are Authority. Simultaneously, and sand storms threatening the still cultivated with remnants of war preparedness and recovery Afghan population in 30 out of 34 and mines which pose a huge threat mechanisms and capacities are being provinces of the country. According to the local population. formalized and improved including to a study conducted by UNDP/ guidelines for effective and Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Afghanistan is among those nations transparent use of the National Recovery (BCPR), which reviewed which is signatory to the Hyogo Emergency Fund and strengthening vulnerability to the impact of various framework for action 2005–2015 and of the National Emergency Operation natural disasters in 200 countries, is committed to take necessary actions Center. Afghanistan ranks at 5th and 17th for reducing the risks of disasters and respectively in terms of its relative making its communities resilient. Afghanistan is also fully committed vulnerability to earthquakes and Moreover, Afghanistan is responsible to the Istanbul Process, for Heart of floods. In 2014 the flooding season to monitor the progress of all five Asia, Confidence Building Measures brought particularly devastating priorities for action with 22 indicators for disaster Management as its impacts. Flash floods in northern set for. And over all achievements permanent co–chair and will do its Afghanistan from 24 to 30 April 2014 toward these indicators has been best to take it to the next level of April 2015 southasiadisasters.net 5 gradual but concrete, practical results. We highly appreciate the significant Towards Inclusive importance to Afghanistan's membership in all existing regional Disaster Risk platform, frameworks and initiatives and I would like to reiterate our Reduction commitment to contribute to Country Statement by His Excellency Damcho Dorji, Minister strengthening the existing of Home and Cultural Affairs, Bhutan mechanisms and seek mutual support from these kind of platforms. The Istanbul Process is not intended to substitute the existing efforts of n view of this, Bhutan has made regional organizations, but to Isustained efforts towards cooperate with them, and enhancing our disaster management complement their work where and risk reduction capacities. And necessary, particularly where they our development policies guided by relate to Afghanistan. This process is the unique concept of Gross a testament to the commitment, hard National Happiness (GNH) have work and success of the Heart of Asia been complimentary to these efforts. countries, the leadership of the Afghan Government and the positive Madam President, engagement of the supporting countries. In this time of transition, I would like to highlight some of the Istanbul Process plays a crucial the key achievements made by the Photo credits: http://www.iisd.ca/isdr/wcdr3 role in bringing together Heart of Royal Government of Bhutan under Asia countries for political the five priorities of Hyogo Frame of Action: consultations on the situation in 1. The Parliament of Bhutan enacted the Disaster Management Act of Bhutan Afghanistan and the region to in March 2013, which calls for a decentralized and inclusive disaster risk enhance mutual cooperation and management. highly appreciate the progress on the 2. Mainstreaming DRR has been included as one of the 16 National Key agreed confidence–building Result Areas in our 11th Five Year and reflected as an important cross– measures. cutting issue in the local development planning guideline. 3. Bhutan has invested adequate resources towards initiating and strengthening Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) I will conclude myself by and Safe School Program throughout the country. emphasizing the commitment of 4. We have implemented the first National Adaptation Program for Action Government of Afghanistan for (NAPA) project in the region to enhance the adaptive capacity in strengthening all instruments and preventing climate-change induced disasters. mechanism for disaster management and the same time I will be looking Bhutan places great emphasis on building community resilience and believes for mutual and complementary in participation of communities as equal partners in having an inclusive support from international and disaster risk reduction policy. In terms of resilient public investments, Bhutan regional agencies in terms of has been advocating for linkages between sustainable development and technical, capacity and financial disaster risk reduction and the need to integrate climate change adaptation support to realize the commitment in and disaster risk reduction. true sense on the ground.

Lastly, on behalf of Royal Government of Bhutan, I would like to offer our At last let me take this opportunity to earnest commitment to the adoption and implementation of the post–2015 once again convey my best wishes to framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. UN office for DRR to the president, all heads of the states who has worked I wish this third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction diligently to put this great event every success. together made this conference possible.

Thank You for your attention and Tashi Delek!! Thanks for your attention.

6 southasiadisasters.net April 2015 Addressing Climate Change for a Safer Future Country Statement by His Excellency Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Environment and Energy, Maldives

istinguished [SG, President, Co– DChairs, etc] Excellencies, Colleagues,

May I begin by extending our congratulations to the Government of Japan, and this beautiful city of Sendai, recognised by the World Disaster Reduction Campaign, as a role model for its efforts on promoting community based disaster risk reduction. I join previous speakers in extending our gratitude for the Government and the people of Sendai and Japan, for your warm welcome and the generous

hospitality. http://www.iisd.ca/irena/irenaa5/images negotiations requires us to do what Disasters violently undermine our The Maldives has the honor to speak we can to ensure coherence progress towards sustainable on behalf of the Alliance of Small throughout. development. They pose a particular Island States (AOSIS), a coalition of threat to small islands developing 44 low-lying and coastal nations. [Mr. President,] states. Our small size, geographic isolation, narrow resource base, and [AOSIS would like to associate with The international community has exposure to global environmental the statement delivered by South long recognized the importance of challenges and external shocks makes Africa on behalf of the G77 and China.] concerted international action to it challenging to prepare for disasters lower the human suffering caused by before they strike and exceptionally [Mr. President,] disasters. Despite these efforts, which difficult to recover in their aftermath. include the UN General Assembly's 2015 is a critical year at the United designation of the 1990's as the SIDS cannot think of disaster risk Nations. This year we will finalize International Decade for Natural reduction in isolation from climate the multilateral frameworks through Disaster Reduction and the change. For us, increasing impacts of which disaster risk reduction, subsequent adoption of the Hyogo human–induced climate change have sustainable development, financing Framework for Action, global only added to the challenge of disaster for development, and climate change disaster risk may be at an all time risk reduction. The action will be addressed in the coming high. According to the 2015 Global Intergovernmental Panel on Climate years. Given the close inter linkages Assessment Report expected losses Change has warned of increased and between these processes, while from disasters associated with more severe extreme weather events, keeping in mind the respective and earthquakes, volcanic hazards and such as heat waves, droughts and distinct mandates for each process, risks, tsunamis, tropical cyclone floods, as a result of climate change. our efforts in each line of discussion winds, storm surges and flooding are What's more, sea level rise, more necessarily impacts the others. At the now estimated at 300 billion US frequent and intense storms, coastal same time, the complexity of the dollars annually. erosion, and saltwater intrusion from

April 2015 southasiadisasters.net 7 human–induced climate change will The post–2015 framework for We therefore ask for firm agreement only compound the challenges we disaster risk reduction then must from our partners to fulfill existing already face from natural disasters. undoubtedly take into consideration commitments, as well as to mobilize the particular vulnerabilities of SIDS the resources required to build the Scientists are warning us that the and LDCs. It must be an ambitious resilience of vulnerable nations. As policy space available to reduce the renewal of the Hyogo Framework for such, we wish to stress on the need impact of disasters is becoming Action that prioritizes prevention for financial resources for disaster smaller. Impacts from disasters go and mitigation. It must also work in risk reduction and climate change beyond direct deaths, and have wider synergy with other related processes adaptation initiatives in SIDS. We also and disproportionate implications on on sustainable development and call for the strengthening of risk the socio–economic order in SIDS. It climate change. It is indeed necessary insurance facilities at international affects our livelihood and the well to take a holistic approach. And we level to support SIDS and other being of our peoples and are glad that the Outcome document particularly vulnerable nation states communities. Given our limited indeed is action–oriented, and seeks to manage financial risk from natural resources, we then remain highly to build on where the HFA1 left off. disasters. concerned of our capacity to cope with and meet the challenges from Many of us have integrated disaster [Mr. President,] the projected increase in extreme risk considerations into national weather events. development plans and policies. We We look forward to a strong and are already spending significant successful outcome to this [Mr. President,] amounts of public funds on resilience Conference. Through better building and climate adaptation. We international coordination and In the SAMOA Pathway, the have the political commitment to cooperation we can make great international community recognised institutionalize disaster risk strides in building resilience and these realities that SIDS face. We also reduction: reducing risks associated with identified the critical need to build disasters. Let's endeavor here to set a resilience, strengthen monitoring and But the reality is we can't do this alone high bar for the rest of the year. The prevention. We noted the need to and need the financial, technical and road to the "future we want", must reduce vulnerability, raise awareness, capacity building support of the begin in Sendai. and increase preparedness in SIDS to international community to respond respond and recover from disasters. to the increased risks we face. Thank you.

Building Resilience of Vulnerable Communities Country Statement by Her Excellency Myat Myat Ohn Khin, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Myanmar

xcellencies, President of here as designed by our President and E Conference, Head of States and to deliver the official statement at 3rd Governments, Ministers, and UN World Conference on Disaster delegates from all over the World, Risk Reduction, Sendai, Japan. In this Distinguished participants, Ladies auspicious occasion, Myanmar and Gentlemen delegation and I myself express our special appreciation to the Very Good afternoon, Mingalapar… Government of Japan for warm welcome and hospitalities. First of all, I wish all of you for good health, happiness, success and well Taking this opportunity, I have to

being. It is a great honor for me to be explore my sincere sympathy to the Photo credits: Webtv.un.org 8 southasiadisasters.net April 2015 Government of Japan and its people enacted the Myanmar Natural Emergency Response Fund for the loss of lives and properties Disaster Management law on (ADMER fund) and ASEAN caused by earthquake and Tsunami June, 2013. We have already coordinating center for in Sendai City, Tohoku region in adopted rules and regulations for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA March, 2011. I'd also appreciate for that law. fund) since 2012. Nationally the most effective and successful 2. National Disaster Preparedness budgets have been allocated for response and recovery tasks you have Central Committee chaired by risk financing. been taken. Vice–President, National Disaster Preparedness Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen… Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen… Management Working Committee Chaired by me, sub Myanmar is known as one of the It has been nearly 4 years that committees and up to village disaster prone countries like Japan, Myanmar is getting momentum to tract committees have been Indonesia, Philippine and other Asian transform the Country into a new formed to carry out disaster countries. Struggling for recovery and modern, developed and democratic management activities. rehabilitation was in fact difficult. nation through 1st wave, 2nd wave and 3. We have already ratified the However, we have overcome it 3rd wave reform processes. At the standing order for emergency through cooperative, collaborative same time, Myanmar moves to help management. And we have and coordinated efforts with relevant itself out of least developed countries established the Emergency all organizations. This Third UN (LDC) category. Operation Center for rapid World Conference on Disaster Risk response and urgent Reduction is extremely important for You all aware that Myanmar has communication among ASEAN all of us because outcomes will successfully taken the ASEAN member states as well as states accelerate our ongoing efforts to Chairmanship 2014. In doing so, and regions in our country. strengthen resilience and to build success is being achieved and on the 4. As mandated by our President, culture of safety through inclusive and other hand, the challenges like man– we are going to open the integrated approach for forthcoming made and natural disasters are also Disaster. Management Training decades. being faced with. However, disaster Center at Hintada Township, risk reduction programs generated Ayeyarwaddy Region in With full commitment to Hyogo from our Cabinet plays a vital role in September, this year. Framework for Actions, we have the reform processes. It is sure that 5. We are implementing Social developed Myanmar Action Plan on these disaster management activities Youth Volunteers programs and Disaster Risk Reduction in June 2012. will contribute for socio–economic Disaster Reduction Youth It includes 7 main components and development. Volunteers programs with our 65 priorities actions to achieve the owned Government budget. Up strategic goal of Hyogo Framework Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen… to now, we have completed the as well as our national goal which T.O.T trainings and the means "to make Myanmar safer and Our Ministry, Ministry of Social Multiplier courses covering over more resilient against Natural Welfare, Relief and Resettlement (3000) youths resided from over Hazards, thus protecting lives, takes responsibility for Disaster (800) villages across the Country. livelihoods and development gains". Management in terms of mitigation, 6. As a chair madam for the preparedness, emergency response, working committee of Social In conclusion, on behalf of recovery and rehabilitation in line Protection, the Myanmar Government of Myanmar and our with international standards and for National Strategic Plan for Ministry, we have committed to take social welfare services for all age Social Protection has been appropriate actions and to join hands groups ranging from child to older launched at the end of 2014. And with all development partners for people including women, persons we have drawn a plan for disaster implementation of post 2015 with disabilities and youth. risk management and social framework for disaster risk reduction protection which is one area of adopted from this Conference. By taking this opportunity, I would (8) tasks. like to highlight some obvious 7. We have been contributing Thank you so much… achievements – ASEAN Disaster Management 1. As legistration body, we have

April 2015 southasiadisasters.net 9 Towards a Risk Sensitive Development Agenda Country Statement by His Excellency Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nepal

r. President, Management bill for the M Excellencies Heads of State and consideration of our parliament. It Government will provide us an important H.E. Mr. Secretary General of the institutional framework to United Nations, strengthen disaster risk reduction in Honourable Ministers, the country. Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen: Even in the absence of a new and separate Disaster Management Act in It is an honour and privilege for me force, the Government of Nepal has to address this Conference. First of been undertaking necessary actions all, I would like to congratulate you, on reduction of disaster risks. With Mr. President, on your election to the support of our national preside over this conference and stakeholders and development Photo credits: Webtv.un.org assure you of my delegation's full partners, the Government has created support in the discharge of your the Nepal Risk Reduction seismic event, will be similar to those responsibilities. Consortium (NRRC) to implement in Haiti in 2010. key areas of our National Strategy. On behalf of the Government of Through the NRRC and the National The year 2015 is critical for Nepal as Nepal, I would also like to express Platform, the Government has been it is for the global community to my sincere thanks to the Government coordinating efforts to ensure that underpin resilience in our efforts to of Japan for their warm welcome and risk reduction work is also aligned promote health, wealth and safety for generous hospitality accorded to us. with the national vision. individuals and communities. I would also like to express our Towards this end, our focus this year sincere appreciation to the UNISDR We have made significant progress has been on improving our evidence for the excellent coordination for the over the last decade in line with the base. We are currently completing the organization of this important event. spirit of HFA. Nepal has been able to stocktaking phase of a national risk strengthen resilience both at local and assessment, strengthening We attach great importance to this national levels. Our reach has been engagement with private sector and conference as it symbolizes the expanded to both rural and urban evolving our systematic search and culmination of our collective communities. We are also encouraged rescue capacity. Nepal will shortly endeavours in ensuring that disaster by the global recognition of our complete a substantive review of risk reduction is a sustainable and progress in this regard as well as our progress so far made towards search embedded process within the overall efforts for innovative coordination and rescue plans and operations. The development of our countries. mechanisms. Nevertheless, we are Government is committed to seriously concerned that Nepal formulating a long-term plan in line Nepal is committed to the principles, continues to remain one of the most with the global understanding, goals and priorities of the Hyogo vulnerable countries in the world to resolve and partnership that evolves Framework for Action (HFA). This disasters such as earthquake, during this conference. We also framework has provided us a flooding, landslide, glacial lake expect continued support of and valuable guidance and support in outburst flood (GLOF), etc. The fact partnership with the international developing our disaster risk that Nepal continues to lose an community in the implementation of management approach. It has average of two citizen everyday to this plan. Countries like Nepal which inspired us to develop a National natural disasters is something that is a lest developed country and at the Strategy for Disaster Risk alarms us. It is also estimated that the same time highly vulnerable to Management. Based on this strategy, human losses in the Kathmandu natural and other disasters needs we have also drafted a new Disaster Valley alone, should there be a major focused attention in terms of building 10 southasiadisasters.net April 2015 resilience thorough enhanced level of resources and technology from the international community.

Nepal has accorded due priority to ensure easy access to adequate risk information in view of its significance for the promotion of evidence–based decision making and resource allocation for risk reduction. The stocktaking work, currently underway in Nepal, is expected to support the Government's initiative towards defining Nepal's risk reduction priorities over the long term and also ensure that our work is closely aligned with post–2015 framework for disaster risk reduction Photo: AIDMI. for the next decade and beyond. our efforts towards attaining the The HFA adopted a decade ago in Japan The HFA has provided a solid Millennium Development Goals, we has been an important instrument in foundation for the global efforts in have not always been successful in the disaster risk reduction. We need the disaster risk reduction. Building ensuring that these achievements are to keep the momentum generated by on this, we expect that the post–2015 risk–sensitive. It is, therefore, its implementation throughout the framework for disaster risk reduction important that the post–2015 world. Given the seriousness and to be developed during this framework for action place greater commitment of all gathered here, again conference will be a milestone in focus on the integration of disaster in Japan, I am confident that the post– protecting the lives and properties of risk reduction with development. At 2015 framework for disaster risk the peoples in the world. It will help national level, we must be prepared reduction will be a significant document shape priorities over the next decade to engage all stakeholders across all for the next decade and beyond. and allocate resources towards risk sectors. In particular, working with reduction. The stocktaking and private sector is a priority for the Before I conclude, I would like to analysis currently underway in our Government of Nepal. We welcome appreciate strong commitment respective countries will continue to the inclusion of this in the post–2015 demonstrated and proactive role facilitate this task. The Government framework and look forward to being played by Japan in advancing of Nepal is aware of the need for an sharing our experiences and learning international cooperation in this enhanced disaster management from other countries on field. Japan being one of the most financing and expects development strengthening Public–Private disaster–prone countries has partners to ensure that their Partnership in the days to come. exhibited remarkable resilience in development support is risk dealing with major disasters in the informed and disaster management Nepal also attaches importance to the past. As a global leader in the field of remains a priority for them as well. regional cooperation for disaster disaster management, its expertise The Government looks forward to preparedness and response. Recent and experience both in the field of forging necessary collaborations with trends in disasters also call for disaster preparedness and post– the development partners in support strengthened regional cooperation. disaster management are exemplary. of our priorities on both hardware The decision to establish the SAARC On this occasion, we also have fresh and software. Environment and Disaster memories of how Japan effectively Management Centre in the region is handled the deadly triple disaster Mr. President, also an indication of our caused by Great East Japan understanding of the need for Earthquake that hit the Tohoku region Disaster risk reduction cannot be a regional collaboration. We also look causing colossal loss of thousands of stand–alone process. It must be well forward to working under the precious lives and virtual dislocation integrated with the government umbrella of Asia Disaster Reduction of the economy of three prefectures priorities and development agenda. Centre (ADRC) in the same spirit. in March 2011. In Nepal, despite great progress in Thank you!

April 2015 southasiadisasters.net 11 International Assistance for DRR in Developing Countries Country Statement by Mr Syed Tariq Fatemi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Pakistan

I thank you Chairperson At the outset let me appreciate the efforts of co–chairs for bringing out the zero-draft of the Post–2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction that is intended to serve as the basis for further negotiations. I wish to emphasize that Pakistan would continue its constructive engagement with the process leading up to the Sendai Conference.

My delegation envisions a Post–2015 Photo credits: Webtv.un.org framework for disaster risk reduction this important aspect of the future activities and more focused and action that builds on the experiences of HFA1 framework. oriented steps should be defined so implementation, which should be that they become clearer and sustained to consolidate its gains. A We share the believe that the overall measurable both in qualitative as well lot of progress has been made since timeframe of Post–2015 Framework as in quantitative terms. Furthermore HFA1 but much needs to be done, should be aligned with the time the priorities for action should clearly especially with respect to enhancing period as being set for Climate differentiate between developed and international cooperation that Change and SDGs Framework, i.e. 15 developing countries. remained one of the main gaps. years. Pakistan welcomes the sharing of The availability of international We also feel that more clarity is draft elements for the Political technical and financial assistance to required in each priority area Declaration by Japan. As an important vulnerable developing countries part of the Conference outcome, to achieve HFA / post HFA agenda political declaration must be needs to be facilitated to bridge negotiated by the Member States resource constraints of these in a formal, open–ended and countries and to create enabling intergovernmental process, for conditions for enhanced which sufficient time should be implementation of DRR policies provided. and strategies. Developing countries require predictable, In conclusion, I once again, express adequate, sustainable and my delegation's strong coordinated international commitment to this consultative assistance, through bilateral and process for a future framework multilateral channels, for the that is capable of responding to development and strengthening challenges arising from disasters of their capacities, including and vulnerabilities, especially in through financial and technical developing countries. assistance and technology transfer. It is important that the final I thank you co–chairs. document adequately deals with Photo: AIDMI.

12 southasiadisasters.net April 2015 Addressing Vulnerability through Policy Level Mechanisms Country Statement by His Excellency John Amarathunga, Minister of Public Order, Disaster Management and Christian Religious Affairs, Sri Lanka

adam President MSecretary General of the United Nations Heads of Government and State Excellencies Distinguished Delegates Ladies and Gentlemen

We are gathered in this city of Sendai, today, in the Tohoku region of Japan which bore the brunt of the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Coming from the island nation of Sri Lanka which suffered similar unprecedented devastation as a result Photo credits: Webtv.un.org of the Indian Ocean, tsunami in 2004, Following the 2004 tsunami, disaster response situations. This has we recognise fully the significance of successive Governments in Sri Lanka assisted in streamlining national this World Conference on Disaster have taken positive steps in this disaster management efforts. Risk Reduction. Although several aspect. As a result, Sri Lanka has years have now passed since the 2011 achieved substantial progress in Madam President, and 2004 disasters, our thoughts are priority areas of governance, disaster The UN Secretary–General recently still very much with the victims of response and preparedness. This has drew the world's attention to the fact those tragedies and their loved ones helped to reduce mortality and that annual investment in disaster risk and I convey the sincere appreciation impact linked to hydro– reduction of USD 6 billion can result of the Government and peoples of Sri meteorological disasters in terms of in savings of up to USD 360 billion. It Lanka, to the Government of Japan reducing vulnerability of is apparent that investment in disaster for hosting this important communities. risk reduction can save enormous Conference for the global financial and human resources community. Incorporating Disaster Impact necessary for development. Assessment system for road With increasing widespread disasters construction, Mainstreaming Disaster Whilst identifying opportunities worldwide and the magnitude of the Risk Reduction into Housing sector associated with disasters is a financial and human cost involved, and Mainstreaming Disaster Risk prerequisite for more resilient, the urgency of addressing disaster Reduction into development projects capable communities in the aftermath risk reduction and framing and approval processes at both of disasters during the phase of appropriate strategies cannot be national and local government levels recovery and reconstruction, post– overemphasized. are a few of our achievements during disaster reconstruction and the last decade under HFA. rehabilitation is a complex issue with My country, Sri Lanka is experiencing several dimensions. Government, disasters with increased frequency Sri Lanka now adopts the Who does non-governmental and international and severity. The Government has What, Where" (3W) database system organizations all have a taken a number of initiatives to developed by the UN Office for the responsibility in disaster recovery, promote and strengthen Disaster Risk Coordination of Humanitarian rehabilitation and reconstruction. Reduction in the country as per the Affairs (OHCHA), as the standard Therefore, stronger linkages must be Hyogo Framework for Action. reporting format in managing all established and forged among these

April 2015 southasiadisasters.net 13 entities as well as within cooperation and partnership with a through our deliberations here in communities to promote disaster risk view to transfer technological know– Sendai, would be well aligned with reduction. how, financial assistance and capacity the outcomes of the financing for building particularly for developing development conference to be held Recovery, reconstruction and countries. I may further wish to place in Addis Ababa in July, the post–2015 rehabilitation are phases that provide on record that a large number of development agenda and the climate opportunities to minimize future people in Sri Lanka, who were change agreement to be reached in disaster risk by identifying, affected by natural disasters, are still Paris. These conferences provide a planning, and implementing failure languishing due to scarcity of funds. unique opportunity for the global modes as well as the intended risk of As a result, the process of community to execute more uncertainties associated with reconstruction, rehabilitation and efficacious courses of action, thus phenomena such as climate change. resettlement has taken an unduly underlying risk factors, risk sensitive The Government of Sri Lanka is extended length of time, thus making investment enhancing methodology committed to the active those people suffer even more. The and public and private partnership, implementation of the concept of Government of Sri Lanka has which are strongly envisaged to "Build Back Better" as per the post tenaciously endeavored to raise funds prevent disasters and extreme HFA frame work. but, often, has been abortive. That changes of climate, among others. said, the Government of Sri Lanka Since governments bear the would be most grateful and I wish this Conference all success in responsibility of ensuring national appreciative to the international her deliberations and urge all resilience, implementation, community and to donor agencies if stakeholders to be mindful of the coordination and monitoring of post they seriously consider extending responsibilities we owe to our HFA mechanisms should be led by cooperation and assistance to Sri citizens as we take the initial steps in the Government through a national Lanka at times of such calamity. Sendai which would galvanize the platform that assures multi- processes that would enable and stakeholder participation. Madam President, facilitate us to ensure that by the end of this year, the world community Highlighting the common but The year 2015 is a significant year for would have a better and more stable differentiated principle at all levels the world community. It is our foundation and road-map to realize of disaster risk reduction, Sri Lanka fervent hope that the new updated enduring sustainability. earnestly urges the international global response framework for community for increased global disaster risk reduction, arising Thank you. Photo: AIDMI.

14 southasiadisasters.net April 2015 Way Ahead

outh Asia ranks amongst one of mainstream disaster risk This framework gave South Sthe least developed regions in the reduction in development Asian countries a model to work world and is plagued by diverse programmes and community systemically towards disaster humanitarian challenges. resilience building. This will risk reduction. It should be noted Development and disaster risk necessitate a widespread that the progress achieved reduction are inextricably linked in realignment of development through the HFA should be this region and the Sendai objectives and practices to consolidated by the new Framework for Action (SFDRR) aptly achieve coherence with the framework (SFDRR). The captures this reality. The statements exigencies of disaster risk progress of HFA can be issued by the 7 South Asian countries sensitive development. leveraged to meet the unmet at the 3rd World Conference on DRR needs of the South Asian Disaster Risk Reduction (3rd • Integrating climate change nations such as greater regional WCDRR) also highlight this link. adaptation with risk reduction cooperation. These country statements have given The threat of climate change has an insight into the South Asian emerged as one of the greatest • Greater Regional Cooperation perspective on DRR. While many challenges of this age. The in DRR themes from the field of DRR were disruption of weather patterns as Since South Asia is highly discussed in these country statements, brought about by climate change vulnerable to the risks of natural some common strands have emerged. is a recipe for disaster. It is hazards and climate change, it is They are listed below: already acknowledged that only befitting that there should climate change has exacerbated be greater degree of regional • Promoting Local Level Planning the severity and intensity of cooperation to address this in DRR disasters. To effectively manage enhanced vulnerability. Greater One of the most important this emerging threat, there needs regional cooperation in the form themes emphasized by South to be greater integration of sharing of technology, Asian countries is the importance between climate change expertise and necessary of local level planning in DRR. adaptation and disaster risk resources should be strived for. The impacts of disasters can vary reduction. The repeated cyclones The SAARC disaster vastly across the ground level due that hit the eastern coast of India management centre that aims to differing contexts. To address (Phailin and Hudhud) along with promote knowledge sharing in this problem, local level the devastating Typhoon Haiyan the field of DRR among the planning that emphasises local all bear testimony to climate SAARC countries is an apt risks and provides measures to change making disasters more example of this regional overcome them should be severe and frequent. Thus, risks cooperation. Many more of such prioritized. Local approaches of of climate change need to be structures and practices need to risk reduction should be given incorporated in planning to be promoted. priority. mitigate the adverse impacts of disasters in South Asian • Saving lives and protecting • Promotion of risk sensitive countries. livelihoods development As the economic losses from Repeated disasters in South Asia • Consolidating upon the progress disasters become astronomical, have constantly eroded the of HFA South Asian countries need to benefits of development. To Through the HFA, South Asian come up with more innovative ensure that the development countries have indeed achieved coping mechanisms to keep them clock is not set back due to such a lot of progress in building up minimal. For instance, Cyclone recurring disasters all the South the resilience of their countries Phailin laid waste to paddy crop Asian nations should aim and communities to disaster risk. worth INR 24,000 crore.1 In such

1 Cyclone Phailin hits 90 lakh people, huge loss to crops, houses, http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-13/ news/42993138_1_cyclonic-storm-severe-storm-odisha-coast

April 2015 southasiadisasters.net 15 a scenario, protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable communities becomes as important as protecting their lives. Livelihood resilience should be a theme which should be actively pursued by all the South Asian nations. For, in the absence of such strategies, disaster hit people can be pushed and entrapped in the vicious circle of poverty.

• Promoting the leadership of

women in DRR Photo: AIDMI. In the developing nations of negotiations and the Sustainable these multilateral frameworks South Asia, due to patriarchal Development goals are a way forward to ensure that social structures, women tend to 2015 is a landmark year. It will the synergies of all these bear a greater burden of disasters see the finalization of frameworks can be leveraged for than men. Conventional risk multilateral frameworks for effective and sustainable risk reduction programmes know disaster risk reduction (DRR), reduction in South Asia. this fact and strive to increase climate change action and women participation in DRR. But sustainable development. Since Apart from these common points, the there is a need to promote the sustainability is the key to South Asian countries also listed their leadership of women in such achieving success in risk achievements in implementing the programmes. Promotion of reduction, therefore South Asian priorities of the HFA and emphasized women's leadership in DRR countries ought to leverage the to consolidate on the progress of HFA would not only make risk synergies of these multilateral to effectively achieve the goal of risk reduction more equitable but frameworks. It is common reduction for countries and would also impart a much needed knowledge that development communities of the region. This sustainability of resilience and DRR are inextricably linked points made in the country statements outcomes. and nowhere is this link more can be viewed as the 'Way Ahead' for obvious than in South Asia. South Asia in the field of DRR for the • Leveraging on the synergies of Perhaps common targets or next 15 years. SFDRR, Climate Change reporting structures within all – Mihir R. Bhatt

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Editorial Advisors: Anshuman Saikia Madhavi Malalgoda Ariyabandu Regional Programme Support Coordinator International Strategy for Risk Reduction (ISDR) – ARO, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of South Asia, Sri Lanka Nature), Thailand Mihir R. Bhatt Denis Nkala All India Disaster Mitigation Institute, India Regional Coordinator, South-South Cooperation and Country Support (Asia-Pacific), United Nations Dr. Satchit Balsari, MD, MPH Development Programme, New York The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, New York, USA Ian Davis Visiting Professor in Disaster Risk Management in T. Nanda Kumar Copenhagen, Lund, Kyoto and Oxford Brookes Chairman, National Dairy Development Board Universities (NDDB), Anand, Gujarat, India

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