Disaster Reduction in AFRICA From the editor ISDR INFORMS

produced by Partnership is only as strong as the weakest partner the Africa Regional Office of the UN/International Strategy African Heads of State in July 2004 received the draft Africa Regional for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) Strategy for Disaster Reduction positively, and called for a Programme UN/ISDR Senior Regional Officer for Africa of Action for its implementation. Feng Min Kan . This was an achievement by an African disaster management community that started the initiative only 12 months earlier - in June 2003. Editor Alain Valency R. But two immediate challenges are ahead: developing the right General Production Programme of Action, and contributing positively to the 2nd World Noroarisoa Rakotondrandria Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR II) which will kick off in Japan on 18 January 2005. Design & Layout Mario Barrantes The two challenges, however, are the two sides of a coin. Indeed, Africa Noroarisoa Rakotondrandria will not be able to develop and implement fully - and successfully - its future Programme of Action without some support from WCDR II. Photographs UN/ISDR Africa, ICPAC (formerly DMCN), How to win such a support? There is no clear recipe but there might be Prof. D. Benouar some ways to increase our chances: Circulation 1. Africa will go to Kobe like a soccer team formed in June 2003, Ib Knutsen and Pamela Mubuta winning the Africa Cup in July 2004 and taking part in the World Printed by Cup five months later. As a new entrant, it might be wise not to UNON Print Shop, Nairobi, Kenya seek to “win the Cup”, but win supporters (without whom, after all, a young new entrant will find it difficult to perform). Winning DISCLAIMER supporters, winning support in Kobe: this should be Africa’s target. The information and opinions expressed in this publica- tion do not necessarily reflect the policies of the UN/ISDR 2. Support nowadays is in the form of partnership. As partnership is Secretariat. about combining assets (strengths) not liabilities (weaknesses), Find more about disaster reduction with Africa should contributes its assets - not its liabilities - to Kobe.

UN/ISDR Secretariat 3. For partnership to be effective, it must be based on a clear, UN Palais des Nations, undisputed agreement. It is here that our Programme of Action CH 1211 Geneva comes into play. It should match the Global Programme of Action 10 Switzerland emerging from WCDR II - without sacrificing our interests. Such a Tel: +506-224-6941, 224-6395, 224-6690 match is, in itself, a clear and undisputed agreement. Fax:+506-224-7758 [email protected] 4. One possible way to achieve this is to ensure that our future www.unisdr.org Programme of Action contributes to the achievement, in Africa, of the global objectives to be set in Kobe. Put in the present - not UN/ISDR Africa future - tense, we have to contribute actively to the ongoing shaping UNEP HQ, UN Complex, Gigiri, P.O. Box 47074 Nairobi, Kenya. of the draft Global Programme of Action (by an open-ended Drafting Tel (254-2) 624568 or 624119 Committee). E-mail: [email protected] www.unisdrafrica.org Africa should contribute all its assets to the shaping of the draft Global Programme of Action. This also will enable her to promote the draft Regional Unit for Latin America (which then also becomes “her” draft) with some confidence in Kobe. & the Caribbean PO Box 3745-1000 Africa’s country reporting for WCDR II has been termed “outstanding” - San José, Costa Rica in both quantity and quality. This is a clear case of “contributing-one’s- Fax (506) 224-7758 Tel (506) 224-1186 assets-not-one’s-liabilities”. And a good stepping stone for higher [email protected] achievements, increased profile, stronger partnership. [email protected] [email protected] A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so is partnership. www.eird.org Partnership is only as strong as the weakest partner. www.crid.or.cr

For free subscriptions R. Alain Valency Please send your full name, institution or organization for [email protected] which you work (not essential) and address to the following address: ISDR- [email protected]

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 1 IN THIS ISSUE

From the editor

3 Disaster Reduction in Africa 3 GEO-HAZARDS: African continent experiences “separation”, major threat of disasters feared – Dr Chris Hartnardy 7 MOZAMBIQUE: German agency helps to integrate disaster risk management in rural development – Mr Wolfgang Stiebens & Dr Christina Bollin 10 CHAD: Impacts of desertification alarming, new strategy deployed – Mr Mikail Abakar Ibrahim 12 Drought management & coordination of food security in Kenya – Mr Maaboub Maalim 14 Southern African disaster manager urges peers to end “lament” – Mr Haretsebe Mahosi

16 Views and Reviews 16 Institutionalizing Disaster Risk Management in Africa: Gains & Challenges 18 Towards comprehensive, long-term approaches to disaster management in Nigeria – Dr Olusegun E. Ojo 20 Land use: risk & rewards – Mr Andy Paige 21 The African Women “underutilized” resource in disaster reduction – Mrs Alice Kirambi

22 UN/ISDR Africa National Platform 22 DJIBOUTI: National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction approved – Mr Ahmed M. Madar 23 MADAGASCAR: Early warning system, disaster management body revamped – Ms Gina Rakotoarimanana 24 UGANDA: Recent activities of ISDR National Platform – Mr Martin Owor 25 COMOROS: Draft national emergency preparedness & response plan finalized – Mr Hamidi Soule 26 GHANA: Disaster reduction workshop urges creation of ISDR National Platform – Brig (Rtd) J. Odei 28 GABON: ISDR National Platform launched – UN/ISDR Africa 30 ISDR National Platform launched in Republic of Congo – UN/ISDR Africa 31 KENYA: ISDR National Platform launched – UN/ISDR Africa 34 BOTSWANA: ISDR National Platform launched – UN/ISDR Africa

36 UN/ISDR World in Action 36 2004 United Nations Sasakawa award for disaster reduction – UN/ISDR Secretariat 38 The International Day for Disaster Reduction: A “risk & hazard awareness raising” day – Ms Nicole Rencoret 39 CENTRAL ASIA: Newly-established UN/ISDR office holds first regional consultative meeting – UN/ISDR Central Asia 41 Latin America & the Caribbean: Andean Heads of State endorse disaster reduction strategy – Ms Elina Palm 42 The UN/ISDR & Disaster Reduction in Asia: the “Asian Partnership” – Ms Takako Izumi 43 Preparations for Second World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR II) – UN/ISDR Africa

46 UN/ISDR Africa in Action 46 International Day for Disaster Reduction: Drawing and Essay Contest for children launched in Africa – UN/ISDR Africa 47 UN/ISDR Africa Activities in 2004 & Priorities in 2005 – UN/ISDR Africa 50 WEST & NORTH AFRICA: French-speaking disaster managers call for regional fund for disaster reduction – UN/ISDR Africa

52 Policy Makers Talk about Disaster Reduction 52 IGAD First Meeting of Ministers/Commissioners in Charge of Disaster Risk Management 54 Closing Statement by Mr Phandu C. Skelemani, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration

55 African Preparations for WCDR 55 Africa’s country reporting for 2005 World Conference “outstanding” – Mr Haris Sanahuja 57 African disaster management community makes recommendations for 2005 world conference – UN/ISDR Africa 59 Africa’s voice at Prepcom 1 and 2 – UN/ISDR Africa

62 Partners in Action 62 African Heads of state discuss disaster reduction strategy, recommend action programme – UN/ISDR Africa 63 EAST & HORN OF AFRICA: Regional policy-making organ, technical advisory panel launched – UN/ISDR Africa 65 14th Climate outlook forum for Greater Horn of Africa – Mr Zachary Atheru 67 First regional food security outlook for the Greater Horn of Africa – Mr Zachary Atheru 68 Disaster Management in Africa: Is There a Need? – Mr Charles Kelly

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GEO-HAZARDS: African continent experiences “separation”, major threat of disasters feared

Dr Chris Hartnardy (Algeria), Prof Evelyne Mbede of the which our archaic ancestors once UMVOTO Pty Ltd, University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) flourished.” Cape Town, South Africa and Prof Ezra Twesigomwe of Makerere University (Uganda). Over third of all earthquakes The East African Rift may have The workshop sought, among other occurred in Africa helped our archaic ancestors to things, to : (1) review the current status of Less than 10 millimetres of “separation” flourish. But today, millions of years earthquake hazard and risk assessment in every year may not sound so alarming, later, it may become a major threat. Africa, (2) review other hazards that are but living on top of two unstable tectonic African experts say a recurrence of directly or indirectly related to the African plates is hazardous. Many significant the 1910 major earthquake in earthquake hazard, and (3) establish a earthquakes have been recorded in today’s southern Tanzania would be Working Group of African Geotectonics, continental Africa. disastrous to Beira, Dar es Salaam Seismology and Geo-Hazard Experts. and Mombasa. A 1997 earthquake catalogue contains a Ongoing rift a potential major global compilation of 618 intracontinental ≥ threat earthquakes of a magnitude 5.3 from 1978 to 1994, and 123 events of a The African continent is experiencing a A report on the workshop says the former magnitude ≥ 7.0 from 1900 to 1994 (both steady separation of nearly 10 millimetres Africa tectonic plate has experienced, datasets considered to be complete). A every year. And some of the forces over the past several million years of subset of African earthquakes numbers behind this rifting process may constitute geological time, an ongoing break-up into 280 events or 38 % of the global a major threat leading to devastating separate Nubia (West African) and database. disasters. Somalia (East African) plates, adding that Large explosive eruptions have occurred the great East African Rift System (EARS) “Major” earthquakes (of magnitude 7+) regularly over the last 40,000 years, and is the visible expression of such a large- have been recorded in Tanzania (1910), they will undoubtedly occur again. scale continental rifting process. Between December 2000 and January The report says the first hominin species 2001, intense seismic activity was felt in (our archaic ancestors) evolved in the 2 the Rungwe area and along nearby Lake EARS region during the Pliocene epoch Africa’s largest Tanganyika, leaving 600 houses ruined (some 2-5 million years ago) and that the earthquake on 13 and some 6,000 people homeless. Yet, the local environment may have offered the maximum magnitude of these events early hominins “unique opportunities for December 1910 in appeared to be no greater than 4. the development of a… niche the southern part of These comments emerged from an “Expert characterized by bipedalism, meat eating today’s Tanzania Workshop on Earthquakes and Related and stone use”. left no fatalities and Geo-Hazards in Africa” held in Nairobi, The report adds: “The same natural no recorded injury. Kenya, on 18 and 19 June 2004. The forces and features that may have once Only German workshop, sponsored by UN/ISDR Africa, provided the principal driving factors colonial buildings was convened in view of the future culminating in the evolution and global potential for major disasters related to dispersion of humankind, are today still were destroyed or African earthquake activity. present in eastern Africa. Now, however, badly damaged. Eleven African experts attended the some of these forces – in particular those Local, traditional workshop, the four core participants responsible for devastating earthquakes construction being Dr Chris Hartnady (convenor) of and volcanic eruptions – may instead methods were constitute a major threat to modern life the earth science consulting firm Umvoto superior. Africa (South Africa), Prof Djillali Benouar and future economic progress in the same of the University of Bab Ezzouar tectonically unstable environment in

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Kenya (1928), Libya (1935), Algeria (1980) and Sudan (1990), that is five in the 20th Century.

Earthquake impacts in Africa The report says the death toll for any one event in this period is dominated by the 10 October 1980 event in El Asnam, Algeria, which left over 5000 people dead. The more recent northern Algeria earthquake of 21 May 2003 also left at least 2,266 dead, 10,261 others injured, 180,000 people homeless, and more than 43,500 buildings destroyed or damaged. In terms of total fatalities, Morocco experienced the worst African seismic disaster (of the 20th Century) in 1960 in Agadir (magnitude 5.9). Even though Morocco escaped lightly from 1980 to 2002, a Magnitude 6.4 Straits of Gibraltar House damaged by an earthquake in Zemouri - Algiers, Algeria (May 2003) earthquake on 24 February 2004 left at least 628 dead, 926 others injured, 2,539 underground close to the earthquake The “far more dangerous, homes destroyed and over 15,000 people homeless. focus. explosive Rungwe volcanoes” The report says these coupled seismic- In Egypt, the earthquake death toll is due volcanic disasters in the Kivu volcanic mainly to the 1992 event near Cairo Related geo-hazards province (eastern DR Congo), in which (magnitude 5.9.). The much larger (volcanism, slope instability) the volcanic eruptions are relatively Magnitude 7.3 earthquake event that As demonstrated by the January 2002 quiescent and predictable, may in future occurred in Egypt in 1995 in the relatively events in Goma, eastern DR Congo (near be vastly exceeded in their catastrophic inhabited Gulf of Aqaba region left only the Rwandan border), many people are at consequence by resurgent activity in the 12 people dead. risk through volcanic activity and/or far more dangerous, explosive Rungwe large-scale mass movement on steep Africa’s largest earthquake (magnitude Volcanic Province. slopes. 7.4) in the 20th, Century, however, did not Mount Rungwe (2,961 m, in southern occur in northern Africa: it happened on In January 2002, a series of light-moderate Tanzania) is situated between Lakes 13 December 1910 in Rukwa (or Kasanga, earthquakes killed several people and Malawi and Rukwa. The Rungwe in the southwestern part of today’s destroyed 307 buildings in Rwanda. They volcanoes are far from being extinct after Tanzania – near the Zambia-Tanzania were associated with the concurrent some 8 million years of existence, even border and DR Congo border). eruption of Nyiragongo Volcano (eastern though the last eruption of Rungwe Remarkably, this major event left no DR Congo), the lava flows from which left occurred some 360 years ago. fatalities and no recorded injury, though 45 dead, destroyed parts of 14 villages Scientific evidence show that large many German colonial forts and mission and caused damage to about one-half of explosive eruptions have occurred stations were destroyed or badly the town of Goma. This series of regularly over the last 40,000 years, and damaged3. earthquakes caused land subsidence of that they will undoubtedly occur again in about 70 cm in Bukavu, 50 cm in Goma However, with major population growth the future. Between December 2000 and and 50 cm on Idjwi Island (all in eastern and increasing urbanization in the Great January 2001, intense seismic activity was DR Congo). Lakes region, vulnerability to earthquake felt in the Rungwe area and along the hazards has greatly increased. As a result, Later in the year, in October 2002, a eastern shore of nearby Lake Tanganyika, much smaller events left some fatalities strong (magnitude 6.2) earthquake left leaving 600 houses ruined and some 6,000 and damage in Malawi (March 1989), DR two people dead in Goma, destroyed and people homeless. Yet, it appears that the Congo (September 1992) and Burundi damaged buildings in Lwiro, Bukavu and maximum magnitude of the Rungwe (February 2004). In South Africa, the Goma (all in eastern DR Congo). Several events was no greater than 4, and that the events were all due to mining-induced buildings were also damaged in Kigali, great amount of damage could therefore seismicity and mostly involved miners the capital of Rwanda. be attributed to people’s vulnerability

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(mainly poor construction on steep May 2003 northern Algeria earthquake of commitment being to (1) knowledge slopes, possibly also on nearby very alone, for instance, was variously development, (2) public awareness shallow earthquake foci). estimated at between 600 million and 5 raising and education, (3) preparedness billion US dollars. investments. In fact, the highly fertile mountain slopes in the Rungwe area attract many people. The sharp increase in population has Preventing major geo-hazard Knowledge development, resulted in increased pressure on the disasters public awareness, environment and destabilizing effect. In the light of all the above facts and preparedness vital Agriculture and deforestation have left risks, the Nairobi “Expert Workshop on Regarding commitment to knowledge the land unprotected against erosion and Earthquakes and Related Geo-Hazards in development, the report says “the general increased the flux of sediment to the Africa” discussed how to prevent geo- level of seismicity across broad areas can lakes, threatening their biodiversity. hazards (that form a natural part of the be forecast for the next tens to hundreds Landslide, debris flow and mudflow East African Rift System) from becoming of years, and nearly all the countries now problems are enhanced by the pressure of major disasters. have regional seismic hazard maps. A uncontrolled human activity and land use comprehensive approach would quickly in a mechanically unstable environment. The African experts said: “They need no longer to become major disasters if establish the most vulnerable geographic appropriate measures are taken to zones and target populations, in order to Future recurrence ? anticipate and reduce their impact. conduct detailed studies and establish The expert workshop report says a future Anticipation implies knowledge and physical infrastructure that contributes to recurrence of major seismic and explosive understanding…” the fundamental knowledge base.” The volcanic activity in the Rungwe Volcanic report says governments and policy They said every one in the general public, Province would disrupt the lives and makers should create strategic including the engineering and planning livelihoods of at least 4.7 million people in development and investment programmes professional and also the politician, need southern Tanzania and also in adjacent in that knowledge base. to understand the nature of the parts of Zambia and Malawi. hazardous phenomena, adding that on the Elaborating on the need for commitment Regarding the East African Rift System basis of that understanding, a decision to public awareness raising and (EARS) in general, it contains some of the can be taken at three levels of education, the report says “geologic most densely populated areas on the commitment to implement mitigation and knowledge held by specialists can only continent (e.g., Virunga Mountains region preparedness measures; the three levels produce widespread benefits when it between Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo). A future recurrence of a major earthquake of the size of the 1910 event in Rukwa (Africa’s largest earthquake in the 20th Century) would have devastating consequences not only in these areas, but also in several cities (with dominantly Westernized types of construction) on the East Africa coast line, such as Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and Beira (Mozambique). The report says these cities are highly vulnerable to earthquake damage from events along the eastern branches of the EARS, with additional complication of possible seismic sea-wave (tsunami) effects. Meanwhile, the economic costs to African nations involved are neither easily nor reliably quantified. The economic cost of seismic and volcanic disasters is likely to escalate dramatically in the 21st Century. The cost of damage and economic disruption caused by the

House damaged by an earthquake in Zemouri - Algiers, Algeria (May 2003)

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becomes applied through the actions of measures must be preceded by collection an informed public (Nuhfer, 1994),” of background information on how local In Africa, the need is not adding: “In Africa, the need is not for traditions and construction methods have sophisticated high-technology adapted historically to the natural for sophisticated high- approaches, such as prediction research environment. technology or early warning systems, but for better approaches… but for community preparedness to live with The way forward better community earthquakes so that the need to ‘predict’ preparedness to live is reduced. To increase awareness… it is Meanwhile, as a first step, the African most effective to target the experts established a Working Group of with earthquakes - so impressionable school-going section of African Geotectonics, Seismology and that the need to the community through better earth Geo-Hazard Experts and issued 10 “predict” is reduced. science education programmes recommendations, including the (Ledermann, 1995).” following: On commitment to preparedness ƒ The present Working Group investments, the report says this is a constitutes itself as the nucleus of a Community (SADC) region, ideally technical assistance programme involving continentally representative African during the early part of 2005. concerted planning for disaster reduction Advisory Committee on Earthquakes ƒ In cooperation with UN/ISDR National or mitigation. The report says it is often and Earthquake-Related Geo-Risks Platforms, relevant government assumed that such a technical assistance, in Africa4 (AACEG) which, among agencies, NGOs and affected local implicitly from developed to developing other things, will act as formal support communities, regional pilot or nations, could include architectural and to the African Working Group on “flagship” projects should be engineering assistance in improved Disaster Risk Reduction, AWGDRR identified during the forthcoming year siting, design and construction, etc.; (established early this year). (2004-2005). however, the lesson of the 1910 event in ƒ AACEG should be assisted to liase ƒ AACEG should convene a special Rukwa (southern Tanzania) is that local, with Regional Economic Community Symposium on African Earthquakes traditional construction techniques are (REC) bodies in order to raise public and Related Georisks at the superior (meaning that African urban awareness about the potential impacts forthcoming 21st Colloquium on centres with dominantly Westernized of earthquakes and earthquake-related African Geology to be held in types of construction are more disasters on their economic Maputo, Mozambique, in 2006. vulnerable). development plans, and to organize The report adds that in the African the first training workshop for the The workshop was also attended by UN/ context, implementing disaster reduction Southern African Development ISDR Africa. The 11 African experts included Kenyan delegates from local universities and from the Kenyan electricity-generating company KenGen - whose hydropower and geothermal installations might be adversely affected by earthquake activity in the East African Rift System.

2 Mount Rungwe (2,961 m), in southern Tanzania, is situated between Lakes Malawi and Rukwa.

his particular event during which only the German colonial missions and forts (with Westernized types of construction) suffered heavy damage, the report says the local, traditional construction methods - adapted historically to the natural environment - were superior.

4 One of AACEG’s roles is to be a catalyst for and facilitator of outreach, advocacy and public awareness raising activities where coordinated efforts is required for progress in earthquake disaster prevention. House damaged by an earthquake in Zemouri - Algiers, Algeria (May 2003)

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MOZAMBIQUE: German agency helps to integrate disaster risk management in rural development

Mr Wolfgang Stiebens1 & Dr Christina Bollin2 German Agency for Technical Cooperation Maputo, Mozambique

The 2000 and 2001 floods in Mo- zambique left some 800 dead, entire villages homeless, the economy and development seriously affected. But disaster prevention efforts have been made since then. Integrating disaster risk management (DRM) in rural development is on the agenda.

The German Agency for Technical Cooperation, GTZ, has assisted cyclone- resistant reconstruction within an emergency aid project and introduced Floods in Mozambique - 2002 first measures of disaster risk manage- ment (DRM) in Sofala Province, central tive technical institutions However, determining the significance of Mozambique. The district of Búzi was (hydrological and meteorological disaster risk management for the develop- given emphasis in the support of preven- services at provincial level); ment planning of a district depends on tive approaches. · Assistance in the creation of working the respective risk. relationships between important actors of disaster risk management, Workshop held for district, First positive results such as: local leaders at village level, Due to the importance of the issue and district government with its disaster development, DRM officials also due to the first positive results, the protection committee, disaster At present, disaster risk management is topic was integrated as cross-section management authorities and the not or is only partially contained in topic into the Programme for the Assist- technical disaster protection commit- district development plans. Therefore, a 3 ance of Rural Development for the three tee as well as the above-mentioned workshop on the integration of disaster provinces of central Mozambique in 2003. technical authorities, provincial risk management in district development plans was held in Búzi, Sofala Province, The approach to disaster risk manage- government. on 16 and 17 September 2004, with the ment as used here has the following following objectives: important elements: Focus on disaster-vulnerable · Exchange of information and experi- · Sensitization and training of village districts ence between representatives of communities and district One of the important objectives of the various districts as well as process administrations in disaster risk Programme (for the Assistance of Rural planners on one hand, and disaster management; Development) is the integration of management planners on the other. · Establishment of local disaster risk disaster risk management in disaster- management committees in village vulnerable districts’ development plans. · Compilation of core elements and/or the development of a model for the communities; This aims at the institutional designation integration of disaster management in · Participatory risk assessment; of responsibilities, at turning the topic district development plans. · Establishment of an early flood into a conscious part of the development warning system in cooperation with strategies, thus guaranteeing the In the two-day workshop, in which village communities and the respec- sustainability of preventive measures. particularly experts responsible for

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district development planning of various The participants issued recommendations identified within this context, placing districts and provinces took part, the on how and in which phase to integrate emphasis on the special role of the district bases for the integration of disaster risk disaster risk management into the process administrator who is responsible both for management in the planning processes of developing development plans. district development planning and for were determined. disaster risk management at district level. The defined basic structure can be shown Essential results are a fundamental in the following table. structure for the integration as well as The initial phase was given particularly Independent approach to DRM recommendations for consolidating the high emphasis: if the actors in this phase, urged contents of disaster risk management in or at least part of them, were familiar with With regard to phases 3 and 4 (strategy development strategies and action plans. disaster risk management and believed in development and action plan), one of the its importance for the district, the topic main questions was whether disaster risk Basic structure defined would probably also play a role in the management had to be incorporated The Mozambican Ministry of Planning plan. The risk analysis within the 2nd explicitly as an individual topic (chapter) and Finance called for a multi-phase phase is decisive in terms of methodolo- or rather as a cross-sector topic in sectors model for the development of district gy. such as agriculture, etc. development plans that served as Actors essential for the integration of Here it was considered and recommended orientation for the workshop participants. disaster risk management were also as decisive to describe disaster risk

Phase of district development Recommendations for the integration of disaster planning[1] risk management

1 Expert team (ETP) and publication Sensitization of district government, EPAP[2] and ETP[3] for the need and possibilities of disaster risk management

Aim:DRMexpertisewillbeconsideredindefiningthe expert team or “sold” to all participants

2 Analysis of initial situation Analysis of vulnerabilities, dangers as well as of endangered regions and existing capacities; use of risk mapping in localities

Aim: Considering disaster risk in the initial analysis and identification of problems; involvement of the population

3 Developing the development strategy Developing strategies to reduce vulnerabilities, with particular consideration for capacity building

Aim: Disaster risk management becoming an integrated part of the development strategy

4 Developing the action programme Defining activities with responsibilities and possible sources of financing for disaster risk management

Aim: Laying the foundation for the implementation of disaster risk management on the basis of the strategy

5 Review and approval by Provincial Government 6 Implementation and monitoring Integrating disaster risk management into the monitoring system

1According to the guidelines of the Mozambican Ministry of Planning and Finance for district development planning, 1998 2 EPAP: Advisory team of the Provincial Government for the development planning of the districts 3 ETP: Expert team at district level, developing the plan under the guidance of the administrator

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management in the vulnerable districts as Moreover, the process of district devel- development and implementation of an individual topic in the development opment planning is still in its initial stage district development plans in the various strategy. The derived activities can then in most districts of the provinces of provinces of the country. be described in connection or assigned Sofala, Inhambane and Manica in central individually to the respective sectors (e.g. Mozambique, which means that the irrigation systems to agriculture) to do results of the workshop may influence justice to the cross-sector nature of the further proceedings. This is similarly true 1 Senior Adviser for Disaster Risk issue. for the other provinces. Management (DRM), World Institute for Disaster Risk Management, Alexandria, USA The workshop developed important 2 The workshop developed a two-step Leader of the Sector Project Disaster Risk starting points for this process in terms of Management of the German Agency for model that, essentially, demands an contents and methodology. Technical Cooperation (GTZ) independent approach to disaster risk 3 Programa para o Desenvolvimento Rural management. The derived activities shall Despite this significant progress, the (PRODER) – Rural Development Program then be assigned to the sector action workshop was nevertheless only the 4According to the guidelines of the Mozambican Ministry of Planning and Finance plans. If necessary, an individual catego- beginning of a process as several for district development planning, 1998 ry for disaster risk management can be important points could not be clarified in 5 EPAP: Advisory team of the Provincial introduced. its context and/or need long-term elabora- Government for the development planning of tion. the districts 6 ETP: Expert team at district level, developing Process to be extended to other Therefore, the aim is now to further the plan under the guidance of the areas develop these approaches in the disaster- administrator The workshop took place at a time when vulnerable districts of central Mozam- the participants already had some bique. Additionally, the results shall be experience with both district development discussed with national and other planning and disaster risk management. international actors who support the

Example of step model to disaster risk management approach, Mozambique

Definition of a development objective for the district (Vision)

Specific target 1 Specific target 2 Specific target 3 e.g. agriculture e.g. infrastructure Disaster risk management

Specifying and Specifying and Specifying and defining defining relevant defining relevant relevant activities for activities for activities for disaster risk management agriculture infrastructure

Action plan 1 Action plan 2 Action plan 3 Agriculture with Infrastructure with Disaster risk management disaster risk disaster risk possibly as part of district management management administration

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CHAD: Impacts of desertification alarming, new strategy deployed

Mr Mikail Abakar Ibrahim livelihoods in the country are based on • Silting of oasis and cultivation in Forestry Engineer, natural resources. lower-lying areas, water points and Deputy Director, Fishing & Fish Farming built-up areas; Department, Chadian Ministry of Environment and Water « Accelerated » degradation • Soil protection and regeneration, and Resources, water and soil preservation; Ndjamena, Chad However, these natural resources are facing extreme pressures linked to hydro- • Protection and rehabilitation of sylvo- ecological variations. For more than three pastoral resources; decades, these resources have undergone • Unbalance between fuel wood supply Desertification is a feature of Chad, unabated, indeed even accelerated and demand; a Sahelian country. But its impacts degradation caused by the combination • Nature conservation (fauna and flora); now are alarming. Natural resource of several factors, including harsh • Household refuse management and degradation remains unabated, climatic conditions, high human and ageing rainwater drainage systems; indeed even “accelerated”. The animal population growth and political and country had to review some unrest. priorities. • Management of upcountry lands and As a result, the country’s biological and intensification of agricultural physical potential is over-exploited, production. The economic and social impacts of which leads to degradation of physical Regarding desertification itself, thanks to desertification are alarming in northern elements, wind and rain erosion, the potential rainfall-evapotranspiration Chad. The region, which invariably has increased shrinking of watercourses, ratio (Riquer and Roseti Index, 1976), the experienced desertification, is decreased soil fertility and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) ecologically vulnerable to wind erosion. disappearance of plant, animal and fish species. definition of desertification (as In fact, ecological balance has been degradation of arid, semi-arid and sub- affected in the region. Reduced rainfall humid zones) helps to sub-divide Chad resulted in reduced vegetation and Environmental problems into three main zones: an arid zone, a impacted on people’s livelihoods and on In fact, the country is experiencing semi-arid zone and a sub-humid zone. the relatively general stabilisation of well- environmental problems, the main ones established sand dunes. being the following:

90 % of livelihoods based on natural resources. The country has a total area of 1,284,000 sq. km. Its climate is hot and dry with poor rainfall distribution over time and geographically. Tree major ecological zones (corresponding to five bioclimatic areas) exist in the country: the Saharan zone (rainfall below 200 mm) characterized by a prickle steppe, the Sahelian zone (rainfall between 200 and 600 mm) of relatively degraded tree steppes, and the Sudanese zone (rainfall between 600 and 1,200 mm) with tree and wooded savannahs and sparsely wooded forests. Being an agriculture and livestock- oriented country (over half of the country is livestock-oriented), 90 per cent of Desertification in Chad (Photo: John Isaac, UN)

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The causes of desertification are of two As far as implementing the National implementation modalities. The PNAE categories: natural and man-made. Natural Environment Protection Policy is seeks to arrive at a strategy that is causes in Chad include cyclical drought - concerned, a number of legal provisions conducive to a healthy and sustainable which has been observed actually for have been enforced, including Law 14/ management of natural resources and the four decades - and rainfall shortage PR/98 on the general principles for environment. (every third year). Man-made causes are, environment protection, Law 24 of 24 July Last but not least, there is the Agency for in order of importance, deforestation for 1987 on land ownership and customary Household Energy and Environment energy purpose and other needs, laws (and the decree stating measures for (Agence pour l’énergie domestique et overgrazing and bush fire. the enforcement of the Law), Order 510 of l’environnement in French) whose 8 August 1995 on reforestation by objective is to promote renewable communities and individuals, and the energies and substitutes to fuel wood. To New development approach establishment of the National Tree Week. The development approaches taken until reduce the pressure on forest resources, a few years ago to tackle these problems Chad has also ratified conventions and the Agency supports the management of had limited impact. Top-down, treaties including the UN Convention to upcountry lands by making rural dwellers technocratic, reforestation-based and Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the UN aware of their responsibilities and by agro-industrial oriented, they did not take Framework Convention on Climate encouraging them to resort to new into account both the ecological factor Change (UNFCCC), the UN Convention energy-saving skills and other energy and local people’s concerns. on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Vienna sources replacing fuel wood. Convention on Substances Affecting the It was in this context that the country’s Ozone Layer, and the Convention on authorities had come up with a policy Persistent Organic Products (POPs). Meagre resources strongly oriented towards finding The National Plan of Action for solutions to reverse the degradation Desertification Control (PAN/LCD in process and contributing effectively to Towards a healthy, sustainable French) revolves around four strategic improving rural dwellers’ living management orientations: conditions. Desertification control is a major • Transferring natural resource component of Chad’s National Therefore, as part of ongoing efforts to management responsibilities to rural Environment Protection Policy. This has combat desertification, Chad has, since communities; the year 2000, defined clearly its top been translated into concrete forms by a National Plan of Action for Desertification • Awareness raising, information, national priorities as follows: protecting training and extension work; and regenerating natural resources, Control (PAN/LCD in French) whose • Promoting environment-friendly developing a national plan, strengthening strategic orientations are the following: production systems; institutional frameworks and improving • Protecting and regenerating Establishing an institutional protection systems. environmental resources; • framework conducive not only to • Developing a national plan for town integration between development and New strategic orientations and regional planning; environment but also to inter-sectoral The Chadian government’s rural • Improving production systems and activity. development policy submitted to donors strengthening the institutional It is worth reminding that Chad has in June 1999 is in favour of a development framework. that operates within a healthy ratified the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and developed environment devoid of all forms of It is to be noted that the objectives of the national programmes providing better co- pollution, and a balanced socio-economic PAN/LCD match those of the Rural ordination and focus to actions taken to development through a rational Development Policy, especially in the control desertification. The country’s management of natural resources, field of natural resource management and Decentralization Act also offers an conservation and fair access to resources development, and those of production opportunity to make rural communities and biological diversity, and potential conservation and biological aware of their responsibilities. desertification and water resource diversity. control. Even though desertification is a hazard Also the National Plan of Action for with disastrous impact on ecosystems, Strategic orientations for achieving the Environment (PNAE in French) the Government’s meagre resources above-mentioned objectives are: constitutes a systematic framework for cannot help to handle it efficiently. Hence regenerating degraded elements, making brainstorming on environmental issues the need to mobilize the population and local communities aware of their for the purpose of diagnosing, identifying the international community. responsibilities and supplying people and strategies and actions - as well as their livestock with drinking water. technical, institutional and financial

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 11 Disaster Reduction in Africa

Drought management & coordination of food security in Kenya

Mr. Maaboub Maalim Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Programmes, Office of the President, Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya is broadly divided into four livelihood/production systems: pastoral, agro-pastoral, marginal agriculture and high potential agriculture. Vulnerability to food insecurity is highest among the pastoral communities residing in the entire Northeastern Province and parts of Rift Valley, Coast and Eastern provinces. This is because of frequent droughts, occasional floods, poor infrastructure, insecurity, least diversified livelihoods and poor livestock market infrastructure, among other factors. The second group with high vulnerability to food insecurity includes small-scale agriculturalists and agro-pastoralists in semi-arid areas of Eastern Province and inland areas of Coast Province, and the Famine due to drought in Kenya low lands of Nyanza Province (western Kenya). In these areas, the main livelihoods are food crop production and, 1991/1992, 1996/1997 and 1999 to 2001. and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), the to a lesser extent, livestock production. This indicates that droughts have Government of Kenya, together with the Frequent droughts and poor farming become more frequent and more severe in relevant stakeholders, have established practice cause food insecurity in these Kenya. several drought monitoring and food security early warning systems that areas. The 1999-2001 drought was the worst in provide timely, accurate and credible the last 100 years. This drought affected The high-potential areas include parts of information for planning and decision most parts of the country including some Rift valley, most of Western and making. highlands of Nyanza (west), eastern and of the high-potential areas. At its peak, central provinces. These areas are 4.5 million people lost their livelihoods In addition, Kenya has established a food generally perceived to be food secure but and coping mechanisms, and had to security coordinating structure (the parts of these areas occasionally depend entirely on relief food provided Kenya Food Security Meeting) that experience food insecurity in cases of jointly by the Government of Kenya and brings together all stakeholders dealing severe drought. donors. with food security in the country, To contain the situation, the Government including Government ministries and departments, donors, NGOs and UN Drought more frequent, more and donor community implemented an Emergency Operation Programme (EMOP) agencies, among others. severe during the period of February 2000 to Droughts are the major disasters affecting September 2002 at a cost of slightly over Key early warning systems most parts of Kenya, especially the 360 million US dollars for interventions on available pastoral, agro-pastoral and marginal food, non-food items and logistics. agricultural areas. In the last 100 years, Kenya has key drought monitoring and there have been about 28 droughts To manage the frequent droughts and food security early warning systems that recorded in the country. The major recent their negative impacts especially on the regularly collect and analyze food droughts were recorded in 1983/1884, most vulnerable populations in the Arid security-related data such as rainfall,

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livestock and crop production, prices and jointly prepared an integrated emergency are expected in terms of both trade, among others. emergency contingency plan covering food and non-food items. six months (August 2004 to February Major early warning systems are based 2005) with a view to minimizing the at the Office of the President (Arid negative impacts of the drought on the Lessons learnt Lands Resource Management Project) lives, livelihoods and the general Lessons learnt from the above approach and in the Ministries of Agriculture, economy of the affected population. It and operations are: Transport and Communication and was estimated that 166,000 metric tons of Planning and National Development. 1. Working coordination/response assorted foodstuff would be required for The Arid Lands Resource Management structures are the backbone of good six months (August 2004 to January Project undertakes drought management interventions during emergencies. 2005), in addition to other non-food items. activities involving early warning, At this stage, the magnitude of the 2. More needs to be done to interest non- preparedness and contingency planning problem had reached a level that could in 22 arid and semi-arid districts, and governmental agencies to fully not be handle by the Government alone. combines provision of early warning embrace working through existing information and mitigation activities. The President of the Republic of Kenya, structures for transparency and Mr Mwai Kibaki, therefore declared the efficiency. current drought situation as a National 3. Government of Kenya line Ministries A “National” Disaster in 2004 Disaster in July 2004 to enable the Prior to the declaration of drought Government to get help from development need to be better involved in disaster emergency this year, the Kenya Food partners. response rather than confine to their Security Meeting (KFSM) had analyzed, usual development mandates (newly All food donations coming from outside on continuous basis, the food security established UN/ISDR National Platform the country are being coordinated and early warning reports. Multi-agency field may help). assessments had also been conducted, received by the UN World Food covering the pastoral and marginal Programme (WFP) on behalf of the 4. Flexibility of systems is important. For agricultural areas, and Coast Province. KFSM. Donations received locally are instance, the USAID could quickly All the early warning and the assessment channelled through the Kenya Red Cross allow conversion of their development Society. reports did indicate that the performance food under Title 2 Programme to relief; of the 2003 “short rains” and that of the WFP could convert Food for Assets 2004 “long rains” had been poor in many Lead Agencies Programme to relief input; the areas of the country. The poor rains, Since monthly food requirements per Government could mobilize some during these two seasons, coupled with district, based on the needy number of cumulative effects of the 1999 to 2001 people, had been prepared by KFSM, all resources quickly for maize imports; drought in some areas of the country, had the food is handed over by KFSM to the World Bank could issue a no- worsened the food security situation, WFP which, in turn, hands it over to lead objection for extra release of funds especially in arid and semi-arid areas. The agencies (mostly NGOs). It is the lead from their credit in less than a week. most affected areas included Coast and agency, in each of the 26 affected 5. Maintaining a Grain Reserve is quite Northeastern provinces and most of districts, that finally distributes the food Eastern and Rift Valley provinces. to the beneficiaries, using established critical. The Government of Kenya spent community-based committees. 6. The Kenya Food Security Meeting enormous amount of resource in trying to Such a Community-Based Targeting (KFSM) needs to do more on arrest the famine situation in the worst Distribution (CBTD) system ensures that preparation for non-food items. affected districts. As the drought vulnerable populations in all areas continued to worsen, more people and covered by EMOP receive adequate food. 7. At the district level, District Steering more districts were affected. Distribution of non-food items is handled Groups (DSGs) are very helpful and In July 2004, the KFSM estimated that the same way. cannot be dispensed with. The recent some 3.3 million Kenyans, including 1.5 Disaster Capacity Building Workshops million school children, in 26 districts Progress on response to Government’s for DSGs helped a lot, particularly in were the worst affected and were in dire appeal districts where the Arid Lands Project need of relief food. Response to the Government’s appeal has is not operational. The Arid Lands been encouraging. So far, total food Project districts were way ahead. Integrated emergency response donations - actual and pledges - amount To fully contain the drought situation in to about 66 per cent of the requirement. 8. Multi-sectoral Rapid Assessment the country, elaborate intervention The Government of Kenya has donated adopted by KFSM is very useful for measures with regard to food and non- 45,000 metric tons of assorted foodstuff eventual resource mobilization. food items were put in place. The to the EMOP (Emergency Operation Government and development partners Programme). More donations towards the

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 13 Disaster Reduction in Africa

Southern African disaster manager urges peers to end “lament”

Mr Haretsebe Mahosi irrespective of what name has been Chief Executive, given to it. Disaster Management Authority, “If we do not invest in Maseru, Lesotho prevention and 2. Legislation has either been passed or it is in the pipeline (Draft Bill stage). preparedness, we will 3. The disaster management units in all Mr Haretsebe Mahosi, Chief Executive have to wait for a countries are set up within very of Lesotho’s Disaster Management disaster to strike and senior ministries, which thing Authority, has told disaster managers in then provide relief. That, provides advantage to them (DRM Southern Africa to end what he termed units). [usual] “lament” that disaster risk to me, is as good as management remained little understood saying people should die While one appreciates this situation, it is by Governments, politicians, NGOs, because we will provide a worth noting that there are many business organizations, “everybody”. challenges ahead of us, and that many of decent burial.” them appear to be common to many of our He said: “We have to make our own Haretsebe Mahosi, CEO, countries. These challenges include the advocacy for our cause. We have to Disaster Management Authority, following: promote and position ourselves. We have Lesotho. to take advantage of our place within a. Budgetary constraints the hierarchy of Governments. We have to b.Knowledge and skills deficiencies demonstrate our knowledge and c. Lack of appropriate infrastructure convince our Governments and people Following the quote below (from him) is (equipment, tools and systems) that we matter. We have to make our the text of his address: d.Poor communication Governments realize and understand the breadth and depth of disaster risk Ladies and gentlemen, more often than management.” not, we come to conferences such as this Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me one to make presentations as we have He made the above comments during the “ to thank you all for giving me the done this afternoon. That is good for Second Session of a Regional opportunity to chair this Second Session information sharing and to provide one Stakeholders’ Workshop on Disaster Risk of the Workshop. another with techniques that we may Management held in Johannesburg, It has not been a very easy job, employ to solve the problems facing our South Africa, from 9 to 11 November considering time constraint, which one countries. However, one feels concerned 2004, organized by UNDP in partnership had to work against. However, all the about the way we lament over the with the Southern African Development SADC countries that are represented here challenges that we face. Community, SADC. today - except the host (RSA), made their For example, we always come to these The workshop discussed the preparation presentations providing us with the conferences to tell one another that our of a Capacity Building Framework on national-level disaster risk management people do not understand disaster risk Disaster Risk Management (for SADC initiatives and/or efforts. In the management, that our political office Member States) - with the main objective presentations, each country highlighted bearers do not understand or appreciate of agreeing on the concept and process its major successes as well as its major the importance and the role of disaster of a capacity needs assessment that serve challenges. We now realize that there are risk management units in our respective as a basis for the preparation of the some common successes that our countries, that our Governments do not Framework. individual countries gained; but more understand our role and see us as relief importantly, we are aware that there are Participants were representatives of agencies, and that they do not show common challenges ahead of us. SADC member states, including disaster commitment to disaster prevention and managers, and other partners involved The following are some of the common preparedness, instead they focus on (UN agencies, NGOs, donors and successes that individual countries in response, which is why they cannot academics). this region have achieved in relation to increase the budget for these units. disaster risk management: Mr Haretsebe Mahosi made his comments Ladies and gentlemen, I fully agree with when wrapping up the workshop’s 1. There is, established within each you on all these matters, but my Second Session which he had chaired. country, a disaster management unit,

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questions to all of us who are here today business organizations and our it, and to invest more in prevention and are: communities to know, to understand, to preparedness as against in response, as it appreciate what disaster risk management currently obtains. 1. Do we, as practitioners in disaster risk units are and are about, and above all to management, know what disaster risk To me, investing in prevention and think disaster management. management is? preparedness is not an option, because 2. Do we understand it? We have to make our own advocacy for prevention is always better than cure. If 3. Do we know and understand our role our cause. We have to promote and we do not invest in prevention and within our nations? position ourselves. We have to take preparedness, we will have to wait for a advantage of our place within the disaster to strike and then provide relief. 4. If we know what disaster risk hierarchy of Governments. We have to That, to me, is as good as saying people management is, if we understand what demonstrate our knowledge and to should die because we will provide a a disaster risk management unit is convince our Governments and people decent burial. about and has to do, why are we that we matter. We have to make our crying? Why don’t we teach our We should not forget, however, that it Governments realize and understand the political office bearers what disaster takes five (5) years for one to be in breadth and depth of disaster risk risk management is? Why don’t we Government via the ballot box, and that s/ management in each of our countries. teach the line ministries about our he should be seen to deliver within that Yes, we have to develop means and units and their role? Why don’t we period, otherwise his/her chances of re- mechanisms that will assist our people to teach the NGOs, the business election are minimized and that is not cope. organizations, the communities and what any political office bearer wants to everybody about what we are and Indeed, we have to take a leadership role risk. We shall therefore have to come up what we are for? in changing and re-shaping the culture of with very good arguments to make them disaster risk management within our divert resources from delivery of Ladies and gentlemen, we are the respective countries. In order to be immediate tangible programmes to practitioners in this field. We are the successful in doing so, we must first investing in prevention and preparedness technocrats, the planners and the think change ourselves. Our ways of thinking, - such as in building national reserves tanks in our respective countries; at least communicating, coordinating and that should be kept for the uncertain but as far as disaster risk management is managing must change if we are to make a expected disastrous future times - with concerned. I therefore wish to appeal to meaningful impact on our environment. the purpose of reducing the impact of all of us here this afternoon to make it our disaster should it occur. responsibility and to take it upon It is rather worrying that the presenters ourselves to make our political office made reference to the issue of lack of Ladies and gentlemen, I appeal to us all bearers, our line ministries, our NGOs, our education and training in our respective who are here this afternoon to go to our countries. Don’t we think it is about time respective countries and change the disaster risk management is included disaster risk management cultures of our within the school curricula? How many Governments and our Nations, for life “We [disaster managers] universities, technikons1, colleges or sake of our own people, if for nothing always come to these other training institutions provide else. conferences to tell one disaster risk management as a discipline? What do we say and do about that? I thank you. another that our people ” [including Governments] None of the presenters mentioned recognition and utilization of indigenous do not understand knowledge in disaster risk management. 1 Tertiary technical education institutions (in disaster risk Please, let us be reminded that disasters South Africa) that offers specialized management… We have have been occurring long before the qualifications. to take a leadership role introduction of modern technology and in changing and re- that humankind (within our countries, just like elsewhere) had by then developed shaping the culture of coping mechanisms, limited as they might disaster risk have been. Therefore, it is our duty to management within our identify them, improve them and utilize respective countries. In them. order to be successful in Ladies and gentlemen, let us go back to doing so, we must first our respective countries and find good change ourselves.” reasons to convince our Governments and to persuade the Parliaments to move a little from response, without neglecting

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 15 Views and Reviews

Institutionalizing Disaster Risk Management in Africa: Gains & Challenges

Mrs. Lucile Randrianarivelo International Consultant, Antananarivo, Madagascar

Studies were conducted, and new concepts and approaches suggested during the 1990-99 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). Later on, they were developed and used by Governments across the world to initiate a process of developing disaster risk management policies aimed at reducing the adverse effects and impacts of disasters. Indeed, a large variety of risks and disasters with serious impact on societies and economies do exist on African continent. In addition, communities at risk are more vulnerable not only because of poverty, environmental degradation and One way of preventing desertification lack of information, but also because of weak coordination at both national and continental levels. are solved as they emerge and according Participatory process to their nature. Emergency relief is heavily conducive to sustainability, dependent on external aid and funding. ownership Increased institutionalization Logistical and human resources are In these countries, the process of Meanwhile, in most African countries, the poorly developed and civil societies’ developing national strategies for frequency and variety of disasters has led contributions are minimal, so is the disaster risk management was conducive to increased institutionalization of the mobilization of the private sector. to national consultations that created practice of disaster risk management. But However, some African countries began opportunities for dialogue and knowledge the related legal and institutional to develop and implement prevention sharing. This in turn helped to brainstorm mechanisms have remained extremely policies. Why? Mainly because the lack on a number of internal problems, analyze irrational. Very often, several institutions of national disaster prevention policies prevailing situations and suggest a and national and international bodies and strategies and the need for better package of solutions. Similarly, field visits operate under unclear legal frameworks coordination of responses to a variety of facilitated discussions with local characterized by duplication and emergency situations increasingly government authorities involved in relief overlapping. Furthermore, none of them is became a matter of concern. The above operations. endowed with sufficient powers to ensure policies in turn led to the enforcement of systemic coordination of the activities Such a participatory process, which measures aimed at reducing disaster involved. enables the involvement of various impact (loss of human lives, economic officials and officers, ensures For lack of operational plans of action, impact, material damage, etc.) - in line with sustainability and also ownership by disaster risk management is generally commitments made during the 1994 national policy and decision makers. As a based more on response than prevention, Yokohama World Conference on Disaster result, depending on each country’s mitigation and preparedness. Problems Reduction.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 16 Views and Reviews

political and institutional frameworks and informed about the steps they must take need to be opened up to the valuable the type of risks they face (seism, flood, to protect themselves. contribution of women and youths. fire, armed conflict, etc.), some African Better participation of women in all countries were able, during the IDNDR, to stages of disaster risk management either develop disaster risk management Current challenges needs to be promoted, be it at the structures or strengthen existing Thanks to such a dynamics that has level of decision making, access to structures. gained momentum over the past few decision-making positions or even years, planning and organizing natural participation in the national economy. To address coordination-related disaster relief operations gradually have ƒ Local communities should be helped problems, the structures in question were become an established practice. to become key players in the attached to a high-level government Therefore, we may be tempted to say that development, adoption and entity able to liase between the we are heading steadily for the attainment implementation of disaster prevention «technical » government ministries and of the objectives set at the beginning of policies and measures. Protection is various actors involved. the IDNDR. every one’s business; it cannot be the However, in spite of Africa’s political will preserve of a single authority or body. Disaster prevention a crucial to find lasting solutions to disasters, and Therefore, communities and component of public despite remarkable efforts made by individuals should be encouraged to management Governments with support from UN seek to protect themselves, all the Better still, the decentralization and agencies and other bilateral and more because some genuine capacity reform processes, which is still under way multilateral partners, the above steps does exist locally to resolve local in most of African countries, constituted could not be replicated in all countries crises: knowledge of local conditions, an institutional context conducive not because of their financial costs and formal/informal networks, etc. only to the establishment of structures at because of difficult access to remote and However, for local communities to various levels - local, regional, provincial isolated areas. Also they were limited in gain increased recognition, the and national, but also to the definition of terms of number and impact: neither did already « enlightened » ones should their roles, duties, rights, responsibilities they help reduce the impacts of disasters start acquiring better knowledge of and resources. on people and production systems disasters and developing adaptation effectively, nor did they reduce Africa’s mechanisms. Awareness raising activities - through vulnerability significantly. training and information dissemination – Resource allocation crucial aimed at sensitizing and mobilizing In any cases, a thorough analysis of The international mobilization and individual citizens and communities at post-disaster responses shows that some coordination done by UN agencies - various stages of the risk prevention diagnoses, existing measures and initially through the IDNDR Secretariat process have also been intensified, and established strategies need to be and now through the UN/ISDR - have new intervention and detection improved. helped Governments to enhance equipment – modern ones – acquired. The way forward coordination in the field of disaster In a nutshell, disaster prevention has prevention and management. However, a To ensure that the concrete and positive become a crucial component of public lot remains to be done, especially to meet steps taken during the International management. In some cases, disaster the requirements of good governance and Decade are not wasted and that the prevention and other disaster-related gradual transfer of powers to entities disaster risk management agenda agreed measures have been even integrated into closer to vulnerable populations. by then, as well as recent and ongoing sectoral poverty reduction or sustainable efforts under the UN Inter-Agency Therefore, for the sake of genuine development plans and strategies. Secretariat for the International Strategy sustainable development, it is important Indeed success in natural disaster for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR), are that the international community management depends, in a large number fruitful, the agreed goals and objectives continues shaping a disaster risk of African countries, on development should be pursued resolutely and management system and strategy adapted policies that put in place not only attained on the basis of the following: to new developments in the global arena preparedness and detection mechanisms and new humanitarian realities. ƒ Governments should keep the present and prompt resource mobilization, but momentum gained in terms of national Meanwhile, to consolidate past and also vulnerability reduction mechanisms. dynamics by gaining full ownership of ongoing efforts to prevent disasters and Disaster mitigation has also been taken and enforcing policies already save human lives, it does matter that past into account, and helped to advance initiated. and ongoing thoughts on disaster risk towards a « culture of security », the ƒ To reduce the extremely heavy burden management result in concrete proposals population being increasingly aware of already carried by vulnerable regarding resource allocation. threatening hazards, more knowledgeable communities, ongoing programmes about their enemies (hazards) and better

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 17 Views and Reviews

Towards comprehensive, long-term approaches to disaster management in Nigeria

Dr Olusegun E. Ojo Assistant Director, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja, Nigeria

During the past four decades, hazard events such as earthquakes, drought, floods, storms, fires and volcanic eruptions across the world have caused major loss of human lives and livelihoods as well as the destruction of the environment and economic and social infrastructures. Moves towards sustainable development and poverty reduction are severely threatened by disasters caused by hazards of hydro-meteorological, geological and environmental origin, often amplified by human activity or technology. Some well-meaning development projects have also increased vulnerability and have only succeeded in short-term solutions and political gains for decision makers. Uncoordinated and unsustainable development generate disaster risks rather than promote socio-economic growth and resilience in communities. States within each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria Sudden rise in number, severity of floods Geo-political zone States In Nigeria, occurrences of disasters and emergencies have increased in frequency North Central Zone Kaduna, Kogi, Plateau. Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, and intensities in the last decade, Kwara especially in recent times.

Frequent oil spills within the Niger Delta North East Zone Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe (southern Nigeria) have led to irreparable damage to its coastal biospheres. The North West Zone Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa expansion of the manufacturing sector has resulted in increasing levels of South East Zone Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Enugu industrial pollution and waste. Global warming and phenomenon such as South South Zone Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibim, Bayelsa El Nino have been linked to the sudden rise in the number and severity of recent South West Zone Lagos, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun floods in Jigawa, Kano (all in Northern Nigeria), Gombe (Northeastern Nigeria)

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and most of the southern States. As a challenge to promote decentralization of understanding of disaster issues, and to result, Nigerians have become coordinated disaster risk reduction mobilize relevant indigenous skills to increasingly at risk to a wide range of institutions to the lowest tier of address disaster risks. Strengthening natural hazards with urbanization and government (i.e. local government community institutions through high incidence of poverty pressuring authority), especially at community level. appropriate legislation, where necessary, people in spite of town planning and enhancement of individuals’ ability to This is in view of NEMA’s mandates for regulations preventing them from appreciate the root causes of hazards medium and long-term disaster mitigation inhabiting vulnerable flood plains and would go a long way to reduce risks. and rehabilitation. This will enable to unstable hillsides. build resilient communities and Uncontrolled use of wood for domestic sustainable environment for people’s Community disaster reduction fuel consumption with pest infestations benefit. as quella birds and locusts in Yobe-Borno support programme in place (Northeast Nigeria) axis are increasing the Therefore, in view of NEMA’s other Disaster risk reduction a threat of desertification. Rapid population mandates for medium/long term disaster growth rate is equally creating fierce development issue mitigation and rehabilitation, a competition for “scarce” resources, The challenges in reducing disaster risk collaborative and technical support thereby resulting in deteriorating are essentially a developmental issue. programme on community disaster livelihoods, social marginalization, ethno- Individual efforts to protect lives and reduction has been designed to: religious conflicts, crimes, general properties at local community level could • Raise public awareness and provide be very significant when added together. insecurity and instability in the polity. It education; is believed in some quarters that a While emergency assistance remains • Build local capacity and strengthen number of ethno-religious conflicts result necessary in some cases, Governments institutions/legislation; and from socio-economic pressure on scarce would urgently need to find effective resources. means by which a more holistic and multi- • Provide technical support for pilot sectoral participation of professional disaster mitigation and rehabilitation projects in selected Local Government Growing recognition of need disciplines and relevant stakeholders would contribute to disaster risk Authorities (LGAs)/communities for long-term approaches reduction. There is no gainsaying that across the country’s six geo-political There is now a growing recognition by disaster reduction is cheaper and better zones (see table on previous page). both the public and private sectors that than cure. one of the ways to address the escalating In line with the above goals, the following losses and costs is to develop Disaster reduction policies and activities will be implemented with comprehensive, long-term approaches to programmes must be conceived with a adequate collaboration with relevant the management of man-made/natural resolve to build societies that are resilient Federal Government agencies, inter- disasters. But Local Government to hazards and to ensure that governmental organizations (IGOs), non- Authorities and communities in the development activities do not unwittingly governmental organizations (NGOs) and country are yet to come to terms at increase vulnerability to these hazards. community-based organizations (CBOs), and with the active participation of the institutionalizing disaster management or To accomplish these goals requires embarking on coordinated disaster concerned States, Local Governments and political commitment as well as the need communities: reduction plans. to actively mobilize and involve local Community stakeholders, who usually are communities in both programme 1. State-wide Capacity Building Towards the “worst hit” directly and who conceptualization and implementation. Local Emergency Management expectedly are the first responders in Risk reduction measures are most Institution Building and emergencies, should be and must be successful when they directly involve the Strengthening; factored into the disaster management people most likely to be exposed to the 2. State-wide Training of Trainers’ equation through adequate training, hazards in the planning and decision- Workshops in Community Disaster capacity building and general public making processes. Mitigation and Rehabilitation enlightenment and education of the entire Strong participation in preventive actions Strategies (6 workshops); citizenry. This is to enable them play and remedial programmes is also 3. Public Enlightenment and Community complementary role to government important. Local leaders drawn from the Awareness through formation of 12 emergency institutions at various stages political, social and economic sectors of Pilot Emergency Clubs in Secondary of emergency and disaster management. society must be willing to accept primary Schools; Compilation of Literary To take advantage of this potential but responsibility for protection or reducing Materials on Disaster Prevention and presently “untrained” emergency the vulnerability of their own Rehabilitation Issues in 6 Participating response “corps” at community level, communities. LGAS/communities. NEMA (National Emergency Management It is important to promote education and 4. Capacity Building for 6 State Agency), ably supported by the states build capacity to improve people’s Emergency Management Agencies to and other stakeholders, must take up the

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facilitate replication of community- 7. Programme Documentation for To bring about decentralization in based disaster reduction projects in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) disaster risk reduction to the lowest other LGAs/communities; utilizing multimedia information community level in Nigeria, NEMA would 5. Demonstrative Mitigation/ technology (IT) to capture events and need the support of relevant stakeholders Rehabilitation Projects in selected activities; locally and internationally, including the vulnerable communities; 8. Compilation of a Biennial Journal on UN/ISDR. 6. Compilation of Assessment Field Guide community-based disaster reduction ------activities; and Logistical Training Handbook in Contact: Dr Olusegun E Ojo, Assistant community-based emergency/disaster 9. Annual National Best Practices Award Director, NEMA, The Presidency, Abuja, management interventions for general on community-based disaster Nigeria. use by all stakeholders; reduction activities. [email protected]

PUBLICATION UPDATE Land use: risk & rewards A UN-ISDR publication

Mr Andy Paige and beneficial land use practices, and at sustainable development. Lessening the Consultant for UN/ISDR Africa the same time, promote relevant risk impact or severity of disasters and Cape Town, South Africa reduction measures. Such changes in improving one’s ability to recover from land use planning and the way that land disasters help to break the destructive is used will, over time, lead to increased cycle of cumulative disasters, and help A booklet entitled “Land Use: Risk & land productivity, reduced impacts of communities to become more resilient, Rewards” is about to be released. It is the disasters and an improvement in which can play a large part in promoting third in the series of educational booklets communities’ living conditions. sustainable development and community commissioned by UN-ISDR Africa from The booklet describes the role that land growth. Several examples of success South African earth consulting firm plays in the economic wellbeing of the stories from within Africa are included to Umvoto Africa. community and gives examples of land illustrate the point that good land use practices are practical and achievable. The series of booklets seeks to provide degradation following poor or non- existent land use planning. A distinction Even though the booklet is intended African community leaders with practical primarily to assist community leaders at guides to implementing appropriate is drawn between disasters arising from natural hazards that cannot be prevented, community level, the important aspects of disaster risk reduction measures as a step both local and regional land use planning towards achieving sustainable and those induced by man through poor use of land. is covered. This is seen as a key factor in development. Schools’ versions of these mitigating the negative impacts of booklets have also been produced with The role of disaster risk reduction is overpopulation and poor land use school-friendly language and more highlighted and the many facets of land practices that inevitably lead to land suitable contents. degradation such as erosion, poor degradation. The Land Use booklet seeks to support farming practices, deforestation, invasion by alien vegetation, urbanization, The booklet includes appendices and encourage community leaders to containing more technical details of evaluate the manner in which their pollution and mining are discussed. The booklet also discusses the problems relevant international agreements and communities are using their land, and to initiatives, a glossary of commonly used consider ways in which good land use associated with certain land tenue practices and overpopulation. The crucial terms and a resource reference list - which practices can lessen the impact of includes a list of relevant web sites. disasters and improve the communities’ role of good land use practices in disaster ability to recover from disasters. risk reduction is explained. Community leaders are urged, where Reducing disaster risk is also an necessary, to introduce more appropriate important step towards the goal of

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 20 Views and Reviews

The African Women “underutilized” resource in disaster reduction

Mrs. Alice Kirambi Executive Director, Christian Partnership for Development Agency (CPDA), Nairobi, Kenya

The African women have been rendered vulnerable to and became “victims” of disasters. Yet, with their traditional technological know-how, they did and still do have the potential to help to prevent and respond to disasters.

Our forefathers and foremothers had the skills and the knowledge on weather forecasting and were able to detect whenever disasters were likely to occur. But due to intimidation and the belief that Displaced women victims of floods in Western Province of Kenya women are biologically “inferior”, women increasingly have ended up taking no used fully, could greatly help community being beneficiaries of interventions by keen interest in tackling aspects of disaster reduction efforts. experts and outsiders. Yet, the African disasters. woman, if challenged and empowered, Even though disaster has been defined in would see herself as part of the solution - different ways by scholars and specialized and an important part of it. Women never helpless agencies, the common stand linking all Several studies conclude that women are these definitions are two: (1) disasters are It is becoming increasingly evident that never helpless in the face of even the calamities – natural or man-made - that with appropriate support to women in most devastating disasters. Rather, they occur with great impact on people’s lives skill development, women can play a portray great strength, extreme resilience and livelihoods; (2) their severity is such central role in disaster risk management and extensive knowledge about coping that exceptional measures are needed to and in emergency situations. strategies. However, their initiatives and respond to them. As disasters cause Even though, the place and the role of the efforts remain largely invisible and immense suffering to affected families, it African women in disaster preparedness therefore are not taken seriously. would be easy to locate the place of and mitigation would vary depending on women, especially within the highly As a result, their potential for harnessing the nature, environment and/or approach, patriarchal family system that is rampant these efforts towards effective disaster women are, during disasters, concerned across Africa. reduction and response remain largely about fending for their families and for under-utilized and untapped. the safety of their children. During emergencies, women save lives Women’s potential role Women are therefore generally and build livelihoods in post-emergency Women are among those most severely knowledgeable about disasters situation: they are thus an asset and a affected by disasters. They also face a happening in their own immediate resource base. double tragedy: that of being unable to environments, and the older generation face/respond to them and that of being does possess traditional knowledge and It emerges from the twice-a-year floods in unable to manage the realities brought is able to forecast coming disasters. Budalangi (western Kenya) that the about by them. However, due to women’s vulnerability in rudimentary technologies and communities and as a result of social and marginalized skills used by women in The dominant approach to dealing with economic pressures, they do face certain putting up dykes often go a long way in disasters offers no space for women, constraints in mitigating disasters. The mitigating the impacts of floods and the since they are viewed and considered as women’s capacities are not sufficient for risks faced by livelihoods around the part of the victims for whom solutions effective disaster risk reduction. area. Such a contribution by women, if need to be worked out, thus becoming

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Engendering disaster reduction It is also evident that women at lack of control over structural factors The importance of gender issues in grassroots level take an active role and such as land and produce markets. A development programmes is now widely are part of both membership and sustainable way of addressing disasters recognized and gender analysis is leadership in community disaster issues, lies in recognizing the role of women as increasingly being accepted not merely as a often outnumbering men while, formally, being a resource. women are less represented or absent technocrat analysis but also as an integral Governments, international agencies and from decision-making positions. part of development planning and delivery. the community at large should put in This, however, is not true in the global place strategies that would help in effort to address disaster risks. There is Recognizing women as being a removing the barriers to facilitate little understanding of gender aspects of women’s full potential by recognizing disaster risk and vulnerability globally. resource With the ongoing climate change and the their resourcefulness, identifying the This is partly attributed to the fact that increased intensity of disaster impacts, gaps in women’s support mechanisms many actors in this field are not sufficiently women’s efforts need to be particularly and providing them with support.These sensitized as to the disproportionate supported since there are a number of will instil confidence and esteem in the burden that women have to bear in the barriers to the full realization of women’s African women and reduce their event of disasters. Fortunately, this field efforts. dependency on outside help and relief. has elicited extensive research interest with many studies isolating the needs and Among these barriers are lack of concerns of women in disasters. resources, inadequate technologies and

DJIBOUTI: National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction approved

Mr Ahmed Mohamed Madar time for our country to be endowed with National Focal Point for Disaster adequate means to protect the population Management against disaster risks. With UNDP’s Republic of Djibouti support, the Interior and Decentralization Ministry has just finalized the proposed National Strategy for Disaster Risk A proposed National Strategy for Disaster Reduction. The Ministry is also expected Risk Reduction was approved by to establish a relevant and efficient stakeholders during a disaster institution to handle disaster risk management workshop held in Djibouti reduction coordination and management.” town on 17 June 2004. The minister said: “I am positive that The interior and decentralization minister, together we are able to elevate disaster Mr Abdoulkader Doualeh Wais, presided risk reduction into another priority area of ISDR National Focal point Mr Ahmed M. Madar and International Consultant Mrs over the opening ceremony. Present were action towards genuine sustainable Lucile Randrianarivelo at the Strategy the minister of housing, town and development…” validation workshop regional planning. Also present were the chief of the Office of the Prime Minister, Ending his speech, Mr Abdoulkader pledged UN agencies’ support to its the UNDP Resident Representative, and Doualeh Wais expressed sincere thanks implementation. representatives of diplomatic missions, to UNDP Resident Representative Mrs Mbaranga, National Project Coordinator UN agencies, national, regional and For his part, The Chief of the Office of the Mr Ahmed Mohamed Madar, international organizations. Prime Minister, Mr Mohamed Ahmed International Consultant Mrs Lucile Awaleh, emphasized the close link Others present were government officials Randrianarivelo and all the members of between poverty reduction and disaster from various ministries involved and the National Committee for Disaster Risk risk reduction. He said developing a members of the National Committee for Management. National Strategy for Disaster Risk Disaster Risk Management. During her speech, UNDP Resident Reduction also featured in Djibouti’s Opening the workshop, the interior and Representative Mrs Mbaranga stressed Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper decentralization minister said: “It is high the importance of the Strategy and (PRSP).

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MADAGASCAR: Early warning system, disaster management body revamped

Ms. Gina Rakotoarimanana Disaster Risk Information System (SIRCat) CARE Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar

At least one natural or man-made disaster strikes in Madagascar each and every year. As the population on the Indian Ocean island are highly vulnerable, OVERVIEW hazards generally end up being disasters. HAZARD Analysis Official messages (USB, Natural and/or man-made hazards are etc.) VULNERABILITY described in the country’s Poverty Initial & Thorough Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) as a Analysis Surveys poverty-aggravating factor. And an RISKS Management: relief, « exhaustive information system » logistics… Analysis features in the country’s National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management Meteorological THEMA- Decentra- NATIONAL Monitoring TIC lized as an adequate response to information and SYSTEMS: Systems EARLY Remote Sensing Early WARNING needs felt by local disaster risk Warning management actors. Systems, SYSTEM etc…

A disaster risk information system unit 3. Modelling-based maps that indicate Base document for national In this context, a disaster risk information the geographical extent of hazards early warning system being unit known as SIRCat (Système and vulnerability as well as the extent finalized d’information sur les risques et les of their impact; These products were developed in a catastrophes – in French) became 4. The National Early Warning System participatory manner, in partnership of operational in 1999, established by (SAP in French); government and non-government bodies Madagascar’s national disaster 5. The Communal Information System involved in each component. management body, the National Relief (SIC in French); For the sake of sustainability, the bodies Council (CNS in French), with technical 6. The following computer softwares involved established a Task Force (TF) support from CARE. that enable the National Relief for each component - cyclone, drought, The main objective of SIRCat is to Council (CNS) to coordinate better its flood, vulnerability, etc., capacity building provide simple and easy-to-understand response/emergency activities: being provided through the Task Forces. information to: (1) decision makers to ƒ SUMA (Supply Management), a stock The Base Document for the National make their work easier; (2) disaster management software developed by Early Warning System has been management actors (based on themes and the UN System ; geographical zones) to enable more developed since April 2003, involving all focused efforts; and (3) communities to ƒ MORC (Message officiel sur les key government ministries and other key enable them to acquire a better risques et les catastrophes – Official institutions. The Base Document is knowledge of their environments. Messages on Disaster Risks and expected to be approved within the next Disasters), a message management few months and enforced by the relevant software handling post-event institution - the Office of the President Hazard, vulnerability modelling commune messages on the sequences being the “anchoring” institution of the Since it became operational in 1999, and impacts of events. National Early Warning System. SIRCat has offered the following ƒ EIMA (Enquête initiale multi-aléa – products: Initial Multi-Hazard Survey), a post- More autonomous disaster 1. Hazard modelling for major hazards hazard assessment product featuring a management body collection sheet, a data entry extractor, such as cyclone, drought, flood and Meanwhile, following the impacts of a data processing programme and an landslides; cyclones Elita and Gafilo this year, the 2. Vulnerability modelling; interpretation frame.

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National Relief Council (CNS) has gone autonomy in terms of decision making, initiating and encouraging coordination through some change. action and resource. by actors in the field. In organizational terms, and in line with The move was hailed unanimously by And for the 2004–2005 cyclone season the 2003 Disaster Risk Management Act, CNS partners as an indication of the (from November to April every year), the the Council is no longer a Permanent Government’s political will, political CNS has provided capacity building in Secretariat, it is now an Executive commitment and step towards greater decision making to consolidate the big Secretariat - endowed with a new staff transparency. leap made in the response/emergency and renamed “National Office for Disaster At coordination level, the CNS embarked aspect of disaster risk management. Risk Management” (BGRC – Bureau on genuine transfer of powers under an national de gestion des risques de ongoing process of decentralization, catastrophe). This means increased

UGANDA: Recent activities of ISDR National Platform

Mr Martin Owor • Success in mainstreaming disaster risk a) To operationalize the provisions of Assistant Commissioner, the SCD Pillar in the revised PEAP; Disaster Management, issues into the PEAP under a new pillar Kampala, Uganda referred to as “the Security, Conflict b) To develop an action plan for Resolution and Disaster Management implementing the provisions of the pillar (SCD Pillar)”. In essence, the SCD-PEAP pillar; Uganda’s ISDR National platform has Government of Uganda has prioritized c) To support the coordination, been meeting once every month. Its disaster risk management amongst its monitoring and evaluation of the recent major activities include: development efforts. responses of the Government, • Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction • A stakeholders’ meeting organized by NGOs and civil society to conflicts issues into the Poverty Eradication Uganda’s UN/ISDR National Platform and disasters within Uganda; Action Plan (PEAP) which is Uganda’s on 22 September 2004 to ensure d) To assist in the development of a national development framework and disaster risk issues are captured in the National Conflict Resolution medium-term planning tool. The PEAP 2005/6 National and Local Government Policy; also forms the country’s Poverty budget development process. e) To operationalize the provisions of Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), • The establishment of three Sector the Internally Displaced Persons guiding the formulation of Government Working Groups and a Secretariat Policy; policy and implementation of during a stakeholders’ meeting of the f) To support the development of a programmes through sector wide newly-created Security, Conflict comprehensive Recovery, approaches to planning and a Resolution and Disaster Management Reconciliation and Development decentralized governance system. Pillar (SCD Pillar) and PEAP: programme for the conflict-affected The PEAP provides an overarching northern region of Uganda. framework that guides public action a) The Security Sector Working Group towards the eradication of poverty. The (S-SWG); • The three new PEAP Sector Working PEAP is a framework within which b) The Conflict Resolution and Peace groups have been meeting two times sectors such as health, education, Building Sector Working Group every month and are currently agriculture, transport, communication (CRPB-SWG); participating in the National Budget development process ensuring that and environment develop their detailed c) The Disaster Management and disaster risk issues are mainstreamed plans. It guides translation of Special Poverty Reduction in all sectors of the national plans and expenditure implications into concrete Programmes Sector Working Group budgets, especially the sectors of spending decisions through the (DMSPRP-SWG). Medium Term Expenditure Framework health, education, agriculture, The purpose of the three Sector Working (MTEF) and annual budgets. transport and construction. Groups are:

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COMOROS: Draft national emergency preparedness & response plan finalized

Mr. Hamidi Soule the « Cyclone » Plan already adopted by The above workshop was held following a ISDR National Focal Point, the Cabinet. Workshop on National Capacity Building Moroni, Comoros and the Establishment of a ISDR National In the following days, the final document Platform (in December 2003) and a was handed over to the Defence and National Workshop on Emergency Territorial Security Minister to be signed The draft National Emergency Preparedness and Response in the and introduced to the Cabinet. Preparedness and Response Plan was Comoros (in March 2004) – during which finalized and adopted during a workshop After being adopted by the Cabinet, the a draft version of the above-mentioned held in the capital, Moroni, on 14 October Plan will be submitted to another national National Emergency Preparedness and 2004. workshop for approval. The Plan is Response Plan was developed. expected to be approved by the end of The disaster management workshop was the year. held to finalize the following documents: the National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, the « Karthala (Volcano) » Plan, and the « Cyclone » Plan. Also featuring on the agenda was a National Report on Natural Disaster Preparedness and Response. Organized with logistical and technical support from the UN System, the workshop was attended by various technical staff from the Ministries of Health, Development, Defence and Territorial Security, the Army Staff Headquarters and the national seismological and meteorological monitoring stations. The workshop participants reviewed the state of disaster prevention in the country, defined a number of strategies and guiding principles and discussed the development of sectoral response plans. The process of adopting such plans was also discussed.

At the end of the workshop, the Members of the ISDR National Platform Comoros participants finalized and adopted the National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan.. The “Karthala (Volcano)” Plan, which had been developed for over a year by the Army Staff Headquarters - in collaboration with the Karthala Volcano Monitoring Station, was also finalized and appended to the above Plan. So was

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GHANA: Disaster reduction workshop urges creation of ISDR National Platform

Brig (Rtd) J. Odei National Disaster Management Office (NADMO) Accra, Ghana

Participants in a National Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Ghana have called for the establishment of an ISDR National Platform as part of their recommendations on how to enhance disaster management in the country.

The workshop, held in Accra from 20 to 22 April 2004, drew 50 participants from various government ministries and local, regional and international organizations. Organized by UN/ISDR Africa and UNDP, in collaboration with Ghana’s Interior Ministry and NADMO (National Disaster Floods in Ghana, 2002 ( Photo: Kwaku A. Danso) Management Office), it was the first consultative national workshop on disaster management ever held in Ghana. It emerged from the workshop that • Integrating disaster reduction issues NADMO’s emphasis was now on into national and local development Entitled “National Workshop on Disaster coordination, prevention, training, policies to help prevent and mitigate Risk Reduction (DRR) for Sustainable awareness creation (through information the impact of disasters. Development”, the workshop was dissemination), employment generation, initiated mainly to help draw workable and poverty reduction. Measures ideas on how to enhance disaster risk undertaken for disaster reduction include: How to achieve coordination, reduction for sustainable development in cooperation Ghana. The objectives of the workshop • Drawing on national, regional and To achieve coordination and cooperation, were to (1) review national policies and district disaster management plans to the participants suggested the following: activities in disaster management and ensure effective coordination and implementation of disaster prevention, DRR, (2) understand DRR and how to • Command and control should be from mitigation and preparedness measures. integrate it in disaster management, (3) one source. form a coalition of interests for DRR, and • Developing a three-year Strategic Institutional groups should be brought (4) reach a consensus on the way Disaster Management Plan to provide • forward. direction for capacity building, disaster together and unified. prevention and management, and social • Resources of stakeholders are to be Ongoing measures for disaster mobilization. identified and used for risk reduction. risk reduction • Facilitating technical committees that Various presentations were made that set do planning and give advice. Shifting focus from emergency the tone for discussions and group work • Strengthening information flow. response to risk reduction aimed at facilitating the establishment of a • Establishing and support Disaster As the theme for the workshop was National Strategy for Sustainable Volunteer Groups (DVGs) to encourage “Disaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Development. everyone’s involvement. development”, a theme selected mainly to

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turn the participants’ focus on disaster as relief and reconstruction • designating disaster reduction focal risk reduction (DRR) - not on emergency programmes) as opportunities to points in DMAs; response management, the following reduce prospective risk of future • streamlining inter-agency measures were suggested to help change development. communication within the disaster the focus in line with the International 2. Increase knowledge and awareness of management community; Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR): DRR principles and practices within • developing a system of issuing early 1. Development of a comprehensive the disaster management community, warning that authorizes a single National Disaster Risk Reduction the government, the general public, Policy; source of warnings in Ghana for all the scientific community and other hazards. 2. Recommendations for the amendment stakeholders in disaster risk of Act 517 (1996); reduction. 6. Increase generation and dissemination 3. Legal support for the enforcement of 3. Review and strengthen the of risk data and information on regulations on Disaster Prevention institutional framework for disaster Ghana’s disaster profile, disaster risks Rules; risk reduction (integrated policy, and risk management options. 4. Recommendations for the legislation and programme) with focus 7. Develop education and training establishment of a National Disaster on: programmes in disaster reduction, Relief Fund; • formulating an integrated National including professional training at the 5. Recommendations for the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy; tertiary education level. establishment of a Governing Council • improving governance of the 8. Enhance support for the development to deliberate policies and advise the disaster management system (reform of grassroots Disaster Volunteer Minister of Interior; of policy and structure and Groups (DVGs) as a basis for 6. Strengthening communication with all oversight mechanism for managing strengthening local involvement in stakeholders; disaster reduction, including disaster risk reduction. 7. Promoting a participatory approach to creation of a National Disaster 9. Mainstream gender consideration in disaster management through Management Council); disaster risk reduction policy and programmes such as awareness • developing capacities within the programmes. creation and poverty reduction. disaster reduction management 10.Establish an ISDR National Platform, system (training, information, utilizing the participants in the Recommendations networking, etc); workshop as foundation members, In addition to other presentations, group • coordinating responsibilities within and expanding participation in the discussions were also held on various the system (including creating a platform to include all stakeholders in issues including: (1) Existing gaps in DRR single command structure for disaster risk reduction in Ghana. and disaster management (DM); (2) managing operations during 11.Develop an action programme for National policies’, strategy’s and emergencies); moving forward with the framework’s contribution to address the • enhancing resources and funding; transformation of the disaster identified gaps; (3) What needs to be • strengthening compliance/ management system. done urgently to increase the efficiency enforcement of regulations of DRR and DM; (4) Roles of major (including reviewing legislative stakeholders in DRR and DM; (5) How to authority for enforcement by the integrate environmental management in lead institution for disaster risk reduction strategy; (6) Priorities for reduction). integration of risk reduction for sustainable development; (7) Integrating 4. Promote integration of disaster risk governance in risk reduction for reduction in development processes sustainable development; (8) Integrating (policy, programme, project, budget) at gender implication in risk reduction. all levels (district, regional, national), particularly mainstreaming risk At the end of the three-day workshop, reduction in sector development the participants issued the following interventions. recommendations: 5. Strengthen the involvement and 1. Re-orient disaster management to the coordination of roles and disaster risk reduction approach, responsibilities of DMAs (disaster including greater focus on disaster management agencies) and other risk prevention and mitigation and stakeholders in disaster risk reduction, utilizing post-disaster situations (such including:

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GABON: ISDR National Platform launched

UN/ISDR Africa Speaking also during the opening to enhance the understanding of the Nairobi, Kenya ceremony, the interim UN Resident disaster management cycle, disaster risk Coordinator in Gabon, Mr Kristian management; the roles and Laubjerg, who is also the UNICEF responsibilities of the National Platform, Gabon has established an ISDR National Representative, hailed the Government’s and introduce alternative tools and Platform during a National Workshop on initiative to establish an ISDR National methods for enhancing coordination. Disaster Management, National Platform. He said the 2002 World Summit In the light of these objectives, 13 Capacity Building & the Establishment on Sustainable Development had already presentations were given after the of an ISDR National Platform held on 3 highlighted that sustainable development opening speeches. The presentations and 4 August 2004 in the country’s could not be achieved unless disaster were on the following topics: capital, Libreville. impacts were taken into consideration. He said the workshop should help the (1) Review of the situation: natural Organized by the Gabonese Ministry of participants to understand better the hazards, disasters and risks; (2) Hazards, National Solidarity, Social Affairs and issue of integrating disaster reduction vulnerability and disaster reduction; (3) Welfare with support from UN/ISDR into sustainable development planning Review of national disaster management: Africa, the workshop was attended by 50 and practice and into poverty reduction current situation and difficulties, and participants from various government strategies. future challenges; (4) The existing Relief ministries, UN organizations and the Organization Plan (Plan ORSEC in Gabonese Red Cross. French); (5) Disaster reduction Among the participants were high- Enhancing national capacity emergency management strategies; (6) ranking personalities like Mr Gerard The overall objective of the workshop The existing Emergency Medical Mezui M’Ella (Government auditor), Mrs was to enhance national capacity and Assistance Service (SAMU in French); Josephine Rahandi Chambrier (Mayor of skills in (1) disaster prevention and (7) Role of the Gabonese Red Cross in Libreville’s 4th District), Mr Celestin response, and (2) disaster management relief delivery; (8) Introducing the UN/ Ndong Ngoua (special adviser for coordination. Its specific objectives were ISDR and global trends in disaster communication to the deputy Prime minister and Minister of land planning) and Mrs Marianne Moutsinga (adviser to the World Health Organization).

Towards a national policy on risk, disaster management Opening the workshop on behalf of the Minister of national solidarity, social affairs and welfare, Mr Laurent Mengoua Angoue, chief of the Office of the above- mentioned Minister, said the workshop was part of the process of developing a National Policy on Risk and Disaster Management. Therefore, he said, it was a top priority of the Gabonese Government to establish a National Platform for disaster management to help protect the population against disasters. He said the National Platform would also serve as a bridge between the Government, international organizations and other countries of the regional network. Solange Loubamono, member of the ISDR national platform in Gabon

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reduction; (9) The UN/ISDR: implementation, functions and mandates; (10) Key steps of the disaster management process; (11) The UN/ISDR and its national platforms; (12) Campaign for the International Day for Disaster Reduction; (13) The media’s role in disaster management.

Disaster management system existing On the second and last day of the workshop, group discussions were held, focusing on disaster reduction and disaster management coordination. On disaster reduction, the group discussions identified the following gaps on the implementation of disaster reduction measures: lack of collaboration, lack of resources (material, financial and Some participants at the workshop human) and ineffectiveness of sectoral plans (not enforced). To these gaps, the group suggested the • National Blood Transfusion Centre proposed solutions in disaster reduction, following solutions: establishing an (CNTS in French) not deployed fully; and weaknesses and strengths of the independent structure attached to the • existing disaster management system, the Office of the Prime Minister; capacity Assistance and relief to disaster participants issued the following building and coordination of human victims not planned on permanent recommendations: resources; establishing a fund; putting in basis; place a legislative framework; finalizing • Communities not prepared; proper 1. Establishing, under the Office of the and implementing ongoing plans; training on disaster management Prime Minister and Head of carrying out community information, missing; collective awareness missing. Government, a National Council on awareness and education activities to The group however identified the Disaster Risk Management, the formal promote a culture of disaster reduction. following strengths for the existing Secretariat of which shall act as the UN/ISDR National Platform. Regarding disaster management disaster management system: coordination, even though two findings • Risk mapping completed by 2. Adopting and promulgating the were raised - lack of coordination and lack Environment Ministry; proposed Law on Risk Exposure Plans of relevant disaster management method, as soon as possible. • Risk Exposure Plan now debated in the group observed that a disaster Parliament on the basis of a bill 3. Appointing a National Coordinator for management system did exist in Gabon, prepared by the Ministry of National the Secretariat of the above-mentioned with its own weaknesses and strengths. Solidarity, Social Affairs and Welfare; National Council on Disaster Risk Management; the National Coordinator The group identified the following • Special plans (maritime, etc.) existing in in question being in charge of weaknesses for the existing disaster government sectors; implementing the future National management system: • Some human resources available Policy on Risk and Disaster • Operational measures provided in Civil (defence and security forces, NGOs Management. Protection Decree No 248 missing; and other civil society bodies, • National coordinator still not Emergency Medical Assistance Service 4. Ensuring that Gabonese experts appointed for disaster management in - SAMU, Fire Brigade, etc.); participate and are involved in international conferences and meetings oil sector; • Some material and legal resources related to risk and disaster • Current legislation not enforced; available (legally-recognized management. • Lack of human, material and financial requisition system, etc.). resources; • Experimental stage of Emergency Recommendations Medical Assistance Service (SAMU in On the basis of the above presentations, French) limited only to Libreville; group discussions, identified gaps and

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ISDR National Platform launched in Republic of Congo

UN/ISDR Africa Nairobi, Kenya

The Republic of Congo on 7 August 2004 established its ISDR National Platform during a “National Workshop for Capacity Building and the Establishment of a National Platform for Disaster Reduction and Management” held in Brazzaville on 6 and 7 August 2004.

Organized by the Congolese Ministry of Forest Economy and Environment - with technical and financial support from UN/ ISDR Africa, the workshop was attended by 39 participants from government Members of ISDR National Platform in the Republic of Congo departments, national and international bodies, NGOs and associations, and Speaking on behalf of the UN System in The above presentation was followed by those directly concerned by disaster Congo, the UN System Resident that of Mr. Bienvenu Michel Sander management. Coordinator and UNDP Resident Ebaka, National Director for Relief and Representative, Mr Aurélien Disaster Preparedness and Response in Better understanding of disaster Agbénoncithe, gave the background for the Directorate-General of the Congolese the international community’s awareness Red Cross, who spoke on disaster reduction sought of the disaster phenomenon, adding that management in Congo. Colonel Alphonse Opening the workshop on 6 August, Mr the Republic of Congo had to be part of Stanis Gankia, Director of Studies and Gabriel Valère Eteka-Yemet, Chief of the those African countries that already have Relief Organization in the Directorate- Office of Congolese Forest Economy and a National Strategy for Disaster General for Civil Security, talked about the Environment Minister Mr Henri Djombo, Management. country’s Relief Organization Plan said the workshop was aimed mainly at (ORSEC in French). (1) helping the Government to build its After highlighting the UN assistance to capacities and competence in disaster member States in this particular field, he A final presentation was on the World reduction and management, and (2) expressed the wish that the National Campaign for Disaster Reduction and the establish an ISDR National Platform. Platform to be established would be a January 2005 World Conference on Highlighting the importance accorded by dynamic and efficient tool for policy Disaster Reduction by UN/ISDR Geneva the Congolese Government in general, formulation and resource mobilization for HQ Awareness and Promotion Officer Ms and the Ministry of Forest Economy and mainstreaming disaster issues in national Nicole Rencoret. policies and programmes. Environment in particular, he said the The above presentations were followed specific main objective of the by group discussions on the following establishment of the National Platform Towards a National Committee issues: (1) disaster reduction: prevention, was to strengthen the general on Disaster Reduction & mitigation and preparedness, and (2) understanding of disaster risk coordination of disaster management. management. Management The proceedings began with It emerged clearly from the group He also said Congo had to take presentations on disaster reduction and discussions that the participants advantage of the January 2005 World the International Strategy for Disaster recommended, as a matter of urgency, the Conference on Disaster Reduction to be Reduction (ISDR) by the UN/ISDR Africa establishment of a National Committee on held in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, to present Representative at the workshop, Mrs Disaster Reduction and Management to its national disaster management report. Noroarisoa Rakotondrandria. speed up the development of a National

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Strategy for Disaster Reduction and • To suggest measures to be taken to document establishing a National Management. turn such weaknesses into strengths, Committee on Disaster Reduction and and identify priority actions to be Management. Recommendations taken in disaster prevention and Closing the workshop, the Director- management; The group proceedings led to the General of Environment congratulated the following results that should be • To look into ways of maximizing participants for the good work done and considered as activities to be results; the relevance of the results achieved. He implemented by the proposed National • To define the type of tools and pledged to refer the participants’ Committee on Disaster Reduction and mechanisms needed to coordinate concerns to relevant authorities. Management: disaster management; and • To make a census of various disasters • To finalize a document being and an inventory of the weaknesses of developed by the Ministry of Forest the current policy; Economy and Environment, a

KENYA: ISDR National Platform launched

UN/ISDR Africa isolated disaster management approach to Various policies, legislation, Nairobi, Kenya an integrated one linking disaster strategies, initiatives since 1965 reduction issues to development issues. Opening the proceedings, the Permanent To this end, he said, the Kenyan Ministry Secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Kenya has launched its ISDR National of Special Programmes decided to Special Programmes, Mr Mahboub Platform during a National Workshop on organize the national workshop. Maalim, made a “Historical Review of the Launch of the National Platform on Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident National Policies, Legislation and Disaster Risk Reduction held in Nairobi Coordinator, Mr Timmo Pakala said the 2.3 Strategies on Disaster Risk Reduction and from 18 to 20 August 2004. million people affected by drought in the Disaster Management”. After going Organized by the Kenyan Ministry of country served to remind disaster through the various policies, strategies Special Programmes (in the Office of the managers how crucially important it was and initiatives implemented since President) with the support of UN/ISDR to invest resources in and focus more independence, he said the current Africa, the workshop was attended by 45 attention on community preparedness to Government was concentrating on the participants from various government disasters. On UN development coordination of disaster management departments and agencies, NGOs, UN assistance, he said the UN System had actors, adding that this ought not to be agencies and other international already committed itself to support confused with supervision. organizations. Kenya’s National Disaster Management The above presentation was followed by Policy at all levels. a “Review of Ongoing Initiatives on The goal of the workshop was to promote Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster multi-level and multi-sectoral cooperation Opening the workshop, the Kenyan Management” by Mr Moses Ogola who and collaboration in disaster risk Assistant Minister for Special said, among other ongoing developments, reduction (DRR), and the integration of Programmes, Dr Wilfred Machage, said that Kenya had advanced in the efforts DRR into national development planning, disaster reduction was a cross-cutting - towards the formulation of a National policies and implementation. therefore inter-ministerial, inter-sectoral and inter-disciplinary - issue, adding that Policy on Disaster Management. He said the establishment of the National Platform the 2004 draft was ready, which would be 2.3 million Kenyans affected by would give the Government Ministries followed by a bill to be tabled in drought opportunities to integrate disaster Parliament. Introducing the workshop, Nairobi management into their development Regarding the proposed National Policy, University Disaster Management Lecturer planning and budgetary process. He the Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Dr R.M. Ocharo, who was the workshop challenged the participants to think on Special Programmes, Mr S.K Maina, made facilitator, said the Kenyan Government how Kenya, as a country, had used the a presentation entitled “Update of the had started shifting from disaster previous disaster events to plan for the National Disaster Management Policy”. response to disaster reduction, from an future.

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He said the policy’s emphasis was on development as a measure to enhance the capacity of communities to withstand adverse effects of disasters. He also said the policy did not operate in vacuum, adding that it was linked to other national programmes and activities such as national development plans. Among other things, the policy recommends the establishment of a National Disaster Management Agency (NADIMA).

Challenges in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction The Deputy Secretary’s presentation was followed by another on “Integration of Disaster Management in Development Planning” by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and National Development, Mr P.B.Ondieki, who said the essence of planning was to move from being reactive to being proactive, adding that it should be the norm in Members of ISDR National Platform in Kenya ministries and the private sector to mainstream disaster planning into their overall programmes. He said one of the Platforms, stressing that the major • Lack of a national inventory of challenges in disaster planning was to requirements were: (1) clear and pragmatic available resources; integrate disaster reduction programmes vision of disaster risk reduction at • Gap in information sharing vertically into developmental activities. national and community levels; (2) strong and horizontally; After a plenary session on the above national ownership; (3) adequate presentations, the UNDP Regional consultation in identifying problems and • Ineffective enforcement of legislation; Adviser on Disaster Reduction, Mr Ken areas of priority; and (4) strong individual • Failure to harness time-tested and institutional commitments. Westgate, gave a presentation on community coping mechanisms; “Disaster Reduction – A Challenge to • Failure to inspire community Sustainable Development”. He said Identified gaps disasters put development at risk but also participation and ownership; After the above two presentations, the development choices could generate new workshop embarked on group • Poor infrastructure. disaster risks. He said the ultimate goal of discussions during which gaps were disaster management programmes should The participants identified the following identified: be a seamless programming between factors as contributing to the gaps above: disaster reduction and the development • Lack of a national disaster policy and • Lack of coordinating body; agenda, adding that development needed strong institutional framework; • Low prioritization of disasters; to be regulated according to its impact on • Lack of harmonization/integration of disaster risk and vice versa. • Donor dependency; existing activities/structures among • Failure to understand the clear The UNDP official’s presentation was different stakeholders; mandate of various institutions; followed by that of UN/ISDR Africa • Politicization of disaster management; Senior Regional Outreach Officer Ms • Corruption, culture of impunity, Feng Min Kan on “Global Trends in • Poor planning; poverty, etc. Disaster Reduction and the ISDR”. She • Lack of adequate resources and low reminded the participants that disaster capacity to implement DRR and Recommendations risk reduction was a development issue disaster management strategies; The following recommendations were and therefore reducing risk was made: • Poor timeliness; everyone’s business. She explained the 1. Need for political goodwill; creation and roles of Country National • Lack of understanding of the DRR 2. Focus more on development; concept;

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3. Empower communities to participate in • Enhancing early warning systems; mission was to promote a culture of fire risk reduction activities; • Ensuring that development projects/ safety in the country. 4. Need to put in place a policy on plans have disaster risk reduction disaster management; component with a complete with Workshop resolutions 5. Institute a national platform; budget; After the above presentation, group 6. Build capacity of institutions dealing • Development projects designed in a discussions were held on the proposed with risk reduction and disaster way that they do not increase chances National Disaster Management Policy and management; of disaster (i.e. unintended Fire Safety Policy. Both groups were 7. Increase resources for disaster consequences); unanimous that Kenya was on the right track in as far as the two draft policies activities – budget; • Promote infrastructure development; were concerned. After noting some gaps 8. Enhance community participation in • Sensitization of policy and decision and making suggestions on the two draft risk reduction activities; makers on disaster risk reduction; policies, the three-day workshop 9. Improve communication and • Prioritization of disaster risk reduction participants resolved that: information flow between government, organizations and communities; in policy documents; 1. The Permanent Secretary in the • Adoption of disaster risk assessment Ministry of Special Programmes, Mr 10.Activating existing structures, e.g. Mahboub Maalim, writes to Permanent guidelines; district disaster management Secretaries in all Ministries and the committees; • Adoption of disaster risk reduction heads of the organizations represented 11.Regular monitoring and evaluation of training in government training at the workshop to ask them to confirm disaster situation; institutions; and retain the officers present in the 12.Develop national and district • Consistency in ministerial workshop as members of the National contingency plans on all disasters. representation at the national platform. Platform which has just been established; 2. Ministries and organizations establish Immediate remedial measures Towards a Fire Safety Policy disaster units to enhance flow of • Approval of Disaster Policy and giving As the specific objectives of the communication and record keeping; workshop were also to offer a forum to it appropriate legal instruments for 3. The Terms of Reference of the National implementation. carry out extensive consultations with participants from line ministries, UN Platform be worked out for discussion • Utilization of data available in disaster bodies and other stakeholders not only and confirmation during the next risk reduction; on national policies on natural disasters meeting on 9 September 2004. • Undertake a risk, vulnerability and but also on fire safety, a presentation was Earlier, it was decided that the just- capacity assessment; made by the Coordinator of the National established National platform should start Operation Centre (NOC) in charge of preparation for a National Strategy for • Capacity building; disaster response, Rtd Col B. Wendo, on Disaster Reduction. • Mainstream disaster awareness in the an outline of a draft Policy on Fire Safety educational system; in Kenya. Note: Recent reports say the Kenyan • Awareness creation; He said destructive fires experienced in National Platform has met once every • Resource mobilization and strategic the country have been either accidental month since it was established on 20 positioning. fires or deliberate fires (arson), adding August 2004. Shortly after its creation, that natural fires such as those triggered the Platform set up a Task Force to draft The participants recommended that by lightning and lava were rare in Kenya. its Terms of Reference and the Task Force disaster risk reduction should be After pointing out some of the existing has also met once every month since integrated into development planning. gaps in fire management, he said Kenya then. Meeting on 9 September 2004, the This can be done through: had to come up with a Fire Safety Policy National Platform finalized the proposed • Economic empowerment of the through a careful review of the existing National Disaster Management Policy. The Policy is now with the Attorney- communities and implementation of fire legislation, codes and regulations. General in view of a related bill to be economic recovery strategy; The draft policy proposed that there be established an independent body to be tabled in Parliament. • Regulating the operations of NGOs to known as “Kenya Fire Agency”. achieve development goals more efficiently- this will in turn reduce Retired Col Wendo said the vision was to disaster risks in various districts; make Kenya a fire-safe country and the

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BOTSWANA: ISDR National Platform launched

UN/ISDR Africa Nairobi, Kenya

A national workshop was held in Gaborone, Botswana, on 15 and 16 November 2004 to launch the country’s ISDR National Platform. Organized by Botswana’s National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) with support from UN/ISDR Africa, the workshop was attended by 50 government officials from different government ministries and districts, including economists, planners, geologists and hydrologists. The objectives of the workshop were to raise awareness among national government officials on the link between disaster risk reduction and sustainable The Assistant UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Rebonyebatho B. Moaneng, and the Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Ms Joyce Mosweu at the launching of National Platform development, and to enhance coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders in Botswana. Coordinator, Mr Rebonyebatho B. Presidential Directive in 1996. He said the Moaneng emphasized that disasters policy provided a framework for the disrupted the social, political, management of disasters in the country. Disasters eroding poverty environmental and economic status of He added that according to the policy, reduction gains societies and countries, adding that they disaster management as applied to the Opening the workshop, NDMO Director impacted at all levels, from individual needs of Botswana was through Ms Joyce Mosweu stressed that the through national to global. He said it was integration into development, which workshop was both important and long for these reasons that a paradigm shift implies that one element of the continuum overdue. She said it was important was needed in the field of disaster should not be considered more important because its purpose was to exchange and management, a shift towards integrating than others. share ideas and information and in so disaster risk and management in the doing increase knowledge and awareness development process and towards Regarding the implementation of the about disaster risk, vulnerability disaster ensuring active partnership with National Policy, a comprehensive reduction, disaster management and communities. structure was put in place at different linkages between all these and levels under the coordination of NDMO, The current approach of responding to development. including a National Committee on emergencies and dealing with Disaster Management, a National The workshop was overdue, she said, reconstruction is no longer relevant, he Disaster Management Technical because disasters had afflicted and still said, adding that the current emphasis on Committee, District Disaster Management was afflicting Botswana. She said prevention and the workshop are a step Committees and Village Disaster disasters and their impacts exacerbated in the right direction. Management Committees. Botswana’s poverty, food insecurity and under- approach to disaster management development, and eroded gains from operations, he said, was also premised on poverty reduction efforts and derailed Disaster management policy, a high level of decentralization based on current and planned development strategy reviewed local initiatives, with the full use of programmes, adding that their During the proceedings, the NDMO existing capacity at district and environmental impacts threatened the information, education and public community levels. basis for growth and livelihood today and awareness officer, Mr David I. Mathe, in the future. reviewed the country’s disaster In conclusion, he said the National Policy management policy and strategy. He said on Disaster Management had been made Paradigm shift needed the National Policy on Disaster consistent with other policies and Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Management was approved through

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strategy documents formulated and plans during the forthcoming mid-term Short, productive workshop agreed by the Government of Botswana. review of current development plans; The Botswana Minister for Presidential • Intensify information, education and Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Pahndu C. Skelemani, closed the short public awareness on disaster-related Existing gaps and productive workshop. The Minister issues and strengthen communication The above review of the national policy said the importance of the workshop at all levels; and strategy was followed by could not be overemphasized, particularly presentations by the Botswana Red Cross • Establish/strengthen relationships in the light of the ever-increasing Society and UN/ISDR Africa. The Red between sectors/stakeholders incidence and magnitude of disasters in Cross presentation was on its disaster emphasizing on coordination and the country. response and reduction activities in consultation; Botswana in cooperation with the He said it was better to prevent or Put monitoring and evaluating tools/ national and local governments. • mitigate disasters than to deal with their mechanisms in place to ensure sectors’ consequences, and integrating disaster The UN/ISDR presentation, given by the readiness to respond promptly to reduction into development planning Senior Regional Outreach Officer Ms disasters; sought to give concrete expression to Feng Min Kan, covered four areas: 1) The • Prepare legislation for disaster goal. To this end, he said, the National International Strategy for Disaster management by December 2005; Disaster Management Office had decided Reduction and its implementation; 2) to organize this national workshop to Linking disaster risk reduction with • Conduct a study indicating disaster- launch the National Platform for the sustainable development; 3) the January prone areas and map them and implementation of the International 2005 World Conference on Disaster undertake community vulnerability Strategy for Disaster Reduction, ISDR. Reduction: Progress and Challenges; and assessment; Ending his speech, the Minister 4) National Committees and Platforms for • Upgrade the National Disaster Disaster Risk Reduction. expressed appreciation to UN/ISDR Management Office (NDMO) into a Africa for its support and reassured UN/ The two presentations were followed by fully-fledged department with more ISDR Africa of the Botswana group discussions focusing on staff at HQ and representation at Government’s full commitment to identifying existing gaps in disaster district level; effective disaster reduction and reduction and management and issuing • Empower leadership in disaster integration of disaster risk reduction into recommendations for the way forward in reduction (politicians, permanent sustainable development planning. (See disaster risk reduction and its integration secretaries, district and community full speech on page 55) with sustainable development in leaders); and Botswana. • Promote collaboration among all The existing gaps identified included stakeholders. inadequate cross-sectoral coordination at all levels and inadequate consultation among stakeholders during project formulation; lack of continuous information, education and public awareness and information dissemination; lack of integration of disaster management into development planning; no measure in place to ensure effectiveness of disaster preparedness; and lack of legislation and disaster management plans at national and district levels.

Recommendations To bridge the existing gaps identified, the participants recommended the following as the way forward in disaster risk reduction and its integration in development planning and practice: • Mainstream disaster management into development plans, including national development plans, district Heavy rain in Botswana development plans/urban development

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2004 UNITED NATIONS SASAKAWA AWARD FOR DISASTER REDUCTION

Colombian scholar-activist wins prestigious disaster reduction award

UN/ISDR Secretariat Geneva, Switzerland

A Colombian university professor and researcher and also disaster reduction activist, Dr Omar Dario Cardona, has been nominated 2004 Laureate of the prestigious UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction. The Award Ceremony took place on 7 October 2004 in Geneva on the occasion of the 10th Session of the UN Inter- Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction (IATF/DR). The Award was established in 1986 by Sasakawa Foundation (later renamed Nippon Foundation) to reward individuals and institutions from around Dr Omar Dario Cardona, 2004 Laureate of the UN Sasakawa Award the world who contribute, through for Disaster Reduction innovative practices and outstanding initiatives, to reducing the risk and vulnerabilities of communities to natural Seismic Vulnerability”, he made a North Carolina at Charlotte, and as hazards. remarkable contribution to seismic risk Executive Director of the Global Alliance reduction. for Disaster Reduction (GADR). An earthquake engineer, Dr Cardona is a professor and researcher at the National Dr Cardona was nominated by Mr Ian Dr. Walter Hays has been considered University of Colombia in Manizales Davis (Sasakawa Laureate 1996), Dr eligible for a Certificate of Distinction due (western Colombia). The Award Yepes [Director of the Geophysical to his long standing commitment to recognizes his long and committed Institute of Ecuador’s National implementing and carrying out several scientific endeavours and promotion of Polytechnic School (Sasakawa Laureate natural disasters prevention programmes, disaster reduction policies and technical 1992)] and the Colombian Association for both in his country of origin and well as solutions to reduce risk and assess Earthquake Engineering (AIS). internationally. vulnerability. In addition to his academic The UN Sasakawa Award Jury considered Dr Walter Hays was nominated by Global activities, Dr Cardona has consistently his high-quality contribution and Institute for Energy and Environmental contributed to Colombia’s decision- commitment most encouraging. Systems of the University of North making process regarding the adoption of Carolina at Charlotte. prevention mechanisms, as well as advancing the issue at the international Certificates of Distinction were Gustavo Wilches-Chaux (Colombia), a and regional forums. awarded to: lawyer, philosopher and author promoting local government and community He is recognized internationally for his Walter Hays (USA), an engineering development of risk management and comprehensive approaches to seismologist who serves as Senior Fellow sustainable development, in recognition vulnerability and risk management. In in the Global Institute for Energy and and appreciation of his outstanding introducing the concept of “Structural Environmental Systems, University of contributions to disaster reduction.

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The UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction Administration, nomination, selection, list of laureates

Administration, Nomination & Selection Processes Laureate

The UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction was 2004: Dr Omar Dario Cardona, Colombia administered by 2003: Mrs Esther Anwi Tadzong, Cameroon • the UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs 2002: Prof Dr Serguei Balassanian, Armenia (UN/DHA) until 1988; 2001: Global Fire Monitoring Centre, Germany 2000: Fondo para la Reconstruccion y el • the UN/IDNDR (International Decade for Natural Desarrollo Social del Eje Cafetero (FOREC), Disaster Reduction) Secretariat from 1988 to 1999; Colombia and 1999: Prof Mustafa Erdik, Turkey • the UN/ISDR Secretariat – under the direct 1998: H.E. Mr Ji Cai Rang, China supervision of the UN Under Secretary General for 1997: Observatorio Sismologico del Sur-Occidente Humanitarian Affairs - since January 2000. (OSSO), Colombia The ISDR Secretariat is assisted, in the selection process 1996: Dr Ian Davis, United Kingdom of the laureate, by a Jury composed of representatives 1995: (No Laureate) selected on a regional distribution basis by the 1994: National Emergency Commission, Costa Administrator of the Prize, the ISDR Director, who is the Rica final decision-making entity. 1993: Dr Vit Karnik, Czech Republic The Jury meets once a year for a period of three or four 1992: Geophysical Institute of the National days to make their decisions. Polytechnic School, Ecuador 1991: Mr Franco Barberi, Italy The UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction is 1990: Mr Julio Kuroiwa, Peru awarded every second Wednesday of October, within the global framework of the International Disaster Reduction 1989: Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, Day. Ethiopia 1988: ESCAP/Typhoon Committee, Philippines 1987: Ratu Kamisese Mara, Fiji

Dr. Gustavo Wilches-Chaux was The Municipality of La Paz has been SOPAC has been selected to receive a considered eligible for a Certificate of considered a good candidate for a Certificate of Merit in appreciation of its Distinction due to his devoted and Certificate of Merit due to a very valuable efforts to promote disaster pioneering work of risk management interesting ongoing programme that reduction within its communities with within local communities of his native incorporates various aspects such as worldwide recognition. SOPAC has country. He is author on more than 30 governance mechanisms, risk increased the understanding of risk books and essays, including “Global management, preventive infrastructure on exposure of the Pacific island countries, Vulnerability”. areas most exposed to landslides and its societies and development process. It Dr Wilches’ work gives particular mud avalanches, as well as institutional is also a comprehensible example of sub emphasis to training, education and and capacity building, and training. The regional inter-institutional cooperation. capacity building for all community step-by-step implementation of this SOPAC was nominated by Emergency members. comprehensive programme will constitute Management Australia (EMA). a contribution to sustainable urban Dr Gustavo Wilches-Chaux was habitat under the leadership of a The 2004 Nomination Process was nominated by Corporación Grupo Vigias committed city major. launched worldwide in January 2004. Salvando Vidas. Thirty-four (34) quality nominations - The Municipality of La Paz was representing Africa, Asia, Europe and the nominated by the United Nations Americas - were received and evaluated Certificates of Merit were Resident Coordinator in Bolivia thoroughly by the independent UN awarded to: The South Pacific Applied Geoscience Sasakawa Jury in September 2004. The Local Government of La Paz Commission, SOPAC (Fiji) (Bolivia)

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The International Day for Disaster Reduction: A “risk & hazard awareness raising” day

Ms Nicole Rencoret comprehensive strategy for disaster By uniting diverse experiences and Awareness and Promotion Officer, reduction. Public awareness serves to initiatives taking place worldwide, more UN/ISDR (Geneva) convey knowledge and information that people learn about disaster reduction, ultimately aims at making disaster which ultimately can lead to changed reduction an accepted public value perceptions and behaviours. Every year, the International Day for through popular understanding and Examples of activities held on the Disaster Reduction is commemorated on participation. the second Wednesday of October. International Day for Disaster Reduction Organized by the UN/ISDR annually, the include educational community This year 2004, it was commemorated on World Disaster Reduction Campaign gatherings to design risk maps, school Wednesday 13 October, focusing on the invites various actors to interact and classes on what to do in the event of a theme: Learning from today’s disasters for bring more people to learn about disaster disaster, training opportunities for tomorrow’s hazards. risk reduction. It builds momentum and disaster reduction practitioners, and the The International Day for Disaster culminates in the International Day for development of national disaster Reduction is primarily a tool to raise Disaster Reduction, whereby it is management policies. public awareness and understanding celebrated internationally by global about hazards and disaster risks, both of organizations, regional institutions and which are vital elements of any local communities alike.

Message on the International Day for Disaster Reduction 13 October 2004 Mr Kofi Annan, The UN Secretary-General

“ The theme of the International Day for Disaster Reduction, ‘Learning from today’s disasters for tomorrow’s hazards’, reminds us that the task of learning from disasters concerns every one of us. In the aftermath of a disaster, Government authorities, businesses, community groups and individuals should all ask whether appropriate actions, such as early warning, were taken to save life and property. All should resolve not to repeat the mistakes of the past. All should work together to improve the chain of information and decision-making, so that their communities are better prepared should hazards strike again. Young people should also be encouraged to learn these lessons – in school, at university, and through community networks. By participating in educational activities, engaging in community risk mapping exercises and sharing good practices, young people can learn lifelong lessons, and help make their communities more disaster resilient. At the global level, there is a lot of learning to do as well. The World Conference on Disaster Reduction, to be held in January next year in Kobe, Japan, will give decision-makers and experts a unique chance to take stock of what has been learned from our direct experience with disasters over the past decade, and to provide clear guidelines for implementing those lessons. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters are an inevitable part of life. Our degree of vulnerability to them need not be. As we saw during the recent hurricane season in the Caribbean, the more prepared communities are, the less likely they are to suffer catastrophe. After disaster strikes, the first task of local responders and their international supporters is to bring immediate relief to the victims. But all involved must also be sure to learn from what happened, and act to prepare communities to be more resilient and reduce the

risks for the future. On this International Day for Disaster Reduction, let us rededicate ourselves to that mission.”

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CENTRAL ASIA: Newly-established UN/ISDR office holds first regional consultative meeting

UN/ISDR Central Asia Dushanbe, Tajikistan

The first Regional Consultative Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction ever held in Central Asia was held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on 1 and 2 December 2004. The meeting was jointly organized by the Government of Tajikistan, the UN Disaster Risk Management Project in Tajikistan and the newly-established UN/ ISDR Regional Outreach Office in Central Asia. Government officials from four Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and representatives of the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and UNDP participated in the consultative meeting. Official delegates at the Dushanbe Regional Meeting

Towards a regional platform for disaster risk reduction into public Need for increased regional disaster risk reduction policies, promotion of disaster cooperation The objectives of the Regional emergency response and disaster risk The presentations generally recognized Consultative Meeting were to: reduction at community level and that social and economical impacts of professional capacity building; • Promote regional cooperation and disasters were severe and that more work needed to be done to address the collaboration in the field of disaster • Consult with participants from Central increased threat of hazards. In this risk reduction; Asian Governments and aim to set regional priorities and lay the context, the importance and necessity of • Integrate disaster risk reduction into foundation for a Regional Strategy for increasing regional cooperation amongst development planning, policies and Disaster Risk Reduction. Central Asian countries was underlined, implementation, as part of the Central but effort to strengthen regional Asian preparatory process for both the The Consultative Meeting began with cooperation had to be either built on or January 2005 2nd World Conference on opening remarks by the Government of linked to existing initiatives. Disaster Reduction (WCDR II) and the Tajikistan, UN Tajikistan and UN/ISDR After the presentations, the participants outcomes of the World Conference; Central Asia, followed by presentations by countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, were divided into two working groups to • Discuss measures urgently needed to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and discuss the following topics: create sustainable development organizations (UNDP, SDC, ECHO, UN/ planning and programmes; 1. Major hazards and areas of priority ISDR) on disaster risk reduction, needed in regional cooperation; • Create a Regional Platform for Disaster emphasizing progress made and tasks 2. Ways forward in promoting regional Risk Reduction, especially integrating ahead in disaster risk reduction. cooperation in disaster risk reduction.

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Major outcomes 5. Assistance should be provided to dramatic fall in the countries’ Gross At the end of the active and productive improve monitoring and early warning National Products (GNPs), due to group discussions, over 25 systems in the most vulnerable significant loss of financial and recommendations were made, including constructions (large dams and technological transfers from the former the following major ones: reservoirs) in Central Asia. Assistance Soviet Union. should also include assessment, 1. Regional consultation among the five Being a strategy, preventive and inter- prioritization and community awareness agency body promoting a holistic Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, and training, supply and installation. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan approach to disasters, the UN/ISDR and Uzbekistan) should take place twice The participants fully recognized the operates through partnership. Its new a year, but the venue should rotate importance of achieving the Millennium Regional Outreach Office seeks to work between the five countries. UN/ISDR Development Goals (MDGs) in the region together with governmental bodies, inter- Outreach Office in Central Asia will and pledged to pursue the governmental organizations (IGOs), other work as a secretariat to facilitate the recommendations mentioned above. UN agencies, NGOs and other civil regional forum held as a follow up to society bodies in the Central Asia Region. this initiative. The second meeting will New UN/ISDR regional office in Common to most of international be hosted by the Iran-based UNDP Central Asia organizations dealing with disaster- Regional Initiative in cooperation with It to be noted that the UN/ISDR Regional related issues in the region is the primary UN/ISDR Central Asia. Effort should Outreach Office in Central Asia became goal of building resilience to natural also be made to extend institutional operational only a few weeks earlier. hazards but also cooperation. Also network and link to the Inter-State common to the many cultural, social and Regional Initiative. Based in the Dushanbe, the capital of political distinctions in Central Asian Tajikistan, it covers five Central Asian societies is an increased interest in 2. Earthquake is a common threat to all countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, knowledge sharing, networking, common the countries of Central Asia. The Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). strategies and platforms in the field of forum will focus on two concrete The five Central Asian countries are all disaster reduction. As the UN/ISDR too actions with donors’ support: prone to a variety of disasters triggered seeks to help improve resilience to natural • Legislation for disaster risk reduction by natural hazards. Natural disasters have hazards, capitalizing on these shared should be harmonized, starting with affected almost 10 percent of the total approaches and interests would enable to earthquake legislation and building population of the region over the past strengthen national and regional capacity codes for private construction. decade. The impact of these natural in disaster reduction in the region. Tajikistan will take a leading role in the hazards also have been aggravated by drafting of the legislation and then share and discuss it with other countries. Countries were recommended to organize two meetings to consult with national institutions for finalization of the legislation. • Seismic hazard mapping should be unified for Central Asia through the joint undertaking of technical and scientific research institutions. 3. Information and knowledge sharing should be harmonized and enhanced among the countries through the regional web site based in Iran, and the Dushanbe-based Competence Centre on Disaster Risk Management (education and educational materials) extended. A databank on disaster risk reduction should be developed. 4. Donors’ cooperation at regional level should be harmonized in the field of disaster risk reduction. Mr Radjabov, First Deputy Minister, Ministry of Emergency Situation and Civil Defense, Tajikistan, Mr Bijanov, First Deputy Minister, Ministry of Emergency Situation, Kazakhstan and Mr Akhunov, Chief Specialist, Ministry Chember Uzbekistan at the Regional Consultation on Disaster Risk Reduction

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Latin America & the Caribbean: Andean Heads of State endorse disaster reduction strategy

Ms Elina Palm Monitoring Disaster Risk Reduction”, it and sponsored by UNDP and CAF Regional Outreach Officer, contains detailed recommendations on (Andean Development Corporation). The UN/ISDR Regional Office for the Latin endorsement of the Strategy is viewed as America and Caribbean (LAC) Region, policy, information, risk identification, risk San Jose, Costa Rica monitoring and evaluation, institutional a significant disaster reduction policy and capacity building, and mutual development in the region. assistance in disaster situations. The Over the past months, the UN/ISDR The Presidents of Bolivia, Colombia, Strategy also identifies activities and Regional Outreach Office for Latin Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela have programmes to be developed by specific America and the Caribbean (LAC) has endorsed the proposed “Andean Strategy sectors. also been involved actively in the for Disaster Prevention and Response”. The development of the Strategy was preparations for the January 2005 World The Strategy is based on multi-sectoral spearheaded by the newly-established Conference on Disaster Reduction consultations in each country. In line with Andean Committee for Disaster (WCDR II). In this context, it co- the “ISDR Framework for Guiding and Prevention and Response (CAPRADE), sponsored several thematic and regional

Latin America & the Caribbean Communication & Education for Disaster Reduction

Two regional disaster reduction meetings have been held in · Policies and strategies related to educational communication and Guatemala and El Salvador, respectively on (1) communication and public information public information strategies for disaster reduction, (2) education for · The role of media in disaster reduction disaster risk reduction. · The use of scientific information and public understanding of it.

Regional Meeting on Communication for Disaster Reduction in The meeting was organized jointly by the Pan American Health Guatemala Organization (PAHO) / World Health Organization (WHO), UNESCO, A regional meeting on “Communication and Public Information the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and UN/ISDR Strategies for Disaster Reduction” has been held in Guatemala, Latin America and the Caribbean, with support from the Training Centre Central America. of the Spanish International Cooperation Agency (AECI). The meeting was attended by communication experts, national and Regional Meeting on Education for Disaster Reduction in El Salvador local authorities, scientists and media operatives from 14 Latin A Latin American and Caribbean meeting on “Education for Disaster American countries. Risk Reduction” has been held in El Salvador, Central America. Others were international, regional and donor institutions such as the The meeting was attended by 114 representatives from 17 hemispheric UNDP, UN-Habitat, ACS (Association of Caribbean States, nations, educational experts, school infrastructure and risk management Trinidad and Tobago), officials, public authorities, sub-regional, regional and international CEPREDENAC (Coordinating Centre for the Prevention of Natural organizations, NGOs and community leaders. Disasters in Central America), JICA (Japan International The meeting advanced the Hemispheric Action Plan (EDUPLAN Cooperation Agency), SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and hemisférico) that encompasses educational physical infrastructure, Cooperation) and DIPECHO (Disaster Preparedness, European public participation and academic aspects, making concrete Community Humanitarian Office). recommendations that emphasized the importance of formal and The workshop was an opportunity to share experiences and lessons informal education, and affirming the importance of risk management learned on communication strategies for risk management and education within national educational policies. disaster reduction to identify areas for the formulation of strategies for adoption at national and regional levels. The meeting was supported by the UN/ISDR, UNESCO, the Organization of American States (OAS), UNICEF, FUSAI (Salvadorian The workshop also made specific recommendations and targets to be Foundation for Integral Assistance), the Ministry of Environment and achieved by 2015, for inclusion in discussions at the January 2005 National Resources of El Salvador, El Salvador’s National Service for World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR). Three areas of Territorial Studies, among key cooperation agencies. importance were defined:

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meetings in the LAC region on topics The consultation served as an hosted by the Pan American Health related to education, communication, opportunity to compile regional inputs to Organization (PAHO). public awareness and health (see Box). the current draft of the Programme The regional office works closely with a document to be adopted by WCDR II, a number of UN agencies, regional A regional policy consultation was draft programme presented at the 2nd organizations, governments and civil convened by the Government of Ecuador, Preparatory Committee (PrepCom2) society bodies in pursuing the overall in collaboration with the Pan American meeting in October 2004. Health Organization (PAHO), UNDP and goal of incorporating disaster risk the UN/ISDR Geneva headquarters, UN/ISDR LAC’s origin dates back to 1992 reduction into sustainable development attended by some 100 participants from during the 1990-1999 International at all levels. 17 countries and international and Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction regional organizations. based in San Jose, Costa Rica, and

The UN/ISDR & Disaster Reduction in Asia: the “Asian Partnership”

Ms Takako Izumi cooperative mechanisms among Thailand), the Asian Disaster Reduction Programme Officer, stakeholders, and capacity building are UN/OCHA, Center (ADRC, based in Japan) took the Kobe, Japan relevant and necessary. initiative of launching an open-ended regional partnership for disaster reduction “Asian Partnership” in Asia termed “Asian Partnership”. Asia has been a region most prone to all To enhance regional cooperation on Done in consultation with UNDP’s Bureau kinds of natural hazards. During the 1997- disaster reduction, the UN/ISDR for Crisis Prevention and Recovery 2001 period, over 40 percent of all Secretariat, the Asian Disaster (UNDP-BCPR) and the UN Economic and recorded events in the CRED Database on Preparedness Center (ADPC, based in Social Commission for Asia and the Natural Disasters (EM-DATA) occurred in Asia, which makes disaster management in the region most challenging. Heavy rainfall, early arrival of monsoon season, delayed receding of floods, global warming, deforestation and silting, are considered major contributing factors to the magnitude of disasters. Moreover, with rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the concomitant population density increase in urban centres, disaster risks and local vulnerabilities grow and persist. Hence, disasters inevitably become important development issues. Indeed their impact on society and economy impedes the attainment of sustainable development. Meanwhile, disaster reduction is no longer a regional issue but a global issue. To deal effectively with disasters and disaster risks, a more holistic understanding of the disaster problem and related issues has become imperative. Furthermore, government political will, commitment and resources, organized Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in Kobe, Japan - 1995 (Photo: CFA)

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Pacific (ESCAP), the Asian Partnership’s with other entities as required by each exchange to allow all sectors of civil goal is to focus on essential initiatives for specific case. society to have a say and to become disaster reduction and bring together Support the process towards the January active players. regional and national partners whose 2005 Second World Conference on Ensure that recommendations adopted at collective contribution will generate a Disaster Reduction, including a survey at the 2005 World Conference on Disaster positive change in the region with regard regional level to provide input for both Reduction are followed up in the region. to risk and vulnerability reduction. the review of the 1994 Yokohama Strategy Pave the way for further developments in This partnership seeks to: and the development of an action the region, including fund raising for Promote disaster reduction in the Asia programme for 2005-2015. major projects in areas such as education, region by conducting strategic initiatives Nurture a forum for discussion, information management and regional in countries or sub-regions in partnership experience sharing and information networking.

Preparations for 2nd World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR II)

1ST SESSION OF PREPARATORY COMMITTEE (PREPCOM 1) 6-7 May 2004

Amb. Shigeru Endo (Japan): Co-chair Date & Venue: 6 and 7 May 2004, adoption at WCDR: (1) “Political Seyed Mohammad Sadati Mejad (Iran): Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. Declaration” (with a strategic vision to Rapporteur reduce risk and vulnerability to natural st Context: The meeting was the 1 of 2 and technological hazards in the 2005- meetings of the Preparatory Committee 2015 period); and (2) “Programme Opening statement nd for the 2 World Conference on Disaster Document” (with elements for policy The Chair of the Preparatory Committee Reduction (WCDR II) taking place in measures to implement the above Bureau, Amb. Hernán Escudero Kobe-Hyogo, Japan, from 18 to 22 strategic vision set out in the “Political (Ecuador), opened the Session by January 2005. Convening the World Declaration”). Note: A review of the referring to WCDR II as a milestone in Conference was decided by the UN implementation of the 1994 Yokohama raising the international profile of disaster General Assembly in February 2004 Strategy for a Safer World and its Plan risk reduction as an integral component (Resolution 58/214). of Action was intended to provide of sustainable development. He said the Organizer: UN/ISDR as the Secretariat background to the these documents. Conference provided a chance to reflect on progress made since the adoption of of the World Conference Participants: Some 200 participants the Yokohama Strategy in 1994, and that it Agenda including representatives from 103 would promote a more collaborative and · To review the organization and countries (of which were 25 African coherent approach to reducing risk and countries), Permanent Missions to the substantial preparations vulnerability. UN, UN agencies, inter-governmental · To approve the Conference’s organizations and NGOs. Outcome programme of work Elected Officers · Officers proposed by Preparatory · To propose rules of procedure for the Amb. Hernán Escudero (Ecuador): Chair Committee Bureau elected for the Conference (also Chair of the Preparatory Committee Session. · To negotiate two conference outcome Bureau) · Agenda adopted without amendment. documents to be submitted for

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· Proposed rules of procedure for the preparatory process and the WCDR · Regarding consultative process Strategy, to be completed by 9 August adopted provisionally pending between PrepComs1 and 2, Secretariat 2004. consultations1 between the US and EU, to distribute revised document on the · Consultations with ISDR Support and bracketed text to remain in place matter, integrating all comments and Group (a forum for sharing experiences) until final agreement reached. (See recommendations from the IATF/DR and briefings with Permanent Missions explanation in footnote below) (UN Inter-Agency Task Force on in Geneva and New York to take place Disaster Reduction) and PrepCom1, by during the same period (by 9 August). end of May 2004. · Accreditation and participation of · PrepCom2 to be held in October (at a NGOs and other major groups in the · Online conference on the Conclusions date to be determined). [Find report of ongoing review of implementation of preparatory process and the WCDR on PrepCom2 below] noted. Yokohama Strategy and future objectives to be held from 15 June and Final remarks · Deadline for submitting national inputs 16 July 2004. Ambassador Shigeru Endo, the Co-Chair, (reports) 15 June, but reports accepted Revised draft annotated outline of expressed satisfaction with the progress after that date. · review of the implementation of the made during the Session, especially · Broad agreement reached on Yokohama Strategy, incorporating considering the tight timetable before the Conference outcomes; informal inputs from PrepCom1, consultations World Conference (due to start on 18 nd consultations to be held until 2 and ongoing review of the January 2005). Session. implementation of the Yokohama

2nd SESSION OF PREPARATORY COMMITTEE (PREPCOM 2) 11-12 October 2004

Venue: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Agenda further progress on the Programme of Switzerland. PrepCom 2 was tasked with continuing to Action has been achieved. In addition, the delegates addressed the following: Context: The meeting was the 2nd of address some of the issues addressed by accreditation of NGOs and other major two meetings of the Preparatory PrepCom 1 and preparing the World groups in the preparatory process and Committee for the 2nd World Conference Conference. (See outcome of PrepCom 1 the WCDR; the provisional rules of on Disaster Reduction (WCDR II) taking in above report) procedure in the preparatory process and place in Kobe-Hyogo, Japan, from 18 to Participants: Over 400 participants 22 January 2005, in line with a February including representatives from 106 the WCDR; the proposed format and 2004 Resolution by the UN General countries (of which were 27 African draft agenda of the WCDR; and a Assembly on the convening of a World countries), Permanent Missions to UN, document outlining a “Proposed Conference on Disaster Reduction in UN agencies, inter-governmental Partnerships Mechanism in the Context st 2005. The 1 Session (PrepCom1) was organizations and NGOs. of the WCDR”. The delegates also heard held in the same venue on 6 and 7 May a progress report on the preparatory 2004 (see report above for PrepCom1). Officers process of the WCDR, and discussed the Amb. Hernán Escudero Martinez draft review of the implementation of the Since PrepCom1, intersessional activities (Ecuador): Chair (also Chair of the Yokohama Strategy. had been carried out, including relevant Preparatory Committee Bureau) regional and thematic meetings in Asia, Amb. Shigeru Endo (Japan): Co-chair Opening statement Africa, and Latin America and the Seyed Mohammad Sadati Mejad (Iran): The Chair of the Preparatory Committee Caribbean. These activities contributed Rapporteur Bureau, Amb. Hernán Escudero ideas and recommendations for the (Ecuador), opened the Session. Pointing WCDR. The Secretariat had prepared a Summary to recent disasters around the world, he compilation of the outcomes of these Building on PrepCom1 and intersessional said they underscored the necessity for meetings. activities, PrepCom 2 considered a new the WCDR which should produce viable, version of the draft Programme of practical and concrete results. He Organizer: UN/ISDR as the Secretariat Action2. Discussion on the Political suggested that the proposed Programme of the World Conference Declaration is expected to begin once of Action focused on reducing losses

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resulting from disasters, integrating disaster risk concerns into sustainable development programmes and plans, and developing institutions, mechanisms and communities to build capacity and resilience to natural hazards. Outcome • Proposed organization of work of the Preparatory Committee approved by delegates. • Request from five (5) new intergovernmental organizations to participate in WCDR endorsed. • Applications for accreditation by 55 NGOs and other major groups accepted. • Regarding provisional rules of procedure for the Preparatory Committee and the WCDR, no agreement yet reached on all changes proposed at PrepCom1 (see Footnote Mr Salvano Briceno, Director of UN/ISDR Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction 1). Consultations to continue between parties concerned with results to be reported to the Secretariat as soon as the text of the Draft Programme of • Drafting Committee’s discussions to be possible. Action. Not all statements from review based on new draft Programme of Action document reflected in Draft Programme incorporating comments received at • Progress made in arrangements for of Action due to space restrictions PrepCom2. Revised draft to be circulated dissemination of information on imposed by UN translation policies. to delegates before first meeting of WCDR to governments, media and Drafting Committee. other interested groups. • Regarding the Draft Programme of Action - on which comments were • Drafting committee also to consider draft • Proposed format of the WCDR (with 3 made by 50 delegations on a wide Political Declaration. components – intergovernmental range of issues (including targets and segment, thematic segment, public time frames, commitments and • Drafting Committee to meet regularly in forum) approved. obligations, reporting requirements, Geneva until Friday 14 January 2005. linkages with other multilateral • Regarding the document outlining a • processes and agreements, financial Third and final PrepCom (PrepCom 3) to “Proposed Partnerships Mechanism in issues, capacity building, regional be held in January 2005 at a date to be the Context of the WCDR”: Chair issues, early warning systems, scope determined. Escudero said 36 relevant partnerships of WCDR discussions, information have been registered with the UN sharing and other issues), the Commission on Sustainable Final remarks delegates agreed to establish a Development (CSD), adding that all UN/ISDR Director Salvano Briceno thanked Drafting Committee to advance the new partnerships were encouraged to the delegates for their contributions. He work on the Draft Programme of register with CSD. expressed hope that the WCDR would be Action. productive, meaningful and significant. • Proposed draft agenda, including the • Terms of Reference for Drafting establishment of a Main Committee as Chair Escudero provided an overview of the committee to be finalized by PrepCom part of its organization of work, outcomes of PrepCom2, and noted that a adopted without further comment or Bureau. third and final Session of the Preparatory amendment. • Marco Ferrari (Switzerland) selected to Committee (PrepCom 3) will be held in January 2005 - at a date to be determined. • “Recommendations” of draft review of chair Drafting Committee. Yokohama Strategy to be viewed • Drafting Committee to be open-ended instead as “Conclusions”. and to hold first meeting at date to be “Conclusions” to be reviewed to be reviewed carefully to be aligned with determined by Chairman Ferrari.

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INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION 13 October 2004

Drawing and Essay Contest for children launched in Africa

African children and teenagers are than A4 size (210mm by 290mm or 8 ½” by • Photo exhibition on the impacts of competing in a Drawing and Essay 11”) and should be given a title. Entrants natural disasters; Contest related to disaster reduction. The are allowed to turn their drawing papers • Drawing & Essay Contest for contest was launched in various schools horizontally or vertically, the suggested nationals aged below 17. and communities in Africa during the medium for drawing being oil paint, International Day for Disaster Reduction crayon, watercolour, marking pen, Regarding the Drawing & Essay Contest, marked on 13 October 2004. The deadline charcoal or acrylics. Computer art will not selection of country winners is under way for entries was on 30 November 2004 and be accepted and all work must be in the country. prizes will be awarded on 13 December freehand and original. Djibouti 2004. Two categories of winners will be Djibouti commemorated the International announced: Country Winners and Africa The contest is aimed at promoting Day for Disaster Reduction on 13 October Winners. understanding of disaster reduction 2004. The event was marked by country’s among children who are among those The best three Country Winners (in each UN/ISDR National Platform’s launching most vulnerable to disasters. Attempts by of the four activity/age categories) will be of the above-mentioned Drawing & Art children and teenagers to understand announced on 13 December 2004 in each Contest jointly with the Djibouti Ministry disaster reduction will also, in the process country. 12 Country Winners shall of Education. The Ministry of Education and after the process, promote a similar therefore emerge in each country. Their will select the 10 best entries from each understanding among older members of items will be published in national category and will submit them to a eight- their families and communities. newspapers and sent on to the UN/ISDR member National Selection Committee (4 National Authorities in charge of disaster to be selected for publication in Africa from the UN/ISDR National Platform and reduction invited young children to and/or the rest of the world. Each 1st Place 4 from the Ministry of Education). The submit artwork (drawing and/or essay) on Country Winner shall be awarded a prize. final selection has taken place by 25 November. the following theme: “Learning from Four Africa Winners (1 per activity/age yesterday’s disaster for tomorrow’s category) will be selected by UN/ISDR hazards”. This would allow them to share Africa out of the above 12 Country Madagascar their experiences of disaster prevention/ Winners per country. UN/ISDR Africa will On the occasion of the International Day reduction and/or disaster management. announce the names of the four Africa for Disaster Reduction marked in Any African national below the age of 17 Winners by 13 January 2005. Their Items Madagascar on 13 October 2004, the and living in Africa were eligible to shall be published by UN/ISDR in Africa Malagasy Ministries of Interior and participate, provided that they were not and/or the rest of the world. Each of the Education on 20 October 2004 jointly immediate family members of UN/ISDR four Africa Winners will be awarded a launched the above-mentioned Drawing and UN agency employees. prize offered by UN/ISDR Africa. & Essay Contest. The final selection has taken place on 20 November. Two age categories have been set for st DR Congo each activity: Ages under 7 (1 Category) Mauritius nd The following activities were held to mark and Ages 7 to 13 (2 Category) for The Mauritian Ministry of Education has st the International Day for Disaster drawing; Ages 11 to 13 (1 Category) and been approached by the Office of the Ages 14 to 16 (2nd Category) for Essay. Reduction in DR Congo on 13 October 2004: Prime Minister (which is currently in The subjects of the contest are: (1) charge of disaster risk reduction in the Understanding of disaster reduction, (2) • March by children, youths and country) to launch the Drawing & Essay Environmental protection; (3) Water and others; Contest marking the International Day for risks; and (4) Children’s role in disaster • Different speeches aimed at Disaster Reduction in Africa this year. management. Essays should not exceed promoting a better understanding of More information will be made available 700 words. Drawings should not be larger disaster risk reduction; to you in our next issues.

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UN/ISDR Africa Activities in 2004 & Priorities in 2005

Based on progress and impacts made in • Increase awareness of disaster risks; • Media workshop in Nairobi; 2002 and 2003 and its clear understanding • Encourage consultations and promote • Establishing national platforms in more of who is doing what and where in cooperation and collaboration; countries (in addition to existing ones disaster reduction in Africa, as well as the in Djibouti, Madagascar, Uganda and need to balance the match between needs • Address gender concerns in disaster Comoros). Botswana, Congo, Gabon, and funds available, the UN/ISDR reduction; Ghana and Kenya joined the worldwide Regional Outreach Programme in Africa • Advocate the linkage between disaster network of National Platforms that form – also known as UN/ISDR Africa – in reduction and poverty eradication part of the global implementation of 2004 continued to carry out its work towards the Millennium Development the ISDR. through outreaching, networking, Goals; cooperation and coordination with major • Helping to establish Working Group on stakeholders in Africa on the basis of a • Facilitate African regional preparation Disaster Reduction in Africa; catalytic approach. for the January 2005 Second World Conference on Disaster Reduction. Priority 2: Increasing awareness of This approach helps to promote “national disaster risks (raising general awareness ownership” of the disaster reduction of disaster risks through advocacy, process, this being key not only to the Implemented & ongoing production of newsletters, information success of the implementation of the activities in 2004 kits and educational materials, and in- ISDR but also to cost-effectiveness - on a Under the guidance of the UN/ISDR depth analysis of disaster impact on huge African continent characterized by Secretariat Director and with the socio-economic development) limited human and financial resources. support of colleagues in its Geneva • Bi-annual journal - Disaster Reduction In line with the vision set forth in the Head Office, UN/ISDR Africa was able in Africa made available in English and Strategy for a Safer World in the 21st to consolidate its constructive working French and Portuguese; Century: Disaster Reduction, the relationship with regional and sub- overall objective of the UN/ISDR regional organizations, and make some • Extension of information sharing and Regional Outreach Programme in Africa tangible progress in the implementation dissemination through existing is to contribute to saving lives and of the ISDR Regional Outreach electronic networks and UNDP assets through improved risk Programme in Africa. In line with the Country Offices. translation of the management and disaster prevention areas of priority, UN/ISDR Africa has newsletter/magazine, in addition to culture. focused on the six priorities mentioned French; above. • Production and dissemination of Priorities in 2004 educational booklets for advocacy on Priority 1: Facilitating the creation of ther linkage between disaster risk To foster national ownership of the enabling environments (national reduction and sustainable disaster reduction process, UN/ISDR policies, legislation, strategies, development for community leaders Africa continued to provide tailored institutional frameworks, human and schools on: assistance to the establishment of capacity and financial resources 1. Water and Risk in Africa; national platforms, based on official through advocacy, technical support, 2. Land Use - Disaster Risks and requests, and made sure that national information-sharing and knowledge Rewards; governments lead the process of exchange) establishing national platforms. At the 3. Environmental Protection and Disaster same time, UN/ISDR Africa endeavoured • Whole process leading to Africa Risk Reduction; to foster partnership with already- Regional Strategy for Disaster 4. Governance, Disaster Risk Reduction established UN/ISDR National Platforms Reduction; and Sustainable Development; through mutual support in disaster • Ongoing process leading to related 5. Poverty Alleviation and Disaster Risk reduction initiatives. UN/ISDR Africa’s Africa Programme of Action; Reduction; main priorities in 2004 were to: • Earthquake workshop in Nairobi 6. Best Practices on Disaster Risk • Facilitate the creation of enabling leading to African experts’ group; Reduction. environments;

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7. Safari Encounter with Floods; regional programme on disaster reduction The Working Group meeting had its third 8. Safari Encounter with Drought. to be developed; session from the 09 to 10 December 2004. Participants discussed the Programme of The aim was to increase awareness of Campaign for the International Day in Action related to the African Regional disaster risks and their impact on Disaster Reduction: UN/ISDR Africa and Strategy for Disaster Reduction as development, promote support for the National governments launched an Art recommended by the Head of States African Regional Strategy on Disaster competition for children from 4 to 16 during the last Summit held in Addis reduction as well as to discuss the years old, on 13 October 2003. The aim of Ababa, Ethiopia, in July 2004. the competition is to extend the importance of integrating Disaster Risk Reduction into national development awareness from children and their Support to AU/NEPAD-led regional planning. experiences on disaster. consultative meeting on disaster risk management Coordination of Working Group on Priority 3: Encouraging consultations UN/ISDR Africa’s support to the AU/ Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa. and promote cooperation and NEPAD Secretariat has made it possible Supported the formation and functioning collaboration (initiating and to shift the focus on disaster response of an Africa Working Group on Disaster encouraging multi-level and and food security to a focus on disaster Reduction body and enhance multidimensional consultations on risk management; and from that of a collaboration and coordination among specific subjects related to disaster short-term plan of developing a disaster stakeholders. reduction through formal and informal management programme to that of a long- meetings at national, sub-regional and The first Working Group meeting was term plan which includes a regional continental levels) held in Johannesburg, South Africa from review of the disaster reduction process, Supported Expert Group Meeting on the 26 to 27 April 2004. The meeting was strategy development and programme EarthquakeHazards in Africa and chaired by Mr. Foday Bojang, Senior development. This support also encouraged them to form an advisory Policy Officer of the African Union, and generated more interests and support body to support regional initiative on discussed the Review Report and draft from UNDP and UNEP to the ongoing Disaster Reduction. Strategy on DRR for Africa, the Terms of joint initiative between the NEPAD Reference and how to organize its Secretariat and UN/ISDR. Organized workshop on Media and membership. It was suggested that the UN/ISDR Africa’s network at national, Disaster Reduction in Nairobi jointly with core members of the Working Group sub-regional and regional levels. The InWent aimed at increasing journalists would be the seven Regional Economic extension of network with UN agencies understanding on Disaster Risk Communities (RECs) of the African and regional and sub-regional Reduction and its integration into Union, the AU, the NEPAD Secretariat, organizations helped to strengthen sustainable development, in order to The African Development Bank (ADB), information sharing and knowledge mobilize them to promote the newly the UN/ISDR, the United Nations exchange on disaster reduction. Since the endorsed Africa Strategy on Disaster Risk Development Project (UNDP), and the launching of its biannual newsletter/ Reduction. United Nations Environment Programme magazine, UN/ISDR Africa has received Facilitation and coordination of Regional (UNEP). Other organizations would be increasing requests for copies, growing Workshop in Conakry. The UN/ISDR invited to the meetings as required. contributions in the forms of article, and Africa and the Islamic Educational The second meeting of the African institutional interests and contribution. Scientific and Cultural Organization Working Group was set on 3 June 2004 Enhancement of coordination and (ISESCO) co-organized a Regional and held in Johannesburg, South Africa. collaboration with regional major Workshop for French speaking countries Participants agreed on the Terms of stakeholders through active participation in Western Africa, in Conakry, Guinea. Reference and the organization of to various events related to disaster risk The Regional Workshop on Disaster membership, as proposed in the earlier reduction (national, sub-regional and Reduction was designed for senior meeting. The program of work would regional levels) was also noted. government officials. 19 participants from include Promoting the Africa Regional 9 countries namely Mali, Mauritania, Strategy for Disaster Reduction and Mali, Cameroon, Senegal, Guinea, Chad, guidelines at regional, sub-regional and Priority 4: Addressing gender concerns Tunisia, Morocco attended the workshop. national levels, mainstreaming DRR into The Regional Workshop was a forum to in disaster reduction (promoting gender development planning and practice, and concerns in disaster risk reduction and carry out further consultations with support African participation and participants from all African countries on increase awareness of gender difference opinions at the upcoming World in the impact of disasters the draft Regional Strategy for Disaster Conference on Disaster Reduction in Organized and facilitated workshop on Risk Reduction and areas of priority for a Kobe, Japan, on 18-22 January 2005. Gender and Disaster Risk Reduction

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amimed at addressing Gender concerns Priorities in 2005 Moreover, only a small percentage of and needs and promoting women active Support to Policy and Strategy Africans have access to modern participation in Disaster Risk Reduction. Development communication tools such as e-mail, internets, telephone and fax and a large Supported a regional study on Gender National Governments have the key responsibility to create a culture of number of people both young and old and Disaster Reduction in Africa and cannot read and write those official facilititated several small case studies. prevention in the countries. Therefore, they have to demonstrate their languages used in their respective Supported African woman participation commitments through providing national countries. Therefore, to promote to the GenderEquality and Disaster Risk policies and strategy on disaster information sharing and knowledge Management Workshop held in Hawaii reduction to its population and involve all exchange become extremely challenging, and provided inputs to Conference stakeholders in all processes. but important and necessary in Africa for through UN/ISDR. the success of sustainable development. Advocate & Raise Awareness in Disaster Risk Reduction Priority 5: Advocating linkage between Forge network, partnership & Awareness raising is very critical for the disaster reduction and poverty coordination in mainstreaming disaster success in disaster reduction. Good eradication towards the MDGs (carrying risk reduction in development public understanding on disaster risk out in-depth studies in poor areas in Disaster risk reduction is a cross-cutting reduction can help to increase the Africa and develop guidelines on how to long-term development issue. Disaster effectiveness of early warning and link disaster reduction with poverty risk reduction process goes hand in hand implementation of national policies. In eradication, based on the insight gained with the process of sustainable Africa, most of vulnerable communities in the planned in-depth studies) development. Therefore, disaster risk do not have access to information and Initiated and supported the development reduction is a shared responsibility not aware of their risks on disasters. It is of Africa Regional Strategy on Disaster among all stakeholders in different fields necessary that all populations would Reduction jointly with AU/NEPAD and and at different levels. It does not only understand that disaster reduction is a AfDB. need multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral development process. cooperation and collaboration, it also Initiated, supported and coordinated the Promote Information Sharing and needs mulit-level consultation and development of Guideline for Knowledge Exchange coordination, from regional to sub- Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction In Africa, information and knowledge on regional level and from national to local into Sustainable Development in disaster risk reduction do exist to certain level. The success for mainstreaming addition to the set of booklets extent in among certain groups of disaster risk reduction largely depend on mentionned on priority 2. population, but systems for sharing transparent, healthy and substantive information among different groups from cooperation and collaboration among all Priority 6: Facilitating African regional different professions hardly exist. the stakeholders in both development preparation for 2005 World Conference and disaster management. on Disaster Reduction (facilitating ongoing African continental review in cooperation with National Governments, sub-regional and regional inter- governmental organizations and the UN system. UN/ISDR Africa will also use this review as an opportunity to further engage governments and communities in disaster reduction) Organized African Regional Consultation as a preparation of African countries for the WCDR which resulted in Johannesburg Recommendations on Disaster Risk Reduction. Facilitated the preparation of National Reports for the Review of Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action (34 out 53 countries provided the report to UN/ ISDR) and the African participation to Community working together for sustainable development (Photo: Lesotho - IFAD) Prepcom 1 and 2.

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WEST & NORTH AFRICA: French-speaking disaster managers call for regional fund for disaster reduction

UN/ISDR Africa Nairobi, Kenya

West and northern African disaster managers from 10 French-speaking countries have recommended the establishment of a regional fund for disaster reduction at regional economic community (REC) level. This was one of the recommendations made by senior government officials in charge of disaster management from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Morocco and Tunisia during a Regional Workshop on Disaster Reduction for French-Speaking Countries held in Conakry, Guinea, from 7 to 10 September 2004. Offical opening of the workshop in Conakry, Guinea

The regional workshop was organized strategic but practical decisions for the Recommendations jointly by Morocco-based Islamic implementation of disaster reduction At the end of the proceedings, the Educational, Scientific and Cultural policies at national level, the workshop participants issued the following Organization (ISESCO) and UN/ISDR was attended by 19 participants from the recommendations on the following topics: Africa. It took place under the logistical 10 French-speaking west and northern 1. Mainstreaming disaster risk supervision of ISESCO and the technical African countries. reduction into sustainable development supervision of UN/ISDR Africa - The proceedings enabled the Government • Develop national disaster reduction represented by Programme Officer Mrs officials to share information and policies; Noro Rakotondrandria. experience in disaster reduction, take • Harmonize disaster reduction The four-day workshop sought to (1) stock of progress made, discuss how to structures; increase awareness of disaster risks and support sub-regional effort in disaster their impact on socio-economic reduction, identify areas of action in the • Sensitize policy makers on disaster risk development, and (2) promote the next decade including ongoing reduction; integration of disaster reduction into preparations for the January 2005 World • Formulate disaster risk reduction development planning, policies and Conference on Disaster Reduction, and policies and prioritize their integration implementation in French-speaking West discuss measures urgently needed to into development planning; African countries. integrate disaster reduction into poverty • Put in place legislation and structures alleviation, water resource management, Intended for French-speaking senior that can be in the form of a UN/ISDR climate change adaptation, land use and National Platform; government officials - in a position to planning and environmental protection. influence policy makers and make

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• Carry out risk identification and impact assessment; • Develop disaster risk reduction programmes and projects; • Identify risk indicators.

2.Mobilization and political commitment • Carry out education and communication training for policy makers, local authorities and population; • Promote involvement of civil society, media and development partners.

3. Regional cooperation • Carry out an inventory of all Participants at the workshop conventions, regional and sub-regional agreements in disaster risk reduction; • Mobilize and associate African and African Development Community) and • Carry out a comparative study on international scientific and technical IOC (Indian Ocean Commission) have legislation, laws on disaster risk communities to disaster risk reduction; taken some advanced steps in disaster reduction; • Develop disaster risk reduction as a risk reduction. • Harmonize national strategies with school subject and introduce it in For instance, IGAD in July 2004 Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster school and university curricula; established a Regional Disaster Risk Reduction; • Capitalize on traditional knowledge on Management Ministerial/Commissioners’ • Provide training on disaster risk and skills in disaster risk reduction . Sectoral Committee (see next page) and a reduction; Disaster Risk Management Regional • Establish a national and sub-regional The participants also recommended the Technical Advisory Panel as part of a disaster risk monitoring centre that can following actions as a matter of priority: process which started gaining momentum also serve as an information and when heads of state from the region resource centre for the sub-region; • Get technical assistance form partners, endorsed a regional strategy for disaster • Develop a sub-regional programme on especially the UN/ISDR, for the risk reduction. training and communication to be implementation of the Africa Regional ECOWAS (Economic Community of West funded by French-speaking ISESCO Strategy for Disaster Reduction; African States) and ECCAS (Economic member states and development • Promote the Strategy at all levels; Community of Central African States) are partners. • Celebrate the International Day for also planning to increase their Disaster Reduction due on 13 October involvement in disaster risk management. 4. Implementation of the Africa 2004. Regional Strategy for Disaster Reduction Advanced steps taken by some • Create or make operational national regional economic communities institutions in charge of disaster risk It is to be noted that a number of African reduction; regional economic communities such as • Put in place a regional fund for disaster IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development – for East and Horn of risk reduction at regional economic Africa countries), SADC (Southern community (REC) level;

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IGAD First Meeting of Ministers/Commissioners in Charge of Disaster Risk Management 7-9 July 2004, Nairobi, Kenya

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development1 (IGAD) on 9 July 2004 launched two regional organs on disaster risk management: (1) a Disaster Risk Management Ministerial/Commissioners’ Sectoral Committee, and (2) a Disaster Risk Management Technical Advisory Panel. (See item on page …) The event took place during the “IGAD First Meeting of Ministers/ Commissioners in Charge of Disaster Risk Management” held from 7 to 9 July 2004 in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting was attended by six Ministers/Commissioners/High-Ranking Government Ministry Officials, the IGAD Executive Secretary, the Acting Regional Director of USAID/REDSO (Regional Economic Development Services Office) for Eastern and Southern Africa, and over 25 disaster risk management experts from Officials during the opening ceremony of the workshop the IGAD region. Opening statements were made by the concluded Africa Regional Strategy President: … “…The strategy adopted Ministers, the IGAD Executive Secretary, Paper on Disaster Risk Reduction in by the [Kenyan] Government is that of the USAID/REDSO Acting Regional Johannesburg.”… being proactive other than Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, reactive…Some of the actions and Commissioners and high-ranking Rt. Hon. Lt-Gen Moses Ali, Ugandan programmes put in place by the Government officials representing their First Deputy Prime Minister and Government in order to achieve countries’ Ministers in charge of disaster Minister for Disaster Preparedness and appropriate and effective disaster risk risk management. Refugees: … “The [Ugandan] reduction include… the establishment of Department of Disaster Preparedness a National Disaster Operation Centre in Excerpts from opening [and Refugees in the Office of the Prime 1998 that monitors possible emergency statements Minister] in December 2003, after three situations that could turn into disasters Hon. Njenga Karume, Kenyan Minister of years of spirited debate and lobbying, by keeping 24-hour seven-day watch; the State (Special Programmes) in The Office convinced Government planners to revision of the National Disaster of The President – speech read by incorporate Disaster Preparedness and Management Policy and Bill and Assistant Minister Dr Wilfred G. Conflict Management programmes into formulation of a National Fire Safety Machage: …“It is my hope that the the National Development Planning Policy; and the launching of a National outcome of today’s meeting will form the Framework as the 3rd priority of five key Platform on Disaster Reduction basis for the region’s position on the pillars. This, in essence, means disaster scheduled to take place during the World Conference on Disaster management has now been month of August 2004 by which time the Reduction to be held in Kobe, Japan, in acknowledged as a key development tool Policy Papers on Disaster Management January 2005, and also serve to in Uganda.” … and Fire Safety shall be finalized.” … harmonize the disaster risk reduction activities in the region. Hon. Dr Wilfred G. Machage, Kenyan Dr Attalla H. Bashir, Executive Secretary It is also my hope that you have Assistant Minister (Special of the IGAD Secretariat: … “…Recently considered output of the recently Programmes) in the Office of the flooding occurred in Djibouti and since

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our Secretariat is based there we witnessed closely the devastation that it caused in terms of human lives and property. But since there was no mechanism put in place nor funds available to us, I could not go beyond sending messages of sympathy and condolences to the affected people. This has to change now with IGAD putting in place a structure at political and technical level to address such problems. Your Excellencies can now make that critical decision for IGAD Member States to be the first to come to support of any disaster affected people in our region. Charity begins at home, as the saying goes, and IGAD Member States should be in a position to respond before an appeal for help is launched to Hon. Dr Wilfred G. Machage, Kenyan Assistant Minister the rest of the world.”… Office of the President (second from the right)

Mr Deragon Haile-Melekot, The overall operation has the support charge of disaster risk management and Commissioner, Eritrean Relief and and guidance, as when necessary, of the coordination.” … Refugee Commission (ERREC): … “My National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Committee chaired by the delegation believes that the IGAD region Major-General Elhadi Mohammed Deputy Prime Minister. Similar is not only prone to disaster risks. It is Ahmed, Ministry of Interior, Sudan - structures are set at various also endowed with a wide array of speaking on behalf of the Sudanese administrative levels… potential endowments that are essential Interior Minister: … “At the national for the prevention and management of With this experience and collaborative level, Sudan has the High Council of disasters. The creation of collaboration- efforts as well as transparency, the Civil Defence as a mechanism for early enhancing mechanisms is a requisite… Commission, and indeed the Government response to disaster risk. This Council is My delegation believes that disaster of Ethiopia, has effectively managed composed of 15 ministers and a number risks can be minimized, if not avoided, disasters and their effects. We are of Executive Directors, and this body through strengthening national convinced that there is still a lot to be plays an important role in coordination endeavours and solidifying regional and done to further strengthen and link and support during any disaster risk in international collaboration effectively in emergency response and management the country. availing disaster preparedness with development efforts of the country. For training purpose, we have well- mechanisms, prevention interventions This indicates that Ethiopia has some established institutions. The first is the and strong collaborative regional relevant experience to share with other Disaster College in the Rebat University response mechanisms...”… IGAD Member States.”… and the second is the Institute of Disaster in the International African H.E. Simon Mechale, Commissioner, Mr Badri Ali, the Permanent Secretary University.” Disaster Prevention and Preparedness in the Djibouti Ministry of Foreign Commission (DPPC), Ethiopia: … “To Affairs and International Cooperation - further facilitate the [DPPC] operations, speaking on behalf of the Djibouti various sectoral task forces (early Minister of Interior and 1 Inter-Governmental Authority on warning, food, health and nutrition, Decentralization: … “… We are not Development – a Regional Economic water and sanitation, and agriculture), powerless against extreme natural Community (REC) for East and Horn of Africa coordinated by the DPPC-led Crisis events and man-made disasters. countries. Management Group, were formed and Experience across the entire world put into use. shows that there are ways to reduce the At times, local fund raising activities impact of disasters on the economy, the were supported by a National Committee environment and communities… composed of public figures drawn from My country has just finalized a National various sectors, like religious, Disaster Risk Management Strategy. government, non-government and Next is the establishment of an efficient chamber of commerce. and capable institutional structure in

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Closing Statement by Mr Phandu C. Skelemani, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration

Workshop on Establishing a National Platform for the Implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) in Botswana (15-16 November 2004)

“ The Workshop on Establishing a country. 18,000 households were affected cooperation of all sectors to effectively National Platform was really about with 13 fatalities. This was in addition to deliver on their mandate. integrating disaster reduction strategies the country’s overall socio-economic The Government of Botswana is fully into development planning. The development that was stalled as committed to effective disaster reduction importance of this step cannot be over resources had to be diverted to relief strategies and integrating these into emphasized, particularly in light of the work and reconstruction. development planning. With the support ever-increasing incidence and magnitude It is better to prevent or mitigate disasters of the UN/ISDR and the international of disasters in Botswana. than to deal with their consequences. community, we can avert the adverse These disasters include drought, wild Integrating disaster reduction into consequences of disasters at the national fires, floods, animal and human disease development planning seeks to give and regional levels, and build a solid path epidemics, pest infestations and others. concrete expression to this goal. To this for sustainable development. Many parts of our country are currently end, the National Disaster Management We count on your valuable inputs in re- experiencing shortage of water and the Office decided to organize this national shaping and re-energizing our disaster threat of drought. All these shortages and workshop to launch the National Platform management policy, strategy and threats require collective and concerted for the Implementation of the programmes.” efforts to make disaster risk reduction an International Strategy for Disaster integral part of our planning. We have to Reduction. be ready for all possible eventualities at In this workshop, participants have all times, if we are to secure our future as analyzed past disasters, weaknesses and a Nation. strengths in our different management Disasters can strike different parts of the strategies so as to make improvements. country at the same time or at different We will be better able to sharpen our times. The intensities could also be strategies, programmes and operational different. And, of course, often disasters processes as a result. Participants will strike without forewarning. It is therefore also be in a better position to understand necessary for the planning process to disaster risks that relate to their different adequately respond to all these as well as responsibilities. ensure that the necessary response I hope the workshop highlighted the capacities are created. This requires multi- interrelationship between disaster sectoral collaboration. This collaboration reduction and sustainable development. needs to develop cost-effective If we do not contain or manage the strategies, especially as the National effects of disasters, we seriously Budget is under added stress because of compromise sustainable development. HIV/AIDS and other development concerns. The workshop has also shown some of the complexities of disaster reduction. Disasters cause severe disruptions to Effects are multi-faceted. Drought affects people’s lives and livelihoods and it takes water supply, agricultural output, income quite a while for people to re-establish of farmers and could even affect internal their lives and to rehabilitate and external trade. This is why inter- infrastructure. For example, the impact of sectoral collaboration is absolutely the 1999/2000 floods is estimated to have crucial. The national disaster management resulted in losses amounting to nearly structures need the support and 100 million US dollars throughout the

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 54 African Preparations for WCDR

Africa’s country reporting for 2005 World Conference “outstanding”

Mr Haris Sanahuja Salient points of African Distribution of Information Submitted UN/ISDR Secretariat countries’ national reports Geneva, Switzerland based on Geographical Aggregates Asia Some of the salient points of the information provided by African National reports on the state of disaster Africa countries are summarized below. reduction have reached the UN/ISDR 2% 7% 14% Political commitment and institutional from all over the world over the past few 17% Europe and CIS aspects months. Our of over 100 received, 34 were Countries from African countries. • Expression of political commitment to 35% Latin America disaster risk reduction not necessarily This emerges from a quick look at the and the 25% number of national reports received as Caribbean resulting in implementation. national inputs to the 2005 2nd World North America • Lack of financial, human or technical Conference on Disaster Reduction resources and inadequate capacities (WCDR II) taking place in Kobe-Hyogo, Pac if ic generally cited as tangible obstacles. Japan, from 18 January to 22 January Existing legislation in form of decrees 2005. and laws, national policies or Early this year, the UN/ISDR Secretariat strategies cited by majority of invited national authorities and platforms List of African Countries countries. on disaster reduction across the world to • National policies or legislation created provide national information in the form 1. Algeria 18. Malawi or updated in many countries since of national reports to identify needs and 2. Angola 19. Mali 1994, but process still ongoing in most 3. Burkina Faso 20. Mauritania develop future policy recommendations 4. Botswana 21. Mauritius of cases. for consideration at the World 5. Burundi 22. Morocco • 1990-1999 International Decade for Conference. 6. Cameroon 23. Mozambique 7. Chad 24. Namibia Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) 8. Comoros 25. Rwanda explicitly mentioned by Botswana and 9. Congo (DR) 26. Somalia 35 % of reports from Africa, 10. Congo 27. Senegal Morocco as “turning point” for inputs’ quality outstanding 11. Côte d’Ivoire 28. South Africa creation of national legislation or The UN/ISDR Secretariat’s request 12. Djibouti 29. Sudan committees. 13. Ethiopia 30. Swaziland resulted in a significant response, in both 14. Kenya 31. Tunisia • Coordination among Governments, quantitative and qualitative terms, with 15. Gabon 32. Uganda NGOs, academia, media and civil 16. Ghana 33. Zambia over 100 national reports received so far. society improving but still a challenge Africa’s contribution is oustanding, with 17. Madagascar 34. Zimbabwe for some countries. In that context, 34 national reports that account for over National Platforms, where they exist, 35% ot the total national reports seem to provide effective mechanism submitted (see distribution and list of Government ministry or a disaster for enhanced multi-sectoral countries in Graphic and Box below). management unit in consultation with coordination. other departments, NGOs and the civil There have been a variety of • South Africa, with disaster society. contributions depending on countries’ management centres and disaster approaches. Some countries have In other cases, such as Ethiopia and management advisory forums at both privileged consultations with a large Kenya, national efforts have been province and municipality level, spectrum of players involved in disaster expressed together with the participation provides good examples in promoting risk reduction. of the UN System. With a few exceptions, local government as main responsible Others, such as Senegal and South the overall quality of documents has been for implementation of disaster risk Africa, gathered their information from high, providing a full perspective in each reduction. coordinated efforts made by a component of the report.

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• Number of good practices relating disaster risk reduction to development activities provided by countries like Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda. Though expressed in different specifications, disaster risk reduction part of their Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), Common Country Assessments (CCAs), UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). For instance, disaster risk reduction in Djibouti identified as priority issue in CCA, included in PRSP and considered cross-cutting issue in UNDAF. Risk identification, assessment, monitoring and early warning • Growing acknowledgment by important number of countries that disaster risks linked to environmental problems and • Dialogue between academic, research unresolved issues essential for • Existence of community-based and national institutions appearing sustainable development. networking experiences, partnership evident especially where national initiatives mentioned by Uganda. • Hazard mapping in many countries commitees exist. resulting from Government • Use of insurance appearing difficult to Different types of training programmes collaboration with scientific agencies, • implement in most African countries. reported as being available in majority academic, research institutions at Cash compensation and distribution of of countries but information equally central and local levels. seeds adopted as form of recovery matched by calls for strengthening trying to produce temporary alternative • Vulnerability and capacity assessments training capacities. Disaster risk instrument to insurance policies. often mentioned as result of joint reduction-oriented university degrees • Technical measures - such as flood efforts. Annual assessments reported available in Morocco. control techniques, foreshore projects, by some national information as • Importance of traditional knowledge soil conservation practices and undertaken often jointly by very visible in information provided by earthquake resistance –among most Governments, UN, NGOs, in fewer African countries where this kind of common examples offered. cases by private sector. knowledge is, to some extent, still • Botswana, DRCongo, Uganda national passed on routinely between Preparedness and effective response reports highlight concern for risks generations. • Majority of countries’ information refer such as HIV/AIDS. • Many national information reports to existence of disaster contingency • Need for more systematic approach to provide some excellent examples, ideas plans at both national and local levels. socio-economic and environmental on public awareness. Algeria, for • Civil protection seems to play active impact loss analysis highlighted by instance, disseminates messages to role especially in disaster Ghana and Madagascar. most remote parts of country through preparedness requiring specialized use of drama. Many countries claim having early skills, public mobilization. warning systems which, in fact, appears Risk management applications and • Community participation in disaster to be rather simple alert systems with instruments preparedness, response proven to be limited capacities to collect, analyze and recognized while NGOs’ involvement • Instruments for risk management said distribute information. Ethiopia, Mauritius more predominant in low-income to have proliferated especially with report advancements in effectiveness of countries. recognition of environmental and their early warning systems. natural resource management. • Number of constraints highlighted in coordinating disaster response, both Knowledge management Wetland and watershed management • financial and human resource to reduce flood risks, deforestation to • Information management identified as limitations most commonly mentioned. control landslides and control of crucial for ongoing research, national • Need to strengthen capacities for planning, monitoring hazards, in all drought via ecosystem conservation appearing as most common improved coordination mechanisms aspects relating to disaster risk also a common challenge. reduction. applications.

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African disaster management community makes recommendations for 2005 world conference

UN/ISDR Africa Nairobi, Kenya

An African Regional Consultation on Disaster Reduction was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 2 and 3 June 2004, organized by the Commission of the AU (African Union), the Secretariat of the NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) and UN/ISDR Africa The consultation was attended by representatives of disaster management institutions and Government ministries in charge of disaster management from 25 African countries. Also taking part were representatives of Country representatives at the African Regional Consultation in Johannesburg the AU, NEPAD, African Development Bank (AfDB), ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States), organized to finalize the Draft Africa • Enhanced knowledge management, COMESA (Common Market for Eastern Regional Strategy for Disaster Reduction public awareness and education. developed by the AU and NEPAD with and Southern Africa), UNDP, WMO • Integration of disaster risk reduction support from AfDB and UN/ISDR Africa. (World Meteorological Organization), into rehabilitation and reconstruction. WFP (World Food Programme), UNEP After approving the draft Africa Regional • Strengthen disaster preparedness, (UN Environment Programme), UN/ISDR Strategy, discussions during the contingency planning and community Head Office in Geneva and UN/ISDR consultation focused on preparations for involvement. Africa, as well as a number of selected the World Conference. African development consultants. • Regional and international cooperation At the end of the two-day consultation, as a key component to enhance The consultation aimed to: (1) approve a the delegates made some knowledge, capacity and motivation. draft Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster recommendations known as (See full text of “Johannesburg Reduction to be submitted to the African “Johannesburg Recommendations” - Recommendations” in Box below) Ministerial Conference on Environment based on the draft Africa Regional (AMCEN) and AU Heads of State and Strategy - as Africa’s contributions to It is to be noted that a few days before, Government, and also (2) to contribute to preparations for the World Conference. on 27 May 2004, 18 Asian countries preparations for the Second World meeting in Beijing, People’s Republic of Conference on Disaster Reduction The Recommendations stress the need China, during an International Conference (WCDR II) to be held in Kobe-Hyogo, for/to: on Disaster Reduction - organized with Japan, from 18 to 22 January 2005. • Political commitment and better support from the UN/ISDR Secretariat, had issued a declaration known as the The consultation took place after an institutional arrangements as a priority. “Beijing Declaration on the 2005 World African Experts’ Meeting on Disaster • Improved risk identification and Conference on Disaster Reduction”. Reduction held at the same venue on 31 assessment and enhanced early May and 1 June 2004, a meeting warning.

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Johannesburg Recommendations (3 June 2004)

1. Political commitment and better institutional arrangements for disaster risk reduction as a regional, sub-regional, national and sub-national priority with strong organizational basis for implementation. Proposed strategic directions to increase political commitment to disaster risk reduction: - To strengthen lobbying and advocacy for political commitment, responsibility and accountability. - To strengthen institutional frameworks for disaster risk reduction at all levels. - To increase resource allocation for disaster risk reduction. - To strengthen the capacities of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to facilitate the implementation of the proposed Africa Regional Strategy. - To harmonize terms and policies in disaster risk reduction. - To develop national platforms for disaster risk reduction. - To strengthen the decentralization of disaster risk reduction interventions. - To increase public participation in planning and implementing disaster risk reduction interventions. - To increase gender sensitivity of disaster risk reduction policies, legislation and programmes. - To promote increased inter-country cooperation and coordination. 2. Improved identification and assessment of disaster risks and enhanced early warning: Proposed strategic directions to improve identification and assessment of disaster risks: - To improve the quality of information and data on disaster risks. - To improve identification, assessment and monitoring of hazards, vulnerabilities and capacities. - To strengthen early warning systems, institutions, capacities and resource base, including observational and research sub-systems. - To improve communication and information exchange among stakeholders in risk identification and assessment. - To engender and improve integration and coordination of risk identification and assessment processes and interventions in all development programmes. 3. Enhanced knowledge management, public awareness and education to build a culture of resilient communities Proposed strategic directions to enhance knowledge management for disaster risk reduction: - To enhance the generation of information (statistics and data). - To increase access to and dissemination of information. - To improve communications in disaster risk reduction. - To develop inventory and exchange of best practices. - To develop and strengthen educational, technical and training institutions in disaster risk reduction. - To develop a clear research agenda and expand research on disaster risk reduction. - The proposed strategic directions to raise public awareness of and education on disaster risk reduction are: - To improve information dissemination and communication. - To promote integration of disaster risk reduction in education at all levels. - To expand the role of the media to promote a culture of prevention. - To strengthen the role of traditional and local authorities and incorporate their experience into local and national action. - To strengthen the role of women, the youth and other major groups in disaster risk reduction. 4. Disaster risk reduction integrated into rehabilitation and reconstruction including post-conflict situations: Proposed strategic directions to deal with challenges facing countries emerging from major natural hazards and conflict situations include: - To ensure that programmes reintegrating internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and ex-combatants into civil life are sustainable and that massive population movements do not pose a further risk to development. - To address land and environmental degradation. - To ensure that rehabilitation of infrastructure damage incorporates risk reduction considerations. - To include disaster risk reduction in the establishment of rural development programmes, to address extreme poverty. - To use recovery opportunities to develop capacities and programmes to reduce the impact of natural hazards. - To assist Governments in post-conflict situations with demining efforts, as an integral component of development projects. 5. Strengthen disaster preparedness, contingency planning and community involvement in risk reduction Proposed strategic directions to integrate disaster risk reduction for contingency planning and community involvement, including emergency management: - To advocate the inclusion of disaster risk reduction in all development strategies at local, national, sub-regional and regional levels. - To prepare and disseminate guidelines for integrating disaster risk reduction in development planning and activities. - To facilitate the orientation of emergency response management towards disaster risk reduction. - To facilitate the strengthening of contingency planning and other preparedness measures in emergency management. - To integrate traditional and indigenous knowledge and coping mechanisms into disaster reduction policies. - To ensure community consultation processes. 6. Regional and international cooperation as a key component to enhance knowledge, capacity and motivation needed at national and local levels to support African countries: Proposed strategic directions for international cooperation to support national efforts to integrate disaster risk reduction: - To provide systematic support to African countries to assist in disaster risk reduction initiatives, particularly through capacity building and financial and technical assistance. - To establish a component of disaster risk reduction in all development and humanitarian assistance programmes to protect development gains while ensuring that these programmes do not contribute to the accumulation of risks. - The UN Secretary General to ensure stronger commitment by the United Nations to address and support efforts of member States to integrate disaster reduction into UN programmes in a coordinated fashion in Africa. - To ensure that international development and financial institutions include disaster risk reduction in all their activities as a means of insuring investment and development gains in Africa. - To undertake social and cost-analysis studies of the impact of disasters on development in Africa, as well as analyses of the savings made through investment in disaster risk reduction.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 58 African Preparations for WCDR

Africa’s voice at ……. PrepCom 1 Geneva, 6 and 7 May 2004 1st Session of the Preparatory Committee for the January 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction

25 African States represented combining traditional with scientific and follow-up to the WCDR, he said that the The 1st Session of the Preparatory technical knowledge; facilitate Secretariat is working with partner Committee for the January 2005 World partnerships with international agencies; agencies, including IATF members. On Conference on Disaster Reduction and further investigate cost-effective the proposed timetable, Canada preferred (WCDR) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, insurance and reinsurance schemes… receiving the revised draft of the document before August, noting that it is on 6 and 7 May 2004, attended by some … South Africa encouraged all African a holiday period. Supported by 200 participants, including governments to participate in two Bangladesh, Thailand and Costa Rica, representatives from 25 African countries. upcoming regional meetings in she urged convening informal Johannesburg and prepare national consultations on the elements of the General Statement on behalf of reports on the implementation of the outcomes before the second meeting of the African Group at the Yokohama Strategy to this end. He the Preparatory Committee. South Africa beginning of the proceedings underscored the vulnerability of the suggested that informal negotiations Morocco noted the high degree of majority of the African population to could take place after the second session vulnerability of African countries. hazards and the interrelation between the of the Preparatory Committee, if needed. Morocco called for: African governments impact of disasters and other health or Canada said previously scheduled to prioritize disaster reduction; the environmental threats… integration of disaster policies into consultations should address preparatory … (Following Indonesia’s comment that national development planning issues only. Costa Rica said the deadline the Conference outcome should also processes; the study of the effects of for submitting national reports by 15 June address disaster prevention and disasters on human trafficking; the 2004 left little time, but supported Canada response,) Morocco pointed to a new establishment of partnership mechanisms that the revised draft should be circulated national dialogue on risk prevention, and in disaster reduction; the fostering of before August. urged the UN to prioritize disaster national ownership in disaster reduction; prevention. Morocco called for and the creation of an international fund establishing a funding mechanism to National reports on disaster to assist developing countries in disaster enable developing countries to set up reduction as part of the risk management and response. relevant national programmes and ongoing preparations of the On the proposed elements for the strengthen institutional and legal WCDR programme outcome of the WCDR: capacities. Morocco called for an … Morocco called on UNDP to provide financial and technical assistance to … Congo called for assistance to international convention on disaster developing countries to prepare their developing countries for producing prevention and risk management, and national reports. The Secretariat informed national programmes of action… emphasized the importance of operational emergency plans and raising public delegates that UNDP had already agreed … Mauritius, on behalf of Small Island awareness. Morocco expressed hope that to do so. Developing States (SIDS), emphasized the WCDR would generate tangible Noting that many developing countries that the review of the Yokohama Strategy conclusions… are unlikely to meet the deadline for should establish emergency funds and submitting their national reports, South insurance schemes. Mauritius stressed … Congo requested that human Africa urged the Secretariat to include all that a broad spectrum of climate events trafficking be referred to in the inputs in the document on the programme be considered, and underscored the document... obstacles to rehabilitation. Mauritius elements. highlighted the need to improve building Feedback on the documents on codes, disaster predictions, land-use and the proposed elements for the coastal zone planning, and build capacity programme outcome of the in national disaster units. Mauritius also WCDR noted the necessity to: improve the The Secretariat noted that the divergent understanding of causes and effects of views on global targets will need to be hazards at national and regional levels; addressed in the coming months. On strengthen community resilience by

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 59 African Preparations for WCDR

Africa’s voice at ……. PrepCom 2 Geneva, 11 and 12 October 2004 2nd Session of the Preparatory Committee for the January 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction

28 African States (and the AU) represented out of 122 and 62 organizations The 2nd Session of the Preparatory Committee for the January 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 11 and 12 October 2004, attended by some 400 participants, including representatives from 28 African countries.

General Statements ... Morocco expressed hope that the Description: The logo is composed of two elements: globe and lines. The globe represents the WCDR would produce a framework for fact that disasters can affect us all, no matter who or where we are. The curving international cooperation on disaster lines represent a disaster-affected globe, and the regular parallel lines symbolize prevention, which could take the form of order brought about by actions aiming at disaster reduction. a multilateral convention. Morocco also proposed that the WCDR evaluate any … Algeria drew attention to NEPAD and organ] to reduce the number of thematic potential shortcomings of the UN its disaster risk reduction strategy which, sessions scheduled for the WCDR. Framework Convention on Climate Algeria said, requires international Change (UNFCCC) with regard to disaster … Papua New Guinea stressed the need support. Algeria urged the WCDR to reduction, and establish a special fund to to set aside time for regional discussions strengthen the financial and finance activities supporting disaster at the WCDR to ensure that the specific technological capacities of developing prevention in the most vulnerable needs of SIDS are reflected in the countries by establishing a financing countries. … WCDR’s outcomes… Uganda mechanism for disaster prevention. emphasized the importance of the regional … Sudan, on behalf of the African Algeria also supported a regional or sub- discussions scheduled for the WCDR, Group, observed that the Johannesburg regional network to facilitate information and supported addressing national Plan of Implementation, POI, [of the 2002 exchange, and championed the creation policies and linkages to sub-regional and World Summit on Sustainable of a global observatory to monitor and regional platforms. Development] calls for actions to assist study disasters. … Africa in dealing effectively with … Congo raised the need to understand disasters induced by natural hazards and countries’ specific vulnerabilities, On the draft programme of conflicts, within the framework of the integrate disaster response and reduction action for 2005-2015 [on which New Partnership for Africa’s strategies into poverty and development some 50 delegations Development (NEPAD). Sudan noted goals, and identify policy gaps and commented] Africa’s Johannesburg recommendations priorities. He called for technical and the Africa Regional Strategy for Linkages with other multilateral assistance, training and information Disaster Risk Reduction and indicated the processes and agreements exchange on best practices as ways to African Group’s support for, inter alia, a Several countries, including the UK, reduce vulnerability. … study on the feasibility of an international Germany, Sweden, Bangladesh and convention on disaster risk reduction; Nigeria, supported aligning the WCDR increased support for the ISDR; transfer On proposed format of the outcomes with broader development of technology and financial assistance to WCDR processes. These included the MDGs, developing countries; the reinforcement … The UK, with Australia and Algeria, JPOI, and the Johannesburg Declaration. of capacities for observation and early supported a suggestion by the IATF [UN The Dominican Republic suggested warning; and the establishment of a Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster including a reference to the UN follow-up mechanism after the WCDR. … Reduction – UN/ISDR policy-making Convention to Combat desertification.

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Mozambique drew attention to linkages mobilization of resources to assist in warning systems. New Zealand and with the UNFCCC, suggesting that it disaster risk reduction. Greece added that early warning systems could provide opportunities for were critical to the technical aspects of partnerships with financial institutions Capacity building risk reduction. … and development agencies. … Noting that countries’ capacities to cope with disasters can vary significantly, Information sharing Financial issues Morocco supported strengthening Canada, Sweden and Kenya said the … Bangladesh said commitments made at developing countries’ capacities, and WCDR should focus on the sharing of the WCDR should be accompanied by the proposed periodic intergovernmental best practices and take a practical resources to implement them, and meetings following the WCDR to monitor approach. … suggested drafting a separate section on progress on implementation. … financial mobilization. Kenya and Bolivia Other issues … Nigeria supported sharing technical expressed hope for further support to Among the other issues raised relating to knowledge with developing countries, developing countries after the WCDR, the draft programme of action, South and cooperation among regional and Cambodia argued that donor support Africa and Zambia proposed that the organizations in generating and sharing for disaster reduction should be secured WCDR reflect the significant impact of information on disaster risk as a priority. the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa on management.... communities’ resilience to disasters. … Zambia called for both public and private institutions and investors to help Regional issues South Africa also suggested text urging developing countries build their … Sudan supported a focus on regional the inclusion of disaster risk reduction capacities in disaster reduction. and sub-regional cooperation on disaster components into post-conflict prevention and impact mitigation. reconstruction programmes. …. ... Uganda and Nepal emphasized the Underscoring the need for regional and particular needs of LDCs and called for sub-regional workshops and seminars, the inclusion of text supporting LDCs as Sudan expressed his country’s an objective in the draft programme of willingness to host this type of events. … action. Uganda noted the need to strengthen LDCs’ national platforms and Early warning systems the role of the ISDR in this regard. Nepal … The Czech Republic, Colombia, New stressed the importance of supporting Zealand and Nigeria agreed that the draft developing countries through the text should give greater attention to early

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African Heads of state discuss disaster reduction strategy, recommend action programme

UN/ISDR Africa Nairobi, Kenya

African Heads of State have positively received the Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Reduction that was adopted by the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN), and called for a Programme of Action on the basis of the Strategy. This emerged from the African Union (AU) Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in early July 2004. Its draft had been finalized by African disaster reduction experts, with support from international experts and development partners, during an Experts’ Meeting (31 May and 1 June 2004) and an African Regional Consultation on Disaster Reduction (2 June 2004) held at African Heads of State (Photo African Union) the same venue in Johannesburg, South Africa. of disaster risk reduction into the following day at the same venue). The AU/NEPAD initiative with development. Its aim is to provide policy resulting final draft was presented, for th support from AfDB, UN/ISDR guidance for the implementation of endorsement, to the 10 Session of the Africa regional, sub-regional and national African Ministerial Conference (AMCEN) initiatives on disaster reduction. which in turn submitted it to the AU The Strategy, also known as AU/NEPAD Summit in July 2004. Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Its strategic orientations are to: (1) Reduction, was developed by the increase political commitment to disaster Meanwhile, the Programme of Action is Commission of the AU, the Secretariat of risk reduction; (2) improve identification being developed. However, to ensure that the NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s and assessment of disaster risks; (3) it informs and also matches the Global Development), with support from UN/ enhance knowledge management for Programme of Work expected to be a ISDR Africa, the African Development disaster risk reduction; (4) increase public major outcome of the 18-22 January 2005 Bank (AfDB), the World Bank and UNDP/ awareness of disaster risk reduction; (5) 2nd World Conference on Disaster BCPR (Bureau for Crisis Prevention and improve governance of disaster risk Reduction in Kobe (Japan), its final Recovery). reduction institutions; and (6) integration version will only be available after the of disaster risk reduction in emergency World Conference. Experts from over 15 African countries, response management. Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and specialized organisations attended the Experts’ Meeting. Related Programme of Action The rationale behind the Strategy is to being developed contribute to the attainment of The then draft Strategy was also sustainable development and poverty reviewed by the African Regional eradication by facilitating the integration Consultation on Disaster Reduction (held

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EAST & HORN OF AFRICA: Regional policy- making organ, technical advisory panel launched

East and Horn of Africa countries, members of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have established a regional Disaster Risk Management Ministerial/ Commissioners’ Sectoral Committee and regional Disaster Risk Management Technical Advisory Panel. The two bodies were launched formally during an IGAD meeting of ministers/commissioners in charge of disaster risk management (DRM) held from 7 to 9 July 2004 in Nairobi, Kenya.

“First” meeting of IGAD IGAD Experts on disaster reduction ministers in charge of DRM The meeting was attended by six International Cooperation. (See excerpts regional mechanisms at both technical Ministers/Commissioners/High-Ranking from their speeches on page 52) and policy levels. A committee at the Government Officials (representing their highest level, Ministerial/Commissioners, countries’ Ministers in charge of disaster The meeting was the “First Meeting of Ministers/Commissioners in Charge of should be at the “forefront” during the risk management) and over 25 disaster implementation stages. This would help risk management experts from the IGAD Disaster Risk Management” held by IGAD. to ensure the ownership of the region. Present during the opening Programme and its sustained ceremony were the Acting Regional On 7 and 8 July, the experts worked on development through a consensus Director of USAID/REDSO (Regional draft Terms of Reference for the Disaster approach. It is therefore extremely Economic Development Services Office) Risk Management Ministerial/ important that a Ministerial-level for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mrs Commissioners’ Sectoral Committee and Sectoral Committee and a Technical Nancy Hardy, and members of the the Disaster Management Technical advisory Panel be established at the Diplomatic Corps. Advisory Panel. On 9 July, the Ministers regional level.” and Commissioners discussed and The six Ministers, Commissioners and The IGAD Disaster Risk Management high-ranking Government officials were: adopted the Terms of Reference - which will be submitted to the IGAD Assembly Programme was developed on the basis of Ugandan First Deputy Prime Minister and an IGAD Sub-Regional Disaster Minister for Disaster Preparedness and of Heads of State and Government for endorsement. Preparedness Strategy endorsed by the Refugees Lt-Gen Moses Ali, Kenyan IGAD Heads of State and Government in Assistant Minister for Special November 2000. Programmes (Office of the President) Dr Ensuring ownership Wilfred G. Machage, Commissioner Mr Speaking during the opening ceremony of Deragon Haile-Melekot of the Eritrean the three-day meeting on 7 July, IGAD IGAD initially established to Relief and Refugee Commission (ERREC), Executive Secretary Dr Attalla Hamad address issues of drought, Commissioner Mr Simon Mechale of Bashir said: development Ethiopia’s Disaster Prevention and It is to be noted that IGAD was initially “Implementing the IGAD Regional Preparedness Commission (DPPC), Maj- established to address issues of drought Disaster Risk Management Programme Gen Elhadi Mohammed Ahmed of the and development in the region. Sudanese Ministry of Interior, and Mr not only requires financial support and Badri Ali, the Permanent Secretary in the commitment, but also most important is It was revitalized in 1996 and its mandate Djibouti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the need for the establishment of expanded. IGAD’s expanded mandate is to

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coordinate and harmonize policies in the g) Ensure and facilitate IGAD’s mandate s) The Ministerial/Commissioners’ areas of socio-economic, agricultural to establish a structure and Committee will meet once a year and development, environmental protection mechanism for regional collaboration as often as may be necessary for the and political and humanitarian affairs. for the purpose of strengthening and attainment of the objectives of the A series of natural and man-made cooperation and networking between Disaster Risk Management disasters and other urgent challenges IGAD and disaster risk management Programme. facing the IGAD region have necessitated institutions and other partners. the realization by the political leaders of h) Foster the development and Terms of Reference for the the region for more integrated strengthening of early warning cooperation. information system network nationally Disaster Risk Management and regionally between Governments, Technical Advisory Panel non-government and private The Disaster Risk Management Technical Final Statement institutions for use by decision Advisory Panel responsibilities will be to: At the end of the three-day regional makers and for training and research • Review and evaluate the Programme meeting, a Statement was made. An purposes. Management Unit’s work plan and excerpt from the Statement reads as i) Ensure the incorporation and provide technical advice. follows: implementation of training and • Provide technical advice and guidance Pursuant to the provisions of the educational awareness programme for for the harmonisation of programme Agreement Establishing IGAD and the public and for schools. activities. convinced of the need to set up a policy- j) Mandate IGAD Secretariat to develop level organ responsible for disaster risk • Identify high-risk areas and develop and facilitate standard training management, a Ministerial/Commissioner- mutual agreements/protocols for cross courses for the region in disaster risk level Sectoral Committee is hereby border collaboration and assistance for management. established. approval by the Ministerial Sectoral k) Support and facilitate national Committee and ratification by the agencies to participate in conferences, IGAD Summit. The Terms of Reference of the seminars, symposiums and workshops • Support the Programme Management Ministerial/Commissioner that pertain to disaster risk management. Unit to formulate standard disaster risk Sectoral Committee shall be to: management training packages and to a) Establish a Disaster Risk Management l) Foster the establishment of guidelines review the appropriateness of training Technical Advisory Panel (DMTAP) for improved needs assessment, programmes. drawn from national disaster risk resource mobilization and targeting management institutions that would beneficiaries for the IGAD region. • Provide technical backstopping to the national disaster management provide advice to IGAD Secretariat m) Establish a reserve fund for regional institutions. and liaise with the [IGAD Disaster disaster response within the IGAD Risk Management] Programme Secretariat. • Assist Programme Management Unit Management Unit. n) Encourage Member States to establish to develop standard mechanisms for b) Establish a Programme Management national reserve funds/resources for disaster risk management and advise Unit (PMU) as a sub-section or unit of disaster response. on its effective implementation and the Political and Humanitarian Affairs monitoring. o) Ensure the establishment of inter- Division to assist in the development sectoral ministerial committee on • Review and report on the progress of of disaster risk management in the disaster risk management in Member the implementation of the Programme. region. States. • Provide advice on resource c) Ensure the establishment of a national p) Designate, as appropriate, IGAD mobilization mechanism. focal point in each Member State. current chairing country and/or the • Assist the IGAD Secretariat in the d) Ensure the facilitation of establishing IGAD Secretariat to represent IGAD and strengthening in each Member preparation of reports to the Member States in regional and Ministerial Sectoral Committee on State the development of disaster international fora. preparedness strategies and the Disaster Risk Management Programme- q) Mandate IGAD Secretariat to develop contingency planning process. related activities. a mechanism and function as a • Assist Programme Management Unit e) Guide IGAD Secretariat on appropriate regional coordinating centre that is a to implement all decisions of mechanisms to develop compatible repository and conduit of information, Ministerial Sectoral Committee and strategies and plans and harmonize for facilitating and coordinating carry out other related works as cross-border activity in high-risk Member States’ assistance in requested. areas. response to disasters. f) Ensure and facilitate the development r) Review and amend IGAD’s Disaster • The Technical Advisory Panel shall and implementation of national Risk Management Programme as and meet once a year and as often as may policies and legislation on disaster when necessary. be necessary. risk management.

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14th Climate outlook forum for Greater Horn of Africa

Mr Zachary Atheru sub-region, especially over the arid and (GHA). The forum reviewed the state of Climatologist, semi-arid zones even during the seasons the global climate system and its IGAD Climate Prediction and Application with below normal rainfall conditions. implications on the seasonal climate of Centre (ICPAC), the sub-region. Nairobi, Kenya The outlook is relevant only for seasonal Among the principal factors taken into time scales and relatively large areas. account were the observed and predicted Local and month-to-month variations may sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the The 14th Climate Outlook Forum for occur. Warmer than normal sea surface tropical Pacific Ocean and over much of the Greater Horn of Africa1 was held temperatures (SSTs) have been observed the tropical Atlantic and Indian Oceans. from 23 to 26 August in Nairobi, over the central and eastern equatorial Users from agriculture and food security, Kenya, to formulate consensus Indian Ocean as well as southern Atlantic disaster management, health, livestock, guidance for the September to Ocean. December 2004 rainfall season in water resources and media, among other However, colder than normal SSTs have the region. The following is the text sectors, were active participants in the been observed over northwestern Indian Forum. The users formulated the potential of the Forum Statement. Ocean but they are projected to lean implications of the Outlook for September towards near-normal conditions during to December 2004 season and developed Statement Summary the forecast period. Forecast model mitigation strategies for the respective There is increased likelihood of near outputs also indicate that there is a high countries and sectors. normal rainfall over much of the Greater likelihood that warmer than normal sea Horn of Africa (GHA) during September surface temperatures (SSTs), that is often Methodology to December 2004 season. referred to as El Niño, could develop over the equatorial central Pacific The forum examined the current and High likelihood of near normal to above Ocean. Such conditions may not affect expected SST anomalies over the Pacific normal rainfall is indicated over the climate of the sub-region at the Ocean as well as the Indian and Atlantic northeastern Sudan, northern Eritrea, beginning of the season, but could have Oceans together with other factors that southern Djibouti, central and western far reaching impacts towards the end of affect the climate of the sub-region. Ethiopia and southern Sudan, much of the forecast period. These factors were assessed using Uganda apart from southwestern areas, coupled ocean-atmosphere and Regional much of western Rwanda, much of For example, some of the past El Niño Dynamical Climate models and empirical Burundi, western and northeastern events have been associated with heavy statistical models as well as expert Tanzania, coastal, southern and western rainfall occurring between November– interpretation. Kenya, and eastern Somalia. February period. Forecast updates will be provided by the National Meteorological The current capability of seasonal to Central Sudan, northern and southeastern Services (NMSs) and the IGAD2 Climate inter-annual forecasting allows prediction Ethiopia, western Somalia, much of Prediction and Applications Centre of spatial and temporal averages and may northern Kenya, northeastern and (ICPAC - formerly Drought Monitoring not fully account for the physical and southwestern Uganda, northwestern and Centre Nairobi, DMCN). The users are dynamical factors that influence regional eastern Rwanda, eastern Burundi as well therefore strongly advised to keep in and national climate variability. as southern, central and northwestern contact with their NMSs for interpretation The experts established probability Tanzania have increased likelihood of of this outlook, finer details, updates and distributions to indicate the likelihood of near normal to below normal rainfall. additional guidance. above, near or below normal rainfall for It may be recalled that some parts of the each zone (see Map). Above normal region have experienced drought The Climate Outlook Forum rainfall is defined as within the wettest conditions for the past several months. third of recorded rainfall amounts in each From 23 to 26 August 2004, the 14th The projected near normal rainfall zone; near normal is defined as the third Climate Outlook Forum was convened in conditions in the coming season may not of the recorded rainfall amounts centred Nairobi, Kenya, by the ICPAC in be sufficient to wipe out the impacts of around the climatological median; and collaboration with the National the accumulated rainfall deficits that have below normal rainfall is defined as within Meteorological and Hydrological persisted over parts of these areas. the driest third of the rainfall amounts. Services (NMHSs) and partners to Climatology refers to a situation where It should also be noted that heavy and formulate consensus guidance for the any of the three categories have equal short duration episodic events and flush September to December 2004 rainfall chances of occurring. floods are common in many areas of the season in the Greater Horn of Africa

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Outlook Contributors to this consensus climate Note: The numbers for each zone September to December constitutes an outlook included: Representatives of the indicate the probabilities (chances of important rainfall season over much of Meteorological Services from 10 GHA occurrence) of rainfall in each of the three the Greater Horn of Africa sub-region. countries (Institut géographique du categories: above, near and below normal. The rainfall outlook for each zone within Burundi; Météorologie nationale de The top number indicates the probability this sub-region is given below. Djibouti; Eritrea Meteorological Services; of rainfall occurring in the above-normal National Meteorological Services Agency category; the middle number is for the of Ethiopia; Kenya Meteorological Contributors near normal and the bottom number for Department; Rwanda Meteorological the below normal category. For example, The 14th Climate Outlook Forum for the Service; Meteorology Department in the case of northeastern Sudan and Greater Horn of Africa was organized Somalia Republic; Sudan Meteorological northern Eritrea (Zone I), there is 35% jointly by the IGAD Climate Prediction Authority; Tanzania Meteorological probability of rainfall occurring in the and Applications Centre (ICPAC), World Agency and Uganda Department of above normal category; 40% probability Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the Meteorology); Climate scientists and of rainfall occurring in the near normal (US) National Oceanic and Atmospheric other experts from national, regional and category; and 25% probability of rainfall Administration / Office of Global international institutions and occurring in the below normal category. It Programs (NOAA/OGP) and the organizations such as ICPAC; Drought is emphasized that boundaries between International Research Institute for Monitoring Centre, Harare; IRI; WMO; zones should be considered as transition Climate Prediction (IRI) within the University of Nairobi; and Maseno areas. framework of the USAID-funded project University. 1 Comprising Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, known as “Sustainable generation and Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, applications of climate information, Additional inputs were provided by the Rwanda and Burundi. National Centers for Environmental products and services for disaster 2 Inter-Governmental Authority on preparedness and sustainable Prediction/Climate Prediction Center Development : East and Horn of Africa development in the Greater Horn of (NCEP/CPC), ECMWF and UK Met. countries’ Regional Economic Community Africa”. Office. (REC)

Greater Horn of Africa Consensus Climate Outlook Zone I: Increased likelihood of near to for September to December 2004 above normal rainfall over northeastern Sudan and northern Eritrea. Zone II: Climatology is suggested over northern Sudan, much of Eritrea, and Djibouti as well as extreme northern Ethiopia. Zone III: Increased likelihood of near to below normal rainfall over central Sudan and parts of northern Ethiopia. Zone IV: Increased likelihood of near to above normal rainfall over southern Djibouti, central, western and extreme eastern Ethiopia, southern Sudan, much of Uganda, northeastern Tanzania, coastal, southern, western and extreme northern parts of Kenya as well as eastern Somalia. Zone V: Increased likelihood of near to below normal rainfall over northeastern Uganda, much of northern Kenya, western Somalia and much of eastern Ethiopia. Zone VI: Increased likelihood of near to above normal rainfall over much of Rwanda and Burundi as well as western Tanzania. Zone VII: Increased likelihood of near to below normal rainfall over southwestern Uganda, northwestern and eastern Rwanda, eastern Burundi and much of Tanzania.

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First regional food security outlook for the Greater Horn of Africa

IGAD Climate Prediction and Regional Food Security Outlook map, GHA, end of December 2004 Application Centre (ICPAC) Nairobi, Kenya

Immediately following the consensus 14th Climate Outlook Forum for the Greater Horn of Africa, the first Regional Food Security Outlook Forum (FSOF) - also for the Greater Horn of Africa - was convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from 25 to 27 August 2004.

Statement Climate determines the space-time distribution of natural resources worldwide. It is therefore evident that it has a significant bearing on the socio- economic development of any given country. An outlook of the climate such as the Climate Outlook Forum 14 [14th example the supply of inputs and determine food security outcomes depend Climate Outlook Forum for the Greater availability of markets and fair prices. The on climate. Market behaviour, for example, Horn of Africa1, COF 14 or GHACOF 14], definitions of food insecure areas are not can affect prices for both buyers and if correctly used, would therefore help commonly used in all countries, so there sellers in ways that are not necessarily minimize any adverse impacts of the was uncertainty about how to label tied to climate. Current food security resultant climate variability. “hotspot” areas reflected in the assessment methodologies have It is for this reason, amongst others, that somewhat inconsistent maps. In addition, difficulty fully capturing the range of immediately following the consensus the delegates were not necessarily active household coping strategies in some climate outlook (COF 14), from 25 to 27 members of food security networks, were cases. Livelihood zones have not been August 2004, the first Food Security not very knowledgeable with livelihood completely and consistently mapped for Outlook Forum (FSOF) was convened in analysis, and had not always consulted the region, making assessment of climate Nairobi, Kenya. with other FS (food security) partners impacts more subjective in some cases The (FSOF) was an initiative of the Inter- prior to coming to the FSOF. than in others. Governmental Authority on Development2 Each country team comprising of food In order to accommodate the probabilistic (IGAD) Climate Prediction and security experts, agriculture experts and nature of the forecasts, the precipitation Applications Centre (ICPAC), the World climate scientists spent several hours - maps were developed for three scenarios: Food Program (WFP), the International using the rainfall predictions from the worst case, best case and most likely. The Research Institute for Climate Prediction GHACOF14 and the crop and livestock most likely scenarios were used by the (IRI), the United States Geological Survey forecasts, in combination with the current countries to create their food security (USGS) and the Famine Early Warning food security situation and their expert outlooks. The current food security Systems Network (FEWS NET). judgement - to issue a food security situation as well as sectoral outlooks As this was a first-time exercise, the outlook for the period September- were interpreted and refined with expert outlooks presented were experimental and December 2004. judgement. It was recognized that food should be considered as scenarios. Many It is important to note that while climate security is a product of multiple factors, a of the presentations assume that factors has a major impact on food security number of which were not included in this other than climate will not change, for within the region, not all factors that FSOF.

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The most likely scenarios for both These conditions will worsen the already northwestern and northeastern Kenya as agricultural and livestock sectors provide precarious food security crises among well as northern Uganda. Highly food a basis for understanding the potential pastoralists in Eritrea, eastern Ethiopia insecure areas include southwestern impact of the predicted climate conditions and eastern and northern Kenya. Part of Sudan, much of Eritrea, southern Ethiopia on the food security conditions in the central Somalia is also likely to fall into and northeastern Kenya. Moderately region (Figure 2). The red shades indicate extremely food-insecurity category, food insecure areas include southeastern areas likely to be extremely food insecure, causing negative consequences of more Sudan, southeastern and coastal areas in orange highly food insecure and yellow pastoralists becoming destitute on the Kenya as well as central and southern moderately food insecure. Factoring in periphery of urban centres. Somalia. mainly the climate component developed These scenarios have the potential of an these categories. “environmental explosion” due to the 1 Comprising Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, However, it is worthwhile noting that the over-exploitation of natural resources Rwanda and Burundi. causes of food insecurity in GHA are such as charcoal and firewood. The food complex and multiple. They could include security conditions should improve in the 2 Inter-Governmental Authority on civil strife, diseases, floods and chronic remaining countries of GHA, given a Development : East and Horn of Africa countries’ Regional Economic Community poverty. Therefore, the interpretation of favourable rainfall performance. (REC) the categories of food insecurity requires The map indicated that many areas that detailed information on the critical causes are likely to be extremely food insecure of food insecurity at the national and include western Sudan, parts of southern regional levels. and eastern Ethiopia, northern Somalia,

Conference Report Disaster Management in Africa: Is There a Need?

Mr Charles Kelly The overall conference was managed by Conclusions and Director for Africa, Charles Kelly (TIEMS Director for Africa) recommendations arising from International Emergency Management with technical support provided by Ulrich Society - TIEMS the Conference Raape, and staff of the Fraunhofer The following conclusions and Institut für Fabrikbetrieb und – recommendations have been summarized automatisierung, Magdeburg, Germany. Introduction from the conference communications and The Internet facilities of the Fraunhofer session summaries developed by session This report provides a summary of a Institut were used to host the program conference on disaster management in moderators Salibo Some and Dewald van and web page through which the Niekerk. As requested by conference Africa sponsored by The International conference took place. Emergency Management Society participants, these recommendations and (TIEMS). The conference was held over This report provides the conclusions and conclusions will be publicized and shared the Internet and took place between 17 recommendations of the conference with relevant international bodies, April and 16 May 2004. A total of 75 (presumed of most interest to most including the African Union (AU), UN persons officially registered to participate readers) first, followed by information on organizations, the UN/ISDR Secretariat, in the conference, although reports the purpose of the conference and the European Union (EU) and key donors indicate that additional persons received lessons learned. A full record of the and governments. conference communications but did not communications exchanged during the ƒ Education is key register. The conference took place in the conference can be found at http:// Education is the key to the better month before the annual TIEMS meeting listserv.tiems.org/mailman/listinfo/ management of the risk, hazards and in the Shire of Yarra, Victoria State, virtualconference. vulnerabilities associated with Australia (see www.tiems.org). disasters in Africa.

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Recommendation One: Education Recommendation Four: Governments regulation problems. The Internet, about disasters needs to be targeted and those funding development in accessible across Africa, provided an at all levels, from primary to post- Africa need to adopt and follow easy-to-use medium through which graduate and continuing education, policies which lead to a reduction of Africans and those interested in Africa include the general public, civil disaster risks and vulnerabilities and could exchange views and discuss society, policy makers, trans-nationals increase resilience across all social disaster management as it relates and special communities (e.g., the levels. To do otherwise means that the specifically to Africa. disabled), and be communicated in a developmental process fails before it language which is understood by the starts and this outcome is a failure in Theme and structure of the recipient. good governance. Conference ƒ Highlight successes ƒ Increase the sharing of information The overall theme for the conference was Considerable attention has focused about disaster management Disaster Management in Africa: Is There on the failure of disaster management The sharing of information is critical a Need? Exchanges during the conference in Africa. Successes, often involving to an improvement of disaster were to be structured around three topics, local efforts and participation, have management in Africa. The TIEMS- as indicated below. Each topic was gone unrecognized and unpublicized. sponsored conference was one step in initiated by an opening communication Recommendation Two: Successful this process, but the process needs to prepared by a session moderator. The disaster management efforts in Africa continue in a regular and formal topics covered during the conference need to be documented and analyzed manner. along with the names and affiliation of the to identify which approaches work Recommendation Five: Further moderators are provided below: with which communities under what exchanges on disaster management in conditions. The results of this Africa should take place through Weeks 1 and 2: What does disaster analysis need to be disseminated whatever means available. These management mean in Africa? Start date: widely from the community up to the means can include Internet and live 18 April 2004. Moderated by Salibo Some, international level. conferences and meetings. These Directeur Exécutif, Africa’s Sustainable efforts would be easier and more Development Council, Burkina Faso. ƒ Understand disasters from the effective with the creation of an All African perspective Africa Disaster Prevention Network. Week 3: Integrating risk reduction Some of the disasters which occur in This network would be patterned after activities into development planning. Africa are different from those faced similar networks elsewhere in the Start date: 2 May 2004. Moderated by in other parts of the world. Africans world, and would deal with training Dewald van Niekerk, African Centre for express concern about the disastrous and capacity building, advocacy and Disaster Studies, North-West University, impact of protracted conflict, HIV/ public information/education activities South Africa. AIDS, child trafficking and other and resource mobilization. hazards not faced as potential Week 4: What is needed to make disaster disasters in other parts of the world. management more effective in Africa? Recommendation Three: Defining Purpose of the Conference Start date: 9 May 2004. Moderated by disasters, and thus prevention, There are few forums, whether Steve Hansch, disaster management mitigation and preparedness conferences or other means of researcher and teacher who recently measures, should take into account exchanging information and experiences, participated in Lessons Learned from African concerns and the particular which focus on disaster management in Review of the Food Crisis in Southern social, physical and technological Africa. TIEMS had, in previous Africa (supported by C. Kelly). challenges which exist in Africa. conferences, attempted to encourage ƒ Use development to limit disaster participation by Africans and discussions about disaster management on Africa, but Lessons learned impact ƒ Active participation by Africans in the Preventing or mitigating disasters in with no success. The most significant barriers to this participation were travel conference appears to have been Africa is part and parcel of the limited. development process. Disaster relief and conference costs and visa regulations. While not possible to clearly define receives the greatest attention in participation by email address, Africa. Mitigation, prevention, In pondering how TIEMS could circumstantial evidence (names of preparedness, vulnerability and risk contribute to improved disaster persons registered and email domain reduction and building resilience need management in Africa, the idea of holding names) indicated that a large number of to receive equal attention in a conference over the Internet was raised. participants were not originally from development process, programs and An internet-based conference was seen Africa or currently resident in Africa. projects. as a way to get around the cost and travel

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs, Issue 4/November 2004 69 Partners in Action

While being of or in Africa was not a ƒ Potential participants found the greatest participation possible to avoid criteria for participating in the method of joining the conference an outcome of the same people saying conference, a larger participation from difficult. the same thing over and over again. those in or from Africa was expected. There appear to be a number of causes ƒ There exist a potential for future In future conferences, a larger for this problem, ranging from Internet-based conferences on disaster “African” participation needs to be peculiarities in the software used to management in Africa. achieved. run the conference to a lack of The basic process of the Internet understanding as to how to navigate ƒ Overall participation was limited. conference mechanism worked for the the registration process. The overall Efforts were made to publicize the conference and allows an interchange impact was to deny participation of an conference widely, but only 75 persons of views and information which would unknown number of individuals. These registered to participate. Although not have been possible if all 75 problems are under investigation and there may have been additional participants had been asked to come should be resolved before any future “lurkers” (persons who did not register physically to one location. In addition, virtual conference using the same but received conference the exchanges identified a number of programs and process. communications through other issues and topics which required parties), the number of participants ƒ As with any conference, there were few further or new discussion which can was far less than the number of talkers and many listeners. take place over the Internet in a individuals involved in disaster In other words, not all those who conference format. However, to be management in Africa. registered sent messages concerning successful, future Internet conferences the topics being discussed. This is a on disaster management in Africa need At the same time, it is unlikely that common phenomenon in conferences greater participation in general as well TIEMS could have 75 persons where people are physically present. It as in the development and moderation physically present at sessions on has occurred in other virtual of topics relevant to those interested Africa. By this measure, the conference conferences and should not in disaster management in Africa. was a success. Thus, while successful necessarily be viewed as a negative by one measure, the need for greater outcome. However, future conferences participation noted above also applies need to identify ways to encourage the to this lesson.

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