January 2015 southasiadisasters.net 1 CLIMATE COMPATIBLE PREPAREDNESS ABOUT THIS ISSUE isasters in India can be easily Moving Towards Climate Didentified with extreme Smart Disaster Risk Management weather events like cyclones, heatwaves, cloudbursts and flash floods. There is an increasing body Training Needs Assessment: Linking Disaster Risk of data that points to the Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation incontrovertible link between such disasters and climate change. This he Odisha State Disaster The state wide exercise was link has led a lot of practitioners in Management Authority facilitated by All India Disaster the field of humanitarian action to T (OSDMA) has shown successful Mitigation Institute (AIDMI). AIDMI stress the importance of pursuing efforts in its response to 2013 cyclone is author of Intergovernmental Panel climate compatible development in Phailin and 2014 cyclone Hudhud. on Climate Change (IPCC) global India. A climate compatible agenda report on extreme climate events. tries to integrate the exigencies of climate change adaptation and Result of long-term efforts at those of disaster risk reduction into different levels by OSDMA and All the stakeholders came together on overall development planning. concerned agencies are now December 19, 2014 to contribute to becoming visible. TNA. It was attended by key departments' heads, district This issue of Southasiadisasters.net administrations, NGOs and INGOs. focuses on the important theme of The capacity building efforts by the Climate Compatible Development government and humanitarian in India. As an emerging agencies are becoming visible at the The TNA has focused on closer humanitarian ideal, climate community level. integration between risk reduction compatible development can be and adaptation to climate change. described as the interface between The OSDMA is moving several steps The collaboration between DRR development, disaster risk ahead from reducing death toll to community and climate change reduction and climate change reducing loss and damage in any community will be further adaptation. It strives to initiate possible emergency in Odisha. strengthened based on the TNA short and long term adaptation exercise, said Shri (Dr.) Taradatt, MD, measures that can lead to a resilient The capacity building of different OSDMA. future and help in the achievement stakeholders is the key for achieving of nationally and internationally the above mentioned results. The efforts should now be more agreed development goals. This focused towards reducing loss and issue of Southasiadisasters.net The OSDMA under GoI-UNDP damage in vulnerable urban contains articles that provide some project on 'Enhancing Institutional locations of Odisha, said Shri Brinda of the experiences and expertise of and Community Resilience to D., Additional Commissioner, the individuals and organizations Disaster and Climate Change' Bhubanashwar Municipal Corporation. that have strived towards this ideal conducted a Training Needs Assessment in India. The scope of this issue (TNA) on Disaster Risk Reduction Odisha should emphasize ranges from Odisha's efforts to and Climate Change Adaptation. knowledge management and move in the direction of climate sharing at regional level with focus smart disaster risk management to This is the first ever training need on coastal areas of said the protection of India as a regional assessment in Odisha leading to Shri Mihir Bhatt, AIDMI head. He energy node from the onslaught of climate smart disaster risk reduction added Odisha has so much to offer disasters. said Shri Ambika Prasad, UNDP. from its experience. Only one other state in India has Published in The Pioneer, Bhubaneswar, Consisting of the best practices completed such assessment. December 23, 2014 from the leading agencies and government departments to further • The OSDMA has successfully responded to and Cyclone Hudhud. the cause of climate compatible • The focus now is on Climate Compatible Development. development in India, this issue of • The OSDMA authorized a TNA to facilitate greater integration between Southasiadisasters.net is a must read Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction. for all who are interested in this important theme. • This TNA helped in identifying key areas where integration is possible – Kshitij Gupta, AIDMI and desirable.

2 southasiadisasters.net January 2015 ACTION PLAN Ahmedabad at Forefront of Climate Change Adaptation: Frances Beinecke Global leader on climate change & env protection was commenting on city’s Heat Action Plan

n a recent conversation with IAhmedabad-based All India • The National Resources Defence Council (NDRC) of USA has helped the Disaster Mitigation Institute’s Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in preparing a Heat Action Plan. (AIDMI) Mihir R Bhatt, Frances • Frances Beinecke, a former president of the NDRC was in Ahmedabad Beinecke, a global expert on climate to deliberate upon replicating the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan for change shed light on the importance other cities in India too. of Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan. • Collaborations like this are a key to increasing consensus between India and USA on vital policies and practices related to Climate Change. Beinecke is the former president of Natural Resources Defense Council out. NRDC aims to take Ahmedabad developing the action plan.The Heat group (NRDC), which had a key role experience to cities such as Surat and Action Plan is a part of Ahmedabad’s in development of the plan, made in Rajkot in Gujarat over the coming major efforts to prepare better for collaboration with Ahmedabad months. future extreme heat events after Municipal Corporation (AMC). suffering the deadly heat wave in NRDC plans to take the Ahmedabad May 2010. Temperatures at the time “Ahmedabad is at the forefront of experience to key cities like spiked to 46.8°C (more than 116°F), climate change adaptation to heatwave Bhubaneswar and Guwahati. There and hundreds of people died. in the world”, said Beinecke. is potential for regional spread of Ahmedabad’s experience in South US-India Relationships Over Climate She observed, “Ahmedabad’s Heat Asia, said Beinecke. Change Action Plan describes both immediate NRDC is working with key policy and longer-term actions to increase Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan makers in India and the USA to preparedness, information-sharing, NRDC helped to develop the Heat substantially increase bilateral and response coordination to reduce Action Plan for Ahmedabad with cooperation on climate change and the health effects of heat on support from Climate Development adaptation. “Our work in vulnerable populations especially Knowledge Network (CDKN) after Ahmedabad is one of the foundation the poor and women who work the heat wave of 2010. CDKN helped stones of this effort” said Beinecke. outdoors in summer season”. in tracking the impact of heatwave on citizens and created the action In the United States, NRDC is “City-to-city links are most plan with AMC. The city-based providing information and analysis important as cities learn faster and Indian Institute of Public Health to government officials, media, and the better from other cities”, she pointed (IIPH) also played a vital role in public about the efforts India is making to address climate FRANCES BEINECKE change. “The positive Beinecke is the former president efforts of citizens of of Natural Resources Defense Ahmedabad are making Council group, an international their way in the USA” she NGO fighting for environment added. protection and against adverse climate change. She currently “Our efforts are increasing serves on the boards of the World awareness and Resources Institute, the Energy understanding in both Future Coalition, the Nicholas nations about the other’s Institute for Environmental climate change actions,” Policy Solutions, and she said. Conservation International’s Published in DNA Center for Environmental Ahmedabad, Leadership in Business. Frances Beinecke with Mihir R Bhatt. January 12, 2015

January 2015 southasiadisasters.net 3 COUNTRY PERSPECTIVE HFA2 Implementation Challenges and Opportunities: A Nepalese Perspective

epal is an agrarian mountainous identified. In this context, in affect the above mentioned Ncountry situated on the December 2012 the UN General challenges are listed below: southern slopes of the central Assembly Resolution (Resolution Himalaya. According to Maplecroft 67/209) decided to convene the 3rd Land Use and Fragile Ecosystem: 2010, Nepal is the fourth most World Conference on DRR in Japan Unstable slope, fragile geology of vulnerable country in the world to in early 2015 to review the young mountains with heavy climate change. It is estimated that implementation of HFA and develop monsoon rainfall leads to a wide more than 1.9 million people are a post-2015 framework for DRR range of geological and hydro highly vulnerable and another 10 referred to as HFA2. meteorological disasters across the million are exposed to increase risks country. (MoEnv, 2010). The analysis of National Challenges for Nepal temperature trends of 56 stations for Demographic Changes and Absente the period of 1975-2006 showed the The national level challenges population: According to the continuous warming at the rate of highlight the following sectors: National population census 2011, the 0.027 per year (Sharma K, 2009) and • Mass poverty and Inequality annual population growth rate is also reveals the variation in • Economic dependency 1.35% and showed the demographic temperature trend due to variation • Low level of investment change within the three ecological in altitude. The average annual • Widespread unemployment belts. The census reveals that the rainfall is 1800 mm with marked • Implementation of Policy, plan population living in the Terai has spatial and temporal variations and programs and its constraints increased by 2% leading to 50% of (NCVST, 2009, MoEnv, 2010). • Preparedness to disaster country's population whereas • Inadequate administrative setup settlement in hill and mountain At the World Conference on Disaster • Gap in information sharing regions decreased by 1%. Out Reduction (WCDR) in January 2005, and capacity enhancement Migration and Absentee population 168 countries adopted the Hyogo • Duplications of DRR work which reflects aging society, sex ratio Framework for Action (HFA) as a • Lack of integrated which is continuously decreasing guiding framework on DRR (2005- implementation from 99.8 to 94.41. These 2015) which aims to build resilience • Lack of scientific data of climate demographic patterns should be of nations and communities to and disasters considered while assessing disasters. For this purpose, strategic vulnerability and designing disaster goals, outcomes and 5 priority areas Some of the factors contribute in the risk reduction programs (CBS, 2011). along with indicators have been HFA 2 implementation which can Agriculture Practice: Agriculture sector contributes nearly 35% of the Nepal's GDP and supports the livelihood of more than 74% of Nepal's Population (NLSS, 2007 and CBS, 2012). Only about 25% of Nepal's surface area is suitable for agriculture purpose. About 21% of the land is cultivable of which 54% has irrigation facilities (MoAD, 2012) and remaining is the rain fed. The agriculture practice is governed and guided by rainfall and totally dependent on climate. Due to increasing population, safe land is Marginalized agricultural practice and sedimentation in cultivated land making scarce and people are occupying more vulnerable to Disaster (Photo: Paudel K.) marginal lands for their livelihood

4 southasiadisasters.net January 2015 Participants of HFA2 Roundtable discussion held in October, 2015, Kathmandu. thereby increasing susceptibility to and programs of Nepal Government. References: different types of hazards. In 2010—2013, Government plan has 1 CBS (2011), Environmental focused on Natural Disaster Statistics of Nepal 2011 Climate change and its Impacts: Management for sustainable 2. CBS (2012), National Population Nepal is affected by many natural development. In addition, GoN has and Housing Census 2011, (Village Hazards and recent data shows that highlighted the role of private Development Committee/ Municipality), National Planning the frequency of natural disasters sector, local body, NGOs, CBOs and Commission, Central Bureau of such as floods, landslides, etc. has involvement of security forces has Statistics, 2011 increased. Nepal has witnessed an ensured for the effective 3. MoAD (2012), Statistical increase in the frequency and implementation and sustainability Information on Nepalese intensity of disasters such as floods, of the programs. The government Agriculture, Government of Nepal. landslides, forest fires, etc has prepared different legal 4. MoEnv (2010), National continuously which affects the large frameworks for the disaster Adaptation Program of Action number of population (mainly management in Nepal: National (NAPA) to climate change. Ministry of Environment, Nepal. indigenous, poor and women), Strategy for Disaster Risk 5. NCVST (2009), Vulnerability livelihood, and infrastructure due to Management in Nepal 2009, Disaster through the Eyes of the Vulnerable: low adaptive capacity. Preparedness and Response Plan Climate Change Induced (DPRP) in Districts 2010, National Uncertainties and Nepal's Loss from water induced disasters: Adaptation Programme of Action Development Predicaments, The analysis of hydroelectricity and (NAPA) and Local Adaptation Plans NCVST, Kathmandu. alternative climate model reveals of Action (LAPA). The main goal of 6. NPC (2010), Three Year Plan (2010- 2013). Nepal Planning Commission, that 20 – 100% increase in the these frameworks is to improve Government of Nepal, Kathmandu: intensity and frequency of river people's livelihood through climate NPC Publication. flows. The direct economic costs of change impact mitigation and 7. IDS Nepal, PAC and GCAP (2014), climate change on water induced adaptation and its promotion in Economic Impact Assessment of disasters at the national level were national and local plans. Still Nepal Climate Change In Key Sectors in estimated to be an additional US$ 100 is in political transition phase Nepal, IDS Nepal, Kathmandu – 200 million/year by 2050, making its constitution from the 8. IDS Nepal (2014), Making the equivalent to 0.6 – 1.1% of current constitution assembly and yet to be HFA2 work: South Asia roundtable, Kathmandu GDP per year with an upper estimate decided as federal state which will 9. NPC (2011), Climate – Resilient of almost 3%. (IDS Nepal et. al., 2014) be helpful in the implementation and Planning: Working Document, making local body accountable in Government of Nepal, National Opportunities: DRM sector. Planning Commission, Kathmandu, Besides all these challenges, there are – Dr. Dinesh Chandra Devkota, Nepal several opportunities for HFA 2 Policy Advisor; Mr. Keshav Paudel, 10. IDS Nepal, GCAP and PAC(2014), implementation. Because DRR is a Environmental Officer; and Economic Impact Assessment of highly prioritized sector in Nepal it Mr. Sujit Karmacharya, Program Climate Change for Key Risks in Nepal, http://idsnepal.org/ is incorporated in the plan, policy Coordinator, IDS Nepal navigation/50-brochures.html January 2015 southasiadisasters.net 5 CLIMATE CHANGE AND RESILIENCE Training Needs Assessment on DRR-CCA in Assam: Reviewing Resilience

s Assam being the gateway of Search and Rescue, First Aid, Needs Assessment for DRR-CCA ANorth-eastern states, glimpses Planning for DRR in Schools and was visualized with the primary various avenues of development, Hospitals, Mass Casualty goal to suggest options for valid and hazards of various origin put a Management and many other such sustainable integration of disaster constant threat to its prospect of areas involving participants like risk reduction and climate change development. Every year a government officers, teachers, adaptation. This study was designed significant volume of developmental children, doctors, civil society and conducted by the All India outcome is being eaten away due to organisations and others., For these Disaster Mitigation Institute. the states vulnerability to these trainings, ASDMA had conducted a hazards. To name the most dominant Training Needs Assessment in 2011 The study followed a bottom up and visible in this regard is flood and which had its exclusive focus on approach and incorporated the views river erosion in both the reverine Disaster Risk Reduction. But, climate and expressions of different valleys (Bramhaputra and Barak change as a concern in both cause and stakeholders. As a part of the Valleys). A significant amount effect relationship was not considered methodology, different tools were pressure had been persistent on the in-depth in that assessment. used such as literature review, State exchequer to deal with menace district level search conferences, state of flood and erosion every year. As the global community was level workshops etc. The focus was Further, Climate Change has been moving towards strengthening the on bringing out a feasible and contributing in both increasing the vision of DRR through the inclusive pathway for integration. frequency and magnitude of this development of post 2015 framework hazard in multiple ways such as (HFA 2) which focuses on seven It was interesting to see that the study erratic heavy rains, melting of different areas of priority for highlighted the level of awareness Himalayan glaciers etc. All this has ensuring the goal of sustainable among the participants on climate lead to the emergence of a different development integrating climate change concerns. The participants outlook for thinking, planning and change concerns, ASDMA also themselves in large majority vowed practicing measures for reducing the envisioned to incorporate and about the existing gaps in their impact of these hazards by integrate climate change concern in knowledge and skills which created increasing the capacity of different its ongoing DRR initiatives the insufficiency for dealing with segments of vulnerable population. particularly the training and climate change and disasters. capacity building ones. As Assam Though there was the State Action It has been recently accorded high forms a part of the targeted State for Plan on Climate Change in place priority to increase investment in GoI-UNDP Program on "Institutional Assam along with National Plan of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the and Community resilience to disasters action of India, the participants were public domain. As the nodal and climate change" which was lead hardly aware and involved in any government agency to coordinate by ASDMA in the state, it was an sorts of actions associated with them. and implement the disaster risk opportunity for ASDMA to retrospect The SAPCC no-doubt is the best reduction initiatives in the state, the entry points for climate change available and easiest possible Assam State Disaster Management concerns with a systematically literature for understanding the local Authority (ASDMA) had been designed study. Thus, the Training context and projections related to implementing different projects and programs for promoting and • The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has taken sustaining disaster risk reduction of several measures to safeguard Assam from the adverse impacts of which capacity building of recurring disasters ailing the state. stakeholders through training has • A Training Needs Assessment (TNA) was conducted by ASDMA to been a dominant area. Between 2009 facilitate integration of climate change concerns with its larger capacity and 2013, a total of 1818 training building initiative. programs involving 5, 47,062 • The TNA exercise highlighted a lot of areas of integration such as DRR, participants were conducted. The Community Based CCA, involvement of children etc. focus was manifold ranging from 6 southasiadisasters.net January 2015 climate change. These existing gaps in knowledge and skills make it INFORMATION SHARING more imperative to strengthen the basics and the best possible solution Self Study Programme at NIDM as recommended by the study was integration. This integration based National institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) approach facilitates new information to be incorporated into the planning Under the National Disaster Management Act 2005, the National Centre of programmes and plans and creates for Disaster Management of the Indian Institute of Public administration the opportunity to identify what was upgraded to National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in need to be changed or added. The October 2003. Union Home Minister is the President of NIDM. The main study basically highlighted inclusion role of NIDM is in human resource development, capacity building, of local projections and climate training, research, documentation and policy advocacy in the field of change and also suggested topics such Disaster Management. National activities are done under key academic as DRR and CCA, Community Based divisions namely Policy, Planning and Cross Cutting Issues; Geo-Hazards Climate Change Adaptation. The Risk Management; Hydro-meteorological Hazards Risk Management; and study also suggested involvement of Response and training. Apart from various trainings, NIDM gives all concerned sectors, using children consultancy services to the officials and local authorities and performs as "active agents" in leading the knowledge integration on disaster management in the country. NIDM change. As different department also hosts the SAARC disaster management centre and publishes journals, specific measures of both training newsletters, reports and training modules. and non-training requirements were highlighted in the The All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) is introducing the recommendations, it will be idea of integrating Disaster Risk Management (DRM) with Community obviously interesting to see the Based Adaptation (CBA) in India with NIDM. pathway through which the progresses are lead by the concerned Self Study Programme on Disaster Management for Youth departments and agencies. National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) offers self study programme on disaster management. The course would benefit those It is imperative for the ASDMA to who work or wish to work to manage disasters in India. The course aims move up with the recommendations to raise the level of knowledge on disaster management of government and facilitate such an environment officials and other officials as also create interest and awareness on disaster where effective integration can be management to general public. Citizens can register online at achieved. The knowledge and skills www.nidmssp.in to any of the ten listed courses of NIDM web based gaps must be highlighted to the programme. The registration is free of cost. The users can access the concerned departments through programme anytime and from anywhere after login. adequate sensitization. The further design and implementation of All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) is working with NIDM to trainings must be dynamic and develop integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) with Community should incorporate the ongoing Based Adaptation (CBA) in self study courses. developments in the field. There is no doubt that the study has given a Online Courses on Disaster Risk Management for Youth road map to the state for leading the Looking at the need to enhance the capacity and to develop a sense of initiatives on DRR-CCA integration, preparedness among communities, NIDM in collaboration with the World it would really an interesting matter Bank, Washington conducts online courses for various key stakeholders for observation how effective the in the field of Disaster Risk Management (DRM). This flexi time course is implementation of the interactive and convenient for users. Apart from one basis course with a recommendations are achieved in fee of Rs. 1500/- the institute offers nine thematic courses with a fee of the near future. The investment Rs.1000/- each. These thematic courses are open to those who have made in this regard is praiseworthy completed the basic course or have basic subject knowledge. These nine but is really a beginning and across courses focus on DRM such as Comprehensive Framework, Community the nation, eyes' will be on Assam to Based, Earthquake, Identification, Assessment and Analysis, Safer Cities, see the changes which structured Gender Aspect, Financial Strategies, Damage and Reconstruction Needs integration can bring in the state. Assessments. – AIDMI Team – Sonali Das, AIDMI

January 2015 southasiadisasters.net 7 CASE STUDY Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Improved Cook Stoves and their by-product (Biochar) Application into Soil: A case study from District, Odisha, India

n the backdrop of a persistent • As energy crisis debate rages on in India, the use of improved cooking energy crisis and raging debate on I stoves in the tribal households of Jeypore, Odisha has emerged a good lack of coal linkages in India, practice that can be replicated in other parts of the country as well. Greenpeace has released its assessment report on Renewable • The advantages include reducing the drudgery of women, improving Purchase Obligation (RPO) titled their health, improving the efficiency of fuel-wood supplies. Powering Ahead on Renewables: • Since Odisha is known to be highly vulnerable to disasters and climatic Leaders and Laggards, which extremes, up scaling such innovations can help the state in fostering decides ranks of all states and their resilience. performance in renewable energy security and their supply. At higher Women have always been responsive increasing efficiency in fuel–wood authorities' level, it just calls for for managing household energy supplies. revision of RPO mechanism based systems, and tribal households in on equity principle. Now, these Jeypore, Odisha, India are no Crop production in home gardens mechanisms have limits with no different. Past studies have (HGs) through the use of residues focus to deal sector specific established the role of improved from the ICS is a widespread practice situations such as household and cooking stoves (ICS) in rural areas observed in the study region. small enterprises which endure the by reducing workload of women Substituting clay stoves with ICS is most. and enhancing health while likely to play an important role in

Fig. Step to Build Solidarity to Endorse Rural Women Livelihood using Clean Cook Stove Approach.

8 southasiadisasters.net January 2015 reducing drudgery and improving environmental benefits and(v) from where opportunity and access of soil health. The Alleviating Poverty a policy perspective, study aiming government plans are really lacking. and Malnutrition (APM) in Agro- into consideration priorities, roles This state is also famous for natural biodiversity Hotspot project made and interests of women concurrently calamities (Ex–heat waves, flood, an attempt in making use of top–lit develop appropriate skill sets. drought), severe migration and updraft gasifier stove whose residue losses of natural biodiversity, which (biochar) was applied blend with Odisha can take a lead on a directly, indirectly impacts the compost (BioC+) in HGs to enrich constructive policy on renewable climate change and GHG emission soils. energy through domestic and and above steps can support institutional sectors ICSs. Recent purchasing power of individual but The research study concludes that: (i) understanding in both sectors, along positive effect will be the adoption of ICS and BioC+ other sectors on renewable (biomass, multidimensional in long term. application have gender biofuel and biogas, solar, etc.), – Jay Anand with Chaudhury implications, (ii) use of the ICS has Odisha has achieved less than 35%, Shripati Mishra, B. Chandra reduced women and men's labour the proposed activity emerged as Guptha, Trinath Taraputia, and and time spent for Fuel-wood leader in terms of driving a V. A. Nambi, Climate Change collection, (iii) increasing constructive policy for renewables. Program, M S Swaminathan Research opportunities for women and men Odisha is backward but they can Foundation, Tamil Nadu to be involved in growing crop for display astuteness by accepting the Acknowledgement: International Development Research Center (IDRC), enhancing their well–being, (iv) this fact that decentralized system can Canada, Farmers and Field Technician of adaptation practice has multiple generate livelihood at remote areas MSSRF

ECOSYSTEMS RECOVERY Why Local Communities Participate in Enhancing Restoration Mangrove Ecosystems in Odisha to Mitigate Impacts of Cyclonic Storms?

ntroduction In the context of Odisha, a few studies coastal Odisha is affected by multiple IThe state of Odisha in eastern India found that mangroves act as a natural threats, e.g., unsustainable economic is frequently affected by cyclonic barrier in reducing impacts from growth, high population density, sea storms (Bahinipati, 2014), which cyclonic storms and also providing level rise and river erosion and negatively affect the well-being of various livelihood opportunities to government policy (Bahinipati and rural households in the coastal local households (Badola and Sahu, 2012). In particular, Upadhyay villages. In the past few decades, the Hussain, 2005; Das and Vincent, and Mishra (2008) found that state experienced severe and super 2009). Therefore, different activities anthropogenic factors are cyclonic storms in the years 1971, have been undertaken at the responsible for 80% of the 1982, 1999 and 2013 (Bahinipati and community, civil society and degradation of mangrove forests in Sahu, 2012). These events disrupted government levels to enhance Odisha. From this, one can say that the livelihoods of households living mangrove conservation in coastal participation of the local in the fragile coastal environment. Odisha; because of this, an increasing communities is imperative to For instance, a loss of around 7397 trend was observed in the recent enhance mangrove ecosystems. human lives particularly in the decades. For instance, the area under Because of its positive externality, it undivided district in 1971, mangroves was 199 km2 during 1987, also attracts the attention of both the and 9177 human lives during the and increased to 222 km2 as of 2011. civil society and government over 1999 super cyclone (Bahinipati and the years to promote mangroves Sahu, 2012). It is expected that these Voluntary Participation of through both action and academic events are likely to increase in the Communities to Enhance Mangrove research. Afterwards, various foreseeable future due to climate Restoration funding agencies (e.g., TEEB, MFF, change, particularly in the Over the years, it has been observed etc.) and ministries of state and developing nations. that the mangrove ecosystems in national governments (through

January 2015 southasiadisasters.net 9 Fencing to plantation site by community members of Chakamohanpur village, Kendrapada District, Odisha. integrated coastal zone order to reduce dependency on the storm protection function of management) have been shown mangroves. As a result, some of the Bhitarkanika Mangrove interest to promote mangroves, degraded land was restored with Ecosystem India, particularly in coastal Odisha. Under mangroves in a few coastal villages Environmental Conservation, this, various activities have been of Kendrapada. We have learnt that 32(1), 85-92. undertaken such as restoration and the vulnerable people in the coastal 2. Bahinipati, C. S. (2014), afforestation of mangroves, Odisha are interested to voluntarily Assessment of vulnerability to generating awareness about various participate in mangrove cyclones and floods in Odisha, benefits of mangrove ecosystems, conservation. The government India: A District-level analysis, enhancing other rural livelihood programmes for enhancing Current Science, 107(12): 1997- opportunities, etc. mangroves should consider people 2007. in the mangrove restoration process 3. Bahinipati, C. S. and N. C. Sahu, With funding from Centre for and also provide them alternative (2012), Mangrove Conservation Environment Education (CEE), livelihood opportunities. as a sustainable adaptation to Rufford Small Grant Foundation, cyclonic risk in Kendrapada Mangroves for the Future (MFF) and References: District of Odisha, India, Asian Integrated Coastal Zone 1. Badola, R. and Hussain, S. A. Journal of Environment and Management Programme (ICZMP), (2005), Valuing ecosystem Disaster Management, 4(2): 183- APOWA has taken the initiative to functions: A empirical study on 202. restore mangrove forests in the 4. Das, S. and Vincent, J. R.(2009), • In the past, Odisha has coastal Talukas of Kendrapada Mangroves protected villages experienced several devastating district of Odisha. Since the coastal and reduced death toll during cyclonic storms. communities have also realized the Indian super cyclone, Proc importance of mangroves, they have • Climate change is likely to National Academy of Science, shown interest to voluntarily increase the frequency and 106(18), 7357-60. participate in the restoration severity of these cyclonic storms 5. Upadhyay, V. P. and Mishra, P. Programme. At the village level, a in Odisha. K. (2008), Population status of community network was constituted • Mangroves have emerged as a mangrove species in estuarine such as 'Village Mangrove Councils natural barrier to the adverse regions of Orissa coast, India, (VMC)' which have taken the entire impact of cyclonic storms in the state. Tropical Ecology, 49(2), 183- responsibility to restore mangroves 88. • Various agencies such as around the village. Because of this, – Bijaya Kumar Kabi, APOWA, CEE and MFF are the households in the village are Action for Protection of Wild Animals working with the communities becoming a watch dog for the (APOWA), Kendrapada, Odisha, of coastal Odisha to restore sustenance of the mangroves. India and mangroves as a means of Simultaneously, other livelihood Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati, resilience against cyclones and as opportunities also provided to the Gujarat Institute of Development a viable livelihood option. Research (GIDR), Ahmedabad, India various households in the village in 10 southasiadisasters.net January 2015 INSTITUTIONAL MEASURES Lucknow Declaration on Mainstreaming DRR and CCA in Development Planning

ased on the outcome of • Improper siting of critical • There is need for a dedicated Bdeliberations and discussions infrastructure (such as airports, funding for DRR and CCA held in this Conference, on 20th solid waste dumping sites, integration though specific October 2014 at Lucknow, we the hospitals, etc.) in hazard prone budget provisions exist for participants of this workshop arrive zones leads to higher damages. Disaster Management. at following conclusions which are • Infrastructure design codes/ • Given the greater impact of to be adopted as Lucknow standards in key sectors (housing, disasters and climate change on declaration on Mainstreaming DRR water supply, drainage etc.) need poor and marginalized sections in and CCA in Development Planning: to be developed for reducing risk community including women, • Need for skilled person-power at from disasters and climate impacts. children and the poor, main- level of SDMA & DDMAs for key • There is a need to improve the streaming needs to emphasize on and specific needs of mainstreaming. availability of data for assessing addressing their needs and • There is need of multi-stakeholder disaster damages (/vulnerability) responses designed accordingly. platforms at various levels (state, by sectors and to implement the • Disaster Management theme has regional, district and lower) that monitoring mechanisms of statute (DM Act 2005) and backed promote a process of shared learning adaptation related activities. up by executive orders (as issued of perspectives of vulnerabilities, • There is need to strengthen by Chief Secretary for integrating identification, design and system for monitoring of damages DRR and CCA in development implementation of actions, that and vulnerability parameters. plans). Similar statutes and involve government, civil society, One way to address this concern executive orders are absent in the academia, NGOs and community. is to have a separate section in sphere of CCA. • The assessment of damage from DDMP. • State level policy/ practice/ disasters is currently based on a • There is need to develop synergy guidelines are very important and broad estimate and is made at between coordination and needed to actualize effective meso scale. Hence, it does not monitoring committees in SAPCC mainstreaming of DRR-CCA at capture the micro variations (across and DDMA, though both the district and lower levels. villages/ towns), and leads to entities are/will be headed by the – Ms. Chicu Lokgariwar, ineffective response actions. District Magistrate. India Water Portal • Climate downscaling data is available currently at agro- Asia Europe Meeting-East Asia Summit in ecological zones (SAPCC) and needs to be refined at higher Delhi in 2014 resolution (district levels). any of the member countries of Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM)-East • The mainstreaming of disaster MAsia Summit (EAS) have faced enormous socio-economic losses on risk reduction and climate account of devastating disasters. With the rise of frequency and severity change adaptation is necessary of disasters, ASEM 11th Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM11) in November for the achievement of 2013 after the success of EAS-India Workshop on "Building Regional development outcomes. Framework for Earthquake Risk Management" laid down a Roundtable Meeting on Disaster Management for ASEM-EAS countries. The two days • The Lucknow Declaration of Roundtable was organised by Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of October 2014 supports this External Affairs, Government of India on December 4-5, 2014. It focused mainstreaming across national on use of technology to save lives and reduce response time and building and sub-national levels in India. capacities through sharing best practices, developing joint ventures • The main action points of this amongst ASEM member countries and to launch Virtual Knowledge Portal declaration include the need for (VKP), deliberations on the board structure and functioning of the VKP. skilled person-power at the level of SDMA and DDMA, the need All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) introduced the Climate of micro assessments and multi- Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) work in the event and the assessment platforms. scope of its projects in the region. – AIDMI Team

January 2015 southasiadisasters.net 11 Regional Energy Node and Disaster Risk Reduction

ndia is a region wide node for are market-focused and poised to potential expansion of existing Ienergy transfers in South Asia. develop commercial trading electricity exchanges to encompass The existing node must be protected arrangements that, in conjunction energy market transactions from disaster risks and the future with the "virtual energy grid", can throughout the region, is building growth must include protection facilitate the expansion of energy a platform for regional energy from disaster. trade among each of its five member trade. This "Virtual Energy Grid" countries. While India represents a represents a realistic goal for South To understand better the political stable core for SARI-East, SARI-West Asia over the next 10 years. And also and economic underpinnings that (Afghanistan and Pakistan) has an opportunity to creatively facilitate regional energy market neither a stable core nor a central enhance the benefits and set aside formation and cross border energy engine for economic growth; making the disadvantages. trade in South Asia and to it a high risk/high return recommend strategies for its South India shares a border with each of environment for the development of Asian Regional Initiative for its South Asian neighbors, except energy projects. Energy projects will Energy (SARI/E) program, USAID Afghanistan, the Maldives and Sri lead investment portfolios in South (United States Agency for Lanka. When India is linked to each Asia. International Development) of these countries, as well as to Sri engaged Social Impact, Inc. (SI) to The concept of a Regional Energy Lanka, by suitable high-tension, conduct a political-economy Grid implies a series of physical bilateral interconnections, India analysis of cross-border energy in connections among the countries of could serve as the nodal point for the South Asia region in 20121. More South Asia. The anticipated energy transfers around the region. work is needed in this direction. unification of the Indian electricity This nodal role is not only important grid by 2014, combined with (a) the to climate compatible development The study concluded that the development of strategic, bilateral debate but also to resilient economic countries of SARI-East (Bangladesh, interconnections between India and development of South Asia. Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) its neighboring countries, and (b) the – Mihir R. Bhatt

1 USAID (2012), SARI/E POLITICAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS USAID/INDIA. Final Report: Executive Summary. This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Social Impact, Inc. with Management Systems International, and Nexant.

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

AIDMI is delighted to receive generous support of UNICEF (India) towards this issue.

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