Summary
of country practices and examples
Some of
the countries with highest levels of poverty and low levels
of human development are also those which are relatively most
vulnerable to disasters. It is therefore critical to identify
practices for integrating DRR relevant for these countries.
These practices need to inform the ambitious plans of scaling
up public investments proposed by Millennium Report.
The attached table is an inventory of country practices drawn from National Reports
for WCDR and examples presented at the January 2005 World Conference’s
ISDR-ECHO (European Commission Humanitarian Office) Best Practice Public Forum.
In the run-up to the MDG Summit in September 2005, the UN Millennium Office is
prioritising "quick-win" interventions and MDG-based planning in six
(6) pilot countries. It is hoped that these examples enable mainstreaming disaster
risk reduction in these interventions better.
ASIA
India |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development Report, UNDP, 2004) |
31% |
Country level
examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG#7:India
has launched a development plan incorporating the following: Drought
Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP),
National Watershed Development Project for Rain-fed Areas (NWDPRA),
Water Development Programme for Shifting Cultivation (WDPSC), Integrated
Afforestation and Eco-development Project Scheme (IAEPS).
Source:WCDR
National report |
Assistance
funding directed at prevention/mitigation? |
There is a National
Disaster Framework covering, amongst others, disaster prevention,
mitigation and response strategy. There is a mitigation fund covering
a huge gamut of mitigation programmes. |
Annual budget
for disaster reduction.
Where is the budget allocated? Form of decentralization? |
Moreover, a
Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) has been set up in each State. 75% of
CRF is provided by the government, 25 % by the State. In case the
CRF is insufficient, a National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF)
has been created. 10% of annual allocation of CRF goes to the purchase
of equipment for disaster response specialist teams. |
Bangladesh |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
42% |
Country level
examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG#7:
Soil anchoring practices, mangrove protection programmes, the Bangladesh
Coastal Greenbelt Project undertaken by the Bangladesh Ministry
of Environment and Forests seeks to prevent loss of lives and damage
to property by cyclone, storms and associated tidal surges; protect
and improve the coastal environment through increased vegetation;
help alleviate poverty by generating income through increased tree
cover and related activities (cross-cutting relevance to MDG
# 1 as well); increase forest resources; increase coastal
embankment stability; establish industries based on forest plantation;
increase multiple uses for land; create popular awareness on sustainable
forest management. MDG#1 Reduce poverty levels amongst very
low-income groups such as the fishermen community. The idea of "Change
Agents" created: people who are trained in disseminating disaster
awareness and knowledge through community, family and people-based
early warning systems, and also trained in first aid. (Bangladesh
State of the Environment Report, 2001) |
Tajikistan |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
unavailable |
Country level
examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG#6 Combating
infectious diseases
The ECHO-sponsored Dushanbe Water Contamination Response Programme aims
to improve access to safe and potable water supply to targeted health facilities
and improving outbreak response capacity in the health system of the capital
city. The programme directly addresses MDG#6, which deals
with containment of infectious diseases, by increasing preparedness and
response levels in case of a possible disaster. It seeks to build community
capacity for self-management of health needs by improving public awareness
in prevention of water-borne diseases through technical Wat-San support
to Infectious Disease Hospitals (IDH) and by installing temporary water
bladders and arranging for transporting water to the IDHs. Other specific
initiatives to help tackle issues relating to the MDG strategy include
improving the city's water-borne disease (WBD) outbreak response capacity,
supplying 1st and 2nd line essential drugs to infectious disease hospitals,
improving Dushanbe SES and City Health Department's disease database management
and outbreak response capacity, health training in diagnosis and management
of WBD.
Source: ECHO
good practices |
Iran |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
16.4% |
Country level
examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
Iran did
not incorporate DRR into its National Plan for Implementation
of the MDGs. Nevertheless, there are clearly determined strategies
regarding disaster management in the 4th plans for
economic, social and cultural development. As for the economic
plan, it reflects the sustainable development spirit (MDG#7).
In this regard, the country has developed earth resources protection,
water resources protection, a national action plan for deserts
and reduction of drought effects, forest development as well
as projects related to air, water and environmental pollution.
As for social and cultural plans, there are several projects
related to human and industrial sewage treatment and expansion
of local health plans (MDG#6), measures to improving the
key role of women in hazard mitigation programmes and promotion
of a seismic safety culture (MDG#3).
Source: WCDR
National Report
|
Disaster
vulnerability as a retardant to achieving the MDGs |
The country
clearly recognizes that there is a direct clear-cut connection
between the level of development and vulnerability in the face
of natural disasters. The crucial interrelationship between natural
disasters and environment degradation should be further emphasized. |
Assistance
funding directed at prevention/mitigation? |
Since 1998,
a National Plan on Natural Disaster Prevention. In 2003, a loan
worth 300 million USD has been obtained from foreign sources and
investment. This loan is for the improvement of the old urban fabrics
to prevent and mitigate damage arising from disasters. Also special
insurance funds. In fact, 50% (in the next future 100%) of agriculture
and farming products, housing and commercial units as well as infrastructure
are covered by an insurance fund. |
Annual budget
for disaster reduction.
Where is the budget allocated? Form of decentralization? |
2.5% of total
budget allocated to DRR. |
Philippines |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
15% |
Country level
examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
The Philippine
National Plan for MDGs does not include an explicit component
of DRR. Nevertheless, as for MDG#1, the government
has developed an anti-poverty programme called KALA, which aims
to improve: 1) Social protection and security against violence
by reducing the risk and vulnerability of the poor to the immediate
effects of economic shocks and natural and human-caused disasters;
2) Asset reform by redistributing physical and resource assets
to the poor, especially land and credit; 3) Employment and livelihood
opportunities by creating jobs through agriculture and fisheries
activities and providing seed capital to micro and small business
for the poor. Moreover, in the same spirit of MDG#1, the
medium-term Development Plan for 2001-2004 was launched. It targeted
a total of 880,000 informal and non-settlers for socialized housing
package. Priority was accorded to those living in dangerous areas
such as riverbanks and other flood-prone areas. The country's
water resource management endorses the spirit of MDG#7. The
adopted measures reflect a risk reduction orientation by promoting
low water use crops, efficient farming practices, irrigation
efficiency, and monitoring and forecasting systems for floods
and droughts.
Source: WCDR
National Report
|
Assistance
funding directed at prevention/mitigation? |
Preparedness
is under the responsibility of OCD (Office of Civil Defence), and
mitigation under the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). Also
a part of National Calamity Fund (NCF) goes to pre-disaster expenditure
or activities outside the regular budgets of agencies. |
Annual budget
for disaster reduction.
Where is the budget allocated? Form of decentralization? |
The National
Government's annual appropriations provide specific budgets for
risk identification (spread among four agencies), preparedness
and structural mitigation, in addition to budget for emergency
response and rehabilitation. According to the NR, only direct costs
of disasters are considered. As for government emergency funds
for response/facilities, local government units set aside 5% of
their estimated regular revenue as local calamity fund. This fund
is complemented by the National Calamity fund. A part of it is
allocated as Quick Response Fund. Also: emergency reconstruction
loans, incurrence. |
Mongolia |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
19% |
Country level
examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG
#1 Loss of resource-based livelihood, increased extreme
poverty The National Agency for Disaster Management is moving
towards a community-based disaster risk management system to
counter the effects of disasters such as severe drought and
epidemic diseases which reduced the total number of Mongolian
livestock by a third. Since the rural population is heavily
dependent on this sector, the result was loss of livelihoods
and related skyrocketing of unemployment and poverty figures. MDG
#1 Food Security and loss of resource-based livelihoods:
National Remote Sensing Centre & Agricultural Risk Study
Centre Local authorities collaborated with other NGOs, IT companies,
herders and farmers to significantly increase disaster risk
knowledge and best practices at the grassroots level coordinated
through the "Risk manager" info system. The risk reduction
info system consists of a database, an internet website, an
integrated information processing with GIS and remote sensing
techniques, VSAT data net and local FM radio broadcasting.
The Agriculture Risk Study Centre has coordinated activities
of all stakeholders and managed to downscale weather prediction
to community and farm levels, therefore being able to provide
regular information and consulting services to reduce disaster
risk. MDG #7 on environmental sustainability & MDG
#1 Poverty & Hunger Eradication Pilot activities
to promote disaster reduction, such as the use of liquid gas
in rural areas to protect bushes and reduce the risk of desertification,
is a cross-cutting issue that addresses MDG #7 on environmental
sustainability while helping to achieve DRR measures and prevent
forced migration due to the inability of the land to provide
sustenance to the communities dependent on it. Activities focusing
more closely on ensuring the protection of livelihoods, thus
helping to eradicate poverty and hunger (MDG #1), include
restoring livestock numbers to pre-disaster levels by increasing
the use of incubation and other surer reproduction techniques.
To help alleviate poverty MDG #1 further,
a supplementary source of income is provided by promoting the
production of carpets made from male camel wool, thus providing
herders with increased levels of financial security. Encouraging
the rearing of camels to substitute for cattle losses in drought-prone
areas is another effective means of reducing the impact that
a disaster such as a drought may have on Mongolian herders,
thus protecting their livelihoods and survival further. (MDG
#1)
Source: ECHO
good practices
|
Disaster
vulnerability as a retardant to achieving the MDGs |
High Poverty
levels, populations living in hazard-prone areas, minimal protection
against disaster impact, low coping capacity further eroded by
recurring disasters are severe retardants to the MDG process in
Mongolia |
Vietnam |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
20% |
Country level
examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG
# 8 Developing a global partnership for development
linking to MDG # 7 on Environmental Sustainability
The mandate of the Central Environmental Authority covers the
coordination of disaster management. The plan also identifies
opportunities for regional cooperation (MDG # 8) in environmental
management for sustainable development (MDG # 7) that
include: disaster reduction; combating the effects of climate
change and anticipated sea-level rise; integrated management
of watersheds, catchment's areas and floodplains through forest
management; and soil and water conservation
Source: Living
With Risk |
LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
OAS
- National Disaster Programme, sustainable development practices MDG#7, POHA
- Retrofitting of educational & health infrastructure, links to MDG#
2, 5, 6 with the Caribbean Hazard Mitigation Capacity
Building Programme [CHAMP] which is an excellent example of regional cooperation
and directly supports MDG # 8. The OAS and the Caribbean Disaster
Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) are implementing a three-year programme
to assist countries in the Caribbean region with the development of comprehensive,
national hazard vulnerability reduction policies and associated implementation
programmes, as well as the development and implementation of safer building
training and certificate programmes. (MDG # 8) CDERA member states. www.oas.org/cdera/champ/
Colombia |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
|
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG
# 2 Universal Primary Education directly links
to the seismic vulnerability analysis of school building
exercise in Santa Fe de Bogotá. This programme in the
capital district was developed by Proyectos y Diseños LTDA
in April 2000. Most of the school buildings has been built
before the standards of the Colombian Code for Seismic-Resistant
Buildings were in force. As a result, most of the buildings
in Colombia, including many schools, were designed and
built without any seismic-resistant criteria. The analysis
developed a methodology to be used in all phases of the
project, and the staff in the Education Ministry was trained
to obtain information for the primary evaluation of seismic
vulnerability. Primary evaluations were then conducted
in all schools, determining the seismic vulnerability of
each. Priorities among individual schools were then assigned
according to available budgets. In some cases, more detailed
vulnerability analyses and structural retrofitting studies
were conducted. (MDG # 2) |
Ecuador |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
12% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG
# 1 and MDG # 7: A Master Plan for the Management
of Flooding Risk in the Hydrographic Basin of the Pedro
Carbo River developed. -PREVENTION ACTIONS An
Emergency Operational Committee (COE) created to cantonal
level and Inter-area and Intra-area Cooperation Mechanisms
put in place and tested. Increased coordination among
Cantonal and Area Emergency Operational Centres on one
side and among Provincial and Cantonal Emergency Operational
Committees on the other. - PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS An
Early Warming System - EWS (or Sistema de Alerta Rapida - SAT)
put in place in Canton Pedro Carbo. Communities strengthened
on the issues of flood preparedness, response to risk
and emergency situations. Technical staff and Volunteers
on Rapid Response to all Emergencies trained. - MITIGATION
ACTIONS Eleven movable modular pedestrian bridges
constructed to overcome the isolation problems of communities
caused by flooding; and 27 Local Civil Defence Volunteers
trained on fixed and emergency bridge preparation. Environmental
and hydraulic engineering demonstrative work realized.
Seven wells were also constructed in seven communities
using OPS/OMS models pumps (BOPS -2002, type "flexi").
Source: ECHO
good practices
|
Haiti |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
41% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG#1 is
reflected by the Special Program for Food Security. As
for MDG#7, Haiti has adopted a water resources
management, the National Plan for Climate Change and the
National Plan to Fight Desertification.
Source: WCDR
National Report
|
Jamaica |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
|
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG
#1 A community-based disaster management project
funded by ECHO and with general support from the IFRC
promoted hazard recognition skills and the ability to
identify critical resources that would increase the capacity
to respond to a disaster, thus preventing or reducing
loss of livelihoods. Importantly, a Community Disaster
Response Team was created and trained in first aid and
basic evacuation procedures - skills that were successfully
used in prevention of loss of lives by pre-Hurricane
Ivan warnings, evacuation and shelter management. The
programme was implemented in areas exceptionally vulnerable
to natural disasters and poverty. Source: ECHO
good practices
|
SOUTHERN
EUROPE
Turkey |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
19% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG
# 1 Strengthening disaster resistance, reducing disaster
impact and loss of lives and livelihoods. Also link to MDG
# 8 "Developing a global partnership for development".
The World Bank ProVention Consortium has been promoting "best
practice" examples of disaster mitigation and future
costs reductions through measures such as a USD 505 million
reconstruction loan to Turkey that included measures to
update and enforce building codes. Poor quality construction
was responsible for many of the lives lost during the massive
earthquake of last August. The reconstruction programme
will introduce better planning for land use (possible links
to MDGs), and requires compulsory insurance for housing.
Emergency response management will also be upgraded. It
is this kind of programme that the consortium hopes to
emulate. |
Disaster
vulnerability as a retardant to achieving the MDGs |
Retardant
to MDG # 2: Failure to incorporate adequate DRR measures
into planning of school buildings contributes to the inability
to achieve Universal Primary Education. The May 2003 earthquake
in the city of Bingol destroyed 300 buildings and damaged
more than 5,000 others. Tragically, the collapse of a school
dormitory killed 84 children. The dormitory had only been
built in 1998 and was a modern engineered structure. This
event occurred four years after the terrible 1999 earthquake
in Izmit, Turkey, which killed 20,000 people. It also relaunched
the stormy public debate on the prevailing standards and
building codes that are applied or, as in the case of the
dormitory, not applied. http://www.info-turk.be |
AFRICA
Algeria |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
21% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
MDG
# 8 Developing global partnerships for development.
The Urban Risk Management Programme began case studies
of the different earthquake disaster prevention and post-disaster
measures taken by the government of Algeria between 1980
and 2004. It details the measures taken and learning
activities carried out at country level as well as those
involving the cooperation of international organizations.
Decision makers need adequate integrated information
on the likely (probabilities) intensity of the disaster
the city will face so that they could reduce disaster
vulnerability. Thus, greater dissemination and access
to information through working global partnerships and
an integrated disaster risk management programme would
be extremely beneficial. Also linked to MDG # 1 as it
prevents loss of lives and livelihoods in an urban environment.
As for MDG#7, The country has adopted the National Action Plan
for Environment and Sustainable Development (PNAE-DD), the National
Plan for Special Wastes, the Strategy and Action Plan for Bio-diversity
(2001) as well as the Strategy and Action Plan for Climate Change (2003). For
MDG strategy, it should be noted that a special report is being developed.
Source: ECHO
good practices, WCDR
National Report
|
Disaster
vulnerability as a retardant to achieving the MDGs |
Attaining MDG
# 7 (Environmental Sustainability) & MDG # 6.
Although the Urban Risk Management Programme seeks to better
address certain issues, attaining the MD goals is severely
retarded by factors such as hydro pollution (both superficial
and underground water), marine pollution, soil pollution
as well as forest and green space degradation - all of
which contribute to increasing Algiers's vulnerability
to an already wide range of geological risks such as earthquakes,
floods, landslides, storms and tsunamis. |
Egypt |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
30.9% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
As
for MDG#1, the country has elaborated an anti-poverty
plan. As for MDG#3, the government says gender disparities
will be eliminated in secondary education by 2005. As for MDG#4, Egypt
is expected to reduce infant mortality rate to 25 per 1,000
live births by 2015. The goal of 75% reduction in maternal
mortality rate will be achieved since the government was
committed to sustaining the rate of decline between 1997-2000,
reaching 43 per 100,000 live births. As for MDG#6, combating
HIV/AIDS, malaria and other major diseases is no longer
a threat to public health. As for MDG#7, Egypt has
a water resources management, the National Environmental
Action Plan 2002-2017.
Source: WCDR
National Report
|
Assistance
funding directed at prevention/mitigation? |
There
is a special Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Its resources
are allocated to confronting pollution. |
Annual
budget for disaster reduction.
Where is the budget allocated? Form of decentralization? |
The budget
is divided between different ministerial departments - resorting
from the National Budget. |
Ethiopia |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
55% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
As
for MDG#1, the country has developed a poverty reduction
strategy (incorporated into its National Development Plan)
and the New Food Security Coalition (as a part of the food
security programme and a drought-induced disaster reduction
plan). As for MDG#7, the country ratified
the National Water Resources in the year 2000.
Source: WCDR
National Report
|
Morocco |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
34% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
In
1995, the country adopted a National Strategy for Environmental
Protection and Sustainable Development (MDG#7).
In this regard, numerous actions, projects and plans were
progressively adopted. Amongst them are projects focused
on climate change, forest protection, water and agriculture
sectors, greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy.
The country has also elaborated a National Action Programme
to Fight desertification, which aims, amongst others, to
incorporate a strategy to eradicate poverty (MDG#1).
There is also a plan for sanitation and epidemiological
surveillance (MDG#6). A good example for sustainable
development (MDG#7) can be reflected by the national
evaluation report on the programme called ''Action 21''.
Source: WCDR
National Report
|
Disaster
vulnerability as a retardant to achieving the MDGs |
|
Assistance
funding directed at prevention/mitigation? |
Nevertheless,
an interesting initiative. The Direction of Insurance (Ministry
of Finance and Privatization) has put in place a guarantee
system for specific risks. Also in 1995, a convention was
signed between the ministries of economy, finance, agriculture
and rural development, fishing development, and a number
of banks on ''drought'' insurance. Information about assistance
funding is difficult to substrate because it is not clear
how the DRR platform is structured. |
Annual
budget for disaster reduction.
Where is the budget allocated? Form of decentralization? |
To different
ministries and departments. Also local communities receive
part of budget for DRR |
Niger |
Human
Poverty Index
(Expressed in values, Human Development
Report, UNDP, 2004) |
61% |
Country
level examples of DRR practices relevant to specific MDG |
The
country launched a large gamut of strategies/policies focused
on sustainable development and poverty reduction. As for
sustainable development (MDG#7), there are the National
Environmental Plan for Sustainable Development ( PNEDD),
the Strategy for Sustainable Rural Growth, the Programme
for Sanitation Development (PDS) launched in 2000, the
National Plan and Strategy for Biodiversity and several
programs concerning water management. As for poverty reduction
(MDG#1), a good example is the Operational Strategy
for Food Security (SOSA) launched in 2001 and completed
with the Global National Programme for Food Security (PNGSA)
as well as the Strategy for Poverty Reduction (SRP) adopted
in 2002. In this regard, The Strategy for Rural Development
(SDR) emphases as well sustainable development (MDG#7)
through the sustainable management of natural resources,
as well as poverty reduction through a food security policy.
Source: WCDR
National Report
|
|