Implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action in Europe: advances and challenges

The main objective of this report is to identify key trends in terms of progress made and challenges faced at both national and regional levels through the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) in Europe between 2007 and 2009.

This review includes elements based on reports received from countries and regional organizations that responded to the HFA monitoring requirements by providing national reports and information on regional bodies. The countries are: Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, FYR of Macedonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

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The structure, role and mandate of civil protection in disaster risk reduction for South Eastern Europe

This document was undertaken in the context of the second focus area of SEEDRMAP, in 2008, and reviews the coordination of disaster mitigation, preparedness and response among the Civil Protection actors of SEE, identifying needs both with respect to staff capacity and training and in terms of disaster risk reduction facilities, with a focus on preparedness and response.

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World Disaster Reduction Campaign 2008-2009

The World Disaster Reduction Campaign 2008-2009: 'Hospitals Safe from Disasters' is a global campaign. It was launched in Davos, Switzerland on 25 January, by the secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), with support from the World Bank.

The campaign will focus on structural safety of hospitals and health facilities, on keeping health facilities functioning during and after disasters, and on making sure health workers are prepared for natural hazards striking.

Disaster Figures For 2007

2007 saw a marked increase in the number of floods compared with the average of the last seven years, and Asia was the continent hit hardest by disasters according to figures from the Belgian WHO collaborating Center for Research on epidemiology of Disasters (CRED). “Current trends are consistent with the predictions of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, in that Asia, and also West Africa are already suffering from more severe and frequent floods,” says Professor Debarati Guha-Sapir, director of CRED.

> Disaster Figures 2007

Disaster Risk Reduction: 2007 Global Review

A radical realignment of priorities in addressing the Hyogo Framework for Action are required if the growing population living in high risk conditions is to be adequately protected, the recently released UN/ISDR’s 2007 Global Review has concluded.

Current emphasis on saving lives has to be complemented by a vision of protecting and strengthening livelihoods and human development. While political momentum for creating new systems and laws for disaster risk reduction is building, the Review states that lack of dedicated resources from national budgets and trained personnel to implement plans, may inhibit progress in reducing risks.

> To view the 2007 Global Review, click here.