UN/ISDR - UNDP
The Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
On-line Conference
 
A framework to guide and monitor disaster risk reduction
from 25 August to 26 September 2003
 
 
Introduction
basic document
Guidelines
Focus
Topic 1
 
Technical support by
 
 
 
 
 

Synthesis of the UN-ISDR/UNDP online conference
25 August - 30 September 2003

Development of a “Framework for disaster risk reduction for guidance and monitoring” (UNDP/ISDR) – Information and discussion
Presented in 8th ITAF metting, 5-6 November 2003
 
Abstract of Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives - 2004 version
Chapter 6 - Future challenges: A common vision for disaster risk reduction
 
Introduction

International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)

Recognising that natural hazards can threaten any one of us, the ISDR builds on partnerships and takes a global approach to disaster reduction, seeking to involve every individual and every community towards the goals of reducing the loss of lives, the socio-economic setbacks and the environmental damages caused by natural hazards. In order to achieve these goals, the ISDR promotes four objectives as tools towards reaching disaster reduction for all:

  1. Increase public awareness to understand risk, vulnerability and disaster reduction globally
  2. Obtain commitment from public authorities to implement disaster reduction policies and actions
  3. Stimulate interdisciplinary and intersectoral partnerships, including the expansion of risk reduction networks
  4. Improve scientific knowledge about disaster reduction

The ISDR Secretariat (UN/ISDR) (for information on the work of the secretariat please visit www.unisdr.org) and UNDP (www.undp.org) are pleased to welcome you to this online discussion on a framework to understand, guide and monitor disaster risk reduction. This e-dialogue is part of an ongoing consultation that the UN/ISDR and UNDP have launched to develop such a framework. This work in progress has benefited from earlier consultations conducted for example by UNDP in the context of the World Vulnerability Report. It also benefited from numerous relevant activities carried out by the Andean Disaster Prevention Programme (PREANDINO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Instituto de Estudios Ambientales (IDEA), the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) to mention only a few.

The draft framework initially has been shared with several groups and individuals by email or informally presented at meetings. This on-line discussion is an opportunity to stimulate additional comment on the draft framework from a wider audience. It is not an end in itself and will be followed by other consultation rounds.

The discussion will be divided into three topics. Each participant should keep the draft disaster risk reduction framework handy as it provides a starting point for the discussion.

The focus of each week is summarized hereafter:

Topic 1 from 25 to 31 August
  General questions and exchange of views relating to the
draft framework and process to develop it.
Topic 2 from 1 to 10 September
  Specific questions or issues about the proposed thematic areas and components of the draft framework.
Topic 3 from 11 to 21 September
  Exchange of views and insights on how progress in disaster risk reduction can be measured or monitored.
Last days from 22 to 26 September
  Wrap up and summary of main observations and conclusions to move the process forward

We hope that this online discussion will provide an opportunity for all experts and practitioners of disaster risk reduction to comment in a constructive manner on this significant endeavour. We look forward to working with you in the coming weeks.

The discussion will be moderated by Carmen Schlosser (UN/ISDR) with the support of Yasemin Aysan (UNDP/BCPR).

Carmen Schlosser-Allera is a consultant on environment and sustainable development issues. Formerly a staff member of UNEP and UNFCCC secretariat, she works mainly with international and UN organizations. She has 15 years of experience in international negotiations related to environment and sustainable development, promotion of public awareness and programme development. She is environmental engineer by training.

Yasemin Aysan is a Senior Policy Advisor at the UNDP, Bureau For Crisis Prevention and Recovery. Formerly the Director for Disaster Preparedness Department at the IFRC and the Head of Disaster Management Centre at Oxford Brookes University, she has 25 years of experience in programming and training with national authorities and international organisations in vulnerability assessment, disaster preparedness, and risk reduction. An architect and a planner by training, she has a PhD on social and cultural aspects of post disaster reconstruction planning.