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
 
 
 
 
 
Topic 1: 7 days
From 25 to 31 August
The framework: process and its content
 

For discussion and comment:

  • How can the development of the framework proceed so that both the process and content can be increasingly understood and accepted? How can ownership and participation among intended end-users and contributors be maximized in the process?
  • What perceived benefits do you anticipate from the proposed framework? How could it assist you in your work?
  • Who/which group(s) do you think should contribute to its development, both for its political acceptability and endorsement, as well as its technical refinement? For whom will the framework be most relevant/useful?
  • What challenges might the process face? What concerns can be anticipated?
  • How would you envisage contributing to the process?
  • What are the relevant processes and initiatives to which this effort should be linked?

See draft disaster risk reduction framework

Activities that contribute to building disaster resilient communities are numerous at all levels. Programmes and policies that promote disaster mitigation specifically and as part of sustainable development and other goals (development, environment, health, agriculture, etc.) are widely supported. Disaster reduction is crucial for sustainable development. The increasing commitment, and “good practices” for effective disaster risk management are increasingly being documented. One example is the preliminary global review of disaster reduction initiatives “Living with Risk” that has been issued in 2002 by the ISDR in close collaboration with relevant international and other organizations (the updated version will be released in October 2003).

These different activities and reports point to the need for a framework delineating the fundamental elements and components of disaster risk reduction. A common understanding of the subject and structured approach could be extremely helpful in guiding future disaster risk reduction efforts at different levels. A widely accepted framework would permit the eventual development of benchmarks and related indicators. Such tools would be extremely valuable to measure the effects of, and provide a sound basis to guide, policies and actions for disaster risk reduction.

The participation of the widest possible range of practitioners and institutions will be crucial for the development, application and ongoing refinement of the framework at national and local levels of activity.

The purpose of this first week is to hold a general exchange of views on the process to develop a more broadly understood and commonly accepted framework for disaster risk reduction and the added value it may provide to the many actors in the subject. The discussion should address both the development and use of the framework.