Promoting Locally-Led DRR/DRM

Disaster risk is context-specific; it is experienced in particular places and times, in ways that shape and are shaped by local patterns of exposure, sensitivity, vulnerability, adaptive capacities and resilient livelihoods. It is at the local level where risk reduction actions and measures can have greater impact. It is essential that local communities and actors lead local DRR/DRM processes and implementation, consolidating locally appropriate development pathways that include DRR/DRM within and across sectors.

To strengthen locally-led DRR/DRM action, it is essential to invest in local capacity development and empowerment, enabling local actors and to institutionalize mechanisms for locally-led DRM, integrated within regional, national or global strategies and frameworks through close collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.

This session seeked to facilitate an open multi-stakeholder discussion, including donors, to discuss mechanisms of effective devolution of DRR/DRM investments that enhance partnership opportunities for local level DRR/DRM action that build on existing capacities and good practices generated by local actors.

Moderator:

Monique Pariat, Director-General of the Directorate-General Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection European Commission

Speakers:

Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Jamaica

Remedios Endencia, Director, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

Lucia Maloka, Senior official of the Disaster Risk Management Department for the City of Johannesburg South Africa

Dali Angel, Coordinator for the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus Mexico

Ana Lucy Bengochea Martínez, Co-Chair of the General Assembly Partners Indigenous People Programme Consultative Group Honduras