United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC)’s Post

A brief convo on disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation While attending an executive workshop at the Institute for Environment and Sustainability - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, I took a brief moment to speak with a program lead about the importance of increasing the technical capacity of personnel in local government units (LGUs) regarding disaster risk reduction (DRR)-climate change adaptation (CCA). Increasing the technical knowledge and capacity of LGU personnel in DRR-CCA is crucial, especially given the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. LGUs play a pivotal role in implementing national policies and programs related to disaster management and climate change. They can ensure that these policies are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of their communities. Improved competencies will enable LGUs to conduct risk assessments, develop localized DRR-CCA plans, and implement best practices that cater to the unique environmental and social fabric of their areas. Empowered personnel can design interventions that not only respond to disasters effectively but also lead to sustainable development. Investing in the technical knowledge fosters community resilience. LGUs are often the first responders during disasters, making it essential for them to possess skills in emergency management, resource mobilization, and community engagement. Training in DRR-CCA allows them to better prepare their communities for potential disasters, leading to more effective evacuation plans, early warning systems, and post-disaster recovery strategies. Building capacity also encourages a culture of preparedness within communities, where residents become active participants in risk reduction initiatives. The interplay between climate change and disaster risk is increasingly recognized. As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of disaster events, LGUs must be equipped to understand and address these complexities. Training programs empower local officials to create integrated approaches that consider future climate scenarios. This facilitates better land use planning, the protection of critical ecosystems, and sustainable infrastructure development, ensuring that communities are not just resilient to current risks but also adaptable to future changes. Enhanced technical knowledge opens the door for collaboration with various stakeholders, including national agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions. Strengthening partnerships through capacity-building initiatives can lead to the sharing of resources, expertise, and best practices. When local government officials are well-versed in contemporary disaster management techniques, they can engage more effectively, thus implementing more comprehensive and innovative solutions to disaster risk and climate challenges.

Today the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) begins, hosted in Manila by the Government of the Philippines. The APMCDRR is the premier regional gathering for promoting cooperation around disaster risk reduction, exchanging good practices, and exploring new ways of accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. What will be discussed here is of relevance not only to the people of Asia-Pacific but to the entire world: while Asia-Pacific is the most disaster-prone region in the world, it is also the region that has pioneered many of the concepts of disaster risk reduction that the rest of the world now follows. From Japan’s principle of ‘Build Back Better’ to the Philippines' innovations in building local resilience. From Indonesia’s promotion of ‘sustainable resilience’ to India’s comprehensive approach to financing DRR. And from Bangladesh's Cyclone Preparedness Programme to the Pacific islands’ model of integrating climate action and disaster risk reduction. This list goes on and on. In my remarks at the APMCDRR opening ceremony, I noted two critical key actions than need to be taken: First, investing in disaster prevention must be a priority for all countries. In addition to saving lives, such investments make financial sense: the cost of prevention is almost always less than the cost of recovery. Second, countries must implement local and inclusive approaches to disaster risk reduction. In line with the principle, ‘nothing about us, without us,’ governments must seek out and involve local communities when designing and implementing risk reduction measures. This applies to everything from ‘closing the mile’ of early warning systems, to scaling up nature-based solutions for risk reduction. And in every community, efforts should be made to engage the most at-risk groups, such as persons with disabilities, women, children, older persons, and marginalized communities. This is essential to leaving no one behind.

NDMA Commemorates International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and its partners commemorated the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) under the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future.”  The event, held at New Brookfields Hotel, highlighted the importance of prioritizing disaster preparedness and risk reduction, particularly among the youth, who are seen as crucial in shaping a resilient future. IDDRR, observed globally on October 13, was established by the United Nations to promote a culture of disaster risk awareness and reduction. This year’s focus on youth empowerment underscores the growing recognition of young people’s pivotal role in building resilient communities that can better withstand the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. In his opening remarks, NDMA’s Deputy Director General, John Vandy Rogers, emphasized the need to involve the younger generation in disaster risk management. He noted that young people are not only the future but are also instrumental in current efforts to mitigate disaster risks. “We must ensure that our youth are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disasters,” he remarked. NDMA’s Director General, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, reiterated this message, stating, “As we mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to build a safer, more resilient future.” He added that the NDMA, established by an Act of Parliament and officially launched on November 19, 2020, by His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has made significant strides in disaster management across Sierra Leone, shifting the focus from reactive response to proactive risk reduction. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, spoke on the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into school curriculums and community programs to ensure preparedness becomes second nature. He emphasized the need to build resilience at the grassroots level, where the impact of disasters is often most severe. “Resilience is not just about bouncing back from disasters; it’s about building systems that can absorb shocks and recover more quickly,” he stated. The keynote speaker, Dr. A.A. Sannoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator at the Office of National Security, expressed his gratitude to the NDMA for prioritizing the observance of IDDRR. He reflected on the devastating disasters Sierra Leone has faced, which have severely impacted lives, property, and the government’s development agenda. “In today’s rapidly changing world, empowering the next generation is essential to building a sustainable and resilient future,” Dr. Sannoh remarked. https://lnkd.in/dWpaHWhe

NEW BOOK - Community Emergency Management, Disaster Recovery and Resilience #Emergency #Recovery #Resilience #Community #Disaster  #Response #Management   This book offers an overview of disaster management, covering various aspects from preparedness to recovery. It begins by defining Emergency Management and exploring its historical context, highlighting significant disasters that have shaped the field. Central to the discussion is the concept of Disaster Resilience, which underscores the importance of understanding resilience frameworks and its role in mitigating the impact of disasters. Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis are crucial components discussed in the book, focusing on identifying risk factors and assessing vulnerabilities within communities. Community-Based Disaster Preparedness is emphasized, stressing the need for community engagement and capacity-building to enhance resilience. The book also delves into the development of Emergency Response Plans and Procedures, stressing the importance of coordination among stakeholders for effective response efforts. Disaster Response strategies are explored, drawing insights from both successful and unsuccessful response endeavours through relevant case studies. The recovery phase is examined in detail, discussing short-term and long-term recovery processes, along with economic, infrastructural, and social dimensions of recovery. Sustainable Development and Disaster Mitigation are underscored, emphasizing the integration of disaster risk reduction with sustainable development goals. Technology and Innovation play a significant role in disaster management, with a focus on leveraging technology for risk assessment, response, and recovery efforts. Legal and Policy Frameworks are also addressed, providing insights into the legal basis for emergency management and policy development. Furthermore, the book delves into the Psychological Aspects of Disasters, addressing mental health impacts and recovery strategies for affected individuals. Lastly, Future Trends and Challenges in Disaster Management are explored, considering emerging threats, global climate change impacts, and evolving practices in emergency management to better anticipate and address future challenges effectively. Overall, the book offers valuable insights and practical guidance for navigating the complexities of disaster management, promoting resilience, and fostering sustainable development in communities. Available now on Amazon at: eBook - https://lnkd.in/gAhyF5-Y Paperback - https://lnkd.in/gmzVrJDu

This is a follow-up from my earlier comments on the The State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The Plan also places significant emphasis on community engagement, resilience, and social cohesion, highlighting several key areas relevant to community-focused organisations like Landcare NSW: Community-Centric Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs): The plan advocates for leveraging community knowledge, values, and sentiment to inform disaster risk reduction strategies. It underscores the shared responsibility between government and community in adapting to natural hazard risks and emphasises the need for inclusive engagement processes that capture a diverse range of views from community members, including Aboriginal communities. Community Awareness and Preparedness: The plan identifies low levels of community awareness and preparedness for natural hazards across NSW. It stresses the importance of raising community awareness and preparedness as central to building community capability to respond to disasters. This involves an integrated approach that includes community engagement campaigns, communication materials, education activities, and the support of partnerships and advocacy at all levels of government. Social Infrastructure and Cohesion for Disaster Risk Reduction: The plan highlights the critical role of social cohesion in disaster risk reduction, noting that strongly connected communities tend to suffer less severe impacts, recover sooner, and demonstrate better mental health and wellbeing years after a disaster. It points out the cost-effectiveness of investing in organisations and activities that support social cohesion, suggesting that such investments can lead to lower loss of life and faster recovery. Challenges and Opportunities in Building Social Cohesion: The plan acknowledges challenges in building social cohesion, including a lack of clarity and the piecemeal and uncoordinated nature of funding. It suggests opportunities for the state government to strengthen partnerships with community and social service organisations and local governments to better coordinate support and funding. Utilisation of Social Networks and Assets: The plan emphasises the under utilisation of social networks and assets in disaster risk reduction. It suggests that local service providers, community leaders, and established community networks, which understand the needs, strengths, priorities, and aspirations of their communities, can act as trusted conduits to support disaster risk reduction. Landcare NSW is well placed to lead community-based disaster prevention planning, and currently active in this area. Reach out if you are interested in the work we are doing in providing nature-based solutions to support the Government meet its commitments to disaster prevention. Landcare NSW NSW Reconstruction Authority National Emergency Management Agency NSW Government

This is a follow-up from my earlier comments on the The State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The Plan also places significant emphasis on community engagement, resilience, and social cohesion, highlighting several key areas relevant to community-focused organisations like Landcare NSW: Community-Centric Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs): The plan advocates for leveraging community knowledge, values, and sentiment to inform disaster risk reduction strategies. It underscores the shared responsibility between government and community in adapting to natural hazard risks and emphasises the need for inclusive engagement processes that capture a diverse range of views from community members, including Aboriginal communities. Community Awareness and Preparedness: The plan identifies low levels of community awareness and preparedness for natural hazards across NSW. It stresses the importance of raising community awareness and preparedness as central to building community capability to respond to disasters. This involves an integrated approach that includes community engagement campaigns, communication materials, education activities, and the support of partnerships and advocacy at all levels of government. Social Infrastructure and Cohesion for Disaster Risk Reduction: The plan highlights the critical role of social cohesion in disaster risk reduction, noting that strongly connected communities tend to suffer less severe impacts, recover sooner, and demonstrate better mental health and wellbeing years after a disaster. It points out the cost-effectiveness of investing in organisations and activities that support social cohesion, suggesting that such investments can lead to lower loss of life and faster recovery. Challenges and Opportunities in Building Social Cohesion: The plan acknowledges challenges in building social cohesion, including a lack of clarity and the piecemeal and uncoordinated nature of funding. It suggests opportunities for the state government to strengthen partnerships with community and social service organisations and local governments to better coordinate support and funding. Utilisation of Social Networks and Assets: The plan emphasises the under utilisation of social networks and assets in disaster risk reduction. It suggests that local service providers, community leaders, and established community networks, which understand the needs, strengths, priorities, and aspirations of their communities, can act as trusted conduits to support disaster risk reduction. Landcare NSW is well placed to lead community-based disaster prevention planning, and currently active in this area. Reach out if you are interested in the work we are doing in providing nature-based solutions to support the Government meet its commitments to disaster prevention. Landcare NSW NSW Reconstruction Authority National Emergency Management Agency NSW Government

This is a follow-up from my earlier comments on the The State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The Plan also places significant emphasis on community engagement, resilience, and social cohesion, highlighting several key areas relevant to community-focused organisations like Landcare NSW: Community-Centric Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs): The plan advocates for leveraging community knowledge, values, and sentiment to inform disaster risk reduction strategies. It underscores the shared responsibility between government and community in adapting to natural hazard risks and emphasises the need for inclusive engagement processes that capture a diverse range of views from community members, including Aboriginal communities. Community Awareness and Preparedness: The plan identifies low levels of community awareness and preparedness for natural hazards across NSW. It stresses the importance of raising community awareness and preparedness as central to building community capability to respond to disasters. This involves an integrated approach that includes community engagement campaigns, communication materials, education activities, and the support of partnerships and advocacy at all levels of government. Social Infrastructure and Cohesion for Disaster Risk Reduction: The plan highlights the critical role of social cohesion in disaster risk reduction, noting that strongly connected communities tend to suffer less severe impacts, recover sooner, and demonstrate better mental health and wellbeing years after a disaster. It points out the cost-effectiveness of investing in organisations and activities that support social cohesion, suggesting that such investments can lead to lower loss of life and faster recovery. Challenges and Opportunities in Building Social Cohesion: The plan acknowledges challenges in building social cohesion, including a lack of clarity and the piecemeal and uncoordinated nature of funding. It suggests opportunities for the state government to strengthen partnerships with community and social service organisations and local governments to better coordinate support and funding. Utilisation of Social Networks and Assets: The plan emphasises the under utilisation of social networks and assets in disaster risk reduction. It suggests that local service providers, community leaders, and established community networks, which understand the needs, strengths, priorities, and aspirations of their communities, can act as trusted conduits to support disaster risk reduction. Landcare NSW is well placed to lead community-based disaster prevention planning, and currently active in this area. Reach out if you are interested in the work we are doing in providing nature-based solutions to support the Government meet its commitments to disaster prevention. Landcare NSW NSW Reconstruction Authority National Emergency Management Agency NSW Government

This is a follow-up from my earlier comments on the The State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The Plan also places significant emphasis on community engagement, resilience, and social cohesion, highlighting several key areas relevant to community-focused organisations like Landcare NSW: Community-Centric Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs): The plan advocates for leveraging community knowledge, values, and sentiment to inform disaster risk reduction strategies. It underscores the shared responsibility between government and community in adapting to natural hazard risks and emphasises the need for inclusive engagement processes that capture a diverse range of views from community members, including Aboriginal communities. Community Awareness and Preparedness: The plan identifies low levels of community awareness and preparedness for natural hazards across NSW. It stresses the importance of raising community awareness and preparedness as central to building community capability to respond to disasters. This involves an integrated approach that includes community engagement campaigns, communication materials, education activities, and the support of partnerships and advocacy at all levels of government. Social Infrastructure and Cohesion for Disaster Risk Reduction: The plan highlights the critical role of social cohesion in disaster risk reduction, noting that strongly connected communities tend to suffer less severe impacts, recover sooner, and demonstrate better mental health and wellbeing years after a disaster. It points out the cost-effectiveness of investing in organisations and activities that support social cohesion, suggesting that such investments can lead to lower loss of life and faster recovery. Challenges and Opportunities in Building Social Cohesion: The plan acknowledges challenges in building social cohesion, including a lack of clarity and the piecemeal and uncoordinated nature of funding. It suggests opportunities for the state government to strengthen partnerships with community and social service organisations and local governments to better coordinate support and funding. Utilisation of Social Networks and Assets: The plan emphasises the under utilisation of social networks and assets in disaster risk reduction. It suggests that local service providers, community leaders, and established community networks, which understand the needs, strengths, priorities, and aspirations of their communities, can act as trusted conduits to support disaster risk reduction. Landcare NSW is well placed to lead community-based disaster prevention planning, and currently active in this area. Reach out if you are interested in the work we are doing in providing nature-based solutions to support the Government meet its commitments to disaster prevention. Landcare NSW NSW Reconstruction Authority National Emergency Management Agency NSW Government

This is a follow-up from my earlier comments on the The State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The Plan also places significant emphasis on community engagement, resilience, and social cohesion, highlighting several key areas relevant to community-focused organisations like Landcare NSW: Community-Centric Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs): The plan advocates for leveraging community knowledge, values, and sentiment to inform disaster risk reduction strategies. It underscores the shared responsibility between government and community in adapting to natural hazard risks and emphasises the need for inclusive engagement processes that capture a diverse range of views from community members, including Aboriginal communities. Community Awareness and Preparedness: The plan identifies low levels of community awareness and preparedness for natural hazards across NSW. It stresses the importance of raising community awareness and preparedness as central to building community capability to respond to disasters. This involves an integrated approach that includes community engagement campaigns, communication materials, education activities, and the support of partnerships and advocacy at all levels of government. Social Infrastructure and Cohesion for Disaster Risk Reduction: The plan highlights the critical role of social cohesion in disaster risk reduction, noting that strongly connected communities tend to suffer less severe impacts, recover sooner, and demonstrate better mental health and wellbeing years after a disaster. It points out the cost-effectiveness of investing in organisations and activities that support social cohesion, suggesting that such investments can lead to lower loss of life and faster recovery. Challenges and Opportunities in Building Social Cohesion: The plan acknowledges challenges in building social cohesion, including a lack of clarity and the piecemeal and uncoordinated nature of funding. It suggests opportunities for the state government to strengthen partnerships with community and social service organisations and local governments to better coordinate support and funding. Utilisation of Social Networks and Assets: The plan emphasises the under utilisation of social networks and assets in disaster risk reduction. It suggests that local service providers, community leaders, and established community networks, which understand the needs, strengths, priorities, and aspirations of their communities, can act as trusted conduits to support disaster risk reduction. Landcare NSW is well placed to lead community-based disaster prevention planning, and currently active in this area. Reach out if you are interested in the work we are doing in providing nature-based solutions to support the Government meet its commitments to disaster prevention. Landcare NSW NSW Reconstruction Authority National Emergency Management Agency NSW Government

This is a follow-up from my earlier comments on the The State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The Plan also places significant emphasis on community engagement, resilience, and social cohesion, highlighting several key areas relevant to community-focused organisations like Landcare NSW: Community-Centric Disaster Adaptation Plans (DAPs): The plan advocates for leveraging community knowledge, values, and sentiment to inform disaster risk reduction strategies. It underscores the shared responsibility between government and community in adapting to natural hazard risks and emphasises the need for inclusive engagement processes that capture a diverse range of views from community members, including Aboriginal communities. Community Awareness and Preparedness: The plan identifies low levels of community awareness and preparedness for natural hazards across NSW. It stresses the importance of raising community awareness and preparedness as central to building community capability to respond to disasters. This involves an integrated approach that includes community engagement campaigns, communication materials, education activities, and the support of partnerships and advocacy at all levels of government. Social Infrastructure and Cohesion for Disaster Risk Reduction: The plan highlights the critical role of social cohesion in disaster risk reduction, noting that strongly connected communities tend to suffer less severe impacts, recover sooner, and demonstrate better mental health and wellbeing years after a disaster. It points out the cost-effectiveness of investing in organisations and activities that support social cohesion, suggesting that such investments can lead to lower loss of life and faster recovery. Challenges and Opportunities in Building Social Cohesion: The plan acknowledges challenges in building social cohesion, including a lack of clarity and the piecemeal and uncoordinated nature of funding. It suggests opportunities for the state government to strengthen partnerships with community and social service organisations and local governments to better coordinate support and funding. Utilisation of Social Networks and Assets: The plan emphasises the under utilisation of social networks and assets in disaster risk reduction. It suggests that local service providers, community leaders, and established community networks, which understand the needs, strengths, priorities, and aspirations of their communities, can act as trusted conduits to support disaster risk reduction. Landcare NSW is well placed to lead community-based disaster prevention planning, and currently active in this area. Reach out if you are interested in the work we are doing in providing nature-based solutions to support the Government meet its commitments to disaster prevention. Landcare NSW NSW Reconstruction Authority National Emergency Management Agency NSW Government