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Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Management (DRM)

In this post I will be discussing DRR and DRM in the context of inclusive sustainable development. I will discuss the Sendai framework as well as the Global Platform for DRR. All of these are ways in which the global community is working towards creating inclusive sustainable development for disaster relief.

This previous class we talked about inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Disaster Risk Management (DRM). Inclusive DRR and DRM means that people of all abilities, age, gender, race, and poverty level are equally protected when it comes to natural hazards. Often the casualties for these types of hazards are disproportionate for peoples with disabilities and people in poverty. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction writes that, “There are no such things as a ‘natural’ disasters, only natural hazards. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones, through an ethic of prevention.”[1] This is important for sustainable international development because natural hazards can happen anywhere at anytime, and if there are not proper structures in place to manage the risks, a lot of development work can be undone. Also if natural hazards disproportionally effect certain people, than that is not inclusive and thus a major problem.

A lot of the work being done on DRR and DRM comes from the Sendai Framework. The Sendai Framework was drafted at the UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015 in Sendai, Japan. The Sendai Framework outline seven targets and four priorities for action to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks. The Four priorities are:

  • Understanding disaster risk
  • Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk
  • Investing in disaster reduction for resilience
  • Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.[2]

Overall the Sendai framework does a fairly good job of outlining the ways in which to help mitigate the damages done by natural hazards. While it does mention persons with disabilities, the Dhaka declaration does a much better job of addressing the problems that persons with disabilities face when it comes to Disability and Disaster Risk Management. The Dhaka Declaration states that countries must recognize that inclusive disaster risk management policies and relevant and appropriate laws and regulations are essential to create an enabling environment for reducing existing disaster risks, preventing new risks, building resilient communities, and facilitating effective local, national, regional and international cooperation to increase already incremental investment in inclusive disaster risk management.[3]

 

 

[1] https://www.unisdr.org/who-we-are/what-is-drr

[2] https://www.unisdr.org/we/inform/publications/43291

[3] https://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/policies/v.php?id=47093

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Disaster Risk Management & Telepresence Robots

 

This week in class we discussed Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Management (DRM). The Sendai Framework was created as a means of setting standards for what an effective disaster relief plan would look like. The Sendai framework includes plans that take into consideration the needs of many groups and the rebuilding that often needs to happen over the course of 15 years. There are seven targets and four priorities that encourage action to managing a disaster. One of the points sums up the call for inclusivity really well, it states: “Disaster risk reduction requires an all-of-society engagement and partnership. It also requires empowerment and inclusive, accessible and non discriminatory participation, paying special attention to people disproportionately affected by disasters…”A similar framework we went over was the Dhaka declaration that pertains specifically to persons with disabilities and calls for inclusive planning and action. Additionally we went over the conferences where these frameworks were held and how they were made to be inclusive on all persons.

In order to make a conference inclusive it needs to be accessible to people everywhere regardless of their physical capabilities. One of the ways that was done at the GP 2017 conferences was by using Telepresence Robots. These robots are essentially motorized scooters with an i-Pad attached at face level. The controller of the robot can navigate any space online and explore different elements of a conference. However, the technology surrounding the Telepresence Robots do present some challenge as well. They are often distracting and the user cannot pick up on social cues or body language as well as individuals who are present in person can. This can be a problem when the person controlling the Telepresence Robot is going their time allotted to speak or perhaps even blocking another attendee with their machine.

Although it may not be exactly the same as being at a conference in person in provides a new way for persons who cannot attend a conference of who many not have the physical capability to attend a conference to finally do so. Additionally, these Telepresence Robots allow for individuals to interact with other people attending a conference and communicate with guest speakers. At the GP2017 conference the Telepresence Robots actually had the opportunity to interact with a high-ranking UN official.  It is inspiring to see technology and innovation moving in ways that make the world a better place by allowing more people to be involved.

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Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sendai Framework

Two of the most pressing questions of today are, how do you plan for natural disasters and how do you build back better after one occurs? The vast majority of disasters are linked to high-impact weather events caused by climate change.  The core areas of disaster risk reduction (DRR) work includes climate change adaptation, building disaster resilient cities, schools, and hospitals, and strengthening investment for DRR internationally.  Continue reading →

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World Urban Forum – Cities for All

The World Urban Forum is a global platform for discussing urban challenges. The United Nations established the Forum to “examine one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies.” WUF’s goals include raising awareness for sustainable urban development in both the public and private spheres, increasing knowledge on sustainable urbanization, and improving coordination among global actors. With high participation rates and a focus on inclusivity, WUF is the world’s best platform for global environmental discussion.

The most recent WUF forum was held in February 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The forum included 250 speakers, 25,000 participants, and over 500 events. The sessions include high level roundtables, dialogues, networking events, assemblies, and training events. High level roundtables are the most prestigious events, as they feature high profile decision makers. WUF 9’s high level roundtables included discussions about the urban impact on climate change, innovative governance in inclusive cities, and peace and security in sustainable urbanization. Dialogues include debate on policy recommendations regarding the New Urban Agenda. WUF 9’s dialogues included urban conflict and crisis, creating resilient cities, and legislative frameworks. Assemblies provide a platform for various stakeholder groups, allowing each of them to have a voice in the discussion on sustainable urban development. WUF 9’s assemblies provided a special voice for youth, women, businesses, and grassroots organizations. Training events are a different way to approach the advancement of sustainable development, as they build knowledge and develop skills for both participants and international audiences. Training events at WUF 9 included women’s safety in cities, homelessness in cities, and rebuilding cities after natural disasters.

The next WUF (the tenth forum) will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2020. In the next forum, I hope to see more discussions and trainings about sustainable natural resource use. While WUF 9 covered a wide range of topics necessary to developing inclusively sustainable cities, there were not too many sessions about natural resource conservation. As cities hold the largest concentrations of populations in the world, it is important these populations not only use natural resources sustainably, but also have access to resources for generations to come. Promoting sustainable resource use is one of the most important ways we can support a future of environmental inclusion for all, so that every person will always have equal access to the resources they need to survive each and every day.

Resources:

https://unhabitat.org/wuf/

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Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

One of the major approaches of GP2017 was the creation of regional strategies for implementing the Sendai Framework.  The Sendai Framework itself recognizes the primacy of the state to control their own disaster risk reduction plans, but encourages partnerships in regional and subregional bodies.  I cannot help but wonder what something like this would look like in Europe. Upon a bit of research, it appears that the European Commission is doing the most organization and advocacy for disaster risk reduction strategies in tandem with UNISDR that has organized a European Forum on Disaster RIsk Reduction to be held again in November of this year in Rome, Italy.  Moreover, the Commission published an Action Plan in 2016 in accordance with the Sendai Framework, detailing how it would be achieved in Europe. Continue reading →

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Inclusive Cities, Habitat III and New Urban Agenda

The World Urban Forum is of particular interest to me because of my work with the DIAUD Network through IDPP.  The WUF concept is so interesting to me because of its commitment to inclusivity and emphasis on stakeholder involvement which is where DIAUD comes into play.  DIAUD is a network of stakeholders dedicated to both disability policy and policy concerning sustainable cities. They are established in partnership with UNDESA and IDPP and played a major role in both NUA and WUF9, advocating for language in the document and hosting their own side event. Continue reading →

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Disaster Risk Reduction and Inclusive Practices

The Sendai Framework is one of the most inclusive UN conferences. Adopted at the 3rd global UN Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, the Sendai Framework outlines four priorities, seven targets, and thirteen guiding principles to adopt a people-centered approach and to recognize disability inclusive in Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). The Sendai Framework ultimately shifted the focus from disaster management to disaster risk reduction with the primary focus on reducing the risk of both natural and man-made disasters while planning to rebuild cities in a sustainable, inclusive and resilient way. Following the Sendai Framework, the Dhaka Declaration on Disability and Disaster Risk Reduction took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2015. Two important points discussed here are the recognition that persons with disabilities are most vulnerable during disasters and how poverty and disability can intersect. Its primary focuses were on ensuring a people-centered approach, engaging meaningfully with persons with disabilities at all levels, strengthening governance and partnerships, integrating gender, age and disability data, and promoting empowerment and protection. What stands out about the Dhaka Declaration is that it reemphasizes the issues raised from the conference, but also provides specific actions that can be taken by the countries involved. This provides clear goals for the future to guide governments and organizations towards inclusive disaster risk reduction that includes persons with disabilities in the decision-making processes.

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction of 2017, which took place in Cancun, Mexico, redefined accessibility in the modern age (UNISDR). To ensure that all persons with disability had access and were included in the decision-making processes of the conference, the GP2017 provided International Sign Language translators for support during sessions, offered remote participations at hubs in Bangladesh, Fiji, Belgium, and the United States, and introduced the use of robots to connect these remote hubs to the conference. Although live webcasting does not always give access to discuss topics and ideas further with other attendees, the robots gave more access to those not able to participate in person to virtually engage with the conference.

I am blown away by the use of technology in this way, because of its role in promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Yet, I recognize its limitations because all may not have access to this technology and technology might not always be reliable. With my capstone project on inclusive education in Malaysia, I am intrigued by the idea of using this technology in teacher training programs to promote an exchange of ideas and learning.