Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is a global agreement adopted in 2015 at the United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan. It sets out a comprehensive roadmap and guiding principles for reducing disaster risk and building resilience to disasters at the national, regional, and global levels. The framework aims to reduce the loss of lives, livelihoods, and assets caused by disasters and to minimize the social, economic, and environmental impacts.The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, outlines four key principles:

1. Understanding disaster risk: This principle emphasizes the importance of comprehensively understanding the nature and scope of disaster risks. It involves assessing hazards, vulnerabilities, and exposure to risks, as well as understanding the socioeconomic and environmental factors that contribute to disaster risk.

2. Strengthening governance for disaster risk reduction: This principle emphasizes the need for effective governance structures and policies at the national, regional, and local levels. It calls for the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector, in decision-making processes related to disaster risk reduction.

3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience: This principle highlights the significance of investing in measures that reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience. It encourages allocating resources for prevention, preparedness, and mitigation activities, as well as promoting sustainable development practices that address underlying risk factors.

4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and recovery: This principle focuses on improving preparedness measures to ensure effective response and recovery. It involves developing early warning systems, establishing emergency response plans, conducting drills and exercises, and enhancing coordination and cooperation among relevant stakeholders.

By adhering to these principles, countries and communities can enhance their capacity to manage and reduce disaster risks, minimize the impacts of disasters, and promote sustainable development in the face of increasing hazards and vulnerabilities.

Reference:

Conant, A., & Brewer, G. (2022). Principles and practice: Towards disaster risk reduction in New South Wales, Australia. Urban Governance.

‍