Topic 4: Institutional Frameworks for Disaster Risk Reduction

Global Context

The increasing impact of disasters is driven by natural hazards and rising vulnerability, with developing countries suffering the most.

International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR)

Launched by the UN from 1990 to 1999, promoting 'Building a Culture of Prevention' for global awareness of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

Yokohama Strategy

Produced at the 1994 World Conference, emphasizing each country's primary responsibility for disaster risk management and international interdependence.

International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)

Adopted in 2000 to coordinate DRR efforts across sectors, integrating preparedness and mitigation into development planning.

UN/ISDR Secretariat

Established as a focal point for coordinating DRR strategies and programs, collaborating with various agencies in socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

Multi-Stakeholder Coordination

The UN promotes national platforms for DRR to integrate disaster reduction strategies into development policies and planning.

Key Components of Effective DRR

Public understanding of risks, scientific knowledge, responsible policy enforcement, and people-centered early warning systems.

Transition to UNDRR

The UNISDR transitioned to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in 2019, supporting the Sendai Framework for 2015-2030.

National Platforms for DRR

Serve as coordination mechanisms involving public, private, and civil society participation, essential for disaster risk management.

Sendai Framework

Identifies national platforms as critical for implementing and monitoring disaster risk reduction strategies, engaging key stakeholders.

Regional Organizations

Facilitate cooperation among countries through dialogue, policy advocacy, capacity building, and transboundary risk management.

African Union's NEPAD

Established a regional DRR strategy to integrate DRR into development for sustainable growth and poverty eradication.

National Frameworks for DRR

Should promote accountability and include disaster management policy, legal frameworks, and administrative capacity.

Good Governance for DRR

Involves political commitment, resource allocation, accountability, and civil society participation for effective disaster risk management.

Institutional Development

Essential for effective DRR, requiring embedding DRR within organizational policies and practices.

Characteristics of Good DRR Policy

Includes government leadership, clear definitions, coordination structures, community participation, and resource optimization.

Strategic Planning for DRR

Involves cooperation, risk integration, capacity building, task assignment, authority delegation, and monitoring.

Operational Guidelines

Tools for effective management, ensuring quality, consistency, and actionable steps in DRR efforts.

Field Operation Guides (FOGs)

Provide step-by-step instructions for routine disaster management tasks, including evacuation and emergency shelter management.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Detailed task lists for specific roles during disaster scenarios, ensuring clear role definitions and comprehensive task completion.

South Africa's Disaster Management Act

Provides a framework for integrated disaster risk management policy and the establishment of disaster management centers.

Disaster Amendment Act of 2015

Modifies the 2002 Act to enhance definitions and provisions for integrated and coordinated disaster risk management.

National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF)

Aims to create a coherent disaster management policy in South Africa, focusing on key performance areas and enablers.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs) of NDMF

Include integrated institutional capacity, disaster risk assessment, disaster risk reduction, and coordinated response and recovery.

Enablers of NDMF

Information management, education and training, and funding arrangements for effective disaster management efforts.