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Activity Report: Themes & Issues >> Administrative System for DRM

20 November - 13 December 2023 
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ADRC conducted the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (Group & Region Focus): "Promotion of Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction JFY 2023" from 20 November to 13 December 2023. A total of ten officials from disaster risk management organizations in the Pacific island and Asian countries participated in this program to learn about disaster management policies and measures based on the approach of the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction. 

They attended lectures by experts from organizations in the field, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, local government and research institutes. They also visited sites in Tokyo, Gifu and Hyogo prefectures. During the program period, a total of four discussion sessions were held to exchange opinions between participants and experts. At the end of the program, the participants presented their action plan based on their findings. 

ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and universities that contributed to the success of the program. 
(2023/12/20 15:00)
21-23 October 2023 (Turkiye)

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Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), in collaboration with the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) of Turkiye, University of the Ryukyus, and Hacettepe University, organized a study visit to 2023 Turkiye-Syria earthquake-affected areas in Turkiye on 21-23 October 2023. The study visit was aimed at: i) observing the impacts, challenges, and lessons from the earthquake disaster; ii) gaining insights on improving the DRR plans of ADRC member countries; and iii) facilitating knowledge and information exchange.

The study team comprised officials from Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. In addition, academics from the University of the Ryukus and Hacettepe University as well as AFAD officials from Turkiye and ADRC staff members participated in the study visit. The team learned more about the mechanisms, damage, and disaster response of this earthquake in Turkiye. The study team also visited three of the eleven provinces impacted by the earthquake, Gaziantep, Kharamanmaras, and Hatay to observe the housing recovery process in these areas.

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The team learned that the tectonic plates in Turkiye include the Anatolian Plate, the African Plate, the Arabian Plate, and the Eurasian Plate and that during the 2023 earthquakes, "a relative slip between the Arabian and African plates caused westward movement of the Anatolian plate." This large slip combined with the following factors caused many buildings to collapse or become heavily damaged: i) lack of implementation of seismic codes in structural design, ii) construction mistakes, negligence, and lack of moral, iii) poor workmanship, iv) soft floors, v) resonance phenomenon due to ground conditions, vi) pounding of adjacent buildings, and vii) liquefaction of the ground. Regarding housing recovery, the team observed that the reconstruction is contractor-driven and that the permanent houses are being built in relocation sites. Also, the citizens can own the house 
with payments maturing in 20 years (2 years free and 18 years covered 60% by subsidy from the government). 

ADRC would like to thank AFAD, Dr Omer and Professor Ulusay to make this visit possible, and all the participants from the member countries who actively took part in this study visit.
(2023/10/30 15:00)
20 October 2023 (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)
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The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2023, held on 20 October 2023 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan was attended by a total of 120 participants in person at Hyatt Regency Dushanbe, while 111 joined online. The theme for the conference this year was: "Effective Implementation of DRR Measures -Enabling Digital Transformation in DRR-". 

OPENING CEREMONY
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We had the honour of having Ms Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, make the first speech to open the conference. She addressed that Tajikistan is committed to implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) through various initiatives, including investment in resilient infrastructure and the adoption of the National Disaster Risk Mitigation Strategy. She emphasized that the effects of climate change affect all countries, including Tajikistan whose topography is 93% mountainous.

Ms Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for DRR, stated that by 2030, climate change will cause over 5 million people to be internally displaced in Central Asia. To reduce the impact, she stressed the need for a paradigm shift in risk management. She noted the importance of incorporating DX through the application of data analysis and machine learning to support evidence-based, data-driven decisions.

Mr MATSUMURA Yoshifumi, Minister of State for Disaster Management, Government of Japan, emphasized the importance of identifying disaster risks, investing in mitigation, and sharing 'Build Back Better' experiences. He expressed hopes for ACDR2023 to be a venue for sharing pivotal technologies and expertise for disaster risk reduction.

Dr HAMADA Masanori, Chairman of the ADRC, announced that Fiji joined as the 32nd member country of ADRC in August 2023. He also emphasized the increasing risk of climate change disasters and the need to enhance infrastructure and social systems to adapt and become more resilient.

Mr Rustam Nazarzoda, Chairman of the CoES highlighted the collaboration between the CoES, the Cabinet Office of Japan, and ADRC in hosting this opportunity. ACDR2023 serves as a platform for policy sharing, knowledge exchange, and cooperation in DRR. Tajikistan is one of the UN pilot areas for the Early Warning for All initiative. As the host of ACDR2023, Tajikistan aims to foster greater unity within the international community.

ROUNDTABLE SESSION
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Aimed at providing the ADRC member countries with an opportunity to discuss how to leverage collective action and cooperation in accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework towards 2030, this session was co-chaired by Mr Nazarzoda, Chairman of the CoES, Ms TSUNOZAKI Etsuko, Board Member, SEEDS Asia, and Mr Sebastian Penzini, Acting Head, Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

16 speakers from ADRC member countries (Armenia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, and Viet Nam) shared the opportunity to convey official statements highlighting the progress and challenges in implementing the four priorities of the Sendai Framework.

To address those gaps, the official statements offered the following recommendations: 1) Scale-up sharing of policies and measures that promote DRR efforts in a coordinated manner, particularly on policies relating to disaster database, early warning, and community-based disaster risk management as well as on measures relating to information management systems, regional knowledge sharing, and disaster response mechanisms. 2) Promote sub-regional cooperation in addressing complex and transboundary disaster risks, particularly earthquakes, floods, and typhoons. 3) Forge partnerships and joint projects in the areas of hazard and risk identification, mapping, and assessments in a manner that puts greater emphasis in science-based approaches and embrace digital technologies for multi-hazards disaster risk reduction.

SESSION 1 "Innovative Solutions for Resilient Societies: DRR Technologies for Earthquakes and Geological Hazards"
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This session was co-chaired by Mr Pulod Aminzoda, Director of the Institute of Geology, Earthquake Engineering and Seismology of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, and Dr Sos Margaryan, Director, National Survey for Seismic Protection (NSSP), Armenia.

Six session speakers from Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University (IRIDeS), UNDRR, CoES, and Turkiye, reported on their current efforts and challenges as well as the latest multifaceted approaches including visualization of disaster risk using DX, measures for earthquake resistance and slope stabilization in cities, and development of design technologies and new materials for disaster-resistant buildings and structures. 

It was confirmed that a multifaceted approach is necessary to cope with earthquake and landslide disasters, including citywide seismic intensity estimation and DRR measures using sensors and AI technology, development of new building technologies and materials, and urban planning that incorporates a DRR perspective. It was also confirmed that it is essential for local residents, relevant organizations and businesses to work together on an efficient DRR measures involving the entire community to minimize the damage caused by earthquakes. Information on advanced technologies and initiatives to mitigate damage from earthquakes and landslides as well as practical DRR measures were shared to realize an earthquake-resilient society.

SESSION 2 "Adaptation to the Climate Crisis: Innovative Approaches to Monitoring and Responding to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Intensifying Floods"
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This session was co-chaired by Prof. Abdulhamid Kayumov, Director of the Center for Glacier Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, and Dr Changje Kwak, Research Scientist, National Disaster Management Research Institute (NDMI), Republic of Korea.

Six session speakers from Tajikistan, Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Republic of Korea, CoES and Agha Khan reported the current situations and efforts taken against climate crisis related disasters. The climate crisis has resulted in extreme weather events in many parts of the world. High temperatures and precipitation are causing increased GLOFs, receding glaciers, more frequent and widespread forest fires, and more prolonged and damaging floods that are seriously threatening the society and the environment. This session focused on innovative approaches to monitoring and responding to GLOFs, forest fires, and floods. Past efforts in weather-related disaster risk assessment and forecasting were reviewed while analytical methods and forecasting models using innovative technologies such as satellite observations, remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning were evaluated.

CLOSING CEREMONY
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Before closing the conference, Mr Nazarzoda, Chairman of the CoES conducted the DRR Award Ceremony of Tajikistan.

Mr SASAHARA Akio, Executive Director of the ADRC, provided a summary of the ACDR2023 and expressed gratitude to Tajikistan for hosting the event. He highlighted key points shared during the roundtable and technical sessions.

Dr OGAWA Yujiro, the Executive Secretary of the ADRC, acknowledged the efforts in providing information through the Global unique Disaster Identifier number (GLIDEnumber). He also noted the increased frequency of disasters worldwide and stressed the significance of learning from these events. He also mentioned that the study visit the earthquake-affected sites in Turkiye would be a part of such learning. 

Mr Nazarzoda, Chairman of the CoES, emphasized the importance of knowing the necessary measures to be taken for earthquake and disaster risk reduction. He stressed the significance of sharing and gathering data among member countries.

For more information on ACDR2023, please visit the ACDR2023 website 

ADRC is grateful for all the participations. We will also like to thank again the CoES for the hard work to make this event possible.
(2023/10/28 15:00)
20 October 2023 (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)
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The Asian Disaster Risk Reduction Conference 2023 (ADRC 2023) was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 20 October 2023. The conference was originally scheduled to take place in Tajikistan in 2020, but was postponed due to the spread of COVID-19.

The conference, entitled "Effective Implementation of DRR Measures -Enabling Digital Transformation in DRR," was organised in collaboration with the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (CoES) and the Cabinet Office of Japan. The onsite venue was lively with participants including officials from 17 Member Countries, members of CoES and many other international organisations, research institutions and NGOs. We had 111 viewers joining the conference online including participants from 7 Member Countries, as well as others from a wide range of affiliations including academic and media institutes.

Detailed results of each session and links of the recording of the conference will be provided in the next issue. We would like to thank the Government of Tajikistan for co-hosting this conference and all the participants for your active participation.
(2023/10/27 15:00)
29 September 2023

As announced previously, Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) will hold the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2023 (ACDR2023) "Effective Implementation of DRR Measures -Enabling Digital Transformation in DRR" in cooperation with Committee of Emergency Situations of Tajikistan and Cabinet Office of Japan. This annual conference will take place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and online on 20 October 2023. We are pleased to announce the latest information on the conference as below. Those wishing to participate in this conference in person or online can register on the ACDR2023 website. 
(The link can be found below).


Date and time (Tajikistan time, UTC+5)
9:00-17:00, 20 October 2023 

Tentative Programme (as of 29 September 2023)

AM
 - Opening Remarks
 - Round Table: Information from ADRC member countries on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR)

PM
 - Session 1 "Innovative Solutions for Resilient Societies: DRR Technologies for Earthquakes and Geological Hazards"
 - Session 2 "Adaptation to the Climate Crisis: Innovative Approaches to Monitoring and Responding to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), Forest Fires and Intensifying Floods"
 - Closing Remarks

All updates including the latest version of the programme will be shared through the above-mentioned website. We are looking forward to seeing you in Dushanbe or online soon!
(2023/09/29 15:00)
31 August 2023

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) will host the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2023 (ACDR2023) "Effective Implementation of DRR Measures - Enabling Digital Transformation in DRR" on 20 October 2023 in Dushanbe, the Republic of Tajikistan. The conference will be conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online).

ACDR2023 will focus on disaster risk in landlocked countries, with sessions on "Innovative Solutions for Resilient Societies: DRR Technologies for Earthquakes and Geological Hazards" and "Adaptation to the Climate Crisis: Innovative Approaches to Monitoring and Responding to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods(GLOFs), Forest Fires and Intensifying Floods."

Details of the conference will be made available on the ACDR2023 website in due course.

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(2023/8/31 15:00)
2 August 2023 (Seattle, USA)
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The 16th Senior Disaster Management Officials' Forum (SDMOF), chaired by FEMA Administrator Ms Deanne Criswell, was held in Seattle on 2 August 2023. The forum was organized against the backdrop of a series of destructive and costly wildfires, floods, hurricanes, typhoons and earthquakes that compelled APEC member economies to heightened collective actions to respond to the increasingly complex disaster landscape. 

The forum kicked off with a Roundtable on Adaptive Management, in which every Minister or Head of Delegation provided three-minute remarks. In this roundtable, Mr TANI Koichi (Minister of State for Disaster Management) of Japan delivered a video message. His message touched on incorporating the principles of adaptability, flexibility and meaningful change to build strong and resilient communities. All heads of delegations to the forum provided their remarks in person, including from the following economies: Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, USA, and Vietnam. 

Emphasizing the significant role of disaster risk managers, the SDMOF tackled four thematic areas to take urgent and decisive action: 

i) Inclusive and Participatory Disaster Risk Reduction: Fostering Whole Community Integration into Decision-Making Processes; 
ii) Climate Impacts to Disaster Housing: Prioritizing Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning in the Asia-Pacific; 
iii) Nature-Based Solutions: Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience; 
and 
iv) Women's Leadership in Crisis Management: Achieving an Equitable Future for the APEC Region. 

During the wrap-up, Mr Gerry Potutan (Senior Researcher at ADRC), who moderated Thematic Session 2, summed up key takeaways from the forum with the following words:

"As you heard from the speakers, the greatest challenge in disaster housing is logistics, e.g., seeking permits for where and when to build disaster housing, adhering to protocols in shipping building materials, and complying with government regulations in transferring funds. These logistical challenges make disaster housing complex and it will take a long time for complete housing reconstruction. The longer it takes, the greater the losses. However, these logistical issues can be addressed now through pre-agreements and pre-disaster recovery planning. So, when disaster strikes, the pre-agreed logistical arrangements will be activated."
(2023/8/9 15:00)

10 - 12 March 2023 (Sendai, Japan hybrid with online)
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The field trip that took place after the conference of the Asian Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 (ACDR2022), which took place in Sendai, Japan, in March 2023.

On 12 March 2023, after the conference adjourned, participants moved by bus to the Yuriage area in Natori City. After each enjoying a lunch of local seafood and products at Yuriage Minato Asaichi (morning market) /Maple Hall, the participants joined a walking tour to observe the recovery and urban planning situations in the area following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, with the assistance of the Natori City Kitagama Construction Promotion Office.

The participants visited the following three places with the Mayor of Natori City, Mr YAMADA Shiro: (1) Earthquake Reconstruction Museum, (2) Teizan Canal and Restoration Public Houses, and (3) Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage (commercial shopping centre).

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At the Earthquake Reconstruction Museum, the participants divided into two groups and received an explanation from the Mayor on the overview of the recovery situation of the area and the facility's function as a flood defence facility at the time of emergencies. In particular, the explanation of the post-disaster town planning attracted a lot of interest, as it talked about how the population declined immediately after the earthquake and tsunami event, and how it turned to increase after the promotion of the new town planning. 

The participants then walked along the Teizan Canal and the reconstruction public housing area, where they were able to directly see and learn how the land level was raised and tsunami emergency evacuation sites were set up in public housings.

Finally, the participants visited the Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage commercial centre and were given a briefing on its disaster preparedness functions. After the explanation, the participants had some time to stroll around the shopping area overflowing with locals and tourists enjoying the weekend on the riverbank.

During the two-hour field trip, participants raised active questions about the specific community development measures and reconstruction policies implemented by Natori City, and showed great interest in the reconstruction efforts taken in the area so they could reflect them to their jobs at home as disaster management administrators and officials.

This field trip was made possible through a great contribution of Natori City Kitagama Construction Promotion Office. The brochure, "Initiatives for Post-Earthquake Reconstruction in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture," provided by the office, served not only as a great reference material for the visit, but also a source of many valuable reconstruction experiences for the participants to take home.

We would like to thank once again to all those who supported with us on this field trip and those who participated in ACDR2022.
(2023/03/22 15:00)
10 - 12 March 2023 (Sendai, Japan hybrid with online)

Reports on Session 1, 2 and 3 of the Asian Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 (ACDR2022), which took place in Sendai, Japan, in March 2023.

<Session 1: Large-Scale Disasters and Countermeasures>
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This session shared information on the current situations of large-scale disasters and the responses to them. Disasters are intensifying around the world due to the climate change, increasing economic damages caused by the progress of urbanisation and impacts of the cascading and compounding risks. Furthermore, the session provided an opportunity to learn about disaster risk management (DRM) systems, including a more effective pre-disaster investment in DRR and DRM measures.

Dr SAKAMOTO Mayumi (Professor, Graduate School of Disaster Resilience and Governance, University of Hyogo) moderated this session. In her introduction, she stressed the importance of improving the countermeasures for large-scale disasters. Water-related disasters are getting more frequent and intense, such as seen in the unusually prolonged floods that occurred in Pakistan in 2022. Earthquakes, such as those in Turkiye and Syria in February 2023, have unknown dynamics and unpredictable occurrence. It was noted that the impact of these disasters often cross national borders affecting people living in different countries. 

Dr ARASHIMA Chizu (Professor, International and European Union Law, Faculty of Global Communication, Kobe Gakuin University) presented the issues in transboundary disaster governance from the perspective of international law. She highlighted the importance of science-based data in negotiating treaties or bilateral agreements between countries on addressing transboundary disasters.

Mr Saleem Shahzad Malik (Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, National Disaster Management Authority, Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan) presented the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption activities in Pakistan. In particular, the government is strengthening its disaster management system to address extreme events such as the prolonged and devastating floods in 2022. Additionally, the government has been adopting new technology in disaster risk management as well as utilising scientific data to further enhance its disaster risk reduction strategies.

Dr Le Minh Nhat (Deputy Director, Department of Natural Disaster Response and Recovery, Vietnam Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam) presented an overview of the disaster risk management system in Vietnam. He said that flood is the most frequent type of disaster in the country. To address this, major financial and structural investments have been promoted in flood control and management. In fact, the National DRR Plan 2021-2025 puts greater priority in implementing flood control projects.

Mr Serik Aubakiro (Acting Director, Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR)) introduced roles and functions of CESDRR, which is a permanent intergovernmental body to help address transboundary disasters and emergencies. CESDRR was established through the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to achieve the following objectives: 1) cooperation in disaster risk reduction, prevention and elimination of emergency situations; 2) mitigate factors of disaster risk, identify, assess, forecast and monitor emergency situation hazards; 3) coordinate mutual efforts and strengthen preparedness for effective and timely response to emergencies; 4) implement regional and international cooperation in DRR and emergency management; and 5) increase the safety of life activities of the population during natural and man-made disasters.

Dr Sakamoto, in her conclusion of the session, acknowledged that this session made clear that information sharing between countries of origin of the disaster and countries affected by that disaster is critical in mitigating transboundary impacts. However, despite the urgency required for information sharing as disaster response, there is no practical international communication system that can be used in emergency situations, since techniques and rules for natural disaster monitoring vary from country to country. One of her suggestions is to establish an international risk communication system among relevant organisations to enhance transboundary disaster risk management.

<Session 2: Broaden Our Horizons for Disaster Data Linkage in SFDRR Implementation: Application of GLIDE (GLobal IDEntifier Number)>
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This session reviewed the current status of the disaster data management in Asia and introduced some tools and practices to effectively deal with the data collected from wide range of stakeholders. It aimed at contributing to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) Target G-5: Number of countries that have accessible, understandable, usable and relevant disaster risk information and assessment available to the people at the national and local level.

Mr Julio Serje (Consultant, ADRC and Director, RobotSearch Software Inc.) moderated this session. In the introduction, he emphasized the challenges relating to disaster data management in disaster risk reduction. There are still gaps among stakeholders on how damages and losses data are managed. On the other hand, most of the disaster data just remain aggregated and not put into use. These challenges exist on top of the fact that disaster data is getting more complex, and therefore, it is important to promote the establishment of linkages among the various data management tools existing in the Asian region.

Dr Animesh Kumar (Head, UNDRR Office in Bonn, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction) reported the progress in monitoring the SFDRR. He informed that as of February 2023, the cumulative number of countries using Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) to report on DRR progress amounted to 156. The SFM targets and indicators are also finding application in several intergovernmental processes, while the data has helped reporting on SDGs and are being used by partner organisations in thematic reports and programmes. The challenge in reporting is that developing countries, especially LDCs and SIDS, are struggling to provide data to all targets and all indicators for the SFM. To help advance monitoring, new models and tools are being developed particularly in tracking of disaster losses and damages. The new model is expected to link climate-related variables, losses and damages, and disaster events.

Mr Demberelnyam Baasansuren (Director, Risk Management Department, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mongolia) presented the practices and challenges of disaster data gathering and sharing in Mongolia. One of those practices is the Spatial Information System that NEMA established in 2019 in order to share hazard information nationwide. Among the challenges in data gathering are barriers in distributing the registration templates and guidance to respective stakeholders for raw data collection. In addition, the human and technological capacities are insufficient to provide an understanding on the necessity in collecting and generating reliable data. As way forward, NEMA will strengthen knowledge and understanding of data disaggregation and its importance through training and other outreach activities.

Dr Chihun Lee (Senior Research Officer, National Disaster Management Research Institute, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Republic of Korea) talked about the international cooperation on disaster risk reduction focusing on early warning systems for floods. He highlighted the cooperation project carried out with the Philippine government to install flood early warning systems putting emphasis on communication protocols. 

Mr Rajesh Sharma, (Programme Specialist (Global) Disaster Risk Information and Application Crisis Bureau, Bangkok Regional Hub United Nations Development Programme, Bangkok, Thailand) introduced UNDP's Digital Disaster Risk Reduction Maturity Model (DDRRMM). This is a tool that diagnose the maturity of the digital ecosystem of disaster risk reduction and management practices. In developing this tool, UNDP conducted an in-depth analysis of national disaster database systems to support the new generation of disaster data and information systems in line with the level of digital maturity of each country. He highlighted the importance of digital and data governance for DRM, and this needs to be promoted through legal and institutional frameworks, policies, strategies, action plans, and practical guidelines.  

Mr Keith Paolo C. Landicho (Disaster Monitoring and Analysis Officer, ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management) presented the evolution of the ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet), which is a repository of information on hazards and disasters that occurred in Southeast Asian region. ADINet has two types of linkages. One of them are "existing linkages" that include: linkages for validation, linkages for research application, and linkages for coverage. The others are "external linkages" that include: linkages for integration and linkage for enhancement. ADINet's linkage with GLIDE fits under the linkages for integration.

Dr SHIOMI Yumi (Senior Researcher, Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)), presented the GLobal disaster IDEntifier (GLIDE) improvements, particularly on open governance and better functionality. In terms of governance, a steering committee was established in 2021 as well as the three subcommittees: API, SOP, and New Product Development. In terms of functionality, two new manuals were drafted and crowdsourcing was introduced in 2022 to allow users to report "missing disasters in the GLIDE database." Linkages of GLIDE with other disaster data management tools have been constantly coordinated, such as linkage with Reliefweb, Sentinel Asia, UNOSAT, ADINet, and ESCAP.

The session featured the challenges for collecting, reporting and sharing disaster data and the practices to manage it effectively. While the number of countries that reported its progress of implementing the SFDRR has increased, it was found that there are still gaps in data collection and management at national and local levels. To address these challenges, various tools have been developed by stakeholders. Linkages of various data management tools need to be promoted.

<Session 3: The Provision of Information via Satellite for Disaster and Crisis Management>
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This session provided an overview of the utilization of the Quasi Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) for disaster and crisis management (DC Report). It also presented the outcomes of QZSS DC Report demonstrations in some countries.

Dr Gerald Potutan (Senior Researcher, ADRC and Visiting Associate Professor, Kobe University) moderated this session. In many remote, mountainous, and island areas in Asia, people have limited or no access to internet or cellular communications. Oftentimes, the warning information to evacuate does not reach the people at risk. Providing the warning information via QZSS helps address this challenge. It directly transmits the message to: 1) individuals with receivers/terminals; 2) outdoor electronic facilities/boards; and 3) ground receivers that activate community alarms (e.g., siren and beam lights). 

Mr HONGO Nobuo (Deputy Director, National Space Policy Secretariat, QZSS Strategy Office, Cabinet Office, Japan) explained about the Satellite Report for Disaster and Crisis Management (DC Report) which is one of the services under QZSS. With this service, disaster management agencies can provide warning information via QZSS satellites to communities-at-risk even in the absence of internet or cellular services. As of December 2022, approximately 390 products are compatible with QZSS. Using some of these products (smartphone apps), demonstrations of QZSS utilization were conducted in Australia, Fiji, and Thailand.

Ms Runjie Gou (GIS Engineer, Social Innovation Division, NTT DATA Corporation) presented the outline and progress of the QZSS Project, which is jointly implemented by five partner organizations: Cabinet Office of Japan, NTT Data Corporation, Keio University, PASCO Corporation, Asia Air Survey, and ADRC. Ms Gou said that the main purpose of the project is to create a system using the QZSS DC Report service that is tailored to each country's needs and environment as well as to conduct QZSS DC Report Demonstrations before it officially starts operation in 2024. In the demonstrations, the project will identify requirements and issues for deployment of the system.

Dr Hasi Bateer (Hasi Lab Director, Advanced Technologies Research Laboratory, Infrastructure Systems Development Center, Asia Air Survey, Co. Ltd.) reported the outcomes of feasibility study for disaster information system using QZSS. The study covers 21 countries in Asia and Pacific region, and investigated the following: 1) conditions for receiving QZSS, 2) specific disaster cases and issues; and 3) Early Warning System implementation needs. The outcomes highlighted information transmission issues, including: distortion of information as it passes through many channels; delayed arrival of information; and limited coverage of telecommunications network. In order to have an effective transmission of warning information, the study recommended that following characteristics must be present in the information system: robustness, immediacy, correctness, and comprehensiveness.

Mr ICHIKAWA Ryunosuke (Assistant Manager, Social Innovation Division, NTT DATA Corporation) presented results of QZSS validations conducted in Thailand, Fiji, and Australia. In the Thailand, the scenario was forest fire. By using QZSS, rangers were able to receive information directly from QZSS wherever they are in the park. In Fiji, the scenario was tsunami, and station devices were able to receive the transmission of QZSS and then further disperse the information by low power wide area network (LPWAN). In Australia, the scenario was bushfire. Information from QZSS were received through smartphones. Following up on this promising result, the next demonstration will be on a more practical application including residents to receive messages on mobile terminals by using different communication methods (e.g., Wi-Fi, LPWAN, and Bluetooth). 

Ms Vasiti SOKO (Director, National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Fiji) mentioned that one of the reasons for using QZSS in Fiji is due to its location in the Pacific Ocean,  situated in between Vanuatu and Samoa which are also disaster prone countries, thus the disasters in these countries having a strong impact on each other. Also, the risk communication system is still limited in Fiji. Since NDMO Fiji is strengthening its disaster management system including early warning system, the utilisation of QZSS DC Report service in Fiji is a welcome endeavor.

Mr Socheath So (Senior Technical Officer, The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), Cambodia) introduced Cambodia's disaster risk management information system called Platform for Real-time Impact and Situation Monitoring (PRISM). This platform links the field assessment information, early warning systems, satellite data, baseline population, and socio-economic vulnerability data to effectively measure the risk and its impact. QZSS is expected to augment the PRISM by providing warning information transmission system that is tailored to the local environment. 
(2023/03/22 15:00)
10 - 12 March 2023 (Sendai, Japan hybrid with online)

The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2022 (ACDR2022) was held on 10-12 March 2023 at Sendai International Center, Miyagi Prefecture. This conference was held in a hybrid format to ease the attendance of a broader range of participants from member countries and relative organizations through online participation. As the result, the conference was attended by a total of 205 participants, 84 on-site and 121 online, including representatives from member countries, international organizations, private sectors, and academic/ research institutes.

We will report on the opening session of the conference and special session relating to the "Centenary of the Great Kanto Earthquake."

<Opening Session>
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In the opening remarks, Mr TANI Kouichi, Minister of State for Disaster Management, Government of Japan first expressed his condolences for the Great East Japan Earthquake and the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria. He emphasized the importance of ACDR which has been held annually since 2003. Next, Dr HAMADA Masanori, Chairman of ADRC said that ADRC has been promoting multilateral cooperation and support for disaster risk reduction since its establishment in 1998, and that he strongly believes that member countries can contribute to the creation of a safe and secure society by deepening cooperation and collaboration. Finally, Ms KORI Kazuko, Mayor of Sendai City also expressed her condolences for the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. And she expressed her gratitude for the ACDR2022 being held in Sendai City for the second time since the Great East Japan Earthquake. She also emphasized, base on her experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the importance of participants sharing their thoughts and knowledge and connecting with each other in order to appropriate preparedness for risks such as frequent disasters in Asian countries.

Mr SASAHARA Akio, Executive Director of ADRC, read a message on behalf of the Head of the Disaster and Disaster Management Authority (AFAD) under the Ministry of Interioir in Turkey who was unable to participate in ACDR2022.

<Special Session on the Centenary of the Great Kanto Earthquake -What can we learn from past disasters and how can we apply the lessons learned?->
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This session comprised three topics of discussions: 1) lessons learned from the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and subsequent countermeasures; 2) new findings and remaining challenges from the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake; and 3) what lessons and technologies from past disasters can be utilized to mitigate future risk in disaster-prone Asia.

Dr ITOH Shigeru, President of ADRC introduced the fact that safe city planning and modern urban design were inspired by the reconstruction of the Great Kanto Earthquake. It was the catalyst for a great leap forward in architecture and urbanism. He noted about the increasing use of concrete in public housings, whereas the apartment buildings with clapboard exteriors made of bare wood were replaced by concrete structures. 

Dr HAMADA Masanori, Chairman of ADRC, said that the Great Kanto Earthquake marked the beginning of earthquake engineering in Japan. He introduced that the Great Kanto Earthquake damaged not only wooden houses, but also modern buildings constructed with technology imported from overseas since the Meiji Restoration, which led to the development of earthquake-resistant design of buildings and structures. 

Dr HASEMI Yuji, Professor Emeritus of Science and Engineering at Waseda University, explained that the rapid increase in population during the First World War led to the expansion of areas densely populated with wooden buildings in urban regions. These areas caused simultaneous fires during the earthquake, and that because of this experience, fire prevention measures were introduced into these areas.

Prof. SHIGEKAWA Kishie, Professor at the Faculty of Social and Environmental Studies, Tokoha University, mentioned the importance of "people's development" by promoting disaster education and improving disaster literacy. Japan has accumulated a variety of experiences and lessons that may be applicable and useful in the Asian region. 

In conclusion, the moderator, Mr YOSHIMURA Hidemi, Former Chief Commentator, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) said that through the discussions of the panelists, it became clear that, since the Great Kanto Earthquake, structural and non-structural disaster prevention measures have been developed, studied and improved to cope with various types of damage, and that Japan has started to promote pre-disaster investment based on the assumption of worst-case scenario. 
(2023/03/21 15:00)



10 - 12 March 2023(Sendai, Japan hybrid with online)
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The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2022 (ACDR2022) was held at the Sendai International Center in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, from 10 to 12 March 2023. This event was adapted to a hybrid format, with online participation available to a wide range of member countries and other interested parties.

The basic theme of ACDR2022 was "WHAT IS NEXT? Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future." ACDR2022 highlighted the importance of applying past lessons towards efforts for risk-informed preparedness to further strengthen national-level DRM systems. 

Three sessions were held for ACDR2022: (1) Large-Scale Disasters and Countermeasures, (2) Broaden Our Horizons for Disaster Data Linkage in SFDRR Implementation: Application of GLIDE (GLobal IDEntifier Number), and (3) The Provision of Information via Satellite for Disasters and Crisis Management. ACDR2022 also included a special session related to the "100th Anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake" for the discussion of these issues. In this special session, speakers reported on the process of recovery from the Great Kanto Earthquake in the metropolitan area of Japan and made recommendations for better DRR activities in Asian countries. Also, participants attended the Japan International Public-Private Association for Disaster Risk Reduction (JIPAD) seminar hosted by the Cabinet Office of Japan and a JICA-sponsored session at the World BOSAI Forum. On the last day of ACDR2022, participants visited the Yuriage area of Natori City in order to learn about recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
(2023/03/20 15:00)
28 December 2022 to 22 February 2023 (kobe,japan hybrid with online)
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Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted a JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program "Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction" from 28 December 2022 to 22 February 2023, with the cooperation of JICA Kansai.

It was conducted in a hybrid format, with both online and in-person programs in Japan. It was attended by eight government officials from six countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

This course aims to help participants learn how to formulate and implement local DRR plans to promote disaster reduction measures in each country. Participants studied disaster countermeasures for their target cities by attending lectures, site visits, and participating in exercises on formulating a draft local DRR plan. They all participated enthusiastically in the programs, engaging in discussions with other participants and deepening their understanding of the subject matter.

ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the supporting organizations and lecturers for their cooperation in conducting this course.
(2023/03/01 15:00)
29-30 November 2022 (online)
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ADRC participates annually in the Integrated Workshops (IWS) of the Typhoon Committee, where year-end reports are presented by the four working groups: the Working Group on Meteorology (WGM), the Working Group on Hydrology (WGH), the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR), and the Training and Research Coordination Group (TRCG). This year, the Typhoon Committee Secretariat (TCS) held the 17th IWS online on 29-30 November 2022 with the theme "Tropical cyclone planning, forecasting, and response services for early warning and early action."

One of the keynote presentations was from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan, which talked about the "Use of Satellite Data for Flood Simulation and Risk Evaluation." As reported, various Japanese agencies (e.g., JAXA), with which ADRC also works closely, provide satellite data and create climate change impact projections to simulate floods and assess risk impacts. Satellite data is especially valuable as it informs mitigation measures and also facilitates early action. Other keynote presentations at the 17th IWS were given by presenters from Vietnam, China, South Korea, and the Asia-Pacific Typhoon Collaborative Research Centre. 

The 18th IWS in 2023 will be hosted at ESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand. 
(2022/12/07 15:00)
15 - 18 November 2022 (Hanoi,Vietnam)

The 28th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-28) was held from 15 to 18 November 2022 in Hanoi, Vietnam. It was co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). APRSAF was established in 1993 to enhance space activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Attended by space agencies, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations as well as companies, universities and research institutes, this forum is the largest space-related conference in the Asia Pacific region. APRSAF has four Working Groups: the (1) Space Applications Working Group (SAWG), (2) Space Technology Working Group (STWG), (3) Space Environment Utilization Working Group (SEUWG), and the (4) Space Education Working Group (SEWG). APRSAF participants share information about their activities and future plans for their countries and regions in each working group. APRSAF also supports international projects designed to find solutions to common issues such as disaster management and environmental protection. 

ADRC participated in the working session of the SAWG and gave the first presentation on Sentinel Asia emergency observation requests (EOR) and future action plans. The Sentinel Asia initiative involves the use of space-based information in the form of satellite images for disaster management. ADRC has been tasked with the responsibility of receiving emergency observation requests from ADRC member countries and Joint Project Team (JPT) members. ADRC gave the second presentation on our activities for the "Demonstration Experiment using MICHIBIKI (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System: QZSS)." This activity, which mainly targets the Asia-Pacific region, is to develop early warnings to encourage residents to take prompt evacuation actions.

ADRC will continue to actively participate in activities related to the utilization of space technology in the field of disaster prevention.
(2022/11/22 15:00)
10 November - 9 December 2022 (kobe,japan)

ADRC conducted a JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program entitled "Comprehensive Disaster Management in Central Asia and Caucasus" from 10 November to 9 December 2022. This program was designed for disaster management administrators in the Central Asia and Caucasus region, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of government agencies primarily responsible for disaster management so as to mitigate human impacts and economic damages caused by natural disasters. With a particular focus on the formulation of priority DRR measures, the program aims to deepen understanding of the importance of such measures, to promote strategic DRR investments in each country, and to promote the implementation of DRR measures that reduce residual risks. Finally, it aims to help participants learn how to draft and implement local DRR plans.
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Due to the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the training program was temporarily suspended and subsequently conducted online, but in-person trainings resumed this year for the first time in three years. A total of seven participants from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan took part in the five-week program.

The training consisted of in-person and online lectures, visits to DRR facilities mainly in Hyogo Prefecture but also in the Tokyo area, and a workshop on designing local DRR plans. Each participant enthusiastically participated in the lectures and exercises, and presented a draft local DRR plan on the final day to successfully complete the course. It is hoped that the knowledge, skills, and methodologies acquired through this training will be applied to disaster risk management in the participants' home countries.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the supporting organizations and lecturers for their cooperation in conducting this training course.
(2022/12/16 15:00)
22 October 2022 (Kobe,Japan)
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ADRC organized a workshop entitled, "Differences in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) between Japan and other countries as seen by foreign residents in Japan: cooperation starts from understanding the differences" on 22 October 2022. The workshop, which was a side event at the BOSAI KOKUTAI 2022, covered a range of issues, including: engagement of foreign residents in disaster prevention activities; risk communication; and ways to bridge the differences in DRM practices among Asian countries. 

In the first presentation, Dr. Khaerunnisa (Head, Master of Architecture Program, University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Indonesia), a former foreign student in Osaka, pointed that Indonesia and Japan have relatively different types of support networks for students in times of disaster. In Japan, foreign students can organize themselves to establish a network of support system. This network of students is often country-based and informal. So, students' access to disaster information and engagement in drills conducted by the Japanese local governments are limited. However, disaster information from mass media, TV, internet, and radio are readily accessible to foreign students. By contrast, in Indonesia, it is the government agency that facilitates the organization of community networks (including student networks) to build a strong support-system in times of disasters. 

Mr. NAGANO Koichi (Director, Policy Planning and Coordination Department, Hyogo International Association) provided the second presentation highlighting HIA's activities to support foreign residents during disasters. Among the activities he mentioned, are: 1) "multilingual pointing board", an initiative that shows guidance for preparation and evacuation in times of disaster; 2) "Disaster Preparedness Guide for Children and Parents", a publication disseminated to all residents; and 3) "My Evacuation Card", a card that provides simple instructions for evacuation in nine different languages. Mr. Nagano acknowledged that HIA faces a number of challenges in implementing these activities, such as how to effectively communicate disaster forecasts and warnings to foreigners through SNS and internet with multilingual support. 

Mr. MAMIYA Keita (Risk Management Section Officer, Policy Department, Kusatsu City, Shiga
Prefecture) shared Kusatsu City's pioneering program of organizing "Foreign Firefighters". In this program, the city designates foreign residents who are fluent in both native and Japanese languages (as well as having deep understanding of Japanese lifestyle and culture) to be firefighters. During normal times, foreign firefighters receive training and participate in disaster risk reduction activities, including seminars and lectures. During emergency, foreign firefighters also help in disseminating information via SNS, support safe evacuation, and assist in counselling using their respective native languages. 

Dr. Gerry Potutan (Senior Researcher, ADRC) presented the outcomes of the online survey that looked into the differences in DRM practices between Japan and other countries as perceived by foreign residents. Results showed that foreign residents generally perceived Japan's DRM practices (e.g., hazard maps, disaster drill, evacuation guidance, and early warning) to be "excellent" compared to their respective countries of origin. By rating "excellent", respondents indicated that Japan serves as benchmark to other countries in terms of planning and designing effective DRM programs. In terms of the key challenge in risk communication, most respondents mentioned "language barrier". To address this challenge, respondents suggested the following: use of visual tools (e.g., images, drawings, and signs); reach out to foreign residents early (e.g., during arrival and registration process) for disaster preparedness; and enhance multilingual services (e.g., translations and subtitles in more languages). 

At the closing, MR. ARAKIDA Masaru (Director, Researcher Department, ADRC), who moderated the workshop, acknowledged that since foreign residents in Japan came from diverse culture and background, it is expected that the DRM practices of their respective countries can be different from Japan. This situation can be challenging for most Japanese local governments to communicate disaster risk. The suggestions that came up in this workshop will offer insights on how to address this challenge. He also mentioned that all presentation materials can be accessed on ADRC website: 
(2022/10/27 15:00)
21-28 October 2022 (Japan)
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A delegation from Uzbekistan, an ADRC member since the inception of the organization, visited Japan from 21-28 October 2022 to study Japanese earthquake preparedness. The delegation included Mirzaev Sirojiddin Zaynievich, Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, and 11 other government officials from the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and other government agencies, and researchers from the Academy of Sciences and Universities. 

They visited sites such as Nagoya University and the University of Tokyo, as well as government agencies such as the Disaster Management Bureau of the Cabinet Office, the Geographical Survey Institute, the Building Research Institute, and the National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Disaster Prevention. They were briefed on Japan's legal system and disaster prevention technologies and had opportunities to see actual observation devices and to visit facilities conducting relevant experiments. They asked many questions during each site visit, and expressed keen interest in the work being done. 

ADRC supported the delegation by offering advice on the development of their agenda and accompanying the delegation to various sites.
(2022/10/28 15:00)
 19 - 22 September 2022 (Brisbane, Australia.)
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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) sent representatives to the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR 2022), which was held on 19 to 22 September 2022 in Brisbane, Australia.

ADRC organized a partner event of the Conference entitled "Building Resilient Communities by Investing in DRR Literacy for Proactive Actions focusing on "Leave No One Behind." It was moderated by Ms KODAMA Miki, Deputy Director of the Research Department on 21 Sept. The event tapped into a wide range stakeholders to showcase innovative practices for building community resilience, including investing in DRR literacy, as actions for ensuring "no one is left behind." Through the discussion, we affirmed that (1) building a culture of DRR and having various people actively participate in DRR activities are effective for increasing DRR literacy, (2) targeting the younger generation in particular will lead to the development of leaders in the next generation, and (3) it is important to sustainably link daily life, welfare, and social protection during normal times with DRR during emergencies, especially at the local level. We also recognized that institutional and financial support for community disaster management activities is needed to ensure the sustainability of these activities. We recommended that DRR should not be treated as a special measure, but mainstreamed as a critical component in community policy making and planning. This reflects the statement included in the APMCDRR Co-chairs' Statement, that "our endeavours are most likely to succeed through whole-of-society approaches that support community priorities and local institutions." For more details about this event, please visit: https://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2022apmcdrr.php
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In addition, ADRC displayed two posters as a member of the "All Japan Bosai Team" in the Conference Marketplace. ADRC introduced participates to its recent activities, such as the "Quasi Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) for Early Warning Message Platform" and "Applying Space-Based Technology and ICT to Strengthen Disaster Resilience."

ADRC participated in many events, including the: (1) Plenary: Risk-Informed Investments and Scaling Up Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction (20 Sept), (2) Working Session: Governance and Stakeholder Engagement for Resilient Infrastructure Services (20 Sept), and (3) Ignite Stage Presentation: Human Capacity Building that Supports Community Disaster Management by the City of Sendai (21 Sept). 

Moreover, ADRC Executive Director SASAHARA Akio issued an official statement introducing ADRC's efforts and inviting partners to learn together for enhancing disaster resilience in the Asia Pacific region.
The full statement is available at: https://bit.ly/APMCDRR2022ADRC.
(2022/09/26 15:00)
22 August - 29 September 2022 (online)

The JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program "Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for the African Region" was conducted online from 22 August to 29 September 2022, with the cooperation of JICA Kansai.

It was attended by seven government officials from four countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Senegal, and Cabo Verde. This course focused on flood and sediment disasters. Participants studied disaster countermeasures for their target cities by attending lectures on each disaster and participating in exercises to formulate a draft local DRR plan. They all worked so hard during this course, not only acquiring knowledge and skills, but also developing their relationships with one another. The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and universities that contributed to the success of this course.
(2022/10/06 15:00)
29 March 2022(online)
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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) has been conducting its Visiting Researcher (VR) programme and inviting VRs from ADRC member countries to spend time in Japan since 1999. As of March 2021, 117 officials from 27 member countries have participated in the programme, enabling ADRC to contribute to human resource development and disaster information sharing in those countries. During their programmes, VRs will study some of the most innovative and practical initiatives and technologies in the DRR field, and will learn about Japan's cooperation with and involvement in relevant international organizations. VRs are expected not only to help strengthen the DRR capacity of their own countries, but also to further promote cooperation between their countries and ADRC.

ADRC selected four VRs in FY2020, representing Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Thailand, but could not hold its regular on-site programme in Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ADRC therefore decided to conduct its programming online. 
ADRC also selected four VRs in FY2021, representing Armenia, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, ADRC decided to conduct hold an ADRC DRR Lecture Series for supporting the VR's research themes.

This 8-part Lecture Series was held in March 2022. ADRC invited Japanese DRR experts to give lectures on a variety of topics, such as disaster management at the national and local levels in Japan, disaster countermeasures for specific disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods), the promotion of DRR education in schools, and disaster prevention activities in cooperation with some of the most vulnerable populations during disasters. To publicize the VR programme broadly, this Lecture Series was open not only to the eight selected VRs, but also to other officials in all of our ADRC member countries.

(2022/5/2 15:00)
29 March 2022(online)
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During the first ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management Plus Japan (AMMDM + Japan) held on 14 October 2021, ASEAN and Japan agreed to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation that leverages innovation and technology in disaster management, including early warning, emergency response, information sharing, data analysis, and business continuity. In line with this agreement (as well as to contribute in the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2021-2025), the Cabinet Office of Japan and the ASEAN Secretariat organized the "Public-Private Seminar on Innovative Policies and Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction," which was held online on 29 March 2022. Organizations in Japan, including ADRC, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Climate Change Adaptation National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd., OYO Corporation, and PASCO CORPORATION collaborated on holding the seminar. 

The speakers of Session 1: DRR Innovations included representatives from: the ASEAN Secretariat, who presented the ASEAN Disaster Resilience Outlook (ADRO); JICA, who showed the 8 Steps in Developing Local DRR Strategies; ADRC, who discussed DRR initiatives; NIES, who demonstrated climate projections; and JST, who introduced the concept of business continuity management (BCM). In his presentation, ADRC Executive Director NAKAGAWA Masaaki highlighted the center's innovative activities, including the Global unique disaster IDEntifier (GLIDE) system, Sentinel Asia, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Early Warning Service (QZSS-EWS), community-based DRR (e.g., Town Watching for DRR), and human resource development (e.g., VR Programme, and DRR Training commissioned by JICA). 

The speakers of Session 2: DRR Technologies included representatives from: ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center), who introduced the ICT Roadmap on Disaster Management; Cabinet Office of Japan, who presented on the Information Support Team (ISUT); Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd., who presented on Flood Risk Information Using Big Data; OYO Corporation, who discussed "ServiBers" as a risk communication tool; and PASCO CORPORATION, who demonstrated the contributions of remote sensing technologies in DRR. 

Outcomes of the seminar are expected to contribute to the implementation of the AADMER Work Programme 2021-2025 and the development of the ASEAN-Japan Work Plan on Disaster Management 2021-2025. The ASEAN secretariat also indicated that the Science and Technology Forum in 2023 is under consideration.

(2022/5/2 15:00)
9 March 2022(online)
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On 9 March 2022, ADRC held an Online Tsunami Seminar FY2021 to promote World Tsunami Awareness Day. This year, ADRC invited Assistant Professor Mauricio Reyes Gallardo, from the University of Valparaiso in Chile, another tsunami prone country, to participate. He gave a lecture entitled "Experience with Tsunami Risk Reduction in Chile."

He started by giving an overview of Chile in which he described the historical events from the Spanish colonization down to the modern day, explained the changing population dynamics and increasing rate of urbanization, and outlined the geographical as well as topographical terrain of Chile that makes the country prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. In terms of disaster risks, he noted that Chile is a multi-hazard country, with earthquakes and tsunamis being its most notable hazards. He gave examples of earthquakes and tsunami disasters that impacted Chile in 1960, 2007, 2010, and 2015, among others. 

These tsunami experiences offered opportunities to improve and strengthen tsunami risk management. First, they led to technological improvements to tsunami early warning systems (e.g., the adoption of new tools from Japan) and to continued efforts to monitor and conduct research on tsunami events. Second, they led to the development and adoption of the National Building Code as well as the Reinforcement Code. Third, they led to the application and improvement of "Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Maremotos" (SNAM) and "Sistema Integrado de Prediccion y Alarma de Tsunamis" (SIPAT), which keep people informed about tsunami risks and help provide guidance relating to evacuation and safety measures. Despite improvements in tsunami risk management, he said that Chile remains vulnerable to tsunamis due to the following factors: lack of urban planning; societal, ecological, economical, and cultural complexities; lack of education; poor use of technology; and poorly maintained infrastructure. He concluded that good risk governance is needed for establishing systems that can bring order to the complexities of tsunami risk.

Finally, Mr NAKAGAWA Masaaki, Executive Director of ADRC, mentioned that the volcanic eruption in Tonga in January 2022 and the subsequent tsunami remind us of the danger of tsunamis in many other coastal countries. He concluded by saying that ADRC would promote tsunami disaster risk reduction by sharing experiences and lessons learned in Japan and many other countries.

ADRC would like to express its sincere gratitude to all the participants. Please visit the following site for details of the Online Tsunami Seminar: https://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2021tsunami

(2022/5/2 15:00)
20 February 2022 (online)

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Executive Director Nakagawa succeeded former Executive Director Suzuki as a co-chair of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG). APEC is a framework for economic cooperation among 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. At the Senior Officials Meeting held in February, each organization under the APEC umbrella outlined its activities for this year. The EPWG co-chairs outlined how the group conducts its EPWG meetings, promotes individual projects, and works with other organizations. Thailand, this year's host country, presented the following three priorities under the theme "OPEN, CONNECT, BALANCE."

- Openness in all opportunities for trade and investment
- Reinvigorating all aspects of collaboration
- Promoting balance, sustainability, and inclusiveness on all fronts

Each participating economy also affirmed its commitment to take action to realize the Putrajaya Vision 2040, APEC's long-term action guideline, and its corresponding Aotearoa Action Plan. The economies then commented on the work. 
Among them, the Japanese government specifically expressed support for the activities of EPWG, specifically in the context of intensifying disaster risks due to climate change and other factors.

(2022/2/27 15:00)

11 January - 15 February 2022

From 11 January to 15 February 2022, the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction was held online. The program was organized by ADRC and was attended by five national and local disaster management officials from five countries.

In alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), especially target (e) "Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020," the goal of this program was to enable the DRR systems of each country to be upgraded based on national and local DRR plans and thus to reduce the damage caused by disasters. Over the course of the program, each participant was expected to formulate a draft local DRR plan.

During the six-week program, the participants proactively joined lectures on disaster countermeasures and exercises around local DRR plans, and drafted plans for their target municipalities.
14-16 December 2021 (online)
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The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2021 was held virtually from 14-16 December 2021 due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19. 430 participants from 36 countries included representatives from member countries, international organizations, the private sector, and academic/research institutes. The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the participants for taking the time to share their experiences. You can view the three days of conference using the links below until 31 March 2022.

ACDR2021 Links
Day 1: https://youtu.be/uriF9zui98s
Day 2: https://youtu.be/TfVFjwDLrKE
Day 3: https://youtu.be/hyjgkKFKPgY

(2021/12/21 15:00)

18 October 2021 (online)
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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center held the fifth ADRC Online DRR Seminar on 18 October 2021. 
This seminar was attended by 127 participation from 14 countries around the world with the theme of "Promoting Disaster Mitigation Strategies for Urban Resilience."
Urbanization exacerbates disaster vulnerabilities as more people live in unsafe buildings, use poor transportation and roads, and are increasingly exposed to the threats of floods, landslides, and tsunamis. In this context, the seminar presented various perspectives, tools, and approaches to promoting disaster mitigation strategies for urban resilience.

(2021/10/25 15:00)
28 September 2021 (online)
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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center held the fourth ADRC Online DRR Seminar on 28 September 2021. 
This seminar was attended by 88 participation from all over the world with the theme of "GLOF Impact to the Local Economy and Measures."
The seminar invited two experts from the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to share their knowledge, experience, and programs on sudden Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

(2021/10/5 15:00)
14 September 2021 (online)
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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center held the third ADRC Online DRR Seminar on 14 September 2021. 
This seminar was attended by 116 participations from all over the world with the theme of "Developing DRR Technologies that Meet Local Needs to Build a Safe, Secure, and Lively Society."
The seminar highlighted case studies of DRR investments made before disasters and other activities conducted in line with international standards, explained that standardization is important to keep methods simple, avoid useless operations, and facilitate smooth communication. and invited experts/practitioners to share their knowledge of experiences with the utilization of standardization for DRR, also presented related case studies.

(2021/9/21 15:00)
15 June 2021 (online)

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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center held the first ADRC Online DRR Seminar on 15 June  2021. This seminar was attended by more than 300 participation from 20 countries around the world with the theme of "Investing in Disaster Risk for a Resilient Society." Three speakers shared various perspectives on investment in disaster prevention.


(2021/06/22 15:00)

1-2 December 2020 (Virtual) 

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Since 2006, the Typhoon Committee (an intergovernmental body under the joint auspices of ESCAP and WMO, and comprising 14 member countries in the Asia-Pacific) annually organizes the 'Integrated Workshops' (IWS) along three components: meteorology, hydrology, and disaster risk reduction. The key objective of organizing the IWS is to discuss current and emerging typhoon-related issues/themes. In 2020, the Typhoon Committee adapted the theme, Innovative Strategies and Measures for Typhoon-related Disaster Risk Reduction under Public Emergencies for the 15th IWS, virtually organized on 1-2 December 2020. 

ADRC delivered one the keynote presentations entitled, "Disaster Response Amidst COVID-19: Lessons from Recent Typhoons". The presentation highlighted the respective activities of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) agencies in the Philippines, India, and the Republic of Korea in responding to recent typhoon disasters on top of COVID-19 pandemic. Considering restrictions of people's movement, and the additional health protocol requirements of social distancing and face coverings, DRM agencies introduced new response measures such as: (i) designating more evacuation centers (not just schools but include other safe building like churches or gymnasiums); (ii) adopting separate measures for screening and isolating evacuees who contracted COVID-19; and (iii) utilizing digital technologies (e.g., mobile apps and disaster dashboards) to support decision-making. 

Moreover, the two ADRC delegates also participated in the working group discussions, particularly in the working group on disaster risk reduction (WGDRR), in finalizing the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for 2021. It was noted that most of the AOPs in 2020 were stuck due to COVID-19. Thus, in 2021 the implementation of those AOPs will be continued, including by virtual means. 

(2020/12/11 14:40)
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1-2 December 2020 (Online)

ADRC participated in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Asia-Pacific Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction Forum, which was held online on 1-2 December 2020. The meeting was held online considering the spread of the new coronavirus, however, on both the first and second days, more than 150 representatives of government organizations and related organizations from Asian countries participated and actively exchanged opinions.

At the begining of the Forum on 1 December, Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, expressed her expectations for this forum. In addition, although each country got quite huge impact of COVID-19, just as the 2004 tsunami strengthened the DRR system in Asia, she called for to use this experience as an opportunity to further strengthen disaster resilience. Next, the representative of Australia, the host country of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on DRR (APMCDRR) scheduled to be held next year, explained that they are coordinating to hold the extended Conference sometime between April to June. Also she mentioned their efforts to enhance the DRR system in Australia in response to the large-scale bush fire last year. Then, it was followed by speech of the Minister of Ministry of Health and Medical Service of Fiji on their cyclone response activity under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subsequently, UNDRR reported on the recent trend of disaster occurence in Asia and the results of monitoring of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). It was stated that in order to respond to unexpected disasters and simultaneous disasters, a mutual cooperation system among more parties concerned should be established. Further they informed the situation of collection and analysis of disaster damage data is still insufficient.
In the Panel Discussion, the director of the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience acted as a moderator, and discussions were held on the theme of risk governance in national and local governments, which have become more aware of their importance following the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Representatives from the Government of India, the Philippine local government, the Vanuatu Disability Support Group, and a researcher in the medical field made presentations from their respective standpoints. Based on the experience of responding to COVID-19, they commonly touched upon the cooperation and partnership system of various stakeholders, the establishment of a permanent cooperation and collaboration system between the health sector and the DRR sector, and the advance planning for the preparation of simultaneous disasters as important points.

At the meeting on 2 December 2, Mr. Hiroko Oura of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) gave a keynote speech on financial risk management, which is one of the themes of APMCDRR. She presented the financial risk that COVID-19 poses to the world is unprecedented, and due to various uncertainties in understanding the risk of unprecedented disasters and predicting climate change, analyzing risks is difficult. She mentioned, on the other hand, it is necessary to carry out risk management based on such a premise. In addition, although the global restriction of social activities by COVID-19 contributed to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, it was only temporary, rather it led to the decline in corporate environmental activities due to the deterioration of corporate financial conditions.
Next, the Australian Government explained the composition of APMDRR to be implemented next year and called for the active involvement of many stakeholders.
In the latter half of the meeting, representatives from 22 countries and organizations mentioned their efforts and future prospects, such as improvement of the system to promote the implementation of SFDRR, coordination and adjustments of the system to respond to simultaneous disasters based on the experience of COVID-19.

Finally, UNDRR explained the preparatory process for APMDRR, including of thematic discussions and regional discussion with relevant stakeholders. The Asian Disaster Reduction Center will also be actively involved in this process.
(2020/12/07 10:40)
2 April 2020 (Asian Countries)

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ADRC conducted a research on challenges in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Asian countries in cooperation with the former visiting researchers. As a first report, the report of the observation in the Philippines and Japan is available on our website. (PDF, 1.8MB)

(2020/05/07 10:40)

25-29 February 2020 (Kathmandu, Nepal)

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ADRC engaged in three different activities during the visit to Nepal. Firstly, ADRC Executive Director, along with researchers from JICA Tohoku Center and University of Hyogo, met with Mr. Sushil Gyewali, CEO of National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) and other officials. The meeting discussed the joint research project on Modeling Disaster Recovery Governance in Asia. Mr. Gyewali explained the process as well as the progress of recovery from the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. He reported that as of December 2019, 85% of all projects were completed. During the field visits, the team learned that NRA utilizes 'User Committees' to reconstruct completely damaged heritage sites (e.g., Ranipokhari). NRA also promotes 'Integrated Settlements' in reconstructing private houses (e.g., Ward 12 in Melamchi). Since NRA will be dissolved in the end of 2020, its functions will be transferred to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) - a newly established agency. Secondly, ADRC, in collaboration with experts from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and GeoThings, organized a workshop on the 'Utilization of ICT to Strengthen Disaster Resilience'. In this workshop, GeoThings demonstrated the functions of 'geoBingAn' - a social media Apps that functions to report personal safety and simple assessments (e.g., building damage) following a disaster. Thirdly, ADRC coordinated other separate meetings with SAARC Secretariat, NDRRMA, Planning Ministry, and JICA Nepal. 
                                                                                                                (2020/03/13 14:40)
24 April 2019 (Kobe, Japan)

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) welcomed a delegation from the Legislative Counseling Office of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea to Kobe to exchange opinions regarding the legal frameworks of Japan and Korea. The Korean delegations consisted of four legislative counselors, Ms. Ms. Kim, Su-og, Ms. Lee, Seong Im, Ms. Noh, Youjung, and Ms. Kim Yena. Dr. Son, Hyun-Jin, Associate Professor at the Hiroshima Peace Institute, Hiroshima City University also participated in the meeting. Dr. Son developed a report on the legal framework of Japan. ADRC's Koji Suzuki introduced several initiatives being undertaken between ADRC and Korea, which include the Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative (NAPCI) launched by the Sejong Institute and a Collaboration for Disaster Resilience project being organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. Suzuki also gave a presentation on the development of a legislative framework for disaster risk reduction in Japan, focusing on the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act. Suzuki detailed the latest developments in the legislative framework since the Great East Japan Earthquake, including the background information behind those developments. In Korea, awareness of disasters, especially earthquakes, increased significantly after the Gyeongju Earthquake of 2016. After that earthquake, the Korean government has put a lot of effort into disaster risk reduction. Some Korean parliament members visited Japan to learn more about disaster risk reduction efforts in Japan. While Japan has a bicameral national assembly system, Korea has a unicameral system. The delegation noted that the National Assembly is planning and preparing new legislation for disaster risk reduction sponsored by lawmakers in Korea.

March 9-11, 2017 (Mashhad, Iran)


Convening over 100 officials from the local governments of Mashhad and Shiraz in Iran, a representative from ADRC/IRP served as co-facilitator along with UNISDR's Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) in the Workshop on Local Implementation of the Sendai Framework, 9-11 March 2017 In Mashhad, Iran. The workshop was organized by the Mashhad Disaster Management Department to help ensure that the municipality is resilient to disasters.

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Mashhad is not only the second important city of Iran (after Tehran) in terms of population, economy, and industry, but it is also the second most exposed city to disaster risks. The municipality is mainly exposed to earthquakes and floods, recognizing the need to put in place necessary measures to reduce disaster risk. The municipality is actively working on key policies and legislation to promote disaster risk reduction and management towards achieving sustainable development of the town. It promotes efforts of integrating DRR in its urban development processes, and mitigating risks in reasonable level with the view of preparing to build back better in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. In addition, the municipality is an active participant of the UNISDR Making Cities Resilient (MCR) campaign. This campaign supports the capacity building activities of local experts and officials with a focus on developing and implementing a City Resilience Action Plans based on the MCR Campaign 10 Essentials to make their cities resilient to disasters. ADRC/IRP representative shared global experiences and best practices along the 10 Essentials for making cities resilient.
As way forward, the municipality of Mashhad, being one of the pioneering local governments in the region to receive the workshop, committed to pursue two key activities. Firstly, a team will be created to continue to facilitate the discussions and planning so that within the next six to eight months, a complete draft of the Resilient City Action Plan will be ready for adoption and implementation. Secondly, the Mashhad Disaster Management Department will facilitate coordination to realize the plan of making Mashhad, the Center for Education and Training on urban risk reduction in Iran.

   (2017/03/17 14:40)

Iriga City, Philippines (November 28-29, 2016)

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Recognizing the risks from natural hazards (such as typhoons, floods, and landslides), governors, mayors, and their respective disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) officials of the local government units (LGUs) in the entire Bicol region gathered together in Iriga Convention Center, 28-29 November 2016, Iriga City to further explore local approaches and measures to manage and reduce risk. Bicol is the most typhoon-prone region in the Philippines prompting the LGUs to heighten their efforts in disaster risk reduction by localizing the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

The event was initiated and convened by Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Yorobe Alfelor who was inspired by the outcomes of the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) held in New Delhi, India - particularly on the crucial role of local leaders and mayors in implementing the Sendai Framework. During the event in Iriga City, Mayor Alfelor expressed two main reasons why there is a need to gather all local leaders and mayors in the region. One is to advocate for LGU readiness to face risks brought about by hazards, including typhoons, floods, volcanic eruption, and earthquake. The other is to draw commitment of the local chief executives to promote community resilience by adopting the Ten Essentials advanced by the Making Cities Resilient (MCR) campaign

About 85 mayors and over 120 officials from Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) of each local government participated in the workshop to learn and adopt the Ten Essentials through a two-day workshop facilitated by UNISDR-GETI and IRP. The Ten Essentials is a tool that local governments can apply to strengthen their DRRM plans. Two of the Ten Essentials (9 and 10) pertain to "build back better", and it is in this context that IRP/ADRC shared the global experiences and case studies. By learning from lessons of past experiences, local governments can identify and address their respective weaknesses in disaster risk management.

To forward the recommendations reached at the workshop, the DRRMO officials of the entire Bicol region plan to organize themselves into a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences. In their forthcoming meeting, the DRRMOs will discuss how to implement the identified priority actions they set forth at the workshop in Iriga City.

   (2016/11/30 14:40)

Makati City, Philippines (November 25, 2016)

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As follow-up activity to the Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan (PDRP) developed by the City Government of Makati in October 2013, the International Recovery Platform/Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP/ADRC) facilitated a Workshop on Continuity Planning for Local Governments at St. Giles Hotel, 25 November 2016, Makati City, Philippines.

Along with UNISDR-GETI, the IRP/ADRC introduced a continuity planning tool that will help: (i) ensure that local government can perform its essential functions under all conditions; (ii) reduce the loss of life and minimize property damage and loss; (iii) execute a successful order of succession with accompanying authorities in the event a disruption renders that organization's leadership unable, unavailable, or incapable of assuming and performing their authorities and responsibilities of office; (iv) reduce or mitigate disruptions to operations; and (v) ensure that there are facilities from where the city government can perform its essential functions.

About 75 personnel, representing various departments of the city government, participated in the workshop. To complement the continuity planning tool, sharing of business continuity planning (BCP) experiences from various local organizations in the Philippines were presented. The sharing included those from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Nestle Philippines, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), San Juan City Government, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), and Business Continuity Managers Association of the Philippines (BCMAP).

After various inputs, participants identified the key priorities to be covered in the continuity plan for the Makati City Government. This includes setting up remote facility from where the city government's Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) can operate its essential functions in case the city will be severely impacted by disasters. The participants also gave priority in outlining a definitive procedure for executing a successful order of succession whenever the head is incapable.

To forward the recommendations reached at the workshop, the city's DRRMO officials along with the representatives of all departments of the city government will reconvene sometime in March 2017 to review its progress and to further discuss the finalization of the Makati City Continuity Plan. 

   (2016/11/30 14:40)

November 17-18, 2016 (Manila, Philippines)

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During the "Regional Knowledge Forum on Risk-informed Land Use Planning in the Context of Post-Disaster Recovery", which was organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 17-18 November 2016 in Manila, the IRP Secretariat was invited to send one recovery expert to share global experiences. The forum was attended by over 100 decision-makers and specialists with expertise in land use management, disaster risk management, and post-disaster recovery. The key speakers were from Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Thailand who discussed how disaster risk related issues can be addressed through land use/spatial planning in the context of post-disaster recovery.

The forum recognized that large-scale disasters often result in changing spatial structures due to corresponding large-scale reconstruction activities. Hence, the recovery process that follows provide opportunities to address both the pre-existing spatial development related challenges as well as the new ones. Some actions that may be introduced to address the issues associated with land use and housing in the post-disaster phase, may include: (i) introducing new land use strategies; (ii) regulating and providing incentives to rebuild away from hazard-prone areas; (iii) proposing new spatial growth models that factor in changing hazard patterns; (iv) addressing issues related to land title and rights; (v) adopting participatory approaches towards rebuilding thereby improving social cohesion; and (vi) undertaking a combination of structural and nonstructural investments to manage future disaster risk.

The forum covered three thematic sessions, where key messages and recommended actions were presented. The first session dealt with recovery policies, wherein policy actions may be focused on addressing the challenges related to the availability of land, risk information, local capacity, finances, and in meeting the speed required to implement activities on the ground. The second session dealt with the horizontal and vertical coordination issues, especially between national and local governments. The suggestion that came up from this session was to revisit and address the underlying causes of disaster risk. Adoption of a system-wide approach (such as focusing on watersheds) and design recovery measures that strengthens vertical and horizontal linkages may help contribute in addressing the issue. The final session dealt with good practices and innovative tools. It is in this session that IRP shared some of the international experiences. The recommendations from IRP included: reviewing past disaster experiences by specifically performing "failure analysis" and "build back better"; selecting from "menu of options" of strategies and actions from global experiences to address recovery issues and challenges - including land use and housing issues; and conducting pre-disaster recovery planning (pre-event research, pre-agreements) to help hasten the effectiveness of land use planning in post-disaster context (i.e. strengthening institutional arrangements, policies, laws, and programs).

   (2016/11/21 14:40)

New Delhi, India (November 4, 2016)


WS000008.JPGThe International Recovery Platform, where ADRC is pioneering member, coordinated a thematic session at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, 3-5 November 2016 in New Delhi, India. The session was entitled "Strategies and Actions on Build Back Better" held on 4 November 2016, 13:00-14:30, Hall 6 at Vigyan Bhawan. Six high-level speakers of the session shared their respective experiences and lessons relative to: (i) policies and strategies, (ii) institutional arrangements, (iii) financing mechanisms, and (iv) implementation arrangements and recovery management - the key elements relevant to build back better. About 150 individuals participated in the session, where each speaker outlined key strategies and actions for build back better ranging from the areas of governance, gender, pre-investment, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

H.E. Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, Deputy Secretary-General ASEAN Secretariat, reported that ASEAN is setting forward a regional policy on build back better based on the recovery and reconstruction component of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). The regional policy sets forth the process and the timeframe for assessment, recovery plan formulation, resource mobilization, coordination, and transition of recovery plan to development plan so that member states are guided. With the AADMER in place, member states are about to improve safer structural and non-structural measures during reconstruction. Other specific examples of regional efforts include Tripartite Core Group partnership in recovery from cyclone Nargis in Myanmar as well as development of guides such as the Recovery Toolbox and the Disaster Recovery Reference Guide.

Mr. Sushil Gyewali, Chief Operating Officer of National Reconstruction Authority of Nepal, shared the key challenges of the Post-Disaster Recovery Framework 2016-2020. In terms of policies, the challenges include managing political interests, community expectations, compliance to build back better principle, and operations of the new National Reconstruction Authority that adopts a new perspective but with old team. In terms of institutional arrangement, the challenges are institution building against the pressure of delivery as well as the capacity to deliver reconstruction that complements national resources with international expertise. In terms of financing mechanism, the challenges include ensuring international commitment, financing, and realistic recovery planning and implementation. In terms of recovery management, a robust and decentralized reconstruction coordination and implementation mechanism was designed and instituted as well as engaging community.

Mr. Austere Panadero, Undersecretary at the Department of the Interior and Local Government of the Philippines, highlighted the key initiatives that help address the gaps in DRR and recovery efforts. In terms of policies, land use plan is the 'mother' of all plans and the basis for 'build back better' at the local/community level. Additionally, hazard-proofing of public investments is advocated through planning-programming-budgeting linkages as well as better DRRM-CCA informed criteria for project development and evaluation. In terms of institutional arrangements, the barangay-level or village-level DRRM-CCA baseline information is being generated locally and communities are strengthened through capacity building activities down to the household levels. In terms of financing mechanisms, initiatives such as Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) and the Seal of Good Local Governance through disaster preparedness audits are put in place. Finally, in terms of recovery management, a seamlessness of local development plans such as those drawn from Typhoon Haiyan experience in the Visayas and the "whole-of-government" approach under NDRRMC-OCD are among the many examples of tried and tested implementation arrangements.

Prof. Vinod Menon, Senior Advisor Caritas India, pointed that community-centered policies are essential. He introduced the "Community-Centered Risk Management" Framework for build back better, emphasizing inclusive recovery with special attention to the weak and marginalized groups. The framework was presented to be one of the solutions to address existing policy gaps as it facilitates: (i) coherence and convergence of policies relative to DRR, CCA, and SDGs; (ii) inclusion of the weaker sections of society as the hallmark of all recovery strategies; and (iii) support for resilience building of communities affected by ethnic conflicts, atrocities against vulnerable sections, violence and complex emergencies.

Mr. Achyut Luitel, Director of Practical Action Nepal, introduced the South Asian Disaster Report 2016, which outlines 12 recommendations for build back better in Nepal, namely: (1) promote multi-tier, multi-stakeholder policy directions; (2) harmonization and standardization of policy, legislative, and regulatory instruments; (3) ensure institutional demarcation for phase-out planning and implementation; (4) holding institutions accountable for addressing DRR in development interventions; (5) focus on vulnerable within vulnerable; (6) enable the potential and capacity of women as decision-makers; (7) make housing reconstruction owner-driven; (8) make schools safe for children; (9) building on local solutions; (10) move from cash transfer to risk transfer; (11) rebuilding micro and small enterprises; and (12) building disaster risk-informed development for resilience.

Ms. Shaila Shahid, Team Leader Gender and Water Alliance Bangladesh,  highlighted two policy actions, namely: (i) inclusion/awareness raising, where in the case of Bangladesh, actions such as participation of women in disaster management councils and local government, volunteerism, and representation in the management bodies are promoted; and (ii) capacity building focusing on understanding gender, identifying social relations between men and women, and how these relationships are socially constructed to encourage leadership role.

After active discussions, Mr. Stefan Kohler of UNOPS and chair of the session offered the summary. First, recovery phase is an opportunity to build back better, which is essential to reduce vulnerability and make the development gains more sustainable. It can be more successful of done with inclusion of the weak and marginalized. Second, pre-investment is an important element for build back better to ensure development continuity, such as promoting risk-informed land use planning. Third, awareness, knowledge, and capacity such as in reference to gender and marginalized groups are essential in facilitating effective preparation to build back better in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction Finally, build back better in recovery is a large-scale institutional and technical effort, which requires all the stakeholders--government, civil societies, and private sector --to collaborate and work together such as the whole-of-government approach of the Philippines.

   (2016/11/04 14:40)

Putrajaya, Malaysia (May 17-18, 2016)


IMG_9978-1.JPGResponding to a formal request from the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) that leads a network of six universities for a research on disaster risk reduction, with special emphasis on flood management, the International Recovery Platform/Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP/ADRC) facilitated a two-day orientation workshop on Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning (PDRP). The workshop was held on 17-18 May 2016 at the Systems and Network Department, UNITEN Campus, Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The academic network comprising the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), the Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) requested the orientation-workshop to: (i) gain greater understanding of build-back-better through pre-disaster recovery planning for flood as well as the possibility of integrating this concept in the academic courses; (ii) enhance the capacities of faculty members to train other lecturers, students, and practitioners on build back better through pre-disaster recovery planning, and (iii) explore the application of PDRP to achieve a more effective flood management.

About 35 academic professors, lecturers, and officials from the National Government participated the workshop - including representation from all members of the academic network, the Malaysia Civil Defence Department (JPAM), the Ministry of Education (KPM), Fire and Rescue Department (JBP), District of Kemaman, and Mercy Malaysia. Two keynote speeches were delivered to set the tone of the workshop. The first speech was delivered by Mr. Rosman Roslan, District of Officer of Kemaman, Terengganu, highlighting the district's initiative on pre-disaster recovery planning for flood. In particular, the district officer described how Kemaman facilitated the pre-arrangements with hotels and hospitals in case of floods. The second speech was delivered by Mr. Saiful Effendi of the Ministry of Education, where he described the proposed guidelines on disaster risk reduction for public schools. The group exercises of participants came up with two outputs. One was a checklist for pre-disaster recovery planning for Malaysia and the other was a set of strategies and actions for livelihoods recovery.

As for the next steps, the participants agreed to continue the discussions, either physically or virtually. Among the recommended follow-up actions were: (i) documentation of Kemaman flood recovery case and share the report to IRP/ADRC; (ii) review the IRP/ADRC materials on pre-disaster recovery planning and proposed possible module/syllabus for inclusion in academic course; and (iii) production of knowledge products on disaster recovery for flood, including handbooks designed for practitioners and policymakers. The academic network for flood management research in Malaysia is closely working with the Majlis Keselamatan Negara (National Security Council), the Meteorological Department and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Kemaman Land and District Office, and the Ministry of Higher Education.

(2016/05/17 14:40)

Makati, Philippines (April 29, 2016)


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Upon request of the Manila Observatory, and in collaboration with the SM Prime Property Company and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the International Recovery Platform/Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP/ADRC) facilitated an orientation workshop on pre-disaster recovery planning (PDRP), 29 April 2016 at the Asian Institute of Management, Makati City, Philippines. The event gathered about 90 recovery decision-makers, planners, and implementers from public and private sectors, including civil society, scientific community, academe, media, and representatives of local communities to learn the essence of pre-disaster recovery planning. The composition of participants  was diverse to effectively simulate the PDRP exercise and to facilitate complementarity of recovery support functions.

The workshop explored various approaches of formulating a PDRP based on existing tools and experiences, including strategies, actions, and case studies from global experiences and highlighting Japan's pre-disaster recovery agreements as observed during the recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake 1995, the Great East Japan Earthquake 2011, and the Kumamoto Earthquake 2016. The importance of the PDRP was emphasized by prominent speakers, namely: Ms. Antonia Loyzaga of the Manila Observatory, Ms. Liza Silerio of the SM Prime, Mr. Guillermo Luz of the PDRF, Gen. Alexander Pama of the Office of Civil Defense, and Ms. Remedios Endencia of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). The speakers generally recognized that PDRP is essential because all governments and communities face similar organizational and policy issues in a disaster recovery (e.g. governance, financial management, effective operations, redevelopment standards, infrastructure, transportation, health, and livelihoods), so it pays to plan in advance. Firstly, it increases the "speed" of recovery when all stakeholders (i.e. multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary, and inter-ministerial/departmental) plan in advance. It facilitates coordinated planning and implementation that minimizes uncertainties, overlaps, and bottlenecks. Secondly, it builds stronger relationship among all stakeholders that limits poor decision taken under post-disaster stress. It prepares stakeholders' full participation in recovery - making it easy to engage and reach a risk-informed decision. Finally, it establishes beforehand the modalities for financing recovery process, including pre-agreements and contracting services.

Using the Metro Manila earthquake scenario shared by Dr. Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the workshop came up with two main outputs. One was a Checklist for Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning and the other was  a Template on Pre-Agreement  for Disaster Recovery. As way forward, the participants agreed to scale up discussions on PDRP with National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) and explore the options for pre-agreements in disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

 (2016/04/29 14:40)

9-10 December 2014 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

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Considering that "disasters are inevitable in Bangladesh due to its high vulnerability index", the Government, specifically the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), recognized the need for strategic options to further reduce the impacts of disaster. The principle of "build back better" is one particular option that the Government wants to promote by seizing the opportunity to correct the limitations and failures of previous practices, policies, and programs during the recovery phase. It further recognized that recovery offers opportunity to make infrastructures, communities, and livelihoods resilient.

In view of this, the MoDMR, in cooperation with the Institute of Strategic Recovery Studies for Disaster Resilience and Research (ISRSDRR) and the Interational Recovery Platform/Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP/ADRC), had jointly organized a Stakeholders Consultation Workshop on Disaster Recovery Planning, 9-10 December 2014 at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The workshop was supported by local partners, namely: UNDP, Australian Aid, Islamic Relief, and Christian Aid.

Participated by over 50 stakeholder representatives, the consultation was generally aimed at creating the foundation for promoting resilient recovery and paving the way for sustainable development in Bangladesh. Specifically, the consultation was expected to achieve the following: (i) introduced recovery agenda to key stakeholders, (ii) prepared the ground works for establishing a National Recovery Platform, and (iii) discussed and endorsed a Roadmap for Disaster Recovery Planning.

At the opening, IRP/ADRC delivered the keynote speech which introduced the key principles of disaster recovery, including knowledge products, case studies, tools, and guidance. After the keynote, the following key officials from the Government delivered their respective speeches:  Mr. Mohammed Abdul Wazed, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Management; Dr. Mesbah ul Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; Hon. Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram, Minister of Disaster Management and Relief; and Mr. Dhirendra Debnath Shambhuh, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction. The key message of all the speeches was that recovery is gap in disaster risk reduction  (DRR) that Bangladesh needs to address.

At the end of the workshop, the stakeholders identified the following key recommendations: (i) institutionalization of recovery functions at the national and local governments; (ii) establishment of predictable funding for recovery at the government agencies; (iii) adoption of mechanisms for cooperation in areas of recovery; and (iv) formulation of disaster recovery framework for readiness and capacity. As way forward, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief laid the ground works for establishing the National Recovery Platform with further consultations with key stakeholders, including UNDP, Islamic Relief, Christian, ISRSDRR, and IRP/ADRC.

(2014/12/17 14:40)

11-12 November, 2014 (San Salvador, El Salvador)

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ADRC/IRP, in collaboration Central America's Center for Disaster Prevention (CEPREDENAC), had organized an Intergovernmental Dialogue on Recovery Processes, 11-12 November 2014 at Hilton Princess Hotel in San Salvador, El Salvador. The event was also strongly supported by UNISDR and UNDP. The main objective of the dialogue was to facilitate knowledge exchange so that government organizations and cities can improve their programs based on the sharing of experiences. The discussions dwelt on: How have recovery processes been institutionalized at the country and local levels? What institutional and policy arrangements were commonly adopted? What types of tools were adopted for assessment and framework development? Do governments secure necessary financial, administrative, and political resources for recovery? Are there mechanisms in place to monitor recovery processes? Answers to these questions inform the recommendations for next steps such as galvanizing national efforts on recovery and institutionalizing recovery processes.

Over 40 government officials and heads of development organizations participated in the dialogue. Among those represented included Paraguay, Honduras, Japan, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama. The cities of Santa Tecla, Bogota, and Curundu were also represented. Moreover, the World Bank, the Swiss Development Council (SDC), and the Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) of UNISDR had representations. Participants to the dialogue were high-level with El Salvador Vice President Sr. Oscar Ortiz inaugurating the event.


ADRC/IRP shared available tools and guidance on recovery as well as global case studies on recovery processes. The sharing adds value to the ongoing initiatives in Central America by offering wide array of options concerning strategies and actions for 'build back better'. In particular, Mr. Shingo Kochi, senior recovery expert at IRP, shared Japan's experience by highlighting the advances, needs, and requirements for a more effective recovery process.
Several recommended next steps were outlined at the dialogue. These include efforts to further (i) disseminate best practices and lessons on recovery and reconstruction processes implemented in recent years; (ii) share the results of the dialogue processes to other regions and countries; (iii) inform the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction on recovery and reconstruction issues that should be taken into account.

Some specific actions were also mentioned such as the following: (i) recovery frameworks/plans may be prepared, discussed, and approved before the disaster happens; (ii) recovery process shall incorporate DRR and integrated into development; and (iii) evaluation and monitoring mechanisms of recovery projects to be implemented. It was also observed that there is so much recovery experience in Central America that should be documented, analyzed, and shared to other regions and countries.

(2014/11/25 14:40)

3-5 November 2014 (Manila, Philippines)

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Upon the request of the Bonifacio Estate Services Corporation (BESC), ADRC/IRP and UNISDR-GETI have jointly facilitated the initial development of the Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan (DRR-AP) for the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). During the three-day workshop ? held on November 3-5, 2014 at the Globe Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, Philippines ? existing tools, guidance, and lessons on DRR and recovery were shared and explained.

Over 70 participants from six districts of BGC, representing the estates and establishments, shared their experiences and opinion on how to organize response and recovery operations in case of a disaster. At the end of the workshop all suggestions were put together to form the strategies and actions of the BGC DRR-AP. The essential next steps were also identified, namely:

The Bonifacio Estate Services Corporation (BESC) will take forward the initial outputs of the workshop by conducting further consultations/workshops with other stakeholders/experts, including: utility experts; medical experts; first-aid experts; local government officials (barangay and city); law enforcement agencies (e.g. police and armed forces); and other relevant agencies of the government. The objective of further consultation is to address sectors that might be overlooked (e.g. psychosocial, gender, and livelihoods). It was recommended that a drafting committee or consultant will assist in putting together proposed action points.

In entire process of formulating the BGC DRR Action Plan, ensure that it is integrated or linked with existing DRR & development plans/mechanisms in the barangay, city, BGC developers, MMDA, and NDRRMC framework. In this, the draft may be reviewed along with existing plans or share draft to proper authorities for comments and further guidance.

The BESC will seek endorsement of DRR Action Plan from the BGC Board of Directors. As regards participants to the workshop, the essential next step for them is to serve as focal points, inform their principals about direction of DRR AP formulation, and cascade the information down to the residents.

Within BESC, a formal structure may be created to coordinate and implement the DRR Action Plan. This structure may also perform the following functions: conduct proper risk assessments; dissemination of DRR information; simulation of action plan (e.g. drills); conduct security surveys, initiate pre-agreements with LGUs/agencies/private sector/NGOs; and adopt protocols for organizing emergency response and recovery.

To sustain the Action Plan the following are recommended: continuous monitoring and evaluation; conduct drills on regular basis; gather support from residents; pilot the DRR Action Plan; and conduct annual risk reduction summit.

   (2014/11/07 14:40)

12-14 May 2014 (Doha, Qatar)


0 Quatar group.JPGThe Permanent Emergency Committee (PEC) of the Ministry of Interior, State of Qatar has requested for workshop on disaster recovery planning to ensure that the State's development efforts are immediately back to normal in case of future disaster. While Qatar is a country that is less prone to disaster, the government is keen to strengthen their disaster management system considering the disasters that happened in neighboring countries such as flooding in Saudi Arabia and conflict in other parts of the gulf. Additionally, Qatar is making sure that its disaster management system should be functional and effective, especially that they are hosting many global events, including hosting the World Cup in 2022. Against this backdrop, the International Recovery Platform (IRP) and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) in close collaboration with UNISDR in the Arab States and the Global Training Education and Institute (GETI) had facilitated the workshop, 12-14 May 2014 at the Civil Defense Club House, Doha Qatar. The main objective of the workshop was to orient government officials with concepts of organizing recovery after a disaster. It was also intended to prepare the officials in formulating the Recovery Framework of the State of Qatar which is envisioned by the Civil Defense. With its experts in Doha, IRP/ADRC shared a collection of global experiences on disaster recovery, including lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) and Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake (1995), which served as reference in linking preparedness, recovery, and sustainable development. Furthermore, the workshop was also aimed at enhancing the knowledge of government officials in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and how this knowledge can be adequately integrated in the long-term development programing.
Close to 55 government officials from the State of Qatar and representatives of the private sector participated in the workshop to explore strategies and actions for the recovery framework. Partners from UNISDR-Arab States, GETI, and Civil Defense of Qatar also contributed in the discussions to ensure that partners' knowledge and experiences are shared. The Secretary General of Permanent Emergency Committee Brigadier Hamad Othman N. Al-Dehaimi, along with key officials from the Ministry of Interior, was present at the opening to highlight the expected outcomes of the workshop - i.e. enhanced knowledge on DRR and recovery. In this regard, the participants were exposed to various concepts and wide array of strategies and actions from the global experiences to reinforce the existing initiatives of the State of Qatar.
As way forward, the State of Qatar is contemplating of organizing a follow-up workshop to come up with a draft Recovery Framework.

(2014/05/21 14:40)

22-24 April 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

ADRC participated in the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting held on 22-24 April in Amari Watergate Bangkok, Thailand. Around 170 participants attended the meeting including representatives from Asian countries as well as the international and inter-governmental organizations. ADRC, with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) made the presentation titled "Outcome of the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2014 (ACDR2014) and Update from Sentinel Asia Project".

The main contents of the meeting were as follows.
1) Preparation of the 6th Asia Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR)
2) Sustaining engagement of the stakeholder groups
3) HFA monitoring and review: Consultation on proposed indicator system to monitor and review Post 2015 framework for DRR (HFA2)

This meeting was held as a role of preparatory meeting of AMCDRR (Bangkok) in this June and World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (Sendai) in next March. This meeting discussed outcomes of HFA in Asia region, and inputs toward the "Post-HFA".

(2014/05/01 13:40)

19-21 February 2014 (Cebu City, Philippines)

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The International Recovery Platform (IRP) and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) had facilitated a Workshop on Disaster Recovery Planning, 19-21 February 2014 at Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu City, Philippines. The main objective of the workshop was to provide technical assistance in formulating the recovery plans of local governments impacted by super typhoon Haiyan. With its experts in Cebu City, IRP/ADRC shared a collection of global experiences and lessons on disaster recovery, which served as reference in establishing a temporal link between preparedness, recovery, and sustainable development. The workshop was also aimed at strengthening the local capacities for integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in disaster recovery planning and long-term development programming.

Over 50 local government officials from the Provincial Government of Cebu, Provincial Government Leyte, Provincial Government of Samar, City Government of Tacloban, Municipal Government of Palo (Leyte), and Municipal Government of Basey (Samar) participated in the workshop to explore strategies and actions on recovery and reconstruction from the super typhoon. Additionally, partners from UNISDR-GETI (South Korea), Office of Civil Defense (Philippines), and GIZ-Philippines also participated to further contribute in the discussions and make sure that partners' knowledge and experiences are shared with the impacted local governments. The acting administrator of OCD General Romeo F. Fajardo along with the administrator of the Province of Cebu Atty. Mark Tolentino and OCD-Region 7 director Ms. Dina Morante were present at the opening to grace occasion and inspire the participants to work collaboratively and effectively. During this event, the participants were exposed to various options to "build back better" after a disaster. A wide array of strategies and actions from the Guidance Notes on Recovery served as options in which the local governments can adopt, if suited to their respective contexts. The lessons on recovery, as compiled by IRP/ADRC from various experiences around the globe, provided an additional input to build on the existing initiatives of local governments. At the end of the workshop, each local government came up with an outline of Recovery Plan, including a list of strategies, actions, and responsible offices/organizations to implement the proposed actions.

As way forward, the local governments intend to further refine the recovery plans together with local stakeholders, specifically the community. They will form working groups to fine-tune the output from the workshop. The revised draft will then be shared to other departments for comments and suggestions. After gathering the comments, the working group of each local government will incorporate them in the draft. The final version of the recovery plan will be submitted to the local council for discussion and adoption by the local government. Once adopted, the plans will be submitted and discussed with the Philippine Reconstruction Czar General Panfilo Lacson, who is the Presidential Assistant for Reconstruction from Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) for further amendments and funding. 


(2014/03/03 14:40)

 

23-25 October 2013 (Beirut, Lebanon)


The Government of Lebanon has recently adopted a National Response Framework (NRF) for Disaster. In view of this, the Government had requested IRP/ADRC to expand the Framework by integrating a Disaster Recovery Framework. In collaboration with UNDP Lebanon, IRP/ADRC facilitated a workshop on disaster recovery planning held at Grand Serail in Beirut Lebanon on 23-25 October 2013. The organization of the workshop was supported under the EC-funded project "Strengthening Region-based Capacities in Disaster Recovery Planning", which is being implemented by UNISDR through IRP/ADRC

About 25 high-level officials from different ministries of the Government of Lebanon participated in the workshop to explor options of recovery from disasters and conflicts. Additionally, representatives of international rganizations, specifically WHO and UNDP also participated to make sure that the workshop encapsulates local knowledge and regional experience. At the opening, several dignitaries delivered relevant messages. These included Gen. Mohamed Kheir, Secretary General of High Council of Defense of the Government of Lebanon; Mr. Shombi Sharp, Deputy Country Director of UNDP in Lebanon; and Ms. una Abu Sweireh, Program Manager of UNISDR Office in Bonn, Germany.

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Various aspects of recovery planning were discussed in this workshop. In particular, strategies and actions to "build back better" after disaster and conflict were explored using ocal and global cases as reference. The lessons on recovery, as compiled by IRP/ADRC from different experiences around the globe provided additional input to build on the existing government initiatives. The key output of the workshops is the consolidated strategic recommendations for recovery framework for disaster and conflict.

As way forward, all participants will be included in the Roster of Experts maintained by IRP/ADRC. Trained experts will continually receive information and update on recovery. Moreover, trained experts are expected to share knowledge gained from the workshops to other officials from different government ministries.


(2013/11/11 14:40)

15-17 October 2013 (Makati City)

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  The Makati City Government requested IRP/ADRC to facilitate the city's initiative of developing a Disaster Recovery Framework through a workshop held on 15-17 October 2013 at the City Hall Conference Room, Makati City, Philippines. Since Makati is the location of central business, the mayor wants to ensure that Business Continuity Plans (amongst others) are put in place and specified in the City Recovery Framework.

About 50 city officials from different departments participated in the workshop to explore strategies and actions on recovery. In addition, officials from other local governments of Metro Manila also participated to make sure that local knowledge and experiences within the Metropolis are shared. The General Manager of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was also present at the workshop. During this event, the participants were exposed to various options to "build back better" after a disaster. A wide array of strategies and actions from the Guidance Notes on Recovery serve as options for the city to adopt, if suited to its context. The lessons on recovery, as compiled by IRP/ADRC from various experiences around the globe, provided an additional input to build on the existing initiatives. The key output of the workshop is a draft Recovery Framework of Makati City.

As a way forward, the Makati Government formed a Working Group on Disaster Recovery Framework to fine-tune the output from the workshop. The draft will be shared to other departments for comments and suggestions. The working group will then incorporate the comments, and revise the draft. The final version of the Framework will be submitted to the City Council for discussion and adoption by the City Government in December 2013. Once adopted, sources of funds will be identified for its implementation.



(2013/11/11 14:40)

29 July to 3 August 2013 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)


In collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), IRP/ADRC facilitated a back to back workshop on disaster recovery planning for Ethiopian officials (29-31 July 2013) held at Dreamland Hotel in Bishoftu and for Somali officials (1-3 August 2013) held at Panorama Hotel in Addis Ababa. Both workshops were part of the three workshops intended for the Horn of Africa under the EC-funded project "Strengthening Region-based Capacities in Disaster Recovery Planning", which is implemented by UNISDR through the IRP. The third workshop is planned for South Sudan officials to be held in Juba on 25-27 September 2013. These workshops are aimed at creating a pool of recovery experts in the region as well as build a standby capacity in IGAD. Achieving this objective entails that support can be expected by any country in the region desiring technical assistance for disaster recovery planning.

Group Ethiopia.JPGAbout 25 officials from Ethiopia and 20 officials from Somalia participated in the first and second workshop, respectively. The participants were high-level, coming from different ministries of the government with knowledge and background on disaster risk management and long-term recovery. In addition, representatives of international organizations, specifically UNDP, ILO, WHO, JICA, and African Center for Disaster Risk Management (ACDRM) also participated to make sure that the workshop encapsulates local knowledge, regional experience, and international expertise. With Ethiopian government hosting the back to back event, H.E. Ato Mitiku Kassa, State Minister for Disaster Risk Management, came at the opening of both workshops. Additionally, H.E. Said Yousuf Noor, Somali Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, came at the first day of the workshop intended for the Somali government officials.

Group Somalia.JPGDuring the workshops, various aspects of recovery planning were discussed. In particular, options and strategies to "build back better" after long-drought and heavy flooding were explored in order to address the challenges that are expected in the recovery process. Although IRP/ADRC served mainly as facilitators, experts from WHO, ILO, and UNDP came to the workshop to share their expertise and experiences from their respective activities in the region. The following observations came out from the discussions. Firstly, there has been a paradigm shift in dealing with disaster in the region from "crisis management" to "risk management". This new paradigm embraces the importance of pre-disaster recovery planning and views disaster management in broader and holistic perspectives. Secondly, the disaster risk management activities initiated by the governments are aligned with the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). In other words, the governments have localized and reported updates on the priorities for action identified in the HFA. Finally, there have been ongoing initiatives by the governments on integrating disaster recovery planning in disaster risk management and sustainable development. One example is the DRM Strategic Program and Investment Framework (DRM-SPIF) of the Government of Ethiopia. The DRM-SPIF is an instrument that guides and prioritizes investment towards full operationalization of the DRM policy. Among a number of prioritized areas is the disaster recovery planning so that communities can "build back better" and become more resilient in future disasters. The lessons on recovery, as compiled by IRP/ADRC from various experiences around the globe, provided an additional input to build on the existing government initiatives. The key output of the workshops is the consolidated strategic recommendations for recovery plan for drought and flood.

 

(2013/8/12 14:30)

21-23 May 2013 (Geneva, Switzerland)

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Venue of 4th GP
(from UNISDR web site)

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) and International Recovery Platform (IRP) participated on the 4th Global Platform for Disaster Reduction (GP), hosted by UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), from 21 to 23 May 2013, held at the International Conference Centre Geneva, Switzerland. The 4th GP brought together over 3,500 participants from 171 countries with participation from national and local governments, inter-governmental organizations, non-government organizations, business, academics and communities.

The aim of the 4th GP is to continue the momentum into a durable and sustained effort from all actors to take shared responsibility in reducing risks and reinforcing resilience in our communities. And the 4th GP will be an opportunities to progress of Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) and to consult on the framework in the next term, so-called "HFA2".

The opening ceremony was opened 9:30 AM of 21 May at the main conference hall. Mr. Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Jan Eliasson, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Deputy Prime minister of Namibia and Civil Defense Minister of New Zealand had the welcome speeches.

Thereafter, about 170 official events, such as the official statements by participant countries, the introduction of participant organizations on their activities were held.

On the same day afternoon, ADRC held a special meeting titled "Regional Mechanisms for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia: Building Resilience through Innovation and Partnerships" co-hosted with Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and Asian Disaster Rescue and Response Network (ADRRN). Three organizations introduced their characteristic activities for their missions. (ADRC was established as the hub of international cooperation between central governments of member countries, ADPC was founded based on the outreach center of the Asian Institute of Technology and ADRRN is a network of national and local civil society organizations concerning DDR.) And several participants stressed the importance of strong cooperation between Asian regional organizations such as ADRC, ADPC and ADRRN.

There were also meetings among participants during the conference period. On 22 May, the executive director of ADRC had an opportunity of meeting with the delegate of Iran, Mr. Ghadami, Deputy of the Minister Interior and Head of National Organization for Disaster Reduction (NDMO). As Iran had joined ADRC member countries in last December, Mr. Ghadami expressed their high hope for support by ADRC in order to strengthen their DRR capacity. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interests in  developing the cooperation between ADRC and NDMO. Later day this meeting was introduced in NDMO's web site.

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Mr. Ghadami, Head of NDMO (left) and Mr. Natori, ED of ADRC
(from NDMO web site)


In 23 May, IRP hosted a forum on the lessons learned from the experiences of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Details are described in the next article.
At the closing ceremony, the chairperson, Mr. Dahinden, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, unveiled the draft of the Chair's Summary, and  Ms. Wahlström extended her gratitude to the participants.Japan's Government  delegate, Mr. Yoshitami Kameoka, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Management, declared that the next the UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) would be held on March 2015 in Sendai City in Japan.

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Mr. Kameoka, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Management, declared that the next WCDR would be held in Sendai City, Japan.



(2013/06/13 13:00)

18-20 February 2013, Algiers


The International Recovery Platform and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP/ADRC) facilitated a Workshop on Disaster Recovery Planning

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held at Grand Hotel Mercure in Algiers, Algeria on 18-20 February 2013. The event was jointly organized by the Government of Algeria, UNISDR, European Commission (EC), and IRP/ADRC. Over 40 officials including representatives from ministries, city governments, and United Nations organizations in Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Egypt participated in the workshop.  IRP/ADRC compiled the recommendations drawn from the workshop to be shared with concerned stakeholders to improve their recovery strategies and frameworks.

The outcomes of the workshop included: (i) key strategic recommendations for recovery plans along various sectors; (ii) plan for localizing the workshop module in the Arab States; (iii) commitment for continued information-sharing on disaster risk reduction and recovery among League of Arab States (LAS), UNISDR, and IRP/ADRC. Moreover, the partnership among organizers and country government will be strengthened for organizing similar events in the future. In particular, the sharing of new relevant case studies for the Arab States will be promoted and utilized in the forthcoming workshop to be organized in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in April 2013. 

(2013/03/12 14:40)

26-28 November 2012 (Belgrade, Serbia) 


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Over 40 officials from government ministries, municipal governments, United Nations organizations, and training institute participated in the Workshop on Disaster Recovery Planning on 26-28 November 2012 at Zira Hotel in Belgrade, Serbia. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Interior Sector for Emergency Management of Serbia, UNDP Serbia, UNISDR, European Commission (EC), and IRP/ADRC.

The workshop was a follow-up event to the Training on Resilient Recovery conducted in April 2011 by the same organizers. As envisioned in the follow-up event, experts from the National Training Institute of Serbia served as co-facilitators of the workshop - specifically on two sectors considered in long-term recovery: infrastructure and climate change adaptation. The workshop also provided the venue for experts and practitioners in Serbia to discuss the challenges that are commonly encountered in recovery and to explore measures to overcome them.

The outcomes of the workshop included: (i) consolidated strategic recommendations for disaster recovery plans for national and municipal governments in Serbia; (ii) agreement by the National Training Institute of Serbia to adopt the workshop module on Disaster Recovery Planning from IRP/ADRC, and to enhance the capacity of all concerned government ministries and municipal governments; and (iii) discussions between IRP/ADRC and UNDP Serbia for a potential partnership in implementing the proposed plan for establishing a "Resource Center for DRR" at Nis, Serbia to cater the needs of stakeholders not only in Serbia but for the entire Balkan region.


(2012/12/10 14:40)

29-31 October 2012 (Jakarta, Indonesia)


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The workshop on disaster recovery planning was held at Sari Pan Pacific Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, 29-31 October 2012. It was jointly organized by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), UNDP Indonesia, UNISDR for Asia and the Pacific, European Commission (EC), and IRP/ADRC. The workshop was designed to support the initiatives of the Government of Indonesia for better disaster recovery operations, specifically at strengthening the manuals on Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and Monitoring of Recovery Projects that were developed by the national government. The role of IRP/ADRC experts at the workshop was to provide technical assistance through sharing of lessons from global experiences.

Dr. Syamsul Maarif (Head of BNPB) and Mr. Bambang (Deputy for Reconstruction and Recovery of BNPB) are among the over 35 officials who actively participated in the workshop. At the end of the event, participants outlined key recommendations for recovery planning, including review of spatial planning blueprint and localization of revised manuals on PDNA and Monitoring of Recovery Projects.

To forward the recommendations from the participants, discussions between IRP/ADRC, AHA Centre, ASEAN Secretariat, and AusAID were facilitated.  One of the key follow up activities is to strengthen regional partnerships to further enrich knowledge of integrating disaster recovery planning into their national DRR plans and other planning instruments.

(2012/11/20 14:40)

22 - 25 October 2012 (Jogjakarta, Indonesia)

ADRC participated in the 5th AMCDRR held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia from 22 - 25 October 2012. Many participants comprising ministers of disaster management from more than 50 Asia-Pacific nations, representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, and NGOs attended this conference.

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The main theme of this conference is "Strengthening Local Capacity for Disaster Risk Reduction", and were discussed the various activities of disaster risk reduction at the local level. This conference was also discussed a new framework since 2015, the Hyogo Framework for Action has exited.

In this meeting, ADRC held co-organized side events, and served as a facilitator of pre-conference.

Pre Conference (PC3)
In the "Expert Meeting for the Disaster Risk Reduction Cooperation between Indonesia and Japan: To Enhance Local Capacity on DRR (Co-organized by BNPB and JICA)", ADRC's Executive director Natori served as the facilitator of the meeting.


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Side Event (SE2)
A symposium titled "Mainstreaming DRR toward post-HFA and Lessons Learnt from Mega Disasters" was co-organized by JICA and ADRC. ADRC made a presentation entitled "Lessons Learn from Mega Disasters and Implications for Mainstreaming of DRR".

Side Event (SE27)
Organized by UN-SPIDER, a meeting named "Improve DRR practices based on the lessons learned from major disasters in Asia - A space technology intervention." was held. ADRC made a presentation entitled "Considerations for effective use of space based information to assess Tsunami impact - Lessons learned from recent Tsunami in Japan".

(2012/11/7 13:40)
14-15 May 2012 (Singapore)

Harvard Kennedy School and National University of Singapore jointly hosted Asia Public policy Forum at Lee Kuan Yew School in Singapore on 14-15 May 2012.
bout 80 participants from research institute, private sector and government sector actively exchanged views and opinions on the issue of public policy on disaster management in Asia region.
ADRC played a role as a moderator in a session on Business Continuity Management and shared good practices on private public partnership policy frameworks among participants.
http://www.ash.harvard.edu/ash/APPF

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(2012/5/17 11:30)

14-16 February 2012 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)


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From 14 to 16 February 2012, Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted workshop on DRM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia targeting local government officials. Malaysia's National Security Council (NSC) and ADRC have been prepared for this training since 2009. Some 80 local officials in charge of DRM nationwide as well as NSC and line departments attended the workshop.

The officials from NSC, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) and relevant agencies gave lectures in this training, followed by Training of Trainers in 2010. The attending local officials, who are expected to play a pivotal role in community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM), learned topics such as NSC Directive, flood management, early warning and recovery efforts from tsunami in Malaysia and Japan and had group discussion on CBDRM. The training program drew a lot of interest from the participants and invited active discussion.

The workshop put an end to the training program in Malaysia but it is hoped that capacity building activities of local officials and communities will extend leading to further strengthen disaster resilience of the country.


(2012/2/27 17:40)

11-17 February 2012 (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)

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Since 2009, ADRC has initiated a pilot project of DR Policy Peer Review with the aim of developing DRR capacity of ADRC member countries by sharing information and strengthening the relationship among member countries. This year Tajikistan was selected as target country for the review project of the third year. After the submission of country report, reviewer team had visited target countries to conduct interview surveys.

The ADRC reviewer team, composed of Prof. Hiroshi Fukuoka (Associate Professor, Research Center on Landslides Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University), Dr. Tai-Hoon Kim (Analyst, National Disaster Management Institute, Ministry of Public Administration and Security, Republic of Korea), Mr. R.M.S. Bandara (Head, Landslide Studies & Services Division, National Building Research Organisation, Ministry of Disaster Management, Sri Lanka) and Ms. Miki Kodama, senior researcher of the ADRC visited Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The team visited various ministries and institutions involving in landslide DRR activities, including Committee of Emergency Situation (ADRC's counterpart in Tajikistan), to examine how they have been making the efforts for reducing landslide disasters by government and non-governmental organizations in Tajikistan. Then, the team conducted field survey at the affected area by the 2009 large-scale landslide disaster in Khuroson district, and prepared a draft report of the survey result with all findings and recommendations. A workshop was held for getting opinion and comments to finalize the report as well as introducing good practices for landslide DRR in Japan, Republic of Korea, and Sri Lanka. It provided a very good opportunity for exchanging opinions each other.

This project aims at developing the mutual learning process among the ADRC member countries instead of one-way learning. After the survey missions, reviewer teams will compile survey reports and send them to target countries and then to ADRC member countries to enhance cross-fertilization.

ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all of those who have made precious contribution to this project this year.
(2012/02/13 10:40)


27-29 January 2012 (Jakarta, Indonesia)


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From 27 to 29 January 2012, Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted Training of Trainers (TOT) for officials in charge of disaster risk management in Jakarta. This is part of a capacity building project in Southeast Asia that ADRC has been engaged in since 2008. Selected BNPB officials joined the TOT in order to serve as lecturers in coming workshop in the provinces.

The program focused on DRR topics such as recovery from disasters, raising public awareness as well as learning effective training skills. Even in a short period, 20 officials had intensive training and prepared for presentation till late at night. The participants made presentations in groups in accordance with their specialties in DRM and improved their understanding and training skills through interactive discussion and evaluation.

The participants of the TOT will conduct in subsequent training at local levels and it is expected that they will be able to facilitate fruitful training activities.

(2012/2/8 17:40)

13-14 December 2011 (Brunei)


ADRC has been implementing web-based GLIDE-associated disaster database development project in ASEAN countries since 2008 with the financial support by Japan ASEAN Integration Fund. The objective of this project is to facilitate all ASEAN countries to develop their own national disaster databases with GLIDE numbers incorporated by training government officials in charge of disaster information in ASEAN countries.

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ADRC held operator training for both GLIDE and DesInventar with kind support from National Disaster Management Center (NCDM) and UNISDR at Brunei University.

About 25 government officials from related departments participated in the training and actively exchanged views and opinions for future enhancement of the systems in Brunei.


(2011/12/14 11:30)

9-10 December 2011 (Taipei, Taiwan) 

Workshop on Business Continuity Plan and Emergency Preparedness on the Large-Scale Urban Earthquake was organized by the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) from 9 to 10 December 2011 in Taipei city.
 The ADRC explained the importance of business continuity plan (BCP) in the private sector for the regional resilience and the current situation of the private sector in the APEC region based on the research made by ADRC.
 About 80 officials, experts from public and private organizations participated in the workshop and actively exchanged views and opinions among them, demonstrating their strong interests in supply chain risk management and business continuity management.
(2011/12/9 11:30)

10 November 2011 (Incheon, Korea)


The ADRC was invited to the International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction Legislation and Policy as part of the Asian Forum of Legislative Information Affairs (AFOLIA). The Conference was organized by the Ministry of Government Legislation in cooperation with the National emergency Management Agency.

2011_11_14 002.jpgSpecifically, the ADRC made a presentation on "Disaster risk reduction legislation and policy in Japan" at Part I "Disaster risk reduction legislation and policy in Korea, China and Japan and cooperative measures" of the Conference. Other participants include representatives from Chinese government, UN and various organizations and universities The Forum was the first of its kind organized by the Ministry of Government Legislation and encompassed many areas, not only disaster risk reduction but many other fields as well. It manifested a strong initiative being taken by Korean Government within Asia.

While an interest in a post HFA (Hyogo Framework for Action) 2005-2015 and a need to establish international disaster response laws (IDRL) were growing, discussion on disaster legislations at the Conference was indeed significant and meaning attempt.

(2011/11/12 13:10)

7-8 November 2011 (Taipei, Taiwan)


 The 2011 International Workshop on Emergency Management was organized by the Ministry of Interior, Government of Taiwan from 7 to 8 November 2011 in Taipei city.

 Ten government officials and specialists on Disaster Emergency Management, including a ADRC's researcher, were invited to the workshop to make presentations and speeches. The ADRC explained the importance of business continuity plan (BCP) in the private sector for the regional resilience while other speakers presented case study on the response and recovery phase of large scale disasters both man-made and natural.

  About 200 officials, experts participated in the workshop and actively exchanged views and opinions among them, demonstrating their strong interests in disaster risk management.

(2011/11/09 11:30)

31 October -1 November (Jakarta, Indonesia)


This two-day symposium was organized jointly by Government of Indonesia, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and Harvard University. Under the main theme of "Moving ASEAN Community Forward into 2015 and Beyond", the symposium discussed various issues on the fulfillment of the ASEAN Economic Community that is due on 2015 and the future challenges beyond the date.

Among three substantive sessions organized, the ADRC participated in 2011_11_04 018.jpgthe Session 2: Moving the ASEAN Community Forward through Strengthening of Regional Corporation: Engendering a Resilient and Harmonious ASEAN whereby making a presentation "Strengthening regional cooperation in times of disaster".

In the outcome document titled"Jakarta Framework on Moving ASEAN Community Forward into 2015 and Beyond", it is mentioned that "the issues of resiliency, especially food security and energy security, as well as disaster management, have been identified as important challenges to be tackled" and "ASEAN's increasing demand for food and energy is even more challenging given the risks of natural disasters, for the fact that Asia is the most disaster prone region in the world."

(2011/11/02 13:10) 

27-28 October 2011 (Jakarta, Indonesia)


ADRC has been involved in a project to promote the "Multi-disciplinary Hazard Reduction from Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Indonesia" since 2009. As part of the project, many universities and research institutions in Japan and Indonesia have conducted research on disaster mitigation. And the international conference that served as the final meeting of this project was held on 27-29 Oct 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia. At this meeting, participants reported on all their research and results. ADRC presented a "Guidebook for Teachers" as the outcome document of its exploration of ways to promote disaster education and raise disaster awareness, and to promote partnerships between Indonesian and Japanese government agencies and research institutions.

(2011/11/01 18:30)

3 - 21 October 2011 (Papua New Guinea, Samoa)


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In October 2011, the Asian Disaster Reduction Center visited the Pacific countries, Papua New Guinea and Samoa in order to make interviews at NDMOs and relevant organizations and affected areas of past disasters over their DRM systems and activities. Faced with various disaster risks such as volcano, earthquake and tsunami, and cyclone, both countries have taken proactive measures especially in risk assessment, early warning and public awareness.

 

On 11 October, International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was observed in Papua New Guinea, hosted by ADRC counterpart, National Disaster Center (NDC), ISDR and UNDP. The event, supported by related agencies and NGOs, turned out to be successful attracting some 500 participants including school children. Also in Samoa, public awareness efforts have been extended in the wake of 2009 tsunami catastrophe.

(2011/12/15 17:40)

27-29 June 2011 (Bangkok, Thailand)


The Expert Group Meeting on Regional Knowledge and Cooperation for Comprehensive Multi-Hazard risk Management in Asia and the Pacific was organized by the United National Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) from 27 to 29 June 2011 at the United national Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The Meeting was attended by experts from many countries as well as experts from intergovernmental and international organizations. Invited by the ESCAP, ADRC also participated in the Meeting.

2011_07_01 011.JPGThe Meeting addressed: a) Asia Pacific Gateway on Disaster Risk Reduction and Development; b) Data for Disaster Risk Reduction and Assessment; c) Regional Cooperative Mechanism on Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning, Particularly Drought, and; d) Asia Pacific Disaster Report. Experts discussed in details relevant issues and needs and necessary actions. ADRC stressed the importance of compilation of disaster data, the used of GLIDE (Global Unique Disaster Identifier), sharing of experiences and lessons regarding to specific disasters such as the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

Following the above Expert Group Meeting, the UNESCAP Committee was convened from 29 June to 1 July and ADRC also participated in the Committee meeting as an observer. During discussion, a number of countries made mention about ADRC as being relevant to regional cooperation for disaster risk reduction. By showing gratitude to continued cooperation with those countries, ADRC expressed wish to continue to cooperate with them through its activities.

(2011/07/04 13:10)

14-17 March 2011, Yangon, Myanmar


myanmar_20110317.jpgOn 14 - 17 March 2011, Relief and Resettlement Department (RRD) of Ministry of Social Welfare of Myanmar, and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted Training of Trainers (TOT), a part of capacity building program for local government officials on disaster management, which ADRC has conducted since 2008 in ASEAN member countries. In Myanmar, the project was launched in 2010. With the participation of 30 participants including government officials from Yangon, Mandalay and Ayeyarwardy divisions, relevant organizations and NGOs, RRD and ADRC, the TOT covered such topics as early warning, damage & needs assessment, earthquake & tsunami and climatological disaster management followed by town watching and hazard mapping in Yangon suburbs. The participants of this training will then give lectures at coming workshops in the above-mentioned districts targeting local government officials.

Before the opening  of the training, the participants offered silent prayers for the victims of Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake in Japan which occurred on 11 March 2011.

(2011/03/28 17:40)

1-4 March 2011 (Islamabad, Pakistan)


The objective of this Workshop, which is organized jointly by UNESCAP, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) at SUPARCO, Islamabad, Pakistan, is to develop the capacity to build better resilience to water related disasters as well as for more effective adaptation to climate change through the applications of space technology and flood risk management in Pakistan.

IMG_1852.JPG Space-based technologies increasingly play an important role in disaster risk management as demonstrated by floods in Pakistan and in Thailand. ADRC was invited as an expert by the organizers and made two presentations on "Enhancing the use of space-based technologies for disaster risk management" focusing on Sentinel Asia and "Community-based disaster risk management" respectively. Participants especially from Pakistan showed great interest in Sentinel Asia and other space-technology related programmes. Also, some participants underscored the importance of community-based disaster risk reduction activities in Pakistan. Space-technologies have been becoming more relevant to and useful for disaster risk management.

ADRC as a focal point for emergency observations of Sentinel Asia and a regional support office of UNSPIDER will continue to contribute to this objective.

(2011/03/04 13:10)

13-19 February 2011 (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)

Through many of natural disasters experiences, Japan has accumulated knowledge of dealing with disasters and developed its expertise together with advanced policies and technologies in the area of disaster risk reduction. This unique experience provides Japan with many valuable knowledge and expertise that it must now endeavor to share effectively with other members of the international community. From this point of view, this project is launched by the Cabinet Office of Japanese Government last year. Mongolia and Indonesia were selected as target countries of the FY2010 project.

<Mongolia>
Following the preliminary discussion for project implementation in Mongolia in December 2010 and the study tour in Japan for the official of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): the implementing agency in January 2011, the workshops enhancing disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacities through transferring the measures and tools of Japan were conducted.

On 13-19 February 2011, the NEMA Mongolia in collaboration with the government of Japan and the ADRC conducted a series of workshops and trainings for strengthening the capacities for earthquake disaster education. They include trainings for the NEMA officials and school teachers, a workshop to learn Japanese DRR exercises utilized creative and innovative ideas, and lecture for school students, and DRR exercises in two target schools.

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Through the above mentioned activities, the NEMA and the related organizations and schools learned various knowledge, techniques, and tools for enhancing and promoting earthquake disaster education in Mongolia. We believe this project became one of the major driving forces for further promotion of earthquake DRR in Mongolia.
(2011/02/20 10:40)


7 January 2011, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar


On 7 January 2011, Myanmar's Relief and Resettlement Department (RRD), Ministry of Social Welfare and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) held a preparatory meeting for Training of Trainers under ASEAN Project, Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management in its capital Nay Phi Taw. Around 20 participants from RRD, relevant agencies, NGOs and ADRC discussed training method and topics for effective and efficient implementation of the coming training, which will cover such topics as comprehensive disaster risk management, early warning and emergency response.  


(2011/01/12 17:40)

2 December - 5 December (Colombo, Sri Lanka)


ADRC representative recently visited Sri Lanka to explore the possibility of further strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka and ADRC, especially focusing on the next Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) to be held in Sri Lanka sometime next year. 2010.12.09 103.JPGSri Lank, similar to many other Asian countries, is susceptible to various types of disasters. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, already six years ago, killed more than thirty thousand people, injured more than twenty thousand and affected more than 1 million populations in Sri Lanka, the sheer scale of which is second only to Indonesia. Flood and land/mud slides frequently cause extensive human and physical damages in many parts of the country, but one of the most recent ones was the flash flood occurred in the capital Colombo affecting a large number of residents.

During the stay there, we visited several disaster stricken sites. One of the most intriguing sites was the Tsunami Photo Museum located nearby the site of a passenger train washed away by Tsunami killing over a 1,000 people in Galle district, southern part of Sri Lanka. This museum, privately owned, contains precious photos and messages of Tsunami, but in a small hut.

(2010/12/7 13:10)

28 September - 2 October (Padang, Indonesia)


Large-scale inter-plate earthquakes have occurred recurrently in Indonesia, particularly around Sumatra Island, but it has been reported by many experts that such an earthquake is likely to happen off Padang in West Sumatra within thirty years or so.

2010.10.12 008.JPGTo prepare for such large-scale earthquakes, it is of urgent need to establish early-warning and transmission system, development of practical technologies for reduction of building vulnerability and community-based disaster risk management. Hence, two day workshop on 29 and 30 September was organised which coincided with one-year commemoration of the Padang Earthquake on 30 September 2009.

The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), the National Research Institute for Earthquake Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) from Japan, and the Metrological, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the Institute Technology Bandung (ITB) and Andalas University (UNAND) from Indonesia, among others, jointed the workshop.

As a result of discussion, it reached a consensus that future collaboration should focus on three substantive areas, namely early warning for earthquakes, practical technologies for reduction of building vulnerability and community-based disaster risk management.                                                                                         (2010/10/4 13:10)

21-23 September 2010 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)


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For three days starting from 21 October 2010, Malaysia's National Security Council (NSC) and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted a workshop in Kuala Lumpur as part of a community-based disaster risk management project. Nearly 50 people participated from various organizations including NSC, other disaster-related institutions, and municipalities

The workshop started with the opening remarks by NSC Secretary Hon. Datuk Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul and Mr. Ogu Salim bin Omar, Under Secretary of Disaster Management Division, NSC, in which were stated great expectation toward strengthening disaster resilience of communities in the country through this training. Then experts from ADRC, NSC, other relevant agencies and a local NGO gave lectures such as Total Disaster Risk Management, policy and mechanism on Malaysia's disaster management, various disaster risk reduction activities. Followed by the lectures, participants visited Malaysian Meteorological Department and Department of Irrigation and Drainage to learn weather and river monitoring systems and practices.

The participants showed great interests in the lectures with active discussion during the workshop. From now on, municipal and community-level training is scheduled in the country where the participants of this workshop will then give lectures as trainers.

Since 2009 NSC and ADRC have been implementing a project for capacity building of local government officials in Malaysia, which could have synergy effects on this CBDRM activity.

 (2010/10/15 17:40)

September - October 2010 (Cebu, Davao, and Manila, the Philippines)


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From September to October 2010, the Philippines' Office of Civil Defense (OCD) / National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC) and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted workshops for capacity building of local government officials in Cebu, Davao and Manila.

These workshops are part of a project which OCD/NDCC and ADRC have been promoting since 2009. Prior to these, training of trainers (TOT) was conducted this March and the ten participants of the TOT then gave lectures at workshops this time.

The workshops in Cebu (16-17 September), Davao (27-28 September) and Manila (7-8 October), with participation of more than 120 officials, covered topics such as scope of newly approved Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Act, contingency planning, incident command system and disaster-specific management like earthquake and tsunami, and typhoon followed by hazard mapping as field activity.

The participants showed great interests in these topics, actively exchanging opinions during lectures. Through town watching in disaster-prone areas, they reassured the importance of raising awareness of local officials and communities.

It is hoped that the experience of this project will be utilized for the capacity development of local government officials in the country.

 (2010/10/15 17:40)

15-17 September 2010(Seattle, USA)


This program was jointly organized by Peace Winds America (NPO) and the City of Seattle, and was held from 15-17 October at the Seattle Office of Emergency Management. The program aimed to promote the sharing of experiences and ideas regarding natural disasters and emergency management between local government officials in the US and Japan.

2010.09.23 008.JPG The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), at the request of the organizers, provided help with the coordination of the participating organizations from Japan. Also, ADRC gave a presentation on "Government Coordination" in Japan and facilitated discussions throughout the program.
The participants included Japanese officials from the Ministry of Defense, Osaka Prefecture and the City of Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture and the City of Kobe, and Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima, as well as American representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Seattle, King County, the City of Honolulu, Microsoft, Boeing, and other organizations. The participants gave presentations on their own experiences and the outlook for the future from the viewpoint of those who are doing practical disaster management work on the ground. The Japanese participants were particularly impressed with the collaborative frameworks that have been developed in the US to enable local governments, private companies, and NGOs to work together.
This exchange program is expected to become an annual event and thus is expected to prove highly useful to both US and Japanese local governments long into the future.

(2010/09/18 13:10)

 

Thailand, 30-31 August, 2010

ASEAN_Thai_20100831.JPGDepartment of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) of Thailand's Ministry of Interior and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) jointly organized a workshop for local government officials in its northeastern province Khon Kaen at Khon Kaen Hotel on 30-31 August.

This workshop was part of capacity building program of local government officials for ASEAN countries, under which DDPM and ADRC had prepared since 2009 for further promoting capacity development. And it was a final activity of this program in Thailand.

A total of 41 local officials attended the workshop to take lectures on disaster risk management and countermeasures and to visit disaster-prone areas for making hazard maps as a case study. The participants reassured the importance of promoting disaster risk management activities in their areas through the workshop.

Led by experienced trainers, who are government officials themselves, the workshop facilitated active participation of many participants from surrouding areas. Further, the trainers improved their teaching materials and methods through three previous workshops within this program. Therefore, it is expected that DDPM will continue activities of this kind in other areas of Thailand by making good use of the experiences of this program.
 (2010/08/30 10:40)

Songkla, Thailand, 19-20 July 21, 2010


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Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Ministry of Interior and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) organized a workshop targeting  local government officials in its southern province Songkla.

On 19-20 July 2010, a total of 30 local officials gathered at a Songkla Campus of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Academy in the province to take lectures on disaster risk management and countermeasures and visit disaster-prone areas for making hazard maps.

With the lead by experienced Trainers, who are government officials themselves, the workshop brought about active participation in the program which was co-developed by DDPM and ADRC. The participants reassured the importance of both structural and non-structural measures during the activities.

This workshop is part of capacity building program of local government officials for ASEAN countries, under which DDPM and ADRC have prepared since 2009 for further promoting capacity development in the country. Followed by this batch, similar workshops are scheduled in northern and north-eastern provinces this year. 

 (2010/08/05 17:40)


 

Indonesia, 13-16 July, 2010 


ADRC and Bandan National Penanggulangan Bencana (National Disaster Management Agency, BNPB) have lunched "the Project on Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management."

This project is one of four capacity development projects for the ASEAN member countries that ADRC has been conducting since 2008 and Indonesia is belonging the 3rd year Group composed of Singapore and Myanmar.

Geographically Indonesia is an archipelago situated at a juncture of four tectonic plates where seismic and volcanic activities occur constantly. They make for a high potential and proneness to disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Also, because of topographical and hydro-metrological conditions, the country is subject to disaster such as floods, landslides, forest fires and drought, too. There is thus an urgent need to further strengthen the capacity building of local government officials in charge of disaster management, as they play a critical role in every phase of the disaster management cycle.

On 13-16 July 2010, ADRC and BNPB held a kick off meeting on the project targeting local government officials.

ADRC and BNPB will work together on the implementation of the 20-manth project form 2010 to 2011, starting with the creation of an expert team tasked with the development of training materials.

(2010/07/20 17:30)

1-2 July 2010, Bangkok, Thailand


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The Technical Workshop to develop the Regional Roadmap for Promoting Regional Cooperation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 1-2 July to discuss and develop the regional roadmap for promoting regional cooperation on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Asia. The Workshop was organised jointly by UNSIDR, UNESCAP, NEMA of Korea and ADRC. This regional roadmap is planned to be one of the main outocomes of the 4th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) to be held in Incheon, Korea, in October this year.

As many as around 50 experts from UN and other international organisations, Government Ministries/Agencies, and INGOs participated in the Workshop. From the ADRC, Mr. Atsushi KORESAWA and Mr. Huy Nguyen participated in the workshop. Also, ADRC facilitated the participation of experts from JICA, the Meteorological Research Institute of Japan's Meteorological Agency, and JAXA.

The experts discussed, inter alia: 1) the conceptual framework for promoting regional cooperation for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Asia: 2) the objectives of the regional road map, and: 3) the elements of the regional road map. Based on the result of two day discussion, UNISDR in cooperation with other partners will make a first draft of the roadmap which will be further examined at the upcoming IAP meeting in Incheon, Korea on 11-13 August.

The ADRC is expected to play a key role as one of lead agencies at the 4th AMCDRR, and therefore, will continue to take an active part in its preparatory process.

(2010/07/05 13:10)

23-24 June 2010, Nay Phi Taw, Myanmar


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Myanmar's Relief and Resettlement Department (RRD) under Ministry of Social Welfare and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) have launched a program, Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management.

This is one of the four capacity development programs for ASEAN countries that ADRC has been conducting since 2008, including disaster education promotion, utilization of satellite image on disaster management and development of Web-based GLIDE-associated database on natural hazards.

On 23-24 June 2010, RRD and ADRC held a kickoff meeting to discuss implementation of the program. Myanmar, which incurred devastating damages from 2008 Cyclone Nargis, is exposed to various disaster risks such as storms, floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunami, droughts and fires. Thus it is of urgent need to further strengthen capacity of government officials in charge of disaster management.

RRD and ADRC will cooperatively work for the implementation of the program, starting with setting up an expert team for training materials development.

 (2010/06/30 17:40)

20 May 2010 (Makati City, Philippines)


Atsushi KORESAWA of ADRC attended the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Partnership Conference held on 20 May 2010 in Makati City, the Philippines.

IMG_0962.JPGThe ASEAN Committee on Disaster management (ACDM) adopted the AADMER Work Programme at its 15th Meeting in March in Singapore. The AADMER Work Programme is expected to contribute to the resiliency of peoples belonging to the ASEAN community of ten nations. It also contributes to the achievement of the global priorities stipulated in the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).

At the Conference, the ACDM members explained the ADDMER Work Programme in some details with the intention of gathering support from partners for the implementation of the AADMER Work Programme, particularly Phase 1 (2010-2012) flagship projects. The ADRC was invited as one of those partners.

ADRC has already engaged in the implementation of similar activities both within and outside ASEAN countries and accumulated relevant experiences and expertise. Therefore, the ADRC would be pleased to be involved in some of the ASEAN flagship projects presented in coming years.

( 2010/05/31 13:10)

 

5-6 May, Singapore


The roundtable on Asian Regionalism was organized by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Centre on Asia and Globalization (CAG) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on 5-6 may at the LKY School in Singapore. Many experts in the fields of energy security, climate change and natural disaster response attended the roundtable from across Asia.

IMG_0934.jpgThe Asian Disaster Reduction Center had been involved in the preparatory process to some extent, but the organizers invited Mr. Atsushi KORESAWA of the ADRC as one of the discussants in the session "Response to Natural Disasters." He presented why ADRC was established and how ADRC has been conducting its activities as one example of many regional/sub-regional organizations in Asia, especially focusing on its comparative advantages. The head of SAARC Disaster Management Centre in New Delhi and the executive director of the Pacific Disaster Center in Hawaii also participated in the session as discussants.

CSIS will produce a report by reflecting discussions at this forum. It has become certain hat disaster management has been gaining its importance in the context of the non-traditional security areas. However, it has been recognized that there are many disaster management related activities conducted by many different organizations which have some similarities or commonalities and thus some rationalization is required to make them more effective and useful.
ADRC will continue to conduct its activities in good collaboration with other organizations and focus on areas which ADRC has comparative advantages.

Note) 

CAG:  Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy,   National University of Singapore
CSIS:  Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington

(2010/05/12 13:10)

25-26 March 2010 (Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam)


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Vietnam's Central Committee for Flood and Storm Control (CCFSC) and the Asian Disaster Management Center (ADRC) organized a workshop for local government officials in Thua Thin Hue province on 25-26 March 2010. A total of thirty-five officials from the province, the CCFSC and the ADRC participated in the two-day workshop.

As part of ASEAN project Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management, this workshop marked the third one in the country followed by those in Thien Giang and Lao Cai provinces. 

In this workshop, local officials took lectures including institutional and legal framework of provincial disaster risk management, early warning and Japan's experiences based on the subjects lectured in the Training of Trainers (TOT) in June 2009 where the trainers had participated. Owing to the assistance of the CCFSC and provincial officials, the trainers gave lectures in instructive and interactive manners, bringing about active discussion and fruitful feedback.

ADRC hopes that the outcome of this project will be shared in other provinces and contribute to capacity development of local officials on disaster management throughout the country.

Likewise the workshops for local government officials are scheduled in Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand in 2010.

(2010/03/31 17:40)

Thailand and the Philippines
February - March 2010


From late February through early March 2010, the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted trainings for government officials in charge of disaster management with Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), and Philippines' Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC) in Bangkok and Manila respectively. (Photos: Thailand and the Philippines, from above)

 

thailand.JPGのサムネール画像The trainings are part of ASEAN cooperation project Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management. ASEAN's national disaster management organizations and the ADRC conduct training for trainers (TOT) and then the trainers give lectures at workshops for local government officials in each country.

 

 

philippines.JPGのサムネール画像During this TOT in Thailand and the Philippines, the participants took lectures on various DRR/DRM topics developed by experts from each country such as the institutional framework of DM system in their countries and disaster-specific issues including flood, tropical storm, earthquake and tsunami. The two trainings drew positive response from the attendants, resulting in active discussion among them over the covered topics and coming workshops. They will give lectures as trainers in subsequent workshops for local officials, which are scheduled in the middle of this year.

(2010/03/08 17:40)


January - February 2010 (Cambodia)


Cambodia's National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted a series of workshops for local government officials in charge of disaster management in Kompong Chhnang, Pursat and Kompong Thom provinces from late January to early February 2010. Some 30 local officers at each province, totaling 90, participated in the workshops

 The workshops are part of the ASEAN Capacity cambodia.jpgのサムネール画像のサムネール画像Development of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management, which ADRC and disaster management organizations in ASEAN countries have started since 2008. In Cambodia, following Training of Trainers (TOT) in June 2009, the workshops were held by inviting lectures from the 10 local officials from the provinces who participated in the TOT.

Workshop included lectures such as the national disaster management system, information on disaster risks, and total disaster risk management and Town Watching and hazard mapping to increase their expertise on DRR and how to raise public disaster awareness. 

With participants' active discussion and cooperation by NCDM and the local officials, the workshops resulted in success. The outcome of the workshops is expected to be shared with other provinces as well.

(2010/01/25 17:40)

 

21-22 December 2009 (Luangnamtha, Lao PDR)


The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) of Lao PDR and the Asian Disaster Management Center (ADRC) organized a workshop for local government officials in Luangnamtha province on 21-22 December 2009.  Some thirty officials from line departments of the province participated in the workshop together with three officials from the NDMO and one from ADRC.

This workshop is part of ASEAN project Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management, and the third one in the country followed by the workshops in Vientiane and Bolikhamxay provinces. 

luangnamtha.JPGDuring the two-day workshop, the local officials took lectures on disasters and risks, legal framework of national and provincial disaster risk management, risk assessment and flood management based on the subjects lectured in the Training of Trainers (TOT) in June 2009 where the trainers had participated. Owing to the assistance of NDMO and provincial officials, the trainers gave lectures in instructive and interactive manners, bringing about active discussion and fruitful feedback.

The ADRC hopes that the outcome of this project will be shared in other provinces and contribute to capacity development of local officials on disaster management throughout the country.

Similarly the workshops for local government officials are scheduled in early 2010 in Cambodia and Vietnam as the 1st year group countries in this project.

(2010/01/04 17:40)

13-14 December (Dhaka, Bangladesh)


1.JPGのサムネール画像のサムネール画像ADRC actively participated in the International Forum on Tornado Disaster Risk Reduction held on 13-14 December 2009 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This event was organized jointly by the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management and the Ministry of Defense of Bangladesh, Tokyo Polytechnic University, the Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness Center (BDPC), and the International Association of Wind Engineering.

Bangladesh is known as a country prone to various natural hazards, including cyclones, floods, and storm surges. Tornados occur almost every year, often resulting in extensive casualties and damage. Recently, for example, the 1996 tornado in Tangail killed about 700 people. Despite such devastating consequences, adequate tornado preparedness measures are still lacking, with efforts still needed in the areas of early warning systems and evacuation shelters. This forum was therefore held to raise awareness among policymakers, practitioners, and civil society of the risks posed by tornadoes and other severe local storms, as well as to promote the development of strategies for mitigating future disaster risks.

During the forum, ADRC gave two presentations, on "Governance and Policy Making" and "Public Awareness and Education." ADRC presented a wide range of issues concerning the progress made toward the HFA, as well as the remaining challenges, and highlighted the roles that awareness-raising efforts and education should play in Bangladesh. The presentations also summarized the ADRC's relevant activities in Bangladesh in the past. For more details, please visit the website(http://www.iawe.org/WRDRR_Bangladesh/).

(2009/12/14 13:10)

7-12 December 2009 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

errp200912_1.jpgThe 4th ERRP Regional Workshop was held in Dhaka on 10-12 Decmber 2009. The participants from each ERRP country exchanged of their opinions actively in the general workshop and also group formation/ discussions in parallel sessions concerning about the technical / financing/ monitoring and evaluation. On the last day of the Workshop, we visited Mirpur Training Center, Fire Service and Civil Defense and observed the fire drill at earthquake time. Flood disaster prevention is the major disaster management in Bangladesh, but felt enthusiasm to wrestle with earthquake disaster prevention more positively. At the end, it is requested from ADRC to make the best use of the results of last 2 years' ERRP activities in each member country and to develop ERRP further at each country level continuously in future.

errp200912_2.jpgIn addition, ADRC carried out the guidance of the technical assistance service on 7-8 December 2009 at Rangamati Municipality ( from Chittagong to north-east for about three hours by car). We conducted the training about "Earthquake safe construction of Masonry Building" and "Quality Management of Reinforced Concrete Building" to the thirty local engineers stationed in Rangamati Municipality, then we visited several construction sites to observe the defects and also the counter measures with exchanging the technical opinions between us. This technical assistance service had been successfully completed.
(2009/12/15 19:10)

17-19 November (Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam)

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The National Disaster Management Centre of Brunei Darussalam and the ADRC conducted a training of trainers (TOT) in Bandar Seri Begawan on 16 - 19 November, 2009. The training is a part of the ASEAN project Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management which started in 2008 aiming at strengthening the capacity of local officials in charge of disaster management. The ADRC and national disaster management organizations plan to cooperatively conduct trainings for local government officials in each ASEAN member country.

This TOT in Brunei Darussalam was attended by some twenty participants from DRR and relevant departments including fire department. On the first and second days of the training, the participants received lectures such as the disaster management systems of Brunei Darussalam and Japan, Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), and disaster-specific countermeasures to further acquire their knowledge on DRR. On the third day, they conducted town watching, developed community-based multi-hazard maps in Tutong district, and discussed how to raise public awareness of the community. The trainers who have just completed the training this time will then provide trainings to local government officials at subsequent workshops. Also, the ADRC will implement TOTs and local workshops in other ASEAN countries next year.

 (2009/12/15 17:40)

15-19 June 2009 (Geneva, Switzerland)

gp2nd_01.jpgADRC participated in the Second Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Reduction which was held in Gevena, Switzerland on 15-19 June 2009. The Session with participants from approximately 300 regional/national organizations and governments concluded urging political leaders to implement measures to halve the number of deaths from natural hazard by 2015.

ADRC organized/co-organized several pre-session and special events in the Session with the partner organizations including pre-session event on Central Asia cooperation, and special events on the UN-SPIDER programme, launch of wind disaster related group, and indigenous knowledge for disaster risk reduction. Besides, taking this opportunity, ADRC made informal discussion with the participants from the related organizations for further cooperation and collaboration.

ADRC also showcased the recent major projects, services and networks that support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) in the Market Place of the Session.

More detailed information of the 2nd Session of the Global Platform can be found in the following website.
http://www.preventionweb.net/globalplatform/2009/
(2009/06/22 10:40)

10-12 June (Hanoi, Vietnam)

16-18 June (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

23-25 June (Vientiane Province, Lao PDR)


In June 2009, the ADRC and disaster management organizations of Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam conducted trainings of trainers (TOT) in the ASEAN Project: Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management, which aims at reinforcing capacity of local government officials in charge of disaster management in the region. After the TOT, 10 participants will give lectures to 90 local officials in each country.dmc.gif

On 10 - 12 June 2009, Vietnam's Disaster Management Center (DMC) and the ADRC conducted TOT with the participants from Thua Thien Hue, Lao Cai and Tien Giang provinces and DMC. Experts from the ADRC, DMC, and Vietnam Red Cross gave lectures on risk assessment, disaster mitigation for flood, training facilities skills etc followed by town watching and community-based hazard mapping in Hanoi on the final day.

On 16-18 ncdm.gifJune 2009, TOT was held in Phnom Penh with topics such as total disaster risk management, Cambodia's situation about disaster risk reduction, and development planning and disaster risk reduction lectured by the country's National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) and the ADRC. Participants were composed of local government officials from Kompong Thom, Pursat and Kompong Chhnang provinces. On the final day, town watching / community-based hazard mapping was also organized in Kandal province.

On 23-15 June 2009, ndmo.gifNational Disaster Management Office (NDMO) of Lao PDR and the ADRC held TOT in Vientiane province with participants from Vientiane, Bolikhamsay, and Luangnamtha provinces where the experts from the ADRC, NDMO, Lao Ministry from Education and Meteorological Agency lectured on contingency planning, urban planning and disaster risk management, early warning system, and rapid assessment etc. The local officials were divided into three groups by the province and conducted hazard mapping for risk assessment.

Through all the trainings, participating officials gained further expertise on various topics and had active discussions for coming training of local government officials. In the hazard mapping, they made risk assessment in the area based on what they learned in the TOT, discussed measures to be taken by every sector and reassured the importance of public awareness of disaster risk reduction.

Following the TOT, the three countries and ADRC will start workshops targeting local government officials from now on.

 (2009/07/02 17:40)

NDMC&NSC.gif21-22 May (Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam)

27-28 May (Putrajaya, Malaysia)

 

The ASEAN project: Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management was launched in Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia in May 2009. The project aims at strengthening capacity of local government officials in charge of disaster risk reduction in ASEAN countries. In 2009, the project started in the Philippines and Thailand in April.

 

The ADRC conducted kick-off meetings with the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) of Brunei Darussalam in Bandar Seri Begawan on 21-22 May, and with Malaysia's National Security Council (NSC) in Putrajaya on 27-28 May. Following the introduction about the project by the ADRC, the NDMC and NSC briefed on their disaster management systems and training systems. Then the organizations and the ADRC discussed the training schedule, topics, target areas etc considering the training needs of the countries. After training materials are developed by experts, training of trainers, and then training of local government officials are scheduled from now on.

(2009/06/29 17:40)

ndcc&ddpm.JPG22-23 April (Manila, Philippines), 27-28 April (Bangkok, Thailand)

 

The second year program of the ASEAN project was launched in the Philippines and Thailand in April 2009, which aims at capacity building of local government officials in disaster management in the region. The program covers Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand this year.
The ADRC held conducted kick-off meetings on 22-23 in Manila, and then on 27-28 April in Bangkok with the national disaster management organizations of Philippines' National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC), and Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDMP) respectively. The participants of the meetings identified the needs for training based on the disaster management systems and training experiences of the countries. Then discussed on the program were issues such as training topics, experts to give lectures, the details for training of trainers and subsequent training for local government officials, and development of training materials. Also the participants visited training facilities for disaster management in both countries, the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) of the Philippines and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Academy (DPMA) of Thailand.

(2009/05/25 17:40)

7-9 April 2009 (Chengdu, China)

The International Forum on Recovery and Reconstruction of Yingxiu, organized by Sichuan Provincial Construction Department, Guangdong Provincial Construction Department, Government of Aba Prefecture and China Academy of Building Research, was held in Chengdu, China, from 7 to 9 April, 2009. Three participants, headed by Mr. Suzuki, Executive Directive, from Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), one of the co-organizer, attended the forum. Please refer the file below for the detail.

Forum_Report_e.pdf

(2009/05/12 17:30)

 

 

28 February - 19 March 2009 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)


JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) started the survey to formulate the comprehensive support program for Bangladesh where it has suffered many natural hazards. The program may include some yes-loan-financed projects. The survey focuses on water management including flood and cyclone and earthquake management as a sub-sector. Based on the survey, some projects which require urgent implementations would be considered and formulated when necessarily. The duration of the survey mission in Bangladesh is from 28th Feb to 19th March. Koji Suzuki, Executive Director of Asian Disaster Reduction Center participated in the survey mission. The mission visited the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management that is the Bangladesh counterpart government organization of Asian Disaster Reduction Center and Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness Center that Asian Disaster Reduction Center has long been working with. The mission had meetings at Ministry of Water Resource, Dhaka Geophysical Observatory, Dhaka Fire Brigade, BRAC University, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, UNDP and ADB. It also made some filed surveys on construction sites in Dhaka guided by Public Works Department and some river sites.

(2009/03/12 13:10)

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