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Activity Report: Themes & Issues >> Education & Public Awareness for DRR

10 January 2024 (online)

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The second webinar series on climate change projection for disaster risk reduction in Asia-Pacific region was held on 10 January 2024. This webinar highlighted the results of projection study held in Nepal and the utilization of climate change-related data. The Advanced Study of Climate Change Projection (SENTAN) Project invited two experts from Nepal to the webinar to share their information and experiences. 

Prof. Binaya Kumar Mishra, School of Engineering at Pokhara University, presented the projected changes in flood frequency at Bagmati River in Nepal. The Bagmati river basin, located at the upstream of Khokana, covers the Kathmandu valley which in recent years has been experiencing devasting flood events. In view of this, Pokhara University set up the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) to assess the change in flood discharge under climate change scenarios. Very high-resolution of Non-Hydrostatic Regional Climate Model (NHRCM) precipitation outputs was used to assess the future flood risks in the Kathmandu valley. The major results found in this study were: 1) greater precipitation extremes were found for the Regional Climate Model (RCM) precipitation output; and 2) the increase in precipitation extremes for future climate condition indicates greater flood risks in Kathmandu valley.

Ms Bibhuti Pokharel, Chief of Climate Section, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) of the Government of Nepal, presented the Climate Service Information that DHM provides. She mentioned that DHM monitors the precipitation and temperature in Nepal to inform imminent droughts, heat waves, and extreme events. The climate data, produced by DHM, is utilized for climate projections as well as to inform the national master plan and policy on climate change. Moreover, the climate service information is provided to the following sectors: aviation, agriculture, water, energy, health, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). However, there are limitations and gaps in the climate information service. Ms Pokharel said that the quality of climate information was not high due to some limitations in research capacity and infrastructure. For instance, while DHM currently utilizes statistical downscaling, it has no capacity to utilize dynamical downscaling. Therefore, the assistance of partners such as SENTAN will be highly appreciated.

Other speakers at the webinar were: (1) Prof. MORI Nobuhito, Research Division of Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Disasters, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, who introduced Japan's National Climate Program or SENTAN; (2) Dr NAKAEGAWA Toshiyuki, Head of Second Laboratory, Department of Applied Meteorology Research, Meteorological Research Institute of Japan Meteorological Agency, who showed how future climates are projected in a computer; (3) Dr MURATA Akihiko, Head First Laboratory, Department of Applied Meteorology Research, Meteorological Research Institute of Japan Meteorological Agency, who presented the dynamical downscaling of climate projection data; (4) Mr MORI Noriyuki, Deputy Director, International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management, who presented on the Platforms on Water Resilience and Disasters for Social Sustainability; and (5) Prof. TACHIKAWA Yasuto, Hydrology and Water Resources Research Laboratory, Kyoto University, who explained about the key points raised at the webinar and encouraged further collaboration between SENTAN Project and DHM Nepal.

This webinar was co-facilitated by Prof. KOBAYASHI Kenichiro, Associate Professor at the Risk Communication Research Department, Security Research Communication Group, Research Center for Urban Safety and Security in Kobe University and Mr Gerry Potutan, Senior Researcher at Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC). The video recording and materials can be accessed on the website: 
(2024/01/17 15:00)
5 December 2023 - 29 January 2024 

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The JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program "Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for the African Region 2023" was conducted from 5 December 2023 to 29 January 2024, with the cooperation of JICA Kansai. It was conducted in a hybrid format, with both online and in-person programs in Japan, with attendance from 13 government officials from 12 countries: Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Cape Verde.

The course aims to assist participants to formulate and implement local DRR plans to promote disaster reduction measures in their country. The participants attended lectures, joined site visits and Town Watching activity. They also participated in exercises to formulate a draft local DRR plan. ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the supporting organizations and universities for their cooperation in conducting the course.
(2024/02/05 15:00)
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)
15 November 2023 (Online)

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ADRC's Online Tsunami Seminar held on 15 November 2023 dwelt with the "State and Challenges of Community-Based Tsunami Preparedness." It is essential that communities living in tsunami-prone areas prepare for tsunami disaster through awareness-raising, evacuation drills, and early warning systems (EWS). The speakers at the seminar concluded that if tsunami preparedness is integrated in the daily lives of residents, it helps save lives and reduce the impacts on properties and livelihoods.

Mr Gerry Potutan, ADRC Senior Researcher, moderated the session to achieve two key objectives: 1) share community-based tsunami preparedness programs and activities; and 2) discuss challenges in implementing community-based tsunami preparedness activities in different countries. Three speakers from ADRC member countries were invited to broaden and deepen the discussion.

Ms Thai Minh Huong, Officer of International Cooperation Science and Technology Department, Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority, Vietnam, reported that while Vietnam has not experienced tsunami disaster yet, the government has been mobilizing the communities and schools to prepare. The activities include: awareness-raising on tsunami at schools and commune, regular organization of tsunami drills, and installation of tsunami early warning system. Ms Huong noted that tsunami disaster-preparedness in Vietnam is a proactive approach, stressing that "although there was no prior tsunami experience in Vietnam, it does not mean it will not occur." In the same light, the government is facing a challenge to convince communities in areas where tsunami may occur to actively participate in the preparedness programs. 

Mr Ranjith Alahakoon, Assistant Director at the Polonnaruwa District under the Ministry of Defence, District Disaster Management Unit, Sri Lanka, said that some coastal communities in Sri Lanka were impacted by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004. With that experience, the government has been implementing a tsunami preparedness program, including the establishment of the community organizations (VDMC). However, one of the challenges VDMCs face is that they do not have any "legal status," therefore there had been cases where the government could not provide them financial supports. As a  result, VDMCs do not have "active engagement" in the preparedness programs introduced by the government for lack of "ownership." One lesson from this experience is that "top-down" approach with no legal fund transfer could be challenging. 

Dr NAKANO Genta, Assistant Professor, Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan, reported that the community-based preparedness efforts have evolved through past tsunami experiences. Recently, a more organized approach that adopts a "collaborative model" to community tsunami-preparedness has been promoted in Japan. Showing the case of Okitsu community in Shimanto Town of Kochi Prefecture, he explained that this model assigns responsibility to every collaborating partner, where: 1) volunteer organization links the school, municipality, and expert; 2) elementary school educates the children to protect themselves from tsunamis; 3) town government implements infrastructure improvements; and 4) university provides specialized information on earthquake and tsunami disaster. One example of the collaborative activity is the elaboration of "bosai map," wherein students are taught to think about necessary tsunami evacuation measures. 

In the closing remarks, Mr SASAHARA Akio, ADRC Executive Director, stressed the importance of regularly conducting awareness-raising activities on tsunami disaster so that knowledge is transferred, shared, and not forgotten. 

You can visit the webpage for the Tsunami Online Seminar 2023 in ADRC website for more information: 
(2023/11/22 15:00)
31 October 2023 
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Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) will hold this year's Online Tsunami Seminar on 15 November 2023 on the theme of "State and Challenges of Community-Based Tsunami Preparedness." The seminar will encourage discussions among participants on the progress and challenges in tsunami preparedness, highlighting the experiences from Japan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. 

- ADRC Online Tsunami Seminar 2023
  "State and Challenges of Community-Based Tsunami Preparedness"

- Date and Time
  14:00-15:30, 15 November 2023 (JST, UTC+9)

- Website

- Zoom Registration

For details and registration, kindly click on the above-mentioned website links. We look forward to meeting you online!
(2023/10/31 15:00)
5 October 2023 (Malaysia)
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As a project to promote the "Capacity Building on Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR)" programme under the ASEAN-JAPAN Work Plan on Disaster Management, ADRC has been conducting since July 2023, the "Pilot Project on Utilization of State-of-the-Art Communication Technologies for CBDRM and Disaster Emergency Management in Malaysia," commissioned by the Cabinet Office of Japan. The pilot activities were carried out in close cooperation with the National Disaster Management Agency of Malaysia (NADMA).

After the initial coordination in July 2023 with the relevant stakeholders, such as Ranau District Office, Dumpiring and Mesilou Village Disaster Management Committees in the selected pilot area in Kundasang, Sabah, a test of the ICT tools prepared for this pilot project was conducted on 5 October 2023. The activities were conducted as one of the programmes during the Science and Technology Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (STDR3) Week 2023, which was attended by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. 

The tools were tested and validated through simulated activities in a controlled disaster scenario involving targeted groups of community members and agencies in the pilot areas, confirming that they can be used effectively for information sharing in the event of a disaster. The results of the simulation were reviewed after the event by the observed agencies, such as NADMA and the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (SSDMC). Follow-up activities, including of a seminar for the district officers, will be conducted in December 2023.
(2023/10/12 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)
28 August 2023 (Online)
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In collaboration with the additional members of the Advanced Study of Climate Change Projection (SENTAN) Program, ADRC co-organized the first webinar on "Climate Change Impact Projection for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia-Pacific Region" on 28 August 2023. The first webinar featured the climate change impact in Fiji with the presentation from Mr Jasneel Chandra, Scientific Officer in Climatology at Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS). Mr Jasneel Chandra reported that the sea level at Lautoka Wharf in Fiji has been on average increasing at 4.3mm/year between 1993 and 2022. As result, some villages (e.g., Veivatuloa and Vunidogoloa) are easily flooded and inundated by sea water causing the relocation of many coastal houses. 

Since one of the objectives of the webinar was to share the results of climate change projections, the following Japanese experts also made presentations related to climate change in Fiji: 

1) Prof. MORI Nobuto, Research Division of Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Disasters, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University.
2) Dr NAKAEGAWA Toshiyuki, Head of Second Laboratory, Department of Applied Meteorology Research, Meteorological Research Institute (MRI) of Japan Meteorological Agency.
3) Dr MURATA Akihiko, Head First Laboratory, Department of Applied Meteorology Research, Meteorological Research Institute (MRI) of Japan Meteorological Agency.
4) Mr MORI Noriyuki, Deputy Director, International Center for Water Hazard and Risk Management.
5) Prof. TACHIKAWA Yasuto, Hydrology and Water Resources Research Laboratory, Kyoto University. 

Lastly, Associate Professor KOBAYASHI Kenichiro (Kobe University) and Dr Gerry Potutan (ADRC) co-facilitated the event. Materials can be accessed on the website: 
(2023/09/04 15:00)
21-25 August 2023 (Malaysia)
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One of the services of Quasi Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is the Satellite Report for Disaster and Crisis Management (DC Report), which the National Space Policy Secretariat of the Cabinet Office Japan (NSPS-CAO) is promoting to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. QZSS can transmit a warning message to the ground, and it is useful in areas that have no internet/cellular communication system. It also serves as redundant system when the existing ground communication systems are damaged by extreme disaster events. 

Under the supervision of the NSPS-CAO, a project team comprising representatives from ADRC, Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd. and NTT Data Corporation visited Malaysia on 21-25 August 2023 to demonstrate the QZSS 'DC Report' technology. Through the local support of the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Centre (DPPC) of the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the project team conducted the following key activities: 

1) Visited the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Prime Minister Department of Malaysia in Putrajaya to brief key officials of the QZSS DC Report technology.
2) Visited the town of Hulu Langat, Selangor in two consecutive days to set-up, demonstrate, test, and discuss the performance of QZSS prototype receivers. 
3) Convened with key government agencies and stakeholders to share respective local initiatives on disaster early warning systems (EWS) and administered the survey questionnaire to all local participants.
4) Discussed the next steps and endeavors was made as well. 

The QZSS 'DC Report' demonstration in Malaysia showed that the prototype receivers, as tested in Hulu Langat, are capable of receiving the warning message transmitted through QZSS. In view of this outcome, local stakeholders expressed interest in the technology and discussed with the project team options of integrating it with the existing early warning technologies and practices in Malaysia.
(2023/08/31 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)

24 - 28 July 2023 (Denizli, Turkiye)
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Two earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.6 respectively occurred in Turkiye on 6 February 2023, causing great destruction in 10 provinces. Considering this experience, the Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Denizli Governorship decided to conduct a five-day workshop in Denizli titled "Technical Expert Service on Increasing Efficiency of Provincial Disaster Management," with the support of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). Officials from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) in Denizli also joined the workshop as key experts. One of the most important objectives of this activity is to identify the problems experienced before and after the earthquake disaster, to discuss concrete interventions for solving those problems, and to develop a coordination system in order to establish a policy for addressing potential future disasters.

Dr IKEDA Makoto from ADRC attended the workshop as a speaker and made several presentations. Professor MURATA Masahiko from Kansai University of International Studies also participated and shared his experiences of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The participants also engaged actively in discussion with Professor MURATA and Dr IKEDA, and the workshop proved to be useful occasion for considering how to achieve better DRR in Turkiye going forward.
(2023/7/31 15:00)
10 - 21 July 2023 (Kobe, Japan)
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ADRC conducted the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program: Malaysia "LEP2.0 Enhancement of the Disaster Risk Management Capacity of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA)" Countermeasures against Sediment related Disaster from 10 to 21 July 2023. 

A total of twelve officials from disaster risk management and relevant Malaysian organizations participated in this intensive two-week program to learn about the sediment disaster policies and practices of Japan. They attended lectures by experts in the field, including from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, local government and research institutes, and visited sites in Hiroshima, Nara and Osaka where sediment disaster countermeasures have been installed. At the end of the program, the participants presented their action plan based on their findings over the two weeks. 

ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and universities that contributed to the success of the program. 
(2023/7/28 15:00)

27 June 2023 (Online)

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Upon invitation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Senior Researcher Dr Gerry Potutan of ADRC participated as panelist in the Online DRR Talk on the theme, "APEC in an Increasingly Complex Disaster Landscape: Preparing Asia-Pacific Economies for Extreme Conditions" on 27 June 2023. The panel tackled concerns of extreme weather events and the widespread impacts of climate change to communities across the Asia-Pacific region.
 
At the outset, all panelists recognized the contributions of the APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework in advancing climate resilience through shared-interventions, such as better risk mapping strategies, expanded regional and global investment in early warning systems, innovation in resilient infrastructure, and nature-based solutions. 

ADRC shared related activities, including: the advanced climate change impact projection study, the GLIDE number system, and the training program on "developing local DRR strategies" where information on emerging climate risks are integrated. ADRC also mentioned some initiatives in Japan that the government, the private sector, and the communities are promoting to proactively adapt to climate change risks. Among those mentioned were: 1) Japan International Public-Private Association for Disaster Risk Reduction (JIPAD), where private companies promote their DRR/CCA technologies; 2) National Resilience Promotion, an initiative that contributes in preventing and mitigating disasters; 3) Joint Strategy between the Cabinet Office (Disaster Management) and Ministry of Environment to mainstream synergy between Climate Action and DRR; 4) Amendments of Basic Act on Disaster Management highlighting the importance of the Local Disaster Management Plans to reflect lessons from local conditions in updating the policies related to DRR-CCA; and 5) Public-Private Partnerships in promoting innovative early warning tools (e.g., SPECTEE that utilizes artificial intelligences or "AI").

All these initiatives are aimed at enhancing synergy in implementing large-scale disaster countermeasures to minimize silos among related agencies, providing practical knowledge and skills of people at the community level, and applying new tools and technologies to proactively reduce disaster risks as well as adapt to the emerging climate risks.
2023/07/04 15:00
16 June - 8 August 2023 (Online + Japan)
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ADRC conducted a JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program "Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for Central Asia and Caucasus" from 16 June to 8 August 2023, with the cooperation of JICA Kansai. Eight government officials from five countries: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, participated in this course, learning how to formulate and implement local DRR plans to promote DRR measures in their respective home countries.

The first four weeks of the course consisted of online lectures and exercises. In the latter three weeks, face-to-face programs were conducted in Japan, including site observations and lectures in Hyogo, Niigata, Gunma, and Ibaraki prefectures to learn about Japanese experiences and countermeasures of DRR. At the end of the course, the participants presented a draft of a local DRR plan, which they formulated through the programs and adapted to challenges present in their own home countries. Moreover, through active discussions and sparring on their respective DRR plans, the participants shared knowledge and addressed challenges they had in disaster reduction measures in their home regions.
(2023/08/15 15:00)

10 June 2023 (Anagasaki, Japan)

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At the panel discussion "Towards Recovery from the Turkey-Syria Earthquake" held in the 4th Conference of the Society for Disaster Education on 10 June 2023 from 13:00 to 15:00, ADRC presented the current status of disaster education in Turkish schools and ADRC's activities relevant to earthquake and DRR education in Turkey along with an overview of the Turkey-Syria earthquake. Under the coordination of Mr SUWA Seiji, President of the Society for Disaster Education, the role of disaster education in recovery from the Turkey-Syria earthquake was discussed with Mr Emin Ozdamar, Vice-President of the Turkish Japanese Foundation, and Mr YOSHITSUBAKI Masamichi, Secretary General of Citizens towards Overseas Disaster Emergency (CODE).
(2023/06/17 15:00)
17 - 21 May 2023 (Japan)

A delegation from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), Thailand visited Japan from 17 to 21 May 2023 to conduct the "Study Visit Program for Enhancing the Capacity of a National Early Warning System and Establishing Cell Broadcast System in Thailand." The delegation included Mr Boontham Lertsukekasem, Director General of DDPM, and 11 other senior officials who are in charge of early warning system and dissemination in the department. 

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The group visited some organisations involved in the river early warning and information dissemination system including: the Kanto Regional Development Bureau's Kofu Work Office under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT); the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC); the Sumida City Office; the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK); NTT Docomo; the Japan Telecommunications Engineering and Consulting Service (JTEC); and the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center. The visits gave the group an opportunity to obtain directly from the respective organisations a wide perspective of the latest initiatives taken in Japan concerning the river early warning system ranging from the acquisition of river observation data to information dissemination to the public through the dissemination system utilized by the emergency response agencies such as FDMA and local governments, and by the media and mobile phone companies.

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) supported the delegation by advising on the development of its agenda and by accompanying the delegation on the study visits.
(2023/05/24 15:00)
9 May - 30 June 2023 (Online + Kobe, Japan)
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ADRC conducted the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program course entitled "Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for Central and South American Countries JFY2023" from 9 May to 30 June 2023, in cooperation with JICA Kansai. It was attended by 10 participants from 10 Central and South American countries: Colombia, Nicaragua, Peru, Argentina, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Chile, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Panama.

The program consisted of 4 weeks of online and 3 weeks of face-to-face lectures and exercises to learn about Japanese experiences and technologies in disaster risk reduction. It also included site visits to Hyogo and Kumamoto prefectures to observe various countermeasures including experiences in Hyogo Prefectural Emergency Management and Training Center, comprehensive flood control measures in Kako River and sediment disaster control in the Aso region. At the end of the course, the participants developed a draft local plan for DRR in their own countries through the 8-step workshop. After each going back to their own country, they are expected to actively engage in DRR measures to reduce humanitarian and economic losses due to disasters.

ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and universities that contributed to the success of this course.
2023/07/07 15:00
6 - 10 March 2023 (Kobe, Japan)

From 6 to 10 March 2023, ADRC conducted the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) "LEP2.0 Enhancement of the Disaster Risk Management Capacity of Malaysia's National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA)" aimed at the realization of disaster-resilient society in Malaysia by improving the technology and coordination capacity of NADMA, Malaysian National Disaster Management Agency. A total of 15 people from NADMA and related organizations participated in the first training of this program which ADRC has been cooperating with.

The first day of the training consisted of training orientation, presentations by the participants from each organization to introduce about their country and point out their current issues, and discussions to confirm the training objectives and points to see at each site they will be visiting. From the second day onwards, they energetically visited several flood and sediment affected sites to see their disaster countermeasures. The participants enthusiastically observed the countermeasures put in actual use, and exchanged opinions. On the final day, the course was concluded with the reports on what they learned in the training.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the related organizations who gave lectures and allowed us to visit them during this training. We appreciate your continued support and cooperation.
(2023/03/17 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)
12-24 December 2022 (kobe,japan)

ADRC conducted the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program entitled "Promotion of Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction" from 12-24 December 2022, in cooperation with JICA Kansai. It was attended by five management-level DRR agency officials from 3 countries: Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico. 

This program aims to share the concept of mainstreaming DRR, that is, incorporating DRR in development policies, and the methods of promoting the mainstreaming of DRR at the policy level. It also aims to share the various experiences of Japan and to examine the strategies and approaches for promoting the mainstreaming of DRR in participants' countries. During the two-week program, participants attend lectures, site visits, and discussions on disaster countermeasures in Japan. They are expected to actively engage in DRR measures to reduce humanitarian and economic losses due to disasters. 

ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and universities that contributed to the success of this program.
(2023/01/05 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)
8-10 November 2022 (Kobe,Japan)

ADRC hosted two seventh-grade students from 8 to 10 November 2022 as part of the Try-Yaru Week program (work experience for junior high school students in Hyogo Prefecture) organized by Kobe Municipal Harada Junior High School.

During this period, these students not only learned about earthquake resistance, and crafted a model of an earthquake-resistant building out of milk cartons, but also participated in online town watching in the Aotani area of Nada Ward, Kobe City. They also visited the Hyogo Prefectural Emergency Management and Training Center. Students indicated that they "learned a great deal about disasters as they experienced the various activities" and that "the shaking we experienced in the earthquake simulation vehicle was more than I had imagined." The students also commented that they had a fulfilling work experience.

ADRC will continue its efforts to develop human resources for disaster risk reduction in Japan and its member countries.

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(2022/11/15 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)
15 June 2022 (online)

In recognition of the recent challenges in tsunami disaster risk reduction, ADRC adopted the theme "Understanding Tsunami Risk and Enhancing Practical Countermeasures" for the tsunami seminar that was held on 15 June 2022. One of the challenges is how to further reduce tsunami disaster risk. Although tsunamis occur only rarely, their impacts are deadlier (e.g., over 230,000 people were killed in the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004) and costlier (e.g., the economic impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011 was about USD235 billion ? the highest in world history) than other hazards. Another challenge is how to improve knowledge of tsunami risks, especially with regard to non-earthquake sources of tsunamis (e.g., the Sunda Strait Tsunami of 2018 and the Tonga Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami of 2022) so that early warning systems and other preparedness measures can be likewise improved. Furthermore, there is the ongoing challenge of how to augment physical countermeasures (e.g., levees) with practical countermeasures (e.g., awareness-raising, actionable early warnings, and simple evacuation procedures) at the community level. 

For this seminar, ADRC invited three experts to share their experiences and insights:  

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1) Dr Teuku Alvisyahrin, Professor at Syiah Kuala University and Former Head of the Professional Services Division of the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; 
2) Mr Somneuk Swatteuk, Disaster Early Warning Specialist at the National Disaster Warning Center of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Interior in Thailand; and 
3) Mr ARAKIDA Masaru, Director of the Research Department, ADRC 

Below are among the messages that came up during the discussions. 

1) Tsunami risks are dynamic. As shown in the experiences of Thailand 
and Indonesia, tsunami risks can increase or decrease depending on the community's ability to reduce vulnerabilities. At the time of the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, the risk was high since tsunami knowledge, understanding, and countermeasures were limited. In Thailand, the establishment of the National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC) has been one of the efforts in reducing tsunami risk through the use of early warning system (EWS) technologies. Similar efforts have been reported in Indonesia, with the installation of cheap but effective tsunami early warning systems (TEWS) such as Inexpensive Devices for Sea Level Monitoring (IDSL), which are designed to reduce tsunami risk. 

2) Practical countermeasures may be scaled up to enhance community 
resilience. With tsunami early warning systems (TEWS) in place, the authorities can now issue tsunami early warnings and determine the lead time needed for evacuation. However, since practical countermeasures at the community level differ in Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, it is important to exchange experiences (e.g., how to evacuate the pregnant, disabled, and elderly during a tsunami) so that communities can further learn and improve their respective countermeasures. 

3) Space-based technology augments response efforts during a tsunami 
disaster. As highlighted particularly in the experience of Japan, images taken by space satellites during the Great East Japan Earthquake were valuable in assessing tsunami disaster impacts by comparing before and after photos. During the Tonga Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami of January 2022, satellite images were useful in creating pre- and post-disaster vegetation maps. These augmented the disaster response and recovery efforts from the tsunami event, where ground-based technologies were disrupted.

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Overall, the discussions implied that in order to reduce the impacts of tsunami disasters in the future, it is essential to learn more about tsunami risks and continue sharing information and experiences. Most importantly, the knowledge and skills of tsunami countermeasures must be passed on to the next generation so that they are not forgotten.

(2022/07/31 15:00)
 15 June 2022 (online)
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ADRC Online Tsunami Seminar held on 15 June 2022 featured experts offering insights on improving our understanding of tsunamis as well as enhancing practical countermeasures. 
Dr Teuku Alvisyahrin (Professor at Syiah Kuala University and Former Head of the Professional Services Division of the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center, Banda Aceh, Indonesia) highlighted the importance of moving away from viewing tsunami risks from the conventional disaster risk perspective and instead toward adopting the cascading/systemic disaster risk perspective. 
Mr Somneuk Swatteuk (Disaster Early Warning Specialist at the National Disaster Warning Center of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Ministry of Interior of Thailand) showed how tsunami early warning systems can help inform practical evacuation actions while also helping with the management of disaster response and recovery activities. 
Mr ARAKIDA Masaru (Director of the Research Department at ADRC) demonstrated how satellite images, especially the use of before and after photos, can be used in assessing disaster impacts. 
In his remarks, ADRC Executive Director NAKAGAWA Masaaki said "to reduce the impacts of tsunami disasters in the future, we need to learn more about tsunami risks and to continue sharing information and experiences. We also need to  pass these lessons on to the next generation so that our knowledge and skills related to tsunami countermeasures are not forgotten." 
Mr Gerry Potutan (Senior Researcher at ADRC) moderated the seminar, which attracted 279 participants from 25 countries. In the after-event survey, participants indicated that they gained a greater understanding of tsunami risks, practical countermeasures, and the latest satellite technologies as a result of the seminar. 

Visit this link for details:  
https://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2022tsunami.php. 
(2022/06/30 15:00)
31 May 2022 (Report of Survey Results)
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ADRC held a DRR Lecture Series in March 2022 to support the VR (Visiting Researcher) research themes as outlined in previous issue of ADRC Highlights. A total of 722 people attended from ADRC partner organizations and eight VRs joined in this 8-part series. Here we present the results of the survey that ADRC conducted among the eight VRs after the DRR Lecture Series. All questions were rated on a 5-point scale.

The figures below show the results to several questions. First, they were asked, "Were the topics provided in the ADRC DRR Lecture Series appropriate?" All of VRs responded that they were either "Very good" or "Excellent." On the next question, "Did you get the information that you expected?" all of the VRs responded "Very good" or "Excellent." Finally, the respondents were asked, "Were you able to learn from the ADRC DRR Lecture Series something that you would be able to reflect to your DRR works?" The VRs rated the series to be either "Useful" or "Very useful."

ADRC will continue to strengthen its network of DRR experts and to disseminate information to ADRC member countries.

(2022/05/31 15:00)
24 May to 8 July 2022 (Online)

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted the JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program course entitled "Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction for Central and South American Countries" from 24 May to 8 July 2022, with the cooperation of JICA Kansai. It was attended by 18 participants from 10 countries: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru. 

During the 7-week program, the participants attended lectures on disaster countermeasures and exercises around local DRR plans, and drafted plans for their target municipalities. They are expected to actively engage in DRR measures to reduce humanitarian and economic losses due to disasters. ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all the organizations and universities that contributed to the success of this course.

(2022/08/31 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)
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)
13 July 2021 (online)
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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center held the second ADRC online DRR Seminar on 13 July 2021. This seminar was attended by 281 participation from all over the world with the theme of "DRR Education and Awareness Raising through the Passing Down of Lessons from Past Disasters." 
The seminar showcased current efforts and challenges in promoting DRR education and awareness raising by utilizing past disaster experiences effectively in order to pass them on to the next generation. This seminar was held by inviting three speakers from various backgrounds in areas such as cognitive psychology, social anthropology, and experience with an international NGO.

(2021/7/20 15:00)

22 December 2020 (Online)

ADRC held its Second Online Tsunami Seminar on 22 December 2020. 
Mr. Masaaki Nakagawa, Executive Director of ADRC introduced that the seminar this time is held in connection with the occurrence of the Indian Ocean tsunami on 26 December 2004, 16 years ago, and will report on the current tsunami countermeasures in Indonesia.
Dr. Khaerunnisa, Associate Professor, Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY) gave a presentation entitled "Tsunami Awareness in Indonesia". 
More information and details of the lecture is included in the following site: 
https://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2020tsunami.php

                                                                                                                  (2020/12/22 09:50)

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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)
27 August and 10 September 2020 (Online)

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ADRC and the Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam held online seminars on the "Promotion of Disaster Education in Schools" project on 27 August and 10 September. As a Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Project, this project aims to promote disaster education in ASEAN countries by training school teachers. The project was to be implemented in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei Darussalam, but ADRC and the Ministry of Education, Brunei decided to hold the seminar online due to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19.
The two-day seminar was attended by more than 60 junior high school teachers from all six school districts as well as officials from the Ministry of Education. 
Mr. Masaaki Nakagawa, Executive Director of ADRC, kicked off the seminar by summarizing its goals: to introduce participants to disaster education in Japan and provide useful teaching skills for effective disaster education in Brunei, all for the purpose of building disaster resilient communities.
Mr. Suwa, Specially Appointed Professor of Graduate School of Disaster Resilience and Governance at the University of Hyogo then proceeded to give a lecture on Disaster Management and Disaster Education. In his lecture, he discussed the curriculum for disaster education at junior high schools in Japan. For example, when studying science, students study the weather, rainfall, geological changes, and the mechanisms by which earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. In social studies, they learn about lifelines and disasters, disaster-related organizations, and past disasters in the community. After the lecture, participants attended an online group workshop on evacuations. Feedback from the teachers indicated strong interest Japanese disaster education and a desire to learn more in the future.  
(2020/9/10 09:50)
3 March 2020 (Jakarta, Indonesia)

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Together with partners from Asia Air Survey and CTI Engineering International, ADRC met with Mr. Siva Balan (Director for Operations) and other AHA Centre officials in Jakarta. The meeting explored the possibility of applying a constellation of Japanese Satellites' positioning service as emergency information platform. The key feature of this platform is that it can send text and voice messages to a receiver. By using an application to decode the sent messages, communities can receive the information even in the absence of telecommunication infrastructure, telephone networks, or Wi-Fi. This platform is valuable to communities in mountainous areas, island communities, or areas where telecommunication infrastructure is limited. AHA Centre officials recognized the added value of this emergency information platform, especially for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV), as these ASEAN member countries have limited capacities in disaster forecasting and early warning.(2020/02/13 14:40) 
7 November 2019 (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) had participated in the JICA Project for Strengthening the National Capacity of Earthquake Disaster Protection and Prevention in Mongolia from November 2016 to December 2019 (for 3 years) as a member of the Project team.

In Mongolia, especially in the western part, earthquakes with magnitudes of 8 on the Richter scale were recorded in the 20th century. In addition recently the earthquake risk has been increasing, because several faults were discovered near Ulaanbaatar city, the capital of Mongolia which is densely concentrated with the half population of the Mongolian people. The number of both felt and unfelt earthquakes has increased. In this circumstance, based on the request by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) the Project was conducted aiming at the following three outputs: Output1- Enhancement of capacity for data collection on disaster risk reduction and coordination among related organizations; Output2- Enhancement of capacity of public administration officers related with the seismic assessment and seismic strengthening for buildings; and Output3- Improvement of disaster risk reduction education and awareness raising activities.

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The ADRC contributed to the Output 3 activities, including of development of a guideline for DRR and educational materials in kindergartens and schools, implementation of training program for instructors and teachers, develpment of materials for DRR education and raising awareness, and implementation of training programs for residents. For more details, the final report of the project is available at:
(pdf, 5.36MB, JICA Library)

(2020/03/03 10:40)
Training_of_Trainers_Philippines.jpg14 March 2019 (Philippines, Makati) 

The Training of Trainers for "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" project was held in Makati city, Philippines, on 14th March 2019. It was organized in cooperation with SEEDS Asia, Department of Education, and Makati City Government. 9 trainers from Makati city from Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, League of Barangays, Information and Community Relations Department, Urban Development Department, and Department of Education Makati City Division attended this workshop. Japanese expert, Ms. Saki Arima from SEEDS Asia made a lectures using the hazard simulation models which present hazard mechanisms, impacts and protective measures. Also as a result of discussion, the next seminar will be held with targeting the school teacher of Grade 7-10. 
(Note: This project is part of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Projects and aimed to promote disaster education in ASEAN countries through such means as training of school teachers followed by school lessons facilitated by trained teachers.)
(2019/03/14 9:50)

23 December 2015 (Malaysia)

ADRC and the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as observer had above meeting at the Ministry of Education in Malaysia on 23 December 2015. The purpose of this meeting was to confirm a detailed schedule and contents of lecture which will be held at the end of March 2016 in target school.
(2015/12/25 18:30)
October 2015 (Malaysia)

ADRC had a meeting regarding the "Promotion of Disaster Education in Schools" project with the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in October 2015. Project members discussed the current situation related to disaster education in Malaysia. Also next programs were confirmed in this meeting. 
(2015/10/22 18:30)
Manila, Philippines (19-21 August 2015)

The International Recovery Platform / Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP / ADRC) HAD supported the organization of the Workshop on "Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation into Development Policies and Planning", 19-21 August 2015 at the Discovery Suites, Pasig City, Philippines by dispatching a resource person. The workshop was spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) of the Philippines with support from the Global Education and Training Institute of the UNISDR (GETI), a member of IRP along with ADRC.

With the participation of 25 high-level government officials and representatives from local NGOs, the workshop was an occasion to review the draft indicators for monitoring the global progress of implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The workshop was also an opportune time for the Philippine Government to align its existing National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan 2011-2028 (NDRRMP) with the priorities for action of the Sendai Framework. To facilitate greater understanding of the priorities for action, IRP / ADRC provided case studies from around the globe. In particular, the case studies focused on: (a) policies and practices for disaster risk management along all dimensions of vulnerability, capacity, exposure of persons and assets, hazard characteristics, and environment priority; (b) disaster risk governance at the national, regional , and global levels; (c) public and private investment in disaster risk prevention and reduction through structural and non-structural measures to enhance economic, social, health, and cultural resilience; and (d) disaster preparedness for effective response and to build back better in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

Ou tputs of the Workshop included: (a) NDRRMC's recommendations to the Process of Developing the indicators to Monitor the Progress of Implementing the Sendai Framework, and (b) NDRRMC's Action Plan to align the current National disaster Risk Reduction Management plan with the priorities of the Sendai Framework. It was observed that the current indicators are focused on assessing policies and legislation. Hence, it was recommended that indicators should also capture existing program, schemes, and activities along the four priorities for action of the Sendai Framework. Additionally, the participants recommended that programs, funding, and activities for build back better in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction shall be integrated in the existing NDRRM Plan 2011-2028.

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(2015/08/24 14:40)
May 25-27, 2015 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

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The need to mainstream and  articulate "build back better in recovery, Rehabilitation, and reconstruction" was expressed during the Stakeholders' Consultation, 9-10 December 2014 in Dhaka. In response to this, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR ), the Institute of Strategic Recovery Studies for Disaster Resilience and Research (ISRSDRR), the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh (UNDP), and the International Recovery Platform / Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP / ADRC) had jointly organized a three-day workshop on disaster recovery planning, 25-27 May 2015 at CIRDAP Auditorium, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The event gathered over 50 high level and technical delegations from various ministries of the government, universities, development partner organizations, NGOs, and private sector to achieve to discuss recovery agenda in the context of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram, Minister for Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, who expressed commitment to pursue effective disaster management programs by incorporating 'build back better'. At the closing, Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu, Minister for Information, assured the participants that build back better efforts in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction will be advocated in Bangladesh through the support of the ministry and media organizations.

One of the workshop outcomes was the identification of recovery issues, where the participants came up with initial strategies and actions to be integrated in the Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan of Bangladesh. On the bases of the workshop outcomes, the following next steps were identified. Firstly, a parliamentary meeting on 'build back better' will be organized on June 16, 2015 at the Bangladesh Parliament to discuss disaster risk reduction and recovery issues that require legal support and legislation. Secondly, the MoDMR through the support of UNDP Bangladesh will take forward the initial strategies and actions for Pre-Disaster Recovery Plan by organizing a writeshop on the first week of August 2015. Thirdly, through coordination between MoDMR and BBBF, the list of recovery agendas shall be advocated in existing policy and planning instruments in Bangladesh, including the Delta Plan that is facilitated by the Ministry of Planning. Fourthly, under the auspices of MoDMR, the BBBF shall take further steps to advocate in linking up key stakeholders in Bangladesh so that the Inter-Ministerial Disaster Coordinating Council (IMDCC) is convened and recovery agenda is integrated in the plans. Finally, new programs and projects to promote build back better shall be proposed by BBBF in collaboration with MoDMR and other relevant stakeholders. The initial proposals include building critical mass of local recovery experts and volunteers and partnership between local universities and international knowledge hubs to promote recovery agenda in school curricula as well as facilitate knowledge-sharing and exchange.

(2015/06/02 14:40)
17-28 April 2015 (Chile)

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) has been a participating in the SATREPS Chile Project since 2013. ADRC dispatched a project member to Talcahuano where a large-scale earthquake and tsunami occurred in 2010. More than 800 people were killed in this disaster. The purpose of this research was to conduct the Disaster Imagination Game (DIG) and to conduct a questionnaire survey among residents.

The local government of Talcahuano facilitated this DIG training and survey, which were conducted over the course of one week and involved the participation of about 100. The participants, who included residents and experts from a local university, exchanged opinions using a tsunami inundation map to facilitate improved disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Predictions suggest that a large-scale earthquake and tsunami will occur in Chile in the future. We therefore hope that disaster mitigation activities based on this training in Talcahuano will be developed for regions all across Chile.

(2015/05/25 18:30)
DRRMCEP2015.JPGAsian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) had participated in the JICA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Capacity Enhancement Project in the Philippines from March 2012 to February 2015 (3 years) as a member of the Project team.
The "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA No. 10121)" was enacted in May 2010, creating the legal framework to implement a new approach to disaster management called Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Under the DRRM Act, a new highest decision-making body related to disaster management on the national level was established as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) was appointed as the secretariat of the NDRRMC and expected to play a leading role for the DRRM activities in the Philippines. The Project was formulated with a goal of strengthening capacity on DRRM of the OCD.
The Project team proviced technical assistance to the activities of the OCD on DRRM planning, standardization of the DRRM information management, strengthening of the DRRM education and training system, and enhancement of the support system to Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM).
The ADRC contributed to strengthening DRRM education and training system of the Philippines including of the establishment of the "National DRRM Education and Training Plan" with the DRRM training modules for national and local government officers, and private sectors as priority training programs, and the "Civil Defense Education and Training Program" for the OCD staff members.
For more details, the final report of the project is available at:
http://libopac.jica.go.jp/images/report/12231452.pdf
(pdf, 3.64MB, JICA Library)
(2015/02/27 10:40)

23 February-1 March 2014 (ARMENIA)


IMG_7483.JPGSince 2009, ADRC has initiated a pilot project of DRR Policy Peer Review with the aim of developing DRR capacity of the ADRC member countries by sharing information and strengthening the relationship among member countries.

This year, Improving the earthquake safety of nursing homes and orphanages in Armenia was selected as one of the target projects of the fifth year. After the submission of country report, reviewer team composed of Ph.D. Aiko Sakurai (Associate Professor, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University, Japan), Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr (Director, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Philippines) and Mr. Junji Moriwaki (Researcher of ADRC) had visited Armenia to conduct interview surveys.

The team visited National Survey for Seismic Protection Agency, involving in DRR activities to examine how they have been making efforts of developing DRR in Armenia. Then, the team conducted inspection of nursing homes and orphanages for checking current situations, and prepared a draft report of the survey result with all findings and recommendations. Also the workshop was held for getting opinion and comments to finalize the report as well as introducing good practices for DRR activities in Japan and Philippines. 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 team will compile survey reports and send them to target countries and then to the 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.

(2014/2/23 19:40)

2 to 4 July 2013  yanmar, Nay Pyi Daw City

Myanmar is a disaster prone country. On May 2008, 130,000 people were perished or missed by Cyclone Nargis, and they had floods and landslides in 2010, a heavy earthquake in 2011.

For this reason, the Myanmar Government stipulated the " Myanmar Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction" in 2012, and has been promoting various DRR projects based on the Plan. The Myanmar Government decided the establishment of "Disaster Management Training Center" in order to enhance disaster prevention awareness in people and to train the personnel involved in disaster management, and planned to build their facilities in 3 years from 2013.

In 2nd to 4th of July, with the aim of making proposals and advice to the Myanmar Government for training and educational content in the center, sponsored by International Cooperation Agency of Japan (JICA), the United Nations Development Programme, this workshop was held in Nay Pyi Daw, the new capital city of Myanmar. About 80 people from the governments of Asia including Myanmar, international organizations, and NPOs participated in the workshop, and one of the ADRC staff was invited to this workshop.

In the workshop, there were introductions of the education / training center of Thailand and Singapore, JICA and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center also introduced their international capacity building businesses. The ADRC presented our capacity building activities for Myanmar, such as the Visiting Researcher program in which we invite young officials of member countries to Japan and the DRR training program for local government officials sponsored by Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.

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Opening Speech by the Union Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement

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Presentation by an ADRC staff

(2013/07/12 13:00)

14-21 December 2012, ARMENIA


Since 2009, ADRC has initiated a pilot project of DRR 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, DRR Education in Armenia was selected as one of the target projects of the fourth year. After the submission of country report, reviewer team composed of Ph.D. Aiko Sakurai (Associate Professor, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University, Japan), Ph.D. Vishnu Dangol (Professor of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal) and Mr. Junji Moriwaki (Researcher of ADRC) had visited Armenia to conduct interview surveys.

The team visited National Survey for Seismic Protection Agency and other organizations involving in DRR Education activities to examine how they have been making efforts of developing DRR Education in Armenia. Then, the team conducted inspection of classes and evacuation drills at the school of Yerevan and Gyumri, and prepared a draft report of the survey result with all findings and recommendations. Also the workshop was held in two cities for getting opinion and comments to finalize the report as well as introducing good practices for DRR Education activities in Japan and Nepal. It provided a very good opportunity for exchanging opinions each other.

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This project aims at developing the mutual learning process among ADRC member countries instead of one-way learning. After the survey missions, reviewer team 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.

(2012/12/14 19:40)

 
Jakarta, Indonesia, 1-5 October, 2012

The 9th Sentinel Asia System (SAS) Operation Training was jointly organized by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and other some agencies from 1 to 5 October 2012 at BPPT in Jakarta Indonesia. More than 20 people participated in the training from space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region as well as relevant agencies. ADRC participated as an instructor in this training.

The main contents of the training are as follows.
 1) Introduction to Sentinel Asia and its system
 2) How to use Sentinel Asia System
 3) Introduction to Data Provider Nodes activities and these satellites
 4) Introduction to Data Analysis Nodes activities and these satellite data utilization
 5) Field check using satellite imagery (Kebun Raya Bogor)
 6) Introduction of ADRC's role

ADRC gave a lecture of three themes entitled "ADRC Activities", "ADRC's role on Sentinel Asia Activities" and "Demands of disaster management organizations towards the Sentinel Asia Step 3". 


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(2012/10/10 13:40)

7-9 May 2012 (Tegucigalpa, Honduras)


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IRP/ADRC contributes to the enhancement of post-disaster recovery operations by supporting governments in recovery planning. In this context, a workshop on resilient recovery planning was organized on 7-9 May 2012 at Maya Hotel in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
There were over 40 participants from both governments and development organizations, including Minister of Disaster Prevention, El Salvador and Mayor of Santa Tecla, El Salvador. Among the participants, there were six other municipal mayors who actively engaged in the workshop. The organizers were the Honduras Standing Commission of Contingencies (COPECO), the Coordinating Center for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America (CEPREDENAC), the Central America Integration System for Regional Disaster Risk Management (SICA), the UNISDR, the UNDP, the European Commission, and the IRP/ADRC.
 After the workshop, the participants expressed gaining more knowledge of integrating pre-disaster recovery planning into the DRR plans, UNDAF, and other planning instruments at either national government or development organization. As way forward, there are initiating discussions to scale up the training on recovery planning to other sectors of the government. The workshop had television coverage and reported in radio and newspapers in Honduras.

(2012/05/29 14:40)

28-30 March 2012 (Delhi, India)

UNDP-India and IRP/ADRC had jointly organized the training on Disaster Recovery Planning, March 28-30, 2012 at UNDP Country Office, New Delhi, India. Twenty eight representatives from different UN and partner organizations in India, who are engaged in long term post disaster recovery, attended the training. Most are from policy and field level that can influence recovery planning. The recently trained officials will act as master trainers who will transfer knowledge to other officials in their respective organizations. The discussions facilitated the sharing of knowledge and experience in recovery planning with the intention to further enhance capacities and enrich the recovery planning process before and after large scale disaster. Additionally, the discussions provided an avenue for participants to analyze different recovery issues and reflect on wide array of options and examples from global experiences. The outputs of the training include sets of recommendations drawn from the group discussions such as market chain analysis for livelihood recovery from possible future disaster in India, which were fine-tuned by the comments from other participants and experts. As way forward, UNDP and other UN organizations in India are exploring to transfer the knowledge on recovery planning to other stakeholders from national agencies down to the village level.

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(2012/3/31 14:00)
Punakha, Bjitan, 24-25 February, 2012

ADRC selected Bhutan as the site for a pilot project of GLOF, and had the workshop of public awareness on GLOF and earthquake in collaboration with Department of Disaster Management (DDM) at Punakha, Bhutan from 24 to 25 February 2012.

On 24 Feb., 20 students of KHURUTHANG INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING were participated with the disaster prevention class.
ADRC made following lectures with video and PowerPoint presentations. 
- Video of the Great East Earthquake
- Mechanism of Occurring Earthquake
- Mechanism of GLOF and preparation
- Early Warning System (EWS) by Utilizing River gauge
- Iza! Kaeru Caravan
The end of morning session, ADRC handed over the River Gauge Making Manual and "BOKOMI guide book" made by Kobe city government for further activities in this school.

The demonstration of "Iza! Kaeru Caravan" was held in the afternoon. On the next day, students became as facilitators for the workshop at the junior high school, approximately 250 students including primary school children participated.
DDM committed that they would like to conduct this activity not only Punakha area but all of Bhutan. ADRC and Plus arts gave most of materials to DDM, and asked further promotion of this activity and submission reports to for their implementations. ADRC hopes their active promotion on disaster education in Bhutan.
(2012/02/24 16:40)

Bangkok, Thailand, 20-24 February, 2012

The 8th Sentinel Asia System (SAS) Operation Training was organized by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) from 20 to 24 February 2012 at Kasetsart University in Bangkok Thailand. More than 20 people participated in the training from space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region as well as relevant agencies. ADRC participated as an instructor in this training.

The main contents of the training are as follows.
1) Introduction to Sentinel Asia and its system
2) How to use Sentinel Asia System
3) Introduction to Data Provider Nodes activities and these satellites
4) Introduction to Data Analysis Nodes activities and these satellite data utilization
5) Site visiting of Bangkok Flood 2011
6) Introduction of ADRC's role

ADRC gave a lecture entitled "Introduction of ADRC's role on Sentinel Asia Activities". ADRC made a lecture on the role of ADRC in the Sentinel Asia System as well as the introduction of the procedures and the considerations on the actual observation request.

(2012/02/24 13:40)

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)

28-30 November 2011 (Islamabad, Pakistan)


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Over thirty nine government officials and representatives from civil society organizations, who are engaged in long-term recovery, participated in the discussions on recovery planning organized by the Government of Pakistan, UNISDR, and UNDP with IRP contributing the key resource persons. The three-day event was held at Hotel Best Western, Islamabad, Pakistan from 28-30 November 2011.

The discussions facilitated the sharing of knowledge and experience on recovery planning with the intention to further enhance capacities and enrich the recovery planning process before and after large scale disaster. Additionally, the discussions were organized to provide an avenue for participants to discuss different recovery issues and reflect on wide array of options and examples from global experiences. Towards the end of the event, recommendations drawn from the group discussions were fine-tuned through comments from other participants and experts from IRP member organizations.

As way forward, NDMA Pakistan, UNDP, and UNISDR are exploring the best way to forward this type of learning event down to the district and village levels. NDMA, in partnership with other development organizations, can serve as focal for dissemination of training on recovery planning at national and local governments as well as other relevant organizations. IRP welcomes opportunity to assist NDMA in this endeavor.

(2012/01/17 14:00)

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)

26 - 27 September 2011 (Yangon, Myanmar)


 From 2 to 3 September 2011, Rescue and Resettlement Department (RRD) of the Government of Myanmar and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) jointly conducted a workshop to promote capacity building of local government officials in Myanmar. The workshop was held in Yangon in which more than 30  government officials from different localities participated.

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 This workshop was conducted as part of the ongoing project which RRD and the ADRC have been implementing since 2010 and has been financed by the Japan ASEAN Integration Fund. Prior to the workshop, training of trainers (TOT) was conducted in March this year. As a result, three out of the ten TOT participants delivered lectures at the workshop this time.
In the workshop, lectures on Total Disaster Management (TDM), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures and an incident command system in Myanmar, and other issues were delivered by the ADRC, RRD and the TOT trainees. Moreover, following these lectures, a hazard mapping exercise as a field activity and entailing discussion were also conducted.
The local government officials who participated in the workshop showed strong interest in exploring these issues thereby engaging very actively in close discussion and an exchange of opinions. The town watching conducted in areas which were severely affected by the cyclone Nargis in 2008 and activities for awareness raising on DRR for the villagers contributed to assuring the importance of DRR not only among the local officials but also the villagers.

 Another two workshops are planned to be held this year, one in Mandalay and the other in Ayeyarwady. It is expected that the project will be useful for the capacity development of local government officials in the country.

(2011/10/04 19:50)
14-16 July 2011 (Indonesia)

On 14 - 16 July 2011, Tsunami Disaster Mitigation and Research Center (TDMRC), LIPI and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted Training for Teachers, a part of disaster education activity for school students and teachers on disaster management, which ADRC has joined for JICA-JST Project as one of participated organization. This project was launched in 2009 with the participation including school students and teachers from Banda Aceh, relevant Indonesian organizations, NGOs, and ADRC. The Training for Teachers covered such topics as Tohoku Earthquake, past disaster education activities in Tohoku area, basic information of earthquake & tsunami and contents of Guidebook as our output of this project.
(2011/07/31 18:30)
10-11 March 2011 (Vientiane, Lao)

The Training of Pilot Teachers for "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" project was held in Vientiane, on 10th and 11th March 2011. It was organized jointly by the Ministry of Education, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC). More than thirty teachers of primary and secondary school attended this two-day workshop.
Participants took lectures about "Earthquake Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan", "Basic Knowledge about Natural Disaster", etc. On this workshop, Dr. Goto, senior researcher of National Institute for Educational Policy Research, had a lecture "Latest Situation of Disaster Education in Japan" including earthquake model exercise. Therefore, participants joined in this workshop with a passionate concern.
As a result of elaboration and discussion, a pilot lesson and seminar will be held at the beginning of March.
Note: This project is part of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Projects and aimed to promote disaster education in ASEAN countries through such means as training of school teachers followed by school lessons facilitated by trained teachers.)

(2011/03/18 18:30)

22-25 February 2011, Indonesia


indonesia1-thumb-200x150-937-thumb-200x150-938-thumb-200x150-943-thumb-200x150-945.jpgのサムネール画像のサムネール画像IRP/ ADRC team visited Indonesia to strengthen partnerships in recovery, including consultation and review of Aceh Post-Tsunami Recovery both at Banda, Aceh with TDMRC and Jakarta with BRR Institute.

The recovery status report on Aceh Tsunami focuses on the learning's along sectors of livelihoods, shelter, infrastructure, and governance. Challenges and lessons were highlighted to inform other governments and relevant stakeholders of unique experience and initiatives. The IRP/ADRC team provided comments, and took advantage of the presence of key actors on Aceh Recovery by providing brief orientation on Disaster Recovery Planning as well as presentation of IRP/ADRC knowledge products and services.

indonesia2-thumb-200x150-940-thumb-200x150-941.jpgIn Jakarta, IRP/ADRC team participated in the BRR Institute Workshop "Governance of Recovery: Lessons from Housing, Settlement and Infrastructure". IRP/ADRC introduced the platform and the lessons from recovery focusing on identified themes. The event attracted high level participation, including vice ministerial levels and heads of development organizations in Indonesia totaling to about 40 delegates. Some were from central government bodies, local governments, universities and research centers. IRP/ADRC publications were circulated and some displayed at the workshop. IRP /ADRC symbolically provided one set of guidance notes on recovery to BRR Institute to promote partnership. Some copies of guidance notes were also given to ministries and representatives of local governments. Among the key outcomes that relate to IRP/ADRC were: (i) potential transfer of IRP training module to BRR Institute, including training of trainers; (ii) closer partnership in the knowledge management function of recovery; and (iii) membership of Government of Indonesia in the IRP Steering Committee.

The IRP/ADRC team also visited AHA Centre facility, President's Delivery Unit Office for Development Monitoring and Oversight, BNPB, and Australia-Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction (AIFDR) to strengthen partnerships in recovery.

    (2011/03/22 14:00)

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)


8-9 February 2011, Pakistan and Sri Lanka


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ADRC, TDLC, DMC Sri Lanka, NDMA Pakistan, and IRP jointly organized the training on disaster recovery planning for two SAARC member states. Over 40 high level government officials, who are engaged in long term post disaster recovery, participated in the event. It created a critical mass of government officials sensitized in concepts, principles, and tools of post disaster resilient recovery both at policy and field levels.
The training was linked to other countries through video conferencing. It included lecture, discussion, reflection, simulation through scenario, and presentation of group recommendations at the plenary. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and lessons with other countries for improved understanding and abilities in recovery. Comments for improving recovery plans were facilitated by IRP trainers with comments from ADRC Executive Director and other experts at different VC sites.
Majority of the participants were decision-makers (Directors and Generals) indicating that the training attracted the interest of governments. It was clearly expressed that demand for training is at provincial and district levels. The use of case studies for training was highly appreciated by most participants, as it presented actual experiences. Suggestions to include more case studies from both Pakistan and Sri Lanka were strongly made.
Additionally, adjustments in the training module will be made, such reducing the length of lectures and adding more photos to the presentations to better describe the key recovery messages. Encouraging governments to own the training activities will be further promoted by transferring the training module. This arrangement will be strengthened in future training activities to reach out local government officials. (2011/02/09 14:20)

5-10 December 2010 (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)
12-16 December 2010 (Dhaka and Noakhali, Bangladesh)


Since 2009, ADRC has initiated a pilot project of ADRC 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 Mongolia and Bangladesh were selected as target countries among applications from ADRC member countries. After the submission of country reports by the two target countries, reviewer teams, which consist of two officers from member countries, one expert from Japan and one or two from ADRC per a target country, have visited target countries to conduct interview surveys.

<Mongolia>
IMG_0104.JPGOn 5-10 December 2010, the ADRC reviewer team, composed of Prof. Masato Motosaka (Earthquake Disaster Research Laboratory, Disaster Control Research Center, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University), Mr. Tshering Kezang (Governor, Dzongkhag Administration, Lhuentse, Bhutan), Mr. Vizesh Rana (Deputy Commandant, Ministry of Home Affairs, India) and two ADRC staff members visited Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. During the four day survey, the team visited various ministries and institutions related to DRR activities, including NEMA: National Emergency Management Agency (ADRC's counterpart in Mongolia), to examine how they have been making the efforts for earthquake disaster education and capacity development by government and non-governmental organizations in Mongolia. Then, the team conducted on-site review of the building condition, and prepared a draft report of the survey result with all findings and recommendations. On the last day of the survey, a workshop was held for getting opinion and comments to finalize the report and attended by about 30 NEMA officials. The representative from Bhutan and India also made presentations on their efforts for earthquake disaster reduction in the workshop. It provided a very good opportunity for exchanging opinions each other.

<Bangladesh>

photo 016.jpgAnother reviewer team composed of Dr. Taiichi Hayashi of Research Center for Fluvial and Coastal Disasters of Disaster Prevention Research Institute of Kyoto University, Mr. San Kung from Myanmar's Relief and Resettlement Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Ms. Crispina B. Abat of Philippines' Office of Civil Defense, and Ms. Yumi Shiomi of ADRC visited Bangladesh on 12-16 December 2010 to conduct a survey for learning about their ongoing efforts for Cyclone Preparedness in the country. The survey began with visiting relevant organizations in Dhaka such as Disaster Management and Relief Division of Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (ADRC's counterpart in Bangladesh), its Disaster Management Bureau, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Institute of Water Modeling and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. Then the team moved to cyclone-prone Noakhali District in the coastal region to learn the situations through interviewing local DRM officials, volunteers and residents, and visiting cyclone shelters and embankments. The team members with cyclone expertise and experiences of severe storm countermeasures in their countries actively shared opinions during the survey.

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.

(2010/12/21 17:40)


3 December 2010 (Vientiane, Lao)

ADRC collaborated with Ministry of Education in Lao to organize the second coordination meeting for "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" project. First, ADRC and the task-team discussed latest situation on disaster education in Lao for conducting a Training of Trainer (TOT) and Pilot Lesson.
Then ADRC and the task-team visited 2 target schools. It was followed by a meeting with Ministry of Education's officials, the principal and teachers of a pilot school in Vientiane. As a result of discussion, ADRC and the task-team decided that a training program for school teachers will be held at the middle of March in 2011.
Note: This project is part of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Projects and aimed to promote disaster education in ASEAN countries through such means as training of school teachers followed by school lessons facilitated by trained teachers.)

(2011/03/18 18:30)

19 October 2010 (Lao People's Democratic Republic)

ADRC held the First Coordination Meeting for Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Project "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of Lao People's Democratic Republic. In the meeting, the project outline was introduced by ADRC. Then, Ministry of Education reported the latest situation of disaster education in Laos. Some materials and teacher's manual have been already developed in Laos, and  it is agreed to effectively use these existing materials for our activity.
Hereafter, the teaching materials will be drafted for the Training of Pilot Teachers.

(2010/11/30 18:30)

14-23 July 2010, Vientiane, Lao PDR


Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) conducted the program "Capacity Building of Utilization of Satellite Image for Disaster Management" in Vientiane, Lao PDR from 14 to23 July 2010. This program consisted of one-day seminar and five- days training both to promote the utilization of space based technology, and it was conducted in collaboration with Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and the Remote Sensing Center of Water Resources & Environment Institute, Water Resources and Environment Administration under Prime Minister Office (RSC/WREI/WREA), Government of Lao PDR.
This is one of the four capacity development programs in ASEAN countries that ADRC has been implementing since 2008, with other three including disaster education promotion, development of Web-based GLIDE-associated disaster database and capacity building of local government officials.
Satellite Images were utilized to estimate flood damages and to implement emergency activities when Vientiane was heavily inundated in August 2008. Through this experience, a shortage of engineers capable of applying space based technology to disaster management was recognized so that capacity building of engineers in relevant fields has become an urgent need.
ADRC will continue to cooperate with RSC/WREI/WREA and other relevant agencies to further promote the utilization of satellite data in the field of disaster management in Lao PDR. ADRC also plans to conduct this program in other ASEAN countries.
For more details of this project, please visit the following web site.
http://www.geoinfo.ait.ac.th/adrc/index.htm

(2010/08/02 13:20)

26 March 2010 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)


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The pilot lesson and seminar for "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" project was held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 26th to 27th March. It was organized jointly by the Ministry of National Education of Indonesia and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC). More than fifty teachers of primary school and lots of students attended this two-day workshop.

On 26th March, teachers had a lecture "Basic Knowledge about Natural Disaster" for student based on the subjects lectured in the Training of Trainers (TOT) in March 2010. And they also conducted "Evacuation Drill against Earthquake" for students of each class on the same day. And the next day, participants including teachers, experts and the ADRC summarized the whole program of this project during the seminar. It was suggested that continuous activity by themselves and support by national/local government will be necessary for the spread of disaster education.

ADRC hopes that the outcome of this project will be shared in other schools on disaster education throughout the Indonesia.

Note: This project is part of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Projects and aimed to promote disaster education in ASEAN countries through such means as training of school teachers followed by school lessons facilitated by trained teachers.)

(2010/04/19 18:30)

1 March 2010 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)


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The Training of Pilot Teachers for "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" project was held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 1st to 2nd March 2010. It was organized jointly by the Ministry of National Education of Indonesia and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC). More than fifty teachers of primary school, including experts as lecturer, attended this two-day workshop.

Participants took lectures about "Latest Situation of Disaster Education in Japan", "Earthquake Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan", "Basic Knowledge about Natural Disaster", etc. In the past, there were lots of earthquakes in this province including the latest one in 2006, claimed more than 6,000 lives. Therefore, participants joined in this workshop with a passionate concern. In particular, "First aid training" was effective tool for them to support their students.

As a result of elaboration and discussion, a pilot lesson and seminar will be held on 26th and 27th March this year.

Note: This project is part of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Projects and aimed to promote disaster education in ASEAN countries through such means as training of school teachers followed by school lessons facilitated by trained teachers.)


(2010/4/19 18:30)


29 January 2010 (Indonesia)


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"Promotion of Disaster Education in Schools" Project in Indonesia
ADRC collaborated with Indonesia' Ministry of National Education to organize the second coordination meeting for "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" project in Indonesia. First, ADRC and a task-team on the Indonesia side discussed situation report on disaster education in Indonesia and provisional education materials on 28th. It was followed by a meeting with provincial education bureau's officials and a principal and teachers of a pilot school in Yogyakarta on 29th. As a result of elaboration and discussion, ADRC and Task-Team decided that a training program for school teachers be held on 1st- 2nd March this year.
Note: This project is part of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Projects and aimed to promote disaster education in ASEAN countries through such means as training of school teachers followed by school lessons facilitated by trained teachers.)

(2010/02/22 18:30)

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)

17-18 November 2009 (Bangkok, Thailand)

25-26 November 2009 (Paro, Bhutan)

 

ADRC has initiated a pilot project of DRR Policy Peer Review this year. This new project is aimed at developing DRR capacity of ADRC member countri es by sharing information and strengthening the relationship among member countries. The topic for this year has been selected as "disaster education and public awareness" and Bhutan and Thailand for countries to be reviewed.
 

After the submission of country reports by two target countries, reviewer teams, which consist of one officer from a member country, one expert from Japan and one from ADRC per a target country, have visited target countries to conduct surveys.
 

IMG_0009.JPGThailand
On 17-18 November 2009, the ADRC reviewer team, composed of Mr. Naoki Shiratsuchi of Japanese Red Cross, Dr. Alvaro Antonyan of Armenian National Survey for Seismic Protection Agency and Ms. Maki Yoshida of the ADRC, visited Thailand
 

During the two day survey, the team visited various ministries and institutions, including Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (ADRC's counterpart in Thailand), Ministry of Education, National Disaster Warning Center and Thai Red Cross Society to examine how they have been making the efforts for disaster education and public awareness by government and non-governmental organisations in Thailand.
 

IMG_0005.JPGBhutan
Another reviewer team composed of Dr. Koichi Shiwaku of Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Research Center of the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (EDM-NIED), Mr. Arshad Nawaz Chheena from Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority and Ms. Maki Yoshida of ADRC visited Bhutan on 25-26   November 2009 and conducted the survey by learning about their ongoing efforts for disaster education and public awareness by visiting Department of Disaster Management (ADRC's counterpart in Bhutan), Department of School Education, Department of Geology and Mines, Standard Quality and Control Authority and UNDP office.
 

This project aims at developing the mutual learning process among the ADRC member countries in stead 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-fertilisation. In addition, ADRC will further elaborate on the programme based on the results of this year's project for possible improvement in the ways this project is conduced for coming years.
 

ADRC would like to express its sincerest gratitude to all of those who have made precious contribution to this project this year.

(2009/11/16 16:50) 

30 October - 5 November 2009 (Kathmandu, Nepal)

errp200911.jpgADRC conducted the second pull down test of a retrofitted building in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 2-3 November to compare with the first pull down test of a non-retrofitted building on 15 October as one of activities of Earthquake Risk Reduction and Recovery Preparedness Programme (ERRP).
The non-retrofitted building used for the first pull down test completely fell down by intensity 13.5 ton, whereas  the retrofitted building used for the second test did not even crack when intensity reached as much as 25 ton.
The comparison clearly demonstrates that earthquake-resistance of a building can be strengthened by applying the proposed retrofitting method (steel wire mesh plus mortal coating).
We will further examine the test results and produce a poster to promote the use of the proposed retrofitting method to masonry buildings as a very useful and cost-effective tool to enhance earthquake resistance.
(2009/11/09 19:10)


10-18 October 2009 (Kathmandu, Nepal)

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center has been carefully planned and prepared "Pull Down Test" for the last one year as a big event of "Earthquake Risk Reduction and Recovery Preparedness Program for the South Asian Region".  The first "Pull Down Test" of the existing non-retrofitted  building was conducted on 15 October in Katmandu, Nepal.
This time, a 30-years old existing building was pulled until falling. The main purposes of the experiment are to enhance awareness of the threat of earthquake by observing actual situation how the building is collapsed when a big earthquake occurs, and also to examine the strength of an old house. Further, we will conduct the second "Pull Down Test" on 2 November for the purpose of verifying the effectiveness of the retrofitting by the JAKETTING method.
Many participants from Nepal government, United Nations, the ERRP member countries, and local communities observed the result of the experiment with particular interst. As the tensility was carefully enlarged, the cracks on the wall of the house became bigger, and finally the house was collapsed in a moment. The participants could realize well the vulnerability of the existing buildings to the big earthquakes. Further, local newspapers covered the event giving a great deal of space, which contributed to raiging people's awareness of disasters.

ERRP200910.jpg
(2009/10/22 19:10)

17-19 August 2009 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)


blog_gr.jpgADRC, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), conducted the third year of the "NGO Training for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia" Project from 17 to 19 August 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This year, as the final year of this project, the programme aims at developing a disaster risk reduction tool booklet as an outcome of this capacity development project. Six first-year participants, ADRRN secretariat and ADRC gathered in Kuala Lumpur to further discuss on the booklet, as well as to hold a workshop on disaster risk reduction tools and methodologies.

The workshop held on 18 August was attended by 20 people in total including a Malaysian government official, NGO officers based in Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, and a JICA officer. In the workshop, six first-year participants introduced and shared tools and methodologies which they learnt mostly through this project, focusing on how they applied them in their disaster risk reduction activities.

The workshop participants provided the first-year participants various questions and inputs such as tools' impacts to communities, application of community based disaster risk management tools in Malaysia, integration of local government officials into community projects and management of disaster memorial centers.

The first-year participants and ADRC will elaborate the tool booklet reflecting the inputs gained from the workshop and publish it by the end of this year.

(2009/08/27 17:40)

29-31 July 2009 (New Delhi, India)

The International Recovery Platform (IRP), UNDP-India, ADRC, NDMA-India, and SDMC jointly organized the Regional Conference on Earthquake Risk Reduction held at India International Centre, New Delhi, India on July 29-31, 2009. Over 200 participants, including representatives from Earthquake Risk Reduction and Recovery Preparedness Programme (ERRP) country teams, technical experts, practitioners, and relevant stakeholders, gathered during the three-day to discuss experiences, share knowledge, and facilitate technical cooperation.
[more]
 (2009/08/12 14:00)

23 June 2009 (Thailand)


IMG_0002.jpgOn 23rd June 2009, ADRC held the Coordination Meeting for Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Project "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" in collaboration with Office of the Permanent Secretary and Basic Education Commission, the Ministry of Education of Thailand. In the meeting, the project outline was introduced and the latest situation of disaster education in Thailand was reported. A lot of materials have already been developed; therefore, it is effective to make use of them for our activity. Hereafter, the teaching materials will be drafted for the Training of Pilot Teachers.

(2009/06/16 18:30)

14 May 2009 (Indonesia)


IMG_0003.jpg

On 14th May 2009, ADRC held the Coordination Meeting for Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Project "Promotion of Disaster Education of Schools" with the Ministry of National Education of Indonesia. In the meeting, the project outline was explained and latest situation of disaster education in Indonesia was reported. Hereafter, the teaching materials will be drafted for the Training of Pilot Teachers.

(2009/06/16 18:30)

24-25 November 2008 (Armenia)


Armenia_pic.jpg

On 24 and 25 November 2008, the Armenian National Survey for Seismic Protection (NSSP) and the ADRC held a seminar entitled "Knowledge: Achieving Safer Communities through Education and Training in Disaster-Prone Mountainous Areas" in Syunik Prefecture and Vayot' Dzor Prefecture. Mr. Takaaki Shiratori of the Takenaka Corporation, a leading private construction company in Japan, was invited to give a seminar focusing on measures for coping with the damage caused by the collapse of school buildings, reservoirs and dams. The participants were highly interested in both lectures, as Armenia and Japan share similar geographical features, including mountainous terrain, and both were followed by active questionand-answer sessions.

(2008/11/28 18:30)

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