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Activity Report: Themes & Issues >> Participation in Conference

24-25 July 2024 (online)


20240724_2.pngAPEC Vietnam organized an online workshop on "Improving the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities to Climate Change" on 24-25 July 2024. This workshop comprised four thematic sessions, and ADRC moderated Session 1 on the topic Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities to Climate Change in the Asia-Pacific: Prospects and Challenges.


Five speakers presented in this session. The two speakers from Vietnam reported the climate-related challenges at the national and local levels respectively, such as sea-level rise that caused intense typhoons and frequent flooding. Other speakers presented the prospects of addressing climate-related challenges:


i) UNDRR reported that the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction provides guidance for integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures;
ii) Republic of Korea reported that new tools are now available to monitor and predict storm surges; and
iii) Australia reported its leadership in promoting strategic partnerships for coastal resilience in the Asia-Pacific region.


In Session 2 (topic: Scaling up efforts on strengthening resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change), ADRC made a presentation about "Utilizing climate change impact projection data to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities." ADRC, along with a number of research institutes and agencies, introduced its engagement in the Advanced Study of Climate Change Project (SENTAN4) in developing integrated hazard models on storm-and-flood hazards and water resources for the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, ADRC highlighted the utilization of downscaling tools to produce localized climate change impact projection data to inform adaptation and mitigation measures.


ADRC's participation in this workshop provided an opportunity to learn from other economies' experiences and actions in addressing climate-related challenges at the local level.

(2024/08/01 15:00)

24 July 2024 (Denizli, Turkiye)


20240724.pngIn recent years, a lot of DRR activities have been conducted between ADRC and Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkiye (AFAD), including international conferences and field survey missions.


Dr IKEDA Makoto from ADRC attended the AFAD seminar in Denizli, Turkiye as a speaker and made several presentations. He shared information about DRR structures in Japan and DRR efforts at the community and national level. Dr Fatma Canaslan Comut reported on recent AFAD's DRR programs such as an information sharing system. The participants also engaged actively in discussion with the two speakers, and the workshop proved to be a useful occasion for considering how to achieve better DRR in Turkiye going forward.

(2024/07/31 15:00)

25-28 June 2024 (Seoul, Republic of Korea )


20240625.pngThis year's annual meeting of the Typhoon Committee's Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR) was held on 25-28 June 2024 in Seoul, Republic of Korea on the theme "EW4All: Bridging Gaps for Effective Disaster Risk Reduction." ADRC participated in this event on behalf of the Cabinet Office Japan with the following contributions and outcomes:


1) Presented Japan's member report highlighting the milestones on disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities implemented by ADRC in 2023 (e.g., GLIDE, Sentinel Asia, QZSS, training, webinars, ACDR, website, and other information-sharing activities)
2) Announced the host, theme, dates, and venue of the next Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR2024) to the members of the WGDRR
3) Noted the key technical presentations related to the theme of ACDR2024, particularly the "Urban inundation response technology using deep learning and sensor data" by the National Disaster Management Research Institute (NDMI)/Republic of Korea and the "Role of Impact-Based Forecasting in Early Warnings for All initiative" by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP)
4) Affirmed a continuing collaboration with WGDRR in information sharing through GLIDE, the website, and online databases to be reflected in the working group's Annual Operations Plans (AOPs)
5) Discussed with the participant from Vietnam regarding ADRC's engagement in the forthcoming APEC Vietnam Online Workshop on "Improving the Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities to Climate Change," 24-25 July 2024.


The WGDRR is one of the working groups under the UN-ESCAP/World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee, comprising 14 members (i.e., 12 countries and 2 regions) in Asia-Pacific region.

(2024/07/05 15:00)

13 June 2024 (online)


The 7th GLIDE Steering Committee Meeting was held online on 13 June 2024. A total of 15 participants from the Steering Committee member organizations discussed the annual priority activities and agreed to have closer communication among the three Subcommittees (API, SOP, and Product Development) to facilitate the integration of GLIDE functionalities. They also shared recent activities relevant to GLIDE application, including a presentation from ADRC on GLIDE utilisation in an ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee project.

(2024/06/20 15:00)

27-29 May 2024 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)


20240527.pngADRC participated in the Inter-Regional Dialogue 2024, with the theme "Tools and Technologies for Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment and Early Warning: Sharing Experience among Countries in the Asia Pacific Region," held on 27-29 May 2024 in Incheon, Republic of Korea. This event was jointly organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Office for Northeast Asia & Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR ONEA & GETI) in support of the Early Warnings for All initiative, which the UN Secretary-General launched in 2022 to ensure a universal coverage of early warning systems by 2027.


In this dialogue, participants from the trilateral cooperating countries China, Japan, and Korea (CJK) shared their respective experiences, tools, and technologies on multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) with other countries in Asia-Pacific region, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, and Viet Nam as well as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan.


The common MHEWS issues in these countries are: 1) warning information is not targeted to specific communities-at-risk; 2) warning information dissemination is usually one-way communication, and there is no feedback on whether the communities-at-risk have successfully evacuated; and 3) different warning agencies maintain their own databases that need to be integrated to achieve reliable forecast and warning.


Japan made two presentations at the plenary. One concerned the "QZSS DC Report," an early warning message dissemination service of Japan using the "Michibiki" satellites system known as "Quasi-Zenith Satellites System," presented by Mr Gerry Potutan, senior researcher at ADRC. The other concerned the "Nankai Trough Earthquake Warning Information," delivered by Mr UMETSU Togo, Policy Office International Cooperation Division Disaster Management Bureau, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.


This inter-regional dialogue facilitated greater regional collaboration in terms of: 1) available MHEWS tools and technologies; 2) effective practices for risk reduction among disaster-prone countries in relation to early warning; and 3) community-level capacity development in disaster risk reduction between Northeast Asia and other sub-regions of the Asia Pacific region.

(2024/06/03 15:00)

9 May 2024 (Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei)


20240509-1.pngThe 7th ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) + Japan Meeting was held on 9 May 2024 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. As a part of the program, Mr SASAHARA Akio, Executive Director of ADRC, gave presentations on the final outcome of two projects: "Promotion of Database Linkage and Capacity Enhancement through Utilisation of GLIDE" and "Pilot Project on Utilisation of State-of-the-Art Communication Technologies for CBDRM and Disaster Emergency Management," which were implemented to promote the "ASEAN-Japan Work Plan on Disaster Management 2021-2025." Regarding the CBDRM activities, the delegates from Malaysia, the target country of the project, expressed their gratitude for its successful completion. Additionally, proposals for the intended next phase of these projects were explained. In the meeting, there were also reports on the progress of various activities of the ASEAN-Japan Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan. Furthermore, ADRC participated in a field visit held on the last day, which facilitated interaction among the meeting participants.


20240509-2.png<Side Meetings with Representatives of Member Countries and Relevant Organisations>
As Brunei, the host country of the ACDM + Japan Meeting, officially became a member of ADRC on 1 May 2024, a meeting was held with the Director of Brunei's National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to discuss future cooperation activities. We also had meetings with representatives from Malaysia, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the AHA Centre.

(2024/05/16 15:00)

27 February - 1 March 2024 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)


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Marking the first in-person Session following the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Fifty-Sixth Session of the Typhoon Committee (TC-56) was held in Swiss-Garden Hotel Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 27 February to 1 March 2024. The Typhoon Committee, under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), convened the Session and hosted by the Malaysian Meteorological Department.


The 56th Session reviewed the progress made in its programme of work in 2023 and planned the activities to be undertaken in 2024 and beyond, together with the support required to implement them. The Session also covered the strategic and development issues such as the implementation of the updated Strategic Plan 2022-2026.


ADRC made a presentation to promote the use of the QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) for early warning systems in each country and GLIDE numbers for disaster information sharing. Since the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR) has included GLIDE in its 2024 Annual Operation Plans (AOPs), many participants showed great interest.

(2024/03/08 15:00)

30-31 January 2024

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ADRC attended the meeting of the 22nd Sentinel Asia Steering Committee held at TASA (Taiwan Space Agency) in Taiwan, on 30-31 January 2024. 

The meeting was attended by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which serves as the secretariat of the Sentinel Asia Joint Project Team, other space agencies in Asia, and image analysis organizations. ADRC participated to facilitate between these organizations.

At the meeting, JAXA started out by explaining the purpose of the meeting and the current status of Sentinel Asia operations and issues. In addition, the space agencies reported on their current status of operations. The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Yamaguchi University had a presentation on the topics related to image analysis. ADRC reported on the status of cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and other organizations, as well as on the activities of the Sentinel Asia workshops held in Turkey and Nepal in 2023. Finally, a discussion was held on the revision of the Sentinel Asia Strategic Plan based on the presentations by each organization.
(2024/02/07 15:00)
7 December 2023 (Online)

On 7 December 2023, the GLIDE Steering Committee Meeting was held online with participation of 25 participants from 9 organizations. In the meeting, chaired by Prof. ONO Yuichi, we shared the recent updates of GLIDE as well as those from member organizations; CRED and UNDRR. Participants discussed over the activities for 2024 and confirmed their cooperation in the coming GLIDE development and application agenda.  
(2023/12/14 15:00)
28 November - 1 December 2023 (Bangkok, Thailand)

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ADRC participated in the three events organized by ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee (TC) and jointly hosted by the Typhoon Committee Secretariat (TCS) and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on 28 November to 1 December 2023 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.

The first event was the 4th Training and Research Coordination Group (TRCG) Forum, where specialized topics of research interest such as Artificial Intelligence and potential operational applications related to tropical cyclone monitoring, forecasting, and warning were presented. The second event was the 18th Integrated Workshop (IWS), which is an annual integrated event of the four working groups: Advisory (AWG), Meteorology (WGM), Hydrology (WGH), Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR) to assess the work done in the past year and develop work plans for the next year. The third event was the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR) parallel meeting, where its 12-member countries and 2 regions assess the year-end progress of implementing the Annual Operation Plans (AOPs).

ADRC participated in the WGDRR meeting on behalf of the Cabinet Office Japan, which is the focal point for Japan. ADRC presented the member's report of Japan highlighting the disaster risk reduction activities on information-sharing, capacity-building, and technology transfer, particularly the Quasi Zenith Satellites System's Disaster and Emergency Crisis Report (QZSS-DC Report) service. Moreover, ADRC presented an overview of the GLIDE number system. After the presentation, the WGDRR members proposed to include the GLIDE number system as part of the Annual Operations Plans (AOPs) subject for review by AWG and the Typhoon Committee Secretariat. 
(2023/12/5 15:00)
20 October 2023 (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)
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The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2023, held on 20 October 2023 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan was attended by a total of 120 participants in person at Hyatt Regency Dushanbe, while 111 joined online. The theme for the conference this year was: "Effective Implementation of DRR Measures -Enabling Digital Transformation in DRR-". 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on ACDR2023, please visit the ACDR2023 website 

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

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

Detailed results of each session and links of the recording of the conference will be provided in the next issue. We would like to thank the Government of Tajikistan for co-hosting this conference and all the participants for your active participation.
(2023/10/27 15:00)
11 October 2023 (Ha Long, Viet)
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The 6th ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) + Japan Meeting was held on 11 October 2023 in Ha Long, Viet Nam. As a part of the program, Mr SASAHARA Akio, Executive Director of the ADRC, gave presentations on the progress of the two ongoing projects: "Promotion of Database Linkage and Capacity Enhancement through Utilizatio of GLIDE" and "Pilot Project on Utilization of State-of-Art Communication Technologies for CBDRM and Disaster Emergency Management." With regard to the CBDRM activities, the Vietnamese delegates in particular showed interest in the activities, as it is effective for use in rural areas remote from urban centres. Other activities at the meeting included reports on the progress of each activity of the ASEAN-Japan Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan 2021-2025.

On the last day of the meetings, ADRC participated in the site visit organized for the meeting participants. In the morning, the participants observed a disaster awareness event held at a nearby high school in association with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. Later, the delegations deepened exchanges with each other on a cruise in the World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.
(2023/10/18 15:00)
17-18 September 2023 (Jakarta, Indonesia)
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The 8th Joint Project Team Meeting was held from 17 to 18 September 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia as well as the 29th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) held from 19 to 22 September 2023 following JPTM. APRSAF was co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia. 

ADRC participated in both conferences, and reported on Sentinel Asia's activities. On 17 September, ADRC participated in a panel discussion and reported on the situations of Sentinel Asia's emergency observation requests (EOR) and end-user feedbacks on the various data provided to them in time of disaster. On 18 September, ADRC joined the organization reports session and introduced about the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) which is an EOR manual being developed in member countries and region of Sentinel Asia.

ADRC will continue to actively participate in activities related to the utilization of space technology in the field of disaster prevention.
(2023/09/25 15:00)
21 August 2023 (Singapore)
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ADRC participated in the first ASEAN Interregional Dialogue on Disaster Resilience (AIDDR) held on 21 August 2023 in Singapore. Adopting the theme, "Regional Perspectives on Building Resilience from Transboundary Risks," AIDDR convened regional organizations in Asia-Pacific region to explore strategies and current approaches to understanding, managing, and reducing transboundary disaster risks and their impacts on other emerging disaster risk issues. AIDDR aimed at achieving two key objectives: 

1) explore potential avenues for fostering collaborative efforts between regional organizations on DRM, and 
2) lay the groundwork for establishing interregional partnerships and collaboration with a specific focus on knowledge exchange and capacity building. 

Speaking on behalf of ADRC, Dr Potutan mentioned that one of the challenges in managing transboundary disasters is that the disaster risk management (DRM) systems of impacted countries usually differ, such as protocols and logistical approaches. In this context, ADRC facilitated cooperation among its 31-member countries by providing a common platform for: 

1) information-sharing on transboundary risks, such as assigning a universal identification of transboundary disasters using the GLIDE number system; and 
2) early warning of transboundary risks using satellites, particularly through the Quasi Zenith Satellites System (QZSS) and Sentinel Asia.

Based on the discussions at the AIDDR, the ASEAN Secretariat indicated to facilitate the following next steps: 

1) continue the inter-regional dialogue among regional organizations to strengthen collaboration;
2) conduct capacity mapping of regional organizations to inform initiatives for greater cooperation and synergy; and
3) pursue proposal for collaboration in the areas of data sharing, early warning, and knowledge exchange.
(2023/08/28 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)

1 August 2023 (Seattle, USA)
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosted the 19th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Emergency Preparedness Working Group (APEC-EPWG) meeting in Seattle, USA on 1 August 2023. ADRC Project Director Mr SUZUKI Koji (Co-chair of EPWG) and Senior Researcher Mr Gerry Potutan (Assistant to the EPWG Co-chair) participated in the meeting. 

In this meeting, the member economies together with representatives from the private sector, academia and industry leaders discussed the impact of complex emergencies and disaster shocks to APEC region's supply chains and explored ways to promote disaster risk reduction in supply chain management.?The meeting also delved into diverse approaches to early warning systems in the APEC region to accelerate the implementation of robust early warning systems that strengthen risk management and advance disaster risk reduction for all. Communications system, including timely and accurate dissemination of warnings that can reach rural communities, was mentioned as the key criterion to an effective early warning system.

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EPWG Co-chair SUZUKI, who facilitated the afternoon sessions, announced the following: 

i) Endorsement of the EPWG Work Plan 2023, 
ii) Revision of the APEC DRR Framework, and 
iii) Revision of the Plan of Action on the APEC DRR Framework. 

He also stated that the terms of office of the current EPWG co-chairs will end in 31 December 2023. As such, the Secretariat will be starting the process for nomination of the next co-chairs. 

As part of the APEC-EPWG events, which the FEMA organized as host, participants were given the opportunity to join a "Resilient Communities Field Tour" on 3 August 2023. In this field tour, participants had a chance to engage with local communities in the State of Washington, including a visit to Mount Vernon where the city leveraged local, state and federal investment to build a flood wall that put an end to persistent flooding of the city's downtown. The flood wall forms a part of a long-term plan to increase safety and revitalize the local economy. Participants also visited the Starbucks Headquarters and Seattle Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Starbucks demonstrated how the global corporation prepares its supply chain and operations for possible disasters and also showcased the model of public-private partnership to advance climate resilience. Seattle EOC showed how local emergency management personnel are constantly adapting to prepare the city for a changing disaster landscape.
(2023/8/8 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)
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
15-16 June 2023 (Da Nang, Viet Nam)
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On 15-16 June 2023, the 5th ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) + Japan meeting was held in Da Nang, Viet Nam. As part of the programme, Mr SASAHARA, executive director of the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) gave two presentations entitled "Promotion of Database Linkage and Capacity Enhancement through Utilization of GLIDE" and "Pilot Project on Utilization of State-of-Art Communication Technologies for CBDRM and Disaster Emergency Management". AHA Center as well as the representative of Malaysia and some others expressed their interest in these projects. Other activities at the meeting included a report on the progress of each activity under the ASEAN-Japan Work Plan on Disaster Management 2021-2025.

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ADRC also participated in the site visit held on the last day of the ACDM meeting. In the morning, the participants observed a disaster management drill carried out by the residents of Binh Hai Commune, Quang Nham Province. Based on the scenario that an early warning for an approaching typhoon was given, the exercise included the provision of pre-response funds and equipment and reinforcement of roofs of vulnerable houses conducted by a youth disaster management team. In the afternoon, the delegation visited a site where mangrove conservation and reforestation project are being implemented by the Green Climate Fund in Bau Ca Cai region, Quang Ngai Province.
2023/06/22 15:00
13-16 June 2023 (Ulsan, Republic of Korea)

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As a member of the Typhoon Committee's Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (TC/WGDRR), ADRC participated in the 18th Annual Meeting held on 13-16 June 2023 at the Lotte Hotel in Ulsan, Republic of Korea. The National Disaster Management Research Institute (NDMI), chair of the WGDRR, hosted the meeting on the theme, "Future of the Disaster Risk Reduction: Leveraging Technology to Adapt Climate Change". 

Mr SUZUKI Koji, Project Director at ADRC, delivered a technical presentation entitled, "QZSS Technology Application to Early Warning Message Platform" and Dr Gerry Potutan, Senior Researcher at ADRC, presented on the ADRC activities in line with TC/WGDRR. Both presentations highlighted ADRC's contributions in achieving the TC/WGDRR objectives to reduce the number of deaths and minimize the economic impacts of typhoon disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. 

One of the recommendations brought up by this meeting was to explore the linkage between the Typhoon Committee's Disaster Information System (TC-DIS) and the ADRC's GLobal Unique Disaster IDEntifier number (GLIDE) system. Under this proposed linkage, ADRC may be requested to provide an orientation to the 14 TC/WGDRR member countries on how to input the disaster information to the GLIDE system, focusing on tropical cyclone, storm surge, flood, and landslide. The progress of this potential linkage will be reported at the 18th Integrated Workshops (18th IWS) of the Typhoon Committee to be held on 27-30 November 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. 
2023/06/20 15:00
3-4 May 2023 (Bonn, Germany)

On 3-4 May 2023, ADRC attended the "Technical workshop: validation of the prototype for the new losses and damages tracking system" held in Bonn, Germany. The workshop which was organized by UNDRR, UNDP and WMO aimed to gather feedback from practitioners, experts and other losses and damages data stakeholders on the draft prototype of a new tracking system of the losses and damages data that is now in the process of development. During the two-day workshop, over 80 participants actively exchanged opinions in person and virtually about several issues of the new system such as functionalities, data analysis, visualization and administration. It is expected that the new system will ensure the use of data to generate insights for comprehensive disaster and climate risk management and for risk-informed sustainable development policy making and investment decisions.
(2023/05/10 15:00)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Three sessions were held for ACDR2022: (1) Large-Scale Disasters and Countermeasures, (2) Broaden Our Horizons for Disaster Data Linkage in SFDRR Implementation: Application of GLIDE (GLobal IDEntifier Number), and (3) The Provision of Information via Satellite for Disasters and Crisis Management. ACDR2022 also included a special session related to the "100th Anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake" for the discussion of these issues. In this special session, speakers reported on the process of recovery from the Great Kanto Earthquake in the metropolitan area of Japan and made recommendations for better DRR activities in Asian countries. Also, participants attended the Japan International Public-Private Association for Disaster Risk Reduction (JIPAD) seminar hosted by the Cabinet Office of Japan and a JICA-sponsored session at the World BOSAI Forum. On the last day of ACDR2022, participants visited the Yuriage area of Natori City in order to learn about recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake.
(2023/03/20 15:00)
2-3 February 2023 (online)
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Addressing the challenges in spatial planning due to increasing natural disasters and climate change was the overarching theme of the 5th Spatial Planning Platform (SPP) meeting held in Kathmandu, Nepal on 2-3 February 2023. ADRC participated in this year's event online. 

Since spatial planning is an essential tool in countering unplanned development and rapid urban growth, this planning practice faces inherent challenges such as the growing demand for more space as well as the increasing spatial needs for transportation, infrastructure, housing, landscape, and recreation. In the context of the changing climate, the 5th SPP tackled how to formulate and implement spatial plans that ensure the prudent use of land and natural resources. 

The session "Spatial Planning and Territorial Approach for Climate Change Adaptation," showcased experiences from Bangladesh, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Uganda. In the Philippines, where natural disasters are common, the government adopted an overall framework for spatial planning that contributes to: (1) inclusive growth through improved connectivity and better access to economic opportunities and social services across regions; (2) decongestion of the national capital region (NCR) and efforts to direct growth to key centers in the country; (3) vulnerability reduction strategies to mitigate or reduce impacts of disasters; and (4) the alignment of sectoral plans, regional and local development plans, and local governments' land use plans with the national framework to ensure coherence. 

Details of the meeting can be accessed online: 
(2023/02/09 15:00)
13 December 2022 (online)

On 13 December 2022, the fourth GLIDE Steering Committee Meeting was held online from 21:00-22:30 (JST). A total of 14 participants attended the meeting from SC member organizations including ADRC, CRED, EU/JRC, IDMC, IFRC, Tohoku University, UNDP and WMO. After sharing the outcomes of recent international events related to disaster data as well as recent developments in GLIDE system functions, participants actively discussed ways to promote improvements in the connectivity of databases using GLIDE. The conclusion was that each member will continue to promote linkages via GLIDE.   
(2022/12/20 15:00)
29-30 November 2022 (online)
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ADRC participates annually in the Integrated Workshops (IWS) of the Typhoon Committee, where year-end reports are presented by the four working groups: the Working Group on Meteorology (WGM), the Working Group on Hydrology (WGH), the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR), and the Training and Research Coordination Group (TRCG). This year, the Typhoon Committee Secretariat (TCS) held the 17th IWS online on 29-30 November 2022 with the theme "Tropical cyclone planning, forecasting, and response services for early warning and early action."

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

The 18th IWS in 2023 will be hosted at ESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand. 
(2022/12/07 15:00)
28 November - 1 December 2022 (online)
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Mr SUZUKI Koji (Project Director of ADRC and co-Chair of APEC-EPWG) and Dr Gerry Potutan (Senior Researcher, ADRC) participated in the "Workshop to Strengthen Fire Prevention Capacities in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)" held 28 November - 1 December 2022. The online workshop was organized by EPWG-Chile to contribute to capacity building in the APEC economies. It focused on fire management in wildland-urban interface areas through the use of techniques and strategies focused on generating a culture of prevention that reduces territorial vulnerability and exposure to risk.

On the third day of the workshop, Dr Gerry Potutan gave a presentation highlighting the contribution of climate change impact projections to inform plans, strategies, and policies on climate change adaptation. While climate change does not directly cause wildfires, it greatly contributes to the creation of conditions that allow wildfires to start and spread easily, with extremely devastating impacts. One of the projected climate change scenarios indicates that global temperatures will become much warmer if human activities continue emitting greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon and methane. This will create conditions for the "tinderbox effect," whereby summers become hotter and drier - making it possible for wildfires to more easily start and spread quickly. As a result of the workshop, the participants from the 21 APEC member economies and the government officials from Chile gained insights on applying climate change impact projections to the development of mitigation and adaption strategies for fire prevention in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. 
(2022/12/07 15:00)
15 - 18 November 2022 (Hanoi,Vietnam)

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

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

ADRC will continue to actively participate in activities related to the utilization of space technology in the field of disaster prevention.
(2022/11/22 15:00)
22 October 2022 (Kobe,Japan)
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ADRC organized a workshop entitled, "Differences in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) between Japan and other countries as seen by foreign residents in Japan: cooperation starts from understanding the differences" on 22 October 2022. The workshop, which was a side event at the BOSAI KOKUTAI 2022, covered a range of issues, including: engagement of foreign residents in disaster prevention activities; risk communication; and ways to bridge the differences in DRM practices among Asian countries. 

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

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

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

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

At the closing, MR. ARAKIDA Masaru (Director, Researcher Department, ADRC), who moderated the workshop, acknowledged that since foreign residents in Japan came from diverse culture and background, it is expected that the DRM practices of their respective countries can be different from Japan. This situation can be challenging for most Japanese local governments to communicate disaster risk. The suggestions that came up in this workshop will offer insights on how to address this challenge. He also mentioned that all presentation materials can be accessed on ADRC website: 
(2022/10/27 15:00)
21 October 2022 (Online)
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On 21 October 2022, ADRC participated in the annual meeting of the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR) of the Typhoon Committee. This event, which was held online, enabled discussion of three key items: (1) progress on the implementation of projects for 2022, (2) proposed projects for 2023, and (3) participation in the Integrated Workshops (IWS). 

It was reported that all seven projects for 2022 were implemented, including the "Knowledge Sharing in DRR" event that was held in Guam over the summer. For 2023, WGDRR proposed seven projects:

(1) Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing in DRR, 
(2) Setting-up Early Warning and Alert Systems, 
(3) the WGDRR Annual Meeting, 
(4) Benefit Evaluation of Typhoon DRR, 
(5) DRR Information Sharing, 
(6) a DRR Education Video, and 
(7) a Seminar on Crowd-Sourcing. 

The WGDRR will report on the progress made on the 2022 projects as well as the proposed projects for 2023 at the forthcoming 17th Integrated Workshop of the Typhoon Committee, to be held 29-30 November 2023 via video conference. At the closing, the chair of the WGDRR highlighted that the first project to be implemented in 2023 is the "Knowledge Sharing in DRR Events," which will be held back-to-back in Manila, Philippines and Vientiane, Lao PDR during the first quarter. 
(2022/10/28 15:00)
 4 - 6 October 2022 (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)
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This Regional Forum co-organized by the Centre for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR) and the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CoES) of Tajikistan was held on 4-6 October 2022 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The Regional Forum was attended by more than 70 people including heads of emergency authorities in the Central Asian countries and UN officials, donors, and representatives of international and NGOs. 

During the Regional Forum, many topics of international cooperation on DRR were discussed, such as the ongoing implementation of the Sendai Framework for DRR, lessons learned from major natural disasters and the recovery process, inclusive approaches to DRR, cross-border cooperation, and DRR investments. CESDRR pointed out that the Technical Working Group will be created for the development of a Regional Early Warning System and Mutual Information Sharing on Threats and Emergencies.

ADRC introduced current activities that contribute to capacity building in the Central Asian countries, such as the visiting researcher program, the Sentinel Asia project, GLIDE, and preparations for a future Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) in Tajikistan.
(2022/1011 15:00)
 19 - 22 September 2022 (Brisbane, Australia.)
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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) sent representatives to the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR 2022), which was held on 19 to 22 September 2022 in Brisbane, Australia.

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

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

Moreover, ADRC Executive Director SASAHARA Akio issued an official statement introducing ADRC's efforts and inviting partners to learn together for enhancing disaster resilience in the Asia Pacific region.
The full statement is available at: https://bit.ly/APMCDRR2022ADRC.
(2022/09/26 15:00)
12 -14 September 2022 (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
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The Climate Change Vulnerabilities, Social Impacts, and Education for Autonomous Adaptation was held from 12 to 14 September 2022 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was co-organized by the Department of Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) in Cambodia, and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). The purpose of this workshop was to strengthen the capacity of officials from ASEAN member states to conduct climate change vulnerability assessments and to implement successful autonomous and planned adaptation measures. 

ADRC joined Session 2, "Socio economic implications of climate vulnerability and framework conditions for adaptation planning," and gave a presentation highlighting several good examples of countermeasures against floods and landslides in Japan. Dr Ikeda was a panelist during the discussion session.
(2022/09/20 15:00)
31 August 2022

ADRC will organize a Partner Event at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) entitled Building Resilient Communities by Investing in DRR Literacy for Proactive Actions that "Leave No One Behind."

Recognizing the importance of community empowerment for reducing disaster damage, this event will showcase innovative practices in building community resilience, including investing in DRR literacy as a way to ensure no one is left behind. Although the event will an in-person only event, we are looking forward to having APMCDRR attendees participate. 

For more information, please see the website and flyer below.

Date: 21 September 2022 (Wednesday)
Time: 13:30 - 14:30 (Australia Time UTC+9)
Venue: Mezzanine Room M2, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
(2022/08/31 15:00)

19 August 2022 (Chiangmai, Thailand)
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One of the key discussions at the 15th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum (SDMOF-15) held on 19 August 2022 in Chiangmai, Thailand focused on whether the APEC EPWG should update the 2015 APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and the 2016 DRR Action Plan in the context of post-COVID-19 recovery.

It was noted that in 2015, APEC leaders adopted the APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework to contribute to the development of adaptive and disaster-resilient Asia-Pacific economies that are able to achieve inclusive and sustainable development in the face of disasters in a "new normal" context. The Framework, and its corresponding DRR Action Plan, recognizes that addressing the impacts of disasters requires holistic, more proactive, multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral, and strategic interventions to make our economies more resilient. Hence, the Framework cuts across all areas of the APEC agenda, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, trade and investments, energy, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), infrastructure development, critical infrastructure resiliency, financial resiliency, human capital, health, gender, food security, science and technology, and ecological integrity. After seven years of implementation, the economies of Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, and Chile expressed the need to review and update the documents. 

Given this discussion, ADRC expressed support for updating the 2015 APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework and its corresponding DRR Action Plan to make these documents more responsive to post-pandemic recovery efforts in the region as well as to align them with the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and its corresponding Aotearoa Plan of Action (APA). 
(2022/08/26 15:00)

 18 August 2022 (Chiangmai, Thailand)
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Japan's delegation to the 18th APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) meeting held on 18 August 2022 included four officials from the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC). Mr SUZUKI Koji, who is serving as current co-chair of the EPWG participated in person in Chiangmai, Thailand while Mr SASAHARA Akio, Ms SHIOMI Yumi, and Mr Gerald Potutan participated online. The government of Thailand hosted the meeting with the theme of "Promoting Disaster Risk Reduction and Strengthening Partnership Toward Resilient Recovery After COVID-19." 

ADRC gave two presentations at the meeting. The first presentation showed the application of the GLIDE numbering system and the utilization of satellite images in documenting recent disasters (2021-2022) in Asia and the Pacific region. In applying the GLIDE numbering system, ADRC assigns common but unique numbers to disasters to support the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) data as well as to improve the efficiency of retrieving historical and ongoing disaster information from various databases across different countries and organizations. Moreover, ADRC also provides to member countries "before-and-after" satellite images of disaster-impacted areas through Sentinel Asia - an initiative led by the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) to support disaster management with WEB-GIS technology and earth observation satellite data. The second presentation showed the potential contribution of Japan's early warning service (EWS) using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) to support evacuation and response activities. QZSS, which is a constellation of Japanese Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), has the capacity to send warning information using space satellites. QZSS is expected to offer greater applications in remote and mountainous areas with poor coverage of ground-based telecommunications networks. It would also help protect the early warning message from vulnerable telecommunications systems against service disruptions during extreme disaster events. For this project, the Cabinet of Japan is initially inviting the following countries to participate in feasibility studies and demonstrations: Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Australia, and Fiji. 

As indicated in both presentations, ADRC has been implementing DRR projects in the Asia-Pacific region and would like to further leverage greater partnerships in the EPWG to strengthen regional efforts. 
(2022/08/25 15:00)
16 June 2022(online)

On 16 June 2022, the 3rd GLIDE Steering Committee Meeting was held online. A total of 15 members from 10 organizations participated in the meeting and discussed various issues related to GLIDE management and future activity policies, as well as shared examples of GLIDE applications. 

At the meeting, the decision was made to reappoint Professor Ono Yuichi IRIDeS, Tohoku University, as Chair of the Steering Committee, and he expressed his desire to promote GLIDE in more concrete ways. 

The subcommittees on SOP, API, and Product Development then reported on their activities and plans for this year. It was agreed that the subcommittees would work together on overlapping issues. 

During the meeting ADRC and UNDP presented examples of the use of the GLIDE API and invited member institutions to cooperate.
2022/07/31(15:00)
23-28 May 2022 (Bali, Indonesia) 
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ADRC sent representatives to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2022) that was held on 23 to 28 May 2022 in Bali, Indonesia. ADRC participated in many events, including the following: (1) Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference, 23-24 May, where we learned new developments relating to impact-based forecasting, forecast-based financing, early warning/early action, anticipatory action, and the effectiveness of early warning; (2) World Reconstruction Conference, 23-24 May, which showed pathways to a greener and more resilient future as well as recovery models for a post-COVID-19 world; and 3) Midterm Reviews of the Sendai Framework Plenaries, 26-27 May, which offered insights on progress made in the fields of financing and governance (Plenary 1),  multi-hazards and the systemic nature of risk (Plenary 2), and the operating environment (Plenary 3). In the sidelines of the Global Platform, ADRC representatives also participated in separate meetings with officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), ASEAN Secretariat, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of Thailand, and the Office of Civil Defense of the Philippines, as well as with officials from Fiji and Cambodia. 
  
Moreover, ADRC Executive Director NAKAGAWA Masaaki delivered a statement expressing ADRC's commitment to improving regional partnerships to address transboundary risks in the Asia Pacific region. He highlighted two ongoing initiatives aimed at helping to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery from transboundary disasters; namely, GLIDE and space-based technologies (e.g., Sentinel Asia and QZSS). His statement, in aiming to address one of the issues mentioned in the Co-Chairs' Summary: Bali Agenda for Resilience, noted that "Effective disaster risk management is often hindered by siloed and limited intersectoral and transboundary approaches." 

You can read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/3tHvFuQ 
(2022/06/30 15:00)

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

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

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

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

(2022/5/2 15:00)
23-25 February 2022(online)

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Lao PDR hosted the 54th Session of the Typhoon Committee which was held online on 23-25 February 2022. The event opened with the election of Madam Outhone Phetluangshy (Director General, Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) of Lao PDR and Mr Weng Kun Leong (Director, Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau) of Macao, China as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the 54th Session. One of the outcomes of the meeting was the presentation of the Committee's Strategic Framework 2022-2026, which is aimed at achieving two targets: (1) substantially reduce total mortality caused by tropical cyclone related disasters of the members for the decade 2021-2030 compared to the period 2005-2015; and (2) Reduce direct economic losses caused by tropical cyclone-related disasters in relation to the total gross domestic product (GDP) of the members for the decade 2021-2030 compared to the period 2005-2015. Committee members agreed on seven Key Result Areas (KRAs) in implementing the Strategic Framework: 

1. Enhance capacity to monitor the impacts of tropical cyclones 
2. Enhance capacity in tropical cyclone forecasting and disaster risk prediction 
3. Improve flood mitigation measures 
4. Strengthen capacity development activities in meteorology, hydrology, DRR, and civil protection sectors
5. Promote visibility and enhance the Typhoon Committee's Regional and International collaboration mechanisms 
6. Advance collaborative scientific research 
7. Enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities

All working groups of the Typhoon Committee, namely, the Working Group on Meteorology (WGM); Working Group on Hydrology (WGH), the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR), and the Training and Research Coordination Group (TRCG), presented how each have integrated the seven KRAs in their respective Annual Operations Plans (AOPs) for 2022. By the end of the year, all the working groups, including WGDRR in which ADRC is a member, will report on their progress during 17th Integrated Workshop (IWS) which will be hosted by UN-ESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand. The modalities of the event will be decided later considering the COVID-19 situation. On the final day of the meeting, members decided that the 55th Session of the Typhoon Committee will be organized in Macao, China in February 2023.

(2022/3/2 15:00)



9 February 2022 (online)
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ADRC organized a session entitled "Resilient Society through Disaster Risk Reduction" at the 4th Spatial Planning Platform (SPP) Forum held online on 9 February 2022. The SPP is an organization led by UN Habitat and the government of Japan, with the participation of Asian countries and specialized organizations, which aims to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society through better urban and regional planning.
The 4th SPP Forum featured presentations by Prof NISHIKAWA of Nagoya University on planning efforts for disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Japan; by Sendai City on the integration of DRR into local government planning; and by the government of the Philippines on lessons learned on community relocation in the process of disaster recovery and reconstruction.

For more information, please visit https://spp-pr.com/conferences/4thMeeting/

(2022/2/16 15:00)

13 October 2021 (online)
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On 13 October 2021, ADRC participated in an Inter-Regional Dialogue on Reginal Cooperation -Application of Cutting-Edge Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction in China, Japan, and Korea, which was organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and the UNDRR Office for Northeast Asia (UNDRR ONEA). This webinar was held in an online format, and reported on the latest DRR technology transfers among Asian countries. ADRC gave a presentation that included the following case studies: (i) a new mapping technology known as "Red Relief Image Map (RRIM)," (ii) a new communication technology called "Relay-by-Smartphone," and (iii) the environmentally friendly disaster resilience technology known as "Gabion."

(2021/10/20 15:00)
1 September 2021 (Online)

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On 1 September 2021, ADRC participated in the 5th Global Summit of GADRI: Engaging Sciences in Action, which was organized by the Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI) managed by Kyoto University. This conference was held in an online format, and research institutions and universities from around the world gave updates on their latest studies and ongoing projects. ADRC participated in the Group 2 Panel Discussion Session and gave a presentation on the utilization of space technology for DRR and good practices involving Sentinel Asia. In this presentation, ADRC suggested strengthening the networks between disaster management organizations and space agencies, and expanding the networks of research institutions to support Sentinel Asia.

(2021/9/15 18:30)
15 June 2021 (Online)

On 15 June 2021, ADRC participated in an "International Workshop on the Accessibility of Emergency and Evacuation Plans and Systems," which was organized by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services in Turkey. This workshop was held in an online format, and DRR institutions and organizations from around the world gave updates on the latest DRR activities related to the accessibility of emergency and evacuation plans and systems.
ADRC participated in Session 3, "Examples of Good Practices for the Accessibility of Emergency and Evacuation Plans and Systems" and gave a presentation on people requiring assistance during a disaster, as mentioned in the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act of Japan, and challenges in promoting DRR activity in aging societies.

(2021/6/15 18:30)

23-25 February 2021 (online)

The 53rd Session of Typhoon Committee (TC) was conducted virtually on 23-25 February 2021. The meeting, which was hosted by Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), was composed of the summary of 2020 typhoon season, the annual reports from the TC working groups and the secretariat, and so on. After active discussions, TC members reaffirmed their commitment to TC activities despite the difficulties of implementing the programs due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

2021/03/01 17:40)
1-2 December 2020 (Virtual) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADRC participated in the International Disaster Charter (IDC) Board Meeting on 11 November 2020, which was held in an online format. Space agencies from the IDC member countries participated and gave updates on the latest DRR activity in this virtual meeting. ADRC functions as a Regional Support Office (RSO) in the IDC framework. When ADRC receives an emergency observation request for Sentinel Asia, ADRC escalates that request to IDC if asked to do so by the agency making the request. Sentinel Asia targets Asian countries, but the IDC provides worldwide support in case of a more catastrophic disaster. ADRC has escalated 49 cases to IDC since 2011. At this conference, ADRC proposed that a more robust network be developed. ADRC would like to be a strong bridge between the space agencies and disaster management organizations.

(2020/11/25 15:00)

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20-22 October 2020 (Online)

ADRC organized Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2020 by the format of Papers Display and On-line Conference on 20-22 October 2020. 
(2020/10/22)

21 July 2020 (online)

ADRC participated in APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) 16 Virtual Meeting on 21 July 2020. The APEC member economies reported on-going EPWG projects and the COVID-19 measures. ADRC introduced Japan's response measures including a guideline to COVID-19 at evacuation centers and an innovative software to help monitor people movement as well as comparative studies of policies between Japan and Philippines. Details are available at https://www.apec-epwg.org/our-work/epwg-meetings-events/2020-16th-apec-emergency-preparedness-working-group-meeting/

(2020/07/21 17:40)
10 June 2020 (online)

ADRC participated in the 52nd Session of the Typhoon Committee on 10 June 2020. The  meeting, hosted by Hong Kong, China was organized online due to the situation of COVID-19. The Typhoon Committee Secretariat and member countries presented annual activity reports and among them Japan Meteorological Agency reported the activities of Regional Specialized Meteorological Center :RSMC). Also the typhoon situations of the previous year were summarized, which led discussion to replace some of the typhoon names by members. Lastly, the meeting was concluded that the Typhoon Committee members would organize the conferences, events and activities that are scheduled this year in consideration of the COVID-19 infection.

(2020/06/10 17:40)
26-27 February 2020 (Jakarta, Indonesia)

On 26-27 February 2020, ADRC participated in ASEAN High-Level Symposium on Disaster
Management 2020 held at ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. The symposium was organized by ASEAN Secretariat and supported by China with the objective of providing a platform for discussions on disaster management in a cooperative framework by involving relevant experts from various background by complementing the existing ASEAN mechanisms. 
More than 100 participants from DRR and other fields like social and financial sectors attended from ASEAN member countries, academic institutions, international organizations and NGOs. 

ADRC made comments on disaster data development and methodologies in ASEAN countries as many panelists regarded accuracy and coverage of disaster data as challenging regardless of disaster phase or activity field throughout the symposium. Also, the application of GLIDE to their work was suggested for future solution.


(2020/02/27 17:40)
9 January 2020 (Bali, Indonesia)  

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in a symposium entitled Human Resource Development and Space Data Utilization for Disasters, which was organized by Yamaguchi University and Udayana University on 9 January 2020 in Bali, Indonesia. The symposium was attended by about 30 participants representing local disaster management organizations, Tokyo University, the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, and the organizing institutions, Yamaguchi University and Udayana University. ADRC presented information on Sentinel Asia and the activation of emergency observations. ADRC also explained how emergency observations are requested during disasters and how to become a member of the Sentinel Asia program.

16-17 December 2019 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)  

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the Northeast Asia Forum on Technological Capacity Development for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), on 16-17 December 2019 in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The forum was organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat and the UNDRR. The public forum participants came from disaster management organizations and research institutions in all three countries. ADRC and the Geoinformatics Center at the Asian Institute of Technology presented information on the Visiting Researcher (VR) Program, Town-Watching Programs, and Sentinel Asia in a session on international disaster risk reduction. In this session, ADRC proposed that information on the status of hazard map development be shared among the three countries and highlighted the importance of collaboration between China, Japan, and Korea on DRR. 


26-29 November 2019 (Nagoya, Japan)

The 26th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) was held from 26 to 29 November 2019 in Nagoya, Japan. It was co-organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).  APRSAF was established in 1993 to enhance space activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Attended by space agencies, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations as well as companies, universities and research institutes, this forum is the largest space-related conference in the AsiaPacific region.  APRSAF has four Working Groups: the (1) Space Applications Working Group (SAWG), (2) Space Technology Working Group (STWG), (3) Space Environment Utilization Working Group (SEUWG), and (4) Space Education Working Group (SEWG). APRSAF participants share information about their activities and future plans for their countries and regions in each working group. APRSAF also supports international projects designed to find solutions to common issues such as disaster management and environmental protection. 

The Sentinel Asia initiative is one such activity and involves the use of space-based information in the form of satellite images for disaster management. ADRC has been tasked with the responsibility of receiving emergency observation requests from ADRC member countries and Joint Project Team (JPT) members. ADRC joined the Space Applications Working Group (SAWG) and reported on trends in Sentinel Asia emergency observation requests and its future action plans.

11-12 September 2019 (Beijing, China) 

ADRC participated in the United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction and 10 Years Commemoration of the UN-SPIDER Beijing Office on 11-12 September 2019 in Beijing, China.  ADRC has been playing a leading role in facilitating the application of space-based technologies and data to disaster risk reduction through Sentinel Asia, and also has committed to a partnership with UNOOSA as a Regional Support Office of UN-SPIDER. 

At the conference, the Regional Support Offices of UN-SPIDER, including ADRC, were invited to the stage and presented with plaques.  ADRC gave presentations during the sessions on "Advances in Earth Observation and Open Source Data to Support DRR" and "Networking and Engagement with the UN-SPIDER Network." For space-based data to be more effectively used in disaster risk reduction, it is critical to further discuss the data use polices of relevant agencies to ensure easy access to data.

27-28 August 2019 (Bangkok, Thailand)

ADRC participated in the Expert Group Meeting on Sand and Dust Storms, which was organized on 27-28 August 2019 at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Sand and dust storms (SDS) have received priority attention by UNESCAP and pose a formidable challenge to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and targets adopted as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Several ADRC member countries in Central and South Asia have suffered from their impacts. It's important to recognize that climate change will have big impacts on SDS in terms of their area, frequency, and magnitude. ADRC gave a presentation on satellite remote sensing technologies for monitoring SDS and explained its interests in medium and long-term SDS impact assessment simulations that take into account the impacts of climate change.    


Puerto Varas, Chile (20-22 August 2019)

On 20-22 August 2019, ADRC participated in APEC events in Puerto Varas, Chile, including the 13th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum (SDMOF), the 15th Meeting of the Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) and related workshops. At the SDMOF, which focused on good practices and possibilities aimed at enhancing the APEC DRR Framework, ADRC Executive Director, Mr. Koji Suzuki, presented an overview of Sentinel Asia and the application of space-based technology to early warning message platforms. In the following EPWG meeting, during which a work plan and new initiatives were discussed, Mr. Suzuki stated that ADRC will commit to providing cooperation for newly approved EPWG projects such as community-based hazard mapping and supporting SMEs.


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19 June 2019 (Seoul, Republic of Korea)  

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in a public forum on "Trilateral Disaster Risk Reduction and Relief Cooperation among China-Japan-Korea," which was organized by the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat on 19 June 2019 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The public forum was attended by participants from disaster management organizations and research institutions in all three countries.
ADRC presented information on Town-Watching Programs and Sentinel Asia in a session on international disaster risk reduction. In this session, ADRC proposed that information on the status of hazard map development be shared among the three countries. ADRC also gave a presentation on disaster relief on behalf of a Japanese NPO that was unable to participate due to emergency response efforts needed following the Niigata Earthquake that struck the night before their planned presentation. In that session, ADRC reported on volunteer activities in Japan.

(2019/07/18 17:40)
Ulsan, Republic of Korea (18-21 June 2019)  

ADRC participated in the 14th annual meeting of the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction focused on "Disseminating and Sharing Data on Disaster Risk Reduction." This event, organized by the UNESCAP/WMO Typhoon  Committee and the National Disaster Management Research Institute (NDMI), was held in Ulsan, Republic of Korea from 18 June to 21 June 2019. The main objective of the meeting was to allow members to share information on their typhoon-related technologies and policies. Some 30 participants from member countries and relevant organizations, including ADRC, reported on their recent technologies and policies. The WMO and NDMI gave presentations on their DRR information systems as well. ADRC gave a presentation on the typhoons that struck Japan in 2018.     


18-19 June 2019 (Vienna, Austria) 

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the 9th Annual UNSPIDER Regional Support Offices Coordination Meeting in Vienna, Austria on 18-19 June 2019. The participants shared the latest initiatives and challenges in their regional activities including capacity building, sharing knowledge, and raising awareness. Koji Suzuki, Executive Director of ADRC, briefly introduced the ADRC's latest initiative in building an early warning system platform using space-based technologies.  During the meeting, ADRC also noted that more DRR strategies are expected to be developed for implementing the Sendai Framework,  and spacebased data and information could play an important role in that regard. A lot of countries have challenges in identifying disaster risks since the data and information necessary for identifying risks are not readily available. They can overcome those challenges by introducing remote sensing data and the use of information provided by satellites.  

In June 2009, ADRC and the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) signed a cooperation agreement on the establishment of the ADRC UN-SPIDER Regional Support Office on the occasion of the 52nd session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). As for the application of space-based technologies and information in disaster risk reduction, ADRC has been playing a major role in Sentinel Asia, which facilitates spacebased information application and capacity development.  ADRC believes it is necessary to harmonize the functions and activities of Sentinel Asia and UNSPIDER/RSO to achieve more effective emergency observations and improve the application of space-based information in disaster risk reduction. ADRC will continue to explore opportunities for collaboration with UNOOSA and ROSs.

26 March 2019(Seoul, Republic of Korea)

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), National Disaster Management Center of China (NDRCC), Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management, UN office for Disaster Risk Reduction Office for Northeast Asia and Global Education & Training Institute for DRR (UNISDR ONEA-GETI), and South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) participated in the joint meeting of Three Education and Training Institutes of Disaster Management held on 26 March in Seoul. The meeting was chaired by Dr. KO Kwang-deok, Director, Department of Political Affairs, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat TCS. The three education and training institutes on disaster management, that is, ADRC, NDRCC, and UNISDR ONEA-GETI, introduced their plans for possible collaboration. Based on those presentations, the participants further discussed feasible joint projects that could be developed to follow up on the Joint Statement of the 5th Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management in September 2017.  ADRC's Executive Director Koji Suzuki gave a presentation on ongoing capacity development programs supported by JICA and possible capacity development programs for space-based technology applications in Sentinel Asia platform, describing these as feasible projects under the trilateral cooperation framework. The participating organizations and TCS agreed to further discuss possible opportunities for substantive collaboration. The next Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management will be held in Korea in autumn 2019.

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29-30 January 2019 (Thailand)

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) attended the meeting of the Sentinel Asia Steering Committee held in Thailand, on 29-30 January 2019. The meeting was also attended by JAXA, which serves as the secretariat of the Sentinel Asia Joint Project Team, other space agencies in Asia working, and image analysis organizations, and ADRC participated to facilitate connections between these organizations.
Opening remarks by Mr. Koji Suzuki who is the Executive Director of ADRC. These were followed by a briefing by JAXA on the Steering Committee Mandate and status and lessons learned from emergency observations conducted thus far. All of these help demonstrate the advantages of satellite imagery for DRR purposes. Space agencies and research organizations reported on DAN activities. And it was focused on a basic approach for discussing the strategic plan which will be discussed throughout the year in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF), scheduled for the fall of 2020.

(2019/02/13 18:30)
11 January 2019

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the Symposium "Human Resource Development and Space Data Utilization for Disaster", which was organized by the Yamaguchi University and Udayana University on 11 January 2019 in Bali, Indonesia. The symposium was attended by about 50 participants including representatives from local disaster management organizations, Tokyo University, National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, and Yamaguchi University and Udayana University as organizer.
And ADRC presented information on the outline of Sentinel Asia and activation of emergency observations. Also ADRC explained for participants how to ask emergency observation and procedure for Sentinel Asia member.

(2019/01/30 18:30)

 6-9 November 2018

ADRC participated in the 25th Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) co-organized by the Singapore Space Technology Association (SSTA), Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It was held in Singapore from 6 to 9 November 2018, and was attended by many stakeholders from Asia-Pacific space agencies, governmental bodies, international organizations, development aid agencies, private companies, universities, and research institutions from more than 40 countries and regions. APRSAF consisted of four working groups (WG), addressing space applications, space technology, space environment utilization, and space education), a small satellite development workshop, a workshop promoting the use of the Japanese experiment module "Kibo" on the International Space Station (ISS), and a plenary session. ADRC participated in the space application WG and reported on the operational status of Sentinel Asia. ADRC also gave a report at the plenary session on Sentinel Asia's past development, the strategic plan formulated by the Steering Committee of Sentinel Asia, and its endorsement at the JPTM held on Awaji Island in Hyogo, Japan last week. On the final day, the Chairman made recommended implementing the Sentinel-Asia Strategic Plan. ADRC continues to work on the promotion of Sentinel Asia while strengthening cooperation with related organizations.

(2018/11/31 18:30)
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1-2 November 2018

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the Sixth Joint Project Team Meeting for Sentinel Asia, which was organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and ADRC from 1 to 2 November 2018 in Awaji, Japan. The meeting was attended by about 40 participants including representatives of satellite agencies, disaster management organizations, and academic institutions in Japan. The 
meeting primarily covered the following topics:

  Session 1: Overview
  Session 2: New Membership and Working Group Activities
  Session 3: Users' Session
  Session 4: Local Host's Session
  Session 5: Project Management
  Session 6: Sentinel Asia System
  Session 7: Strategic Plan for Sentinel Asia (under the leadership of the 
       Steering Committee)
  Session 8: Special Session - Contributions of Sentinel Asia to Achieving the
        Global Agenda
  Session 9: Closing session

The ADRC member countries of Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Malaysia also joined this meeting and gave presentations on disaster management in their 
respective countries. ADRC presented information on the activation of emergency observations in 2017 and activities related to the Sentinel Asia Strategic Plan. Mr. Suzuki, ADRC Executive Director and co-chair of the event, gave closing 
remarks.

(2018/11/25 18:30)
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24-26 October 2018

The 8th Annual UN-SPIDER Conference, jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China, was held in Beijing on 24-26 October 2018. 
The ADRC representative reported latest Sentinel Asia activities and role of RSO in a session 1 on "Institutional strengthening and preparedness for improving emergency response using space technologies". Especially it was focused on an importance to escalate International Disaster Charter for data sharing with requestors. Also ADRC got an interview about past RSO activity and discussed about the next steps for the better of strong relationship.

(2018/11/20 18:30)
3-6 July 2018

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in AMCDRR held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on 3-6 July. ADRC participated in several ways:
(1) Presentation on community resilience on a pre-conference event
(2) Individual meetings with ministers of each member country and other organizations:
- Ministry of Social Welfare in Myanmar
- National Emergency Management Agency in Mongolia
- National Disaster Management Centre in the Maldives
- Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
- Delegation from Turkey
(3) Announcement of the Official Statement
(4) Thematic event: Presentation on Best Practices for Sentinel Asia in Technology and Innovation
(5) Support for the Sentinel Asia exhibit
(6) Presentation on GLIDE on the Ignite Stage

Before opening main conference, Mr. Suzuki, executive director of ADRC, gave a presentation on community resilience at the pre-conference event, as shown in (1). ADRC also had several individual meetings with ministers as shown in (2). In those meetings, ADRC expressed appreciation for the countries' support for the visiting researcher program, discussed DRR projects accomplished in each member country, and discussed future cooperative projects. In the Official Statement (3), Mr. Suzuki spoke about promoting efforts to achieve unified disaster information.
ADRC is a member of Sentinel Asia, and gave a presentation on the response to flooding in Myanmar and developing standard operating procedures (SOP) for Sentinel Asia activity during the Thematic Event on "Technology and Innovation" (4). ADRC also supported an exhibit on Sentinel Asia (5). Finally, ADRC has proposed the use of a globally common Unique ID code for disasters, known as GLIDE, and this was presented on the Ignite Stage (6).
The closing ceremony was held on 6 July, at which the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, which included statements regarding the promotion of the use of science technology for DRR, was adopted.
It was also announced that the next AMCDRR will be held in Australia in 2020.

(2018/7/25 18:30)
24-25 February 2018 (Port Moresby, PNG)

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has officially kicked off its APEC year 2018 and the First Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1), which took place from 24 February to 9 March. At the beginning, the 13th Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) Meeting was held at Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby. Mr. Ruel Yamina, Managing Director of Climate Change and Development Authority, Papua New Guinea, officially opened the meeting. Remarks were then given by the new co-chair, Dr. Wei-Sen Li, Chinese Taipei. Japan, as the former co-chair, expressed gratitude to the host economy and congratulated Chinese Taipei on its appointment to the position of EPWG co-chair.

At the first meeting of 2018, PNG, as the host economy, presented the themes and priorities for 2018: Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future. PNG then gave an update on preparations for the 12th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum, SDMOF, scheduled for 25-26 September in Kokopo, East New Britain Island, and proposed
"Advancing multi-hazard early warning systems for emergency preparedness and DRM,"
as the main theme for SDMOF. This is intended to cover effective data collection and analysis for warnings, the communication and delivery of warning messages, and the localization of warnings based on lessons learned from the major natural disasters that have hit the economy including the Volcanic eruptions in Rabaul (1994), the Aitape tsunami (1998), Cyclone Guba (2007), the El Nino droughts of 1997-1998 and 2015-2016, and the disaster experiences in other economies. PNG proposed that outcomes might include policy statements and recommendations to ensure that early warning systems facilitate the monitoring of multiple hazards, and the sharing of best practices in the use of digital technology to collect, store, and analyze monitoring and warning data.

Dr. Li, co-chair, then presented the EPWG 2018 Workplan, followed by updates and reports on the progress of EPWG projects. Chile started by reporting on the workshop on Tsunami Threat Assessment for Tsunami Warning Centers of APEC Economies held last December. ADRC reported on the APEC project "Enhancing Rural Disaster Resilience through Effective Infrastructure Investment", which was co-sponsored by Viet Nam, Japan, and other economies, and also the workshop held in Vinh City last September. The essence of the draft casebook was shared with by member economies for discussion. ADRC also informed member economies about the 2017 project "Identifying Economic Impacts by Mega Disasters Affecting Asia Pacific Economies" and announced that a workshop is scheduled to be held in autumn in Awaji, Japan, back to back with ACDR2018.

In the afternoon of Day1, participants shared with recent experiences of natural disasters including the cyclones and heatwaves in Australia, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria in the USA, the Pohan Earthquake in November 2017 in Korea, the El Nino and Mount Kadovar eruption in PNG, and the Hualien Earthquake in February in Chinese Taipei. From Japan, ADRC briefed about the heavy rainfall in Kyushu last summer, the recent eruption of mount Kusatsu-Shirane and also the heavy snowfalls this winter, in Japan.

Day 2 started with a report by China on preparations for the 10th anniversary of the Sichuan Earthquake, followed by a video message on recent inundations by INDECI in Peru, and another remote participation by ADPC. In the discussion on DRR policy priorities and the APEC DRR Framework implementation, ADRC presented information about GLIDE and its role as a basic tool for DRR information. This was intended to facilitate implementation of the APEC DRR Framework and encourage member economies to use GLIDE. As an outreaching collaboration, ADRC also reported about the discussion with ADRC members on future DRR priorities after its 20th anniversary.

Despite the recent floods and volcanic eruption, PNG successfully organized the first meeting of EPWG, thanks to the efforts of CCDA and NDC. The second EPWG meeting  will be  held in August in Port Moresby.

Photo:PNG delegation at EPWG
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Photo: Video message from INDECI, Peru
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                                                (2018/03/10 12:30)
14-15 December 2017 (Bangkok, Thailand)

The ISDR ASIA PARTNERSHIP FORUM meeting was held on 14 and 15 December 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand and attended by many DRR officials and practitioners. The participants were welcomed by Ms. Kirsi Madi, Director, UNISDR, followed by opening remarks and official opening by Ms Sayanaa Lkhagvasuren, Chief Adviser to Deputy Prime Minister and Head of DPM's Office, Government of Mongolia. After a round-table introduction of the Participants, Ms. Loretta Hieber Girardet, new chief, UNISDR Regional Office for Asia Pacific presented the draft agenda.

On Day1, 16 countries including Japan made their brief progress reports on the implementation of the Sendai Framework and the Asia Regional Plan for Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction by following the three questions informed by UNISDR, (1. Major achievements made in year 2017, 2. Main challenges and 3. Ongoing or upcoming main programmes/activities/events, followed by reports by international organizations and diverse stakeholders including ADRC in the afternoon .

ADRC first briefed about ACDR2017 held in Azerbaijan and the APECworkshop on rural infrastructure BBB, shared challenges ADRC member countries answered in the questionnaire survey in Azerbaijan and the ACDR2018 in Awaji for the 20th anniversary as the key upcoming event.

Day 2 started with the report made by UNISDR on the outcome of the Technical workshop to launch the Sendai Framework Monitoring Process held Bonne workshop 6-8 December, and the key dates and milestones for 2018-2019. Participants then discussed priority issues of Sendai Framework by splitting themselves into groups. In the afternoon, Mongolia reported about the status of preparation for AMCDRR and the preparatory process. In April, another IAP meeting will be held for the preparation for AMCDRR in July 2018.

Photo: Report by Ms. Setsuko Saya, Cabinet Office, Japan
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Photo: Report by UNISDR

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(2017/12/22 12:30)
23-25 November 2017 (Tokyo, Japan)

From 23rd to 25th November, the Global Forum on Science and Technology for Disaster Resilience 2017 was held at Science Council of Japan and National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan co-organized by Science Council of Japan (SCJ), United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), Public Works Research Institute (IRDR) and National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED). 

The conference was opened by the opening remarks by Dr. Robert Glasser, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, followed by Prof. Shuaib Lwasa, Chair, Science Committee, Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), and Prof. Toshio Koike, Director, International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM) Public Works Research. Prof. Gordon McBean, President, International Council for Science ICSU, then delivered a keynote speech.

During the three days, eight plenary panel discussions including four for each priority action of the Sendai Framework were held, while three working sessions and poster presentations were organized as well. ADRC made a brief presentation in the prenary panel 1 on GLIDE and made comments in a poster session on the use of satellite imagery with JAXA. The draft of "Tokyo Statement 2017--Science and technology action for a disaster-resilient world was discussed. At the end of the three days, a high level session took place in the presence of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince.
(2017/12/10 12:30)
14-17 November 2017 (Bengaluru, India)

The 24th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) was held from 14 to 17 November in Bengaluru, India. It was co-organized by the Department of Space (DOS), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
 
APRSAF was established in 1993 to enhance space activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Attended by space agencies, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations as well as companies, universities and research institutes, this forum is the largest space-related conference in the Asia-Pacific region. APRSAF has four Working Groups: the (1) Space Applications Working Group (SAWG), (2) Space Technology Working Group (STWG), (3) Space Environment Utilization Working Group (SEUWG), and (4) Space Education Working Group (SEWG). APRSAF participants share information about their activities and the future plans for their countries and regions in each working group. APRSAF also supports international projects designed to find solutions to common issues such as disaster management and environmental protection.
 
The Sentinel Asia initiative is one such activity, and involves the use of space-based information in the form of satellite images for disaster management in the Asia-Pacific region. ADRC has been tasked with the responsibility of receiving emergency observation requests from ADRC member countries and Joint Project Team (JPT) members. ADRC joined the Space Applications Working Group (SAWG) and reported on Trends in Emergency Observation Requests of Sentinel Asia.
 
Sentinel Asia marked its 10th anniversary in 2016 and its continued development is expected in 2017 and beyond. ADRC is planning to strengthen its network with disaster management organizations and to develop standard operating procedures for Sentinel Asia.

(2017/12/10 18:30)
4 - 5 November 2017 (Hangzhou, People's Republic of China)

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<1st day, 4 November>
This meeting hosted by the Department of Faculty of Social Science and School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University, was held as the track 2 meeting of interdisciplinary studies on promotion of trilateral collaboration. University faculty members and public organization researchers who specialized political science, sociology, economics, anthropology, environmental science and others in China, South Korea and Japan reported their studies, activities, efforts and experiences in their individual fields.

Professor Xunda Yu (Ph.D.), Dean of Faculty of Social Science and School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University and President of this meeting, emphasized the following three points in his opening remarks.
(1) This meeting is sponsored by budget regarding "One Belt, One Road" advocated by Mr. Xi Jinping, President of China;
(2) An idea of "Community of Shared Future (Word which translated Chinese '命运共同体' in English)" of the theme of meeting is an important pillar of Xi Jinping's idea;
(3) Although some worry recent Chinese diplomacy in East Asia as a threat, the present government attaches a great importance on the trilateral relationships in north-eastern Asia and will never become a threat for eastern Asia, as seen in the title of this meeting,
He stressed that, the present government successfully organized the 19th National People's Congress on October 24th prior to this meeting, has established a firm footing and ready to further improve the trilateral relationships in the future under the stable framework.

Two key note speeches were then delivered by Professor Zhang Xiaoming, School of International Relations, Beijing University, and Dr. Chu Jang-Min, Head of Environmental Policy Group, Korea Environment Institute (Chief Researcher, Division of Environmental Strategy). Main points included the necessity of regional social collaboration in north-eastern Asian Region, namely, theoretical and pragmatic analysis on the security issues regarding North Korea, and the historical relationships and collaboration in the fields of environment by the three countries. In the four following sessions fifteen speakers from China, South Korea Taiwan Mongolia and Japan delivered their experience and lessons in international collaboration from their broad range of study subjects including international relations, public policy, environment, anthropology (ethnology) and disaster. Theme of the sessions were as follows:
Session 1: "Constructing A Community of Shared Future in East Asia: Potentials and Challenges I"
Session 2: "Constructing A Community of Shared Future in East Asia: Potentials and Challenges II"
Session 3: "The Practice of Constructing a Community of Shared Future in East Asia I"
Session 4: "The Practice of Constructing a Community of Shared Future in East Asia II"

The session 1 and 2 aimed to share experiences and challenges while the session 3 and 4 were to draw knowledge from the practical case.  Mr. Ueda, researcher of ADRC, the first presenter of the session 3, reported the present status and challenges of international cooperation in disaster reduction, by highlighting the backgrounds Asian Disaster Reduction Center and activities so far, under the title of "Can Disaster Reduction Cooperation could leverage social reconciliation among China, Japan and South Korea?", and referred to the possibilities that the collaboration for "Disaster Risk Reduction" could facilitate trilateral social reconciliation among China, Japan and South Korea.

<2nd day, 5 November>
On the second day, a field trip was organized and the participants visited the Anji Ecological Museum, Liujiatang Village and Yu Village in Anji County, Zhejiang Province.

The Ecological Museum is the center working as a hub of the twelve museums for individual themes located wide in this region, which brings together history, culture and traditions in China; this region (Jiangnan region), adjacent to the southern area in Shandong Province can be said the Original China. Furthermore, Liujiatang Village and Yu Village, designated as environmental protection areas, are regarded as the frontrunners of the green policy under the slogan of "Green water and blue hill can be gold and silver mine. 《绿水青山就是金山银山》" advocated by Xi Jinping, after closing mines and shifting to manufacturing including bicycle assemblies and agricultural and forestry products processing. 

Liujiatang Village located on the riverside, has strived for improving water environment and promoted converting to flushing toilet in houses through early installation of septic tanks of combined treatment since the village has been designated as national environmental protection areas.

Yu Village has been revitalized to be an environmental conservation area by closing the mines and switching its industries to bicycle assembly and bamboo products. It is no exaggeration that these two villages are Xi Jinping's original sceneries, who was once the Secretary General of Communist Party in Zhejiang Provincial Government.

Participation in this meeting reminded me that "BOSAI (Disaster Risk Reduction)" doesn't only mean dealing with disaster including natural hazards but also relates t to socio-cultural implications. In this context, Asian Disaster Reduction Center could contribute further to the trilateral relationships, if we will have opportunities of exchanges in the future.
 (2017/11/4 19:30)
30 Oct. - 3 Nov. 2017 (Jeju, Rep. of Korea)

The ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee 12th Integrated Workshop "Tropical cyclone related forecast, warning and DRR in the era of big data and social media: challenges and opportunities"was held from 30 October to 3rd November, in Jeju, Republic of Korea. From Japan, JMA, MLIT, ICHARM and ADRC attended the meeting. The workshop was opened by Director General,Korea Meteorological Administration, Dr.CHO hyoseob, Han River Flood Control Office, Republic of Korea, Mr.Yu Jixin-Typhoon Committee Secretary,Typhoon Committee Secretariat, Mr.Taoyong Peng,Chief of TCP Programme,World Meteorological Organization and Representative of ESCAP. Dr. NAM Jaecheol, Administrator of Korea meteorological Administration made an opening address by video.  

In the following plenary session,a seriese of keynote lectures were given on the main theme of "Tropical cyclone related forecast including one by Dr.Muroi, JMA on "Tropical cyclone forecast improvements at JMA-challenges and opportunities with the Bog data".
 
On day 2, three parallel sessions took place and participants attended individual working groups: JMA for working group for metheorology, MLIT for working group for hydrology and ADRC for working group for DRR.

The WGDRR Parallel Meeting started with attended by 20 participants from nine members including China, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Lao PDR, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, USA and Vietnam, and the representatives from TCS and WMO. First, participants presented their report on the activities on DRR in 2017 and typhoons.

ADRC first summarized four typhoons that landed Japan in 2017 by October including no.3, no.5, no.18 and no.21, and reported about recent use of GLIDE by stressing the effectiveness of GLIDE for sharing information on disasters affecting many countries beyond borders, in particular, those on typhoons. ADRC also informed about some cases of infrastructure BBB studied in the APEC project by highlighting the BBB cases, in which relevant authorities in the affected region successfully overcame the effects of typhoon at the stage of infrastructure recovery works. Finally, ADRC shared its member countries' DRR priorities of climate change and climate induced disasters, and stressed the importance of learning the past experiences such as the great Hanshin Awaji flood in 1938.
(2017/11/10 12:30) 
24-26 October 2017 (Beijing, China)

ADRC_Presentation_20171025_edits2.pngThe 7th Annual UN-SPIDER Conference, jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China, was held in Beijing on 23-25 October 2017. The event gathered almost 100 participants, including representatives of Space Agencies and Disaster Management Organizations from 34 countries and eight regions, who visited relevant organizations as a part of the three-days' program. ADRC representative attended the meeting from Day 2 afternoon, since the originally planned flight to Beijing on 22th canceled due to Typhoon.

<Afternoon, 24th October >
The theme of session 3 from afternoon on Day 2 was "Technology integrated for disaster risk assessment and emergency response". Each participant reported their activities including Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Beijing Normal University, "Continuum Planning and Development Trust, India" a Non-Profit Organization, and Ministry of Home Affairs, India. Amongst all, in the report of FAO, they proposed indicators influencing decision making for food aid by focusing on assessment of situation within seventy-two (72) hours after disaster occurrence, by learning from the cases of "Cyclone Pam" (Vanuatu, March 6, 2015) and "The Great Southern Asia Flood" (Bangladesh, August-September / Sri-Lank May / Nepal, August, 2017).

ADRC joined the session entitled "Integrated emergency response tools/systems" among the parallel session after break. In this session, World Vision International, Department of Civil Protection, Zimbabwe, and National Institute of Aeronautics and Space, Indonesia (Lembaga Penerbangan dan Antariksa Nasional - LAPAN) provided their reports. LAPAN reported about landslides that hit Banjarnegara, Central Java every year and expressed their appreciation for the contribution of Sentinel Asia in the presentation.
<25th October>
On the final day of the conference, plenary session 4 and 5 took place in the morning and site visits in the afternoon.
The session 4 discussed "Integrated applications of earth observation, global navigation satellite system and telecommunication constellations for disaster risk reduction and climate change related extreme hazards" and Newcastle University (England), Beijing University (China), and Delta University (USA) provided their reports. 

The report of Newcastle University was about the analysis of landslide by Interferometric SAR in Xinmo village, Mao counter, Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China, while Beijing University reported about the analysis of the affected areas by the Kumamoto Earthquakes by using Polarimetric SAR in (ALOS PALSAR PolSAR, April 21, 2016). Both reports emphasized the expectation for further use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite for emergency response, enabling assessment of affected situation easier.

The Session 5 explored "Networking and engagement with the UN-SPIDER network". Mr. Ueda, researcher, ADRC reported as the final presenter in this session that ADRC has been playing the role of Regional Support Office (RSO) of UN-SPIDER through the initiative of Sentinel Asia and the escalation to international charter. ADRC stressed also that voluntary activities facilitating disaster risk reduction need to be further promoted by referring to the recent participation in Sentinel Asia by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), and the satellite images provision of the Jiuzhaigou Earthquake in August through Sentinel Asia.
    In the afternoon, participants were divided into two groups, one visited the National Disaster Reduction Center of China, and another, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) Exhibition Center. ADRC representative joined the former.

<26th October>
ADRC visited the Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration (CEA) to make an interview about Emergency Observation Request (EOR) for Jiuzhaigou Earthquake in August this year.

The primary purpose of this EOR was to predict secondary damages in order to support the relief activities after the earthquake. According to the CEA, the Sichuan mountain area including Jiuzhaigou is frequently hit by earthquakes in China, and observation by using satellite is thus indispensable. Data observed by SAR satellite has been widely used since optical satellite could not be used on cloudy days, which is frequent in the region

Besides, ADRC requested them not only to make observation requests but also to analyze satellite imagery in the future since CEA is registered as Data Analysis Node (DAN).
(2017/10/24 19:30)
12 October 2017 (Seoul, Republic of Korea)

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This meeting, hosted by SEJONG Institute (Republic of Korea) and Institute of Developing Economies (Japan), aims at continuing the discussion about possibility of building a community or networks on cooperation on the environmental issues, one of the themes dealt at the Hiroshima International Conference (as Track 1.5) entitled "Northeast Asia Peace Cooperation Initiative" held on September 13, last year. 

Accordingly, the final goal is to build the networks of individual fields of non-traditional security including cyberspace, environment, nuclear safety and disaster risk reduction, which will contribute to build a traditional security in north-eastern Asian region by taking into consideration of North Korea,  and search for feasibility of peaceful cooperation in north-eastern Asian region, by highlighting three policy priorities: (1) traditional and non-traditional security, (2) economic cooperation with North Korea, Russia and Mongolia, and (3) economic cooperation with the southern Asia and ASEAN. Especially, the international cooperation on the environmental field has very long history and a considerable outcome of studies by the academic circles in North Eastern Asian Region and the important agreements in the Trilateral Environmental Ministerial Meeting (TEMM) have been achieved. Nevertheless, a consensus has not yet been well built on the effective policy agenda.
Based on those situations, this meeting was held as the "Track 2 conference" in order to explore future prospects about networking in the field of environment by learning also from efforts made in the fields of nuclear safety, disaster risk reduction and others.

The first session in morning, titled "Experiences and prospects of multi-lateral networking on non-traditional security issues in East Asia" discussed these current situation and future based on three key note speeches.
    In the Presentation regarding the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue by Mr. DORJSUREN Nanjin, Senior Researcher, Institute for Strategic Studies of Mongolia, National Security Council, that dialogue was a Track 1.5 meeting attended by also Russia and North Korea and drawn attention as an opportunity of positive opinion exchange for formulating their consensus. And based on that discussion, Dr. Lee, Vice President, the Sejong Institute said "We hope that this meeting also formulates an architecture of multi-lateral cooperation within four - five years" and this session was concluded by his remark.

The second session in afternoon was titled "Sharing Experiences of Regional Cooperation on Environment Issues" and 12 experiences were reported. The speeches besides environmental issues in this meeting include; "Assessment on environment and health by the One Belt and One Road initiative promoted by China by Ms. Hyoung-Mi KIM, Senior Expert, China Office of Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) , American NGO; "Experiences of regional cooperation in Nuclear Safety" presented by Dr. Young-Geun KIM, Director of Social Disaster and Security Research Center, Korea University; "Challenges for transnational networking on nuclear safety in Asia" presented by Mr. Hiedyuki BAN, No Nukes Asia Forum Japan which is Japanese NGO; and "The role of ADRC in trilateral cooperation on disaster prevention and reduction: focusing on the nexus of environment and disaster" presented by Mr.Ueda, researcher , ADRC.
(2017/10/12 19:30)
21-22 September 2017 (Vinh City, Vietnam)

The 11th APEC Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum,SDMOF was held in Vinh City, northern Viet Nam on 21-22 September 2017 and Mr.Yoneda, Deputy Director General, Cabinet Office and Mr. Moriwaki, deputy director attended the meeting. ED of ADRC attended in it as EPWG co-chair.The Forum was hosted by MARD, Viet Nam and officially opened by H.E. Hoang Van Thang, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam, and H.E. Mr Dinh Viet Hong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An Province. Approximately 160 participants from 16 economies participated in the meeting.

In the first prenary session on successful cases of applyng advanced technologies and regional collaboration chaired by New Zealand, Mr.Yoneda, Deputy Director General, Cabinet Office, Japan made a presentation on use of ICT for DRR by highlighting J-ALERT, while Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and UNISDR Asia Pacific contributed to the Panel in addition to the host economy, Viet Nam.  In the following three technical sessions, participants from member economies and research institutes, the private sector and international organizations provided their experiences on application of cutting edge technologies for DRR purposes.
                    
Based on the two days discussion, the final prenary session on Day2 discussed the draft of "Vinh Joint Declarations on Science and Technology for DRR--Enhancing science technology and cooperation to facilitate DRR decision support towards an effective policy making for upgrading DRR governance". The economies adopted the declaration at the end and the essence was integrated into the APEC 2017 Ministerial Meeting, Joint Ministerial Statement.

Photo:
Mr.Yoneda, Deputy Director General, Cabinet Office, Japan at the plenary 
Final Session 

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(2017/09/30 12:30)
19 September 2017 (Vinh city, Vietnam)

Prior to SDMOF, ADRC, together with MARD, Viet Nam, organized an APEC Workshop "Enhancing Rural Disaster Resilience through Effective Infrastructure Investment" -- Build Back Better of infrastructure supporting industries in region" on 19th September, in Vinh city.

This workshop, held for an APEC project was attended by approximately 40 participants from 11 APEC economies.

Mr. Nguyen Sy Hung, Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nghe An province, Viet Nam gave his welcome remarks, followed by an introductory presentation by ADRC on the concept of the project. Dr.Le Quang Tuan, EPWG co-chair, MARD,chaired the first session in the morning and experts reported good practices from the case economies including Chinese Taipei by Dr. Kuo Chun-Chih, Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Indonesia by  Dr. Khaerun Nisa ,Lecturer, Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, Japan by Mr. Masami Suigur, Concultant, Asia Air Survey Co Ltd, Philippines by Dr. Emmanuel M Luna, Professor, College of Social Work and Community Development, University of the Philippines and Vietnam by Dr. Dang Thi Thanh Huyen, Consultant. Participants then discussed the issues raised by the experts, in particular, effective collaboration with the private sector.

Regarding the cases, Chinese Taipei , USA and Japan submitted good practices of immediate recovery facilitating recovery and reconstruction process, Philippines and Indonesia presented cases of transport infrastructure recovery and BBB for wider scope of areas greatly contributing to upgrading connectivity, while Viet Nam and Indonesia analysed many cases of locally maganageable community infratricture by using environmentally friendly technologies, for example.

In the afternoon, ADRC chaired the second session, in which Chile, Mexico, Peru and Indonesia added their experiences from the government point of views, and  Dr. Nguyen Dang Giap, Director, Research Center for Natural Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Vietnam Academy for Water Resource pointed out challenges from the viewpoint of Academic institutes, followed by the private sector's view from Mr.Takufumi Ishikawa, Executive Member of JBP, Japan Bosai Platform. Throughout the discussion, effective collaboration with the private sector as well as close collaboration between development authorities and DRR authorities have been repeatedly raised as the two key elements. Based on the discussion in Vinh, the casebook will be discussed by the group and published shortly.
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                                                                               (2017/09/30 12:30)


21-22 August 2017 (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam)

The 12th APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group Meeting was held on 21 and 22 August in Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam. The second EPWG meeting in the year 2017 was attended by 11 economies, JICA, Asian Foundation and so on. The host economy gave the welcome remarks from Mr. Tran Quang Hoai, Director General, Directorate of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Mr. Lê Thanh Liêm, Vice-Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.

Mr.Hoai, reported that in Viet Nam,DRR department of MARD, Ministry of Agriculture and rural development has been upgraded as a new department VNDIMA,Viet Nam Disaster Mamagement Authority, on 18th August. In the session, details of the new VNDMA were shared with throught the meeting.Peru, the host for 2017, which could not attend the EPWG meeting in January due to the severe flood, reported this time the outcome of the Peru year

A series of presentation were then made by Viet Nam regarding the key themes for the 11th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum, SDMOF 11, scheduled in September, Vinh City, Nghe An province. Mr. Tran Quang Hoai, Director General-Directorate of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Permanent member of Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control moderated the discussion. A seriese of presentations on science and technology were made by Viet Nam.  Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology presented a research by using space technology for disaster prevention and control by referring also to Sentinel Asia. Other econoimes and non-APEC organizations then presented their inputs and shared their ideas and suggestions for organizing the SDMOF.
    
ADRC reported about the APEC project of Enhancing Rural Disaster Resilience through Effective Infrastructure Investment aincluding the workshop scheduled in Spetember, and invited member ecoonmies' wide participation. Also, MLIT,Japan briefed on CTI activities regarding" Workshop on Capacity Building for Quality Infrastructure Investment in Rapidly Urbanizing APEC Region" and discussed possibilities for cross fora collaboration regarding infrastructure issue. 

Economies then shared recent experiences of natural disasers and policies including updates of policy development from Australia and recent disasters from New Zealand, Peru. Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Viet Nam and China. Japan, after a brief report on the heavy rainfall that hit Kyhushu, reported about commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Kathleen in 1947 this year and the 80th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Awaji flood in 1937 in the following year, and stressed the importance of learning from the disasters in the past as well as in other economies, so as to raise awareness of their individual colleagues including financial authorities by reminding them of possibilities of mega disasters . Co-chaires then proposed economies to discuss the draft outcome paragraphs from the group for the leaders' declaration for the year Viet Nam, followed by discussion.

Papua New Guinea, the host economy for 2018, proposed the schedule of 2018 and key policy concerns, and informed that APEC meetings in 2018 would be coordinated by Climate Change and Development Authority, CCDA, together with Natural Disaster Center, NDC.

At the end of Day2, Chinese Taipei proposed to discuss an concept of "Plant Back Better", or effective recovery and reconstruction by planning vegetables, and shared a good practice in Canbodia of successful income generation in the affected areas through PBB. During the discussion, ADRC suggested that PBB could be a recovery solution for diverse social contexts by referring to a case from Hyogo prefecture, which faces a completely different realty from that of Canbodia, since the affected population there is largely elderly and they thus planted trees instead of restatring agriculture.
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(2017/08/31 12:30)

June 6-8, 2017 (Brussels, Belgium)

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The International Recovery Platform (IRP) had actively participated in the third edition of the World Reconstruction Conference (WRC3), 6-8 June 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. IRP extended support in organizing and documenting a number of independent sessions, including: (i) An Update from 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction; (ii) Livelihood Recovery and Social Protection; (iii) Private Sector as a Key Partner in Preparedness, Response and Recovery; (iv) Preparing and Planning for Recovery - Strengthening Institutions and Capacities; and (v) Policies and Institutional Arrangements for Recovery.

The discussions at the sessions demonstrated how the concept of "build back better", which is highlighted in Priority Four of the Sendai Framework, can be implemented in transformative manner that reduces risks and builds resilience - and mindful that the next disaster may be of different nature from the previous one. Based on a number of experiences shared at the sessions, it was explicitly shown that build back better is not only about upgrading infrastructure with disaster resilient construction technologies but also about stronger governance systems, improved basic services, diversified livelihoods for people, and better social protection mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable families. To build back better, it is critical to understand the underlying causes of failures and to take the opportunity in recovery phase to address those failures such as through risk-informed land use planning and improved build standards and enforcement. There are many factors that can contribute to a successful build back better effort by governments, including enhancing the:

WS000003.JPG• Ability to develop specific institutional, policy, and legal frameworks for recovery process
• Capacity to support recovery interventions efficiently and effectively so that these sustainable
• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders that support and bring financial and technical resources to implement recovery programs


It was affirmed in the plenaries and sessions that one of the contributory factors to achieve "resilient recovery" (the overarching theme of WRC3) is the degree of preparation for recovery. Put simply, "preparedness for recovery" - as promoted in countries like India, Japan, USA, and New Zealand that have developed a well-planned and a well-resourced institutional and financial system - means putting in place the following instruments prior to disaster:

• Institutions, policies, and laws on recovery
• Financial mechanisms for recovery
• Dedicated personnel and resources for recovery

WS000004.JPGAt the final day of the WRC3, this question was debated: What can we do to make recovery resilient? Obviously a generic solution is not possible because recovery is a complex and integrated process. As already known based on past experiences, various factors need to be considered to make recovery resilient such as: (i) preparedness and readiness to recover; (ii) context and capacity; (iii) systems and institutions; (iv) localization; and (v) inclusiveness or "all of us". The complexity of recovery process may call for context-specific strategies and actions for resilience. For instance the World Bank, in the context of urban resilience, suggested the following actions to make recovery resilient for cities and urban communities:

• Prepare the community, e.g. raising awareness and drills
• Build institutions, e.g. recovery agency/department
• Create a financing system, e.g. financing facility for recovery
• Invest in recovery, e.g. mitigation efforts
• Social protection, e.g. inclusion of vulnerable groups in the whole process

As way forward, the participants at the WRC3 may take the cue from message of the European Union Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis who recommended three key action points:

• Strengthen Resilience
• Understand Risk
• Work with Private Sector

(2017/06/14 14:40)

30-31 May 2017 (Ulsan, Republic of Korea) 

ADRC participated in the 12th annual meeting of the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction on "Future Strategic Plan of WGDRR after Sendai Framework" was organized by UNESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee and the National Disaster Management Research Institute (NDMI) in Ulsan, Republic Korea on 30 -31 May 2017. 

The main objective of the meeting was to share the information of members' typhoon-related public education and training. Some 30 participants from member countries and relevant organizations, including ADRC reported on their recent public awareness and education activities as well as updates on WMO and NDMI's DRR information system tools.

After the meeting, Advisory Working Group meeting followed to discuss future strategy of Typhoon Committee operation on 1-2 June 2017.

(2017/06/08 17:40)

Cancun, Mexico (May 22-26, 2017)


With the overarching theme "From Commitment to Action", the International Recovery Platform/Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP/ADRC) had actively engaged in the fifth session of the Global Platform by: (i) putting up a booth at the Market Place, (ii) delivering a talk at the Ignite stage; and (iii) organizing a side event in line with Priority Four of the Sendai Framework. The IRP/ADRC events were aimed at advocating for:

• Closer cooperation with development partners, regional intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations, and regional platforms for disaster risk reduction by promoting effective build back better outcomes
• Wider dissemination and information sharing of knowledge and experiences on build back better in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction

The outcomes of these events contributed to the Chair's Summary, which addressed the priority action areas that emerged from the meeting.

IRP/ADRC Booth at the Market Place
The booth featured knowledge products (e.g. guidance notes and tools) on build back better and resilient recovery. The materials were drawn from IRP members and partners. At the end of the global, the following were achieved:

WS000013.JPG•Distributed over 400 CDs containing case studies, tools, and guidance on build back better
•Handed out over 500 printed brochures on IRP and recovery (e.g. IRP and members' brochures, guidance notes, and reports)
•Showed promotional video on Build Back Better as well as related videos from members
•Displayed banners bearing key messages on IRP works on build back better

 IRP/ADRC Ignite Stage Presentation

WS000000.JPGAt the Ignite Stage, the value addition of IRP/ADRC Guidance Notes on Recovery was demonstrated by presenting the case of Japan, and why it can build back better. Based on analysis of the case studies on recovery from Japan, the following insights were drawn. Firstly, Japan demonstrates "readiness to recover". This can be observed in the number of existing pre-disaster recovery plans and pre-agreements prior to disaster such as the one prepared by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in preparation for the Nankai Trough earthquake. Secondly, Japan deliberately corrects the mistakes in policy, infrastructure, and societal systems during recovery phase. This is clearly evident when Government of Japan updates the building codes and relevant legislation following a disaster. Finally, Japan persistently promotes a "culture of resilience" by integrating readiness to recovery in people's lifestyle. This is promoted through massive information dissemination, awareness-raising, and regular drills.

IRP/ADRC Side Event
The IRP/ADRC Side Event was jointly organized with JICA. In this session, innovative programs on build back better - as presented by the speakers from JICA, India, and Guatemala - commonly highlighted "good governance of recovery process" as one of key factors for successful implementation. To achieve this, the following actions were specified.

WS000001.JPGFirst, it is important to promote local ownership of the recovery process. The findings based on JICA's comparative study of Hurricane Mitch, Indian Ocean Tsunami, and Typhoon Haiyan revealed that local ownership of recovery process is fundamental to achieving build back better. Ownership of the process promotes a more decisive and accountable decisions. It implies learning from past experiences to effectively achieve the recovery vision. It was argued that the stronger the local ownership, the lesser the role of international actors. However, it was noted that local ownership does not necessarily mean denying external support and assistance. Second, it is necessary to ensure responsibility with authority. The experiences of India pointed that responsibility with authority includes strong institutional system that effectively handles political dynamics and continuity of efforts. It includes ability to delegate roles such making use of experts, consulting with stakeholders, community engagement, timely decision-making, effective coordination, and application of lessons from previous experiences. Finally, it is useful to adopt a National Disaster Recovery Framework.  The Framework helps promote effective governance of the recovery process as this specifies the recovery protocols, roles of stakeholders, and tools to use for planning. In the case of Guatemala, the country adopted a National Disaster Recovery Framework in 2013 and was effectively put into practice during the recovery from the San Marcos Earthquake of 2014. The same municipality was impacted by earthquake in 2012. The Framework facilitated a more effective recovery for the following reasons: (i) it resulted to a more coordinated role sharing among agencies of the public sector due to prior knowledge and understanding; (ii) it allowed better distribution of resources in short-term and mid-term phases; and (iii) it reduced information gaps. With Guatemala's experience and readiness to build back better, the country was able to provide technical assistance for recovery in neighboring Ecuador following the earthquake in April 2016. 


(2017/05/31 14:40)

5-7 April 2017 (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)

ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) 2017 meeting was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 5th to 7th April 2017. This time, IAP meeting brough together participants from both DRR organisations and from statistical authorities. ED participated in it from ADRC.

The meeting was opened by welcome remarks by General Badral Tuvshin,Chief, National Emergency Management Agency, Government of Mongolia, followed by the opening remarks by Mr. Robert Glasser, Special Representative of Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the introduction of the agenda by Ms.Madhavi Ariyabandu, Officer-in-charge, UNISDR Regional Office for Asia Pacific. Session 1 chaired by Colonel Ganzorig Tsogtbaatar, Deputy Chief, NEMA, discussed the outcomes of AMCDRR 2016, followed by updates from the participating countries and international organisations.

Day 2 continued updates including that by ADRC regarding the four priorities of the Sendai Framework including Kumamoto study visit, tsunami workshops, GLIDE, the 10 years' anniversary of Sentinel Asia. Ms.Saya, Director, Cabinet Office who arrived on Day 2, provided an informative report on recent policy progress regarding tsunami DRR, lessons learnt from the Kumamoto earthquakes, gender issues, and OEIWG.
Preparation for the AMCDRR 2018 was then discussed based on a report made by the host country.In addition to the organizational issues including the dates and venue, Mongolia provided its initial proposal of priority issues of "Urban disaster resilience" and "Investment in DRR", which participants discussed by splitting themselves into three groups.
Day 3 first focused on the OEIWG and monitoring of Sendai Framework. UNISDR briefed about the Sendai framework and monitoring system, on which countries reported by referring to the status including collaboration with statistical organization.

In many countries, information relevant to natural disasters is likely to belong to line ministries or regional entities, and statistical bureau in charge of SDGs action plan may face difficulties to work for DRR, although majority of DRR organisations seem not yet to have established close relationships with the Statistical bureaunin individual countries.

Afternoon session of Day3 was first dedicated to the group exercise on the OEIWG outcome, which facilitated participants unfamiliar to the two years' discussion by OEIWG learning the outcome,although there seems to be significant gaps among participants in their understanding of the OEIWG outcome.

In the last session, participants shared the status of preparation and participation in GP to be held in Cancun in May with each other.
The three days' meeting was then closed by General Badral Tuvsin's remarks.

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(2017/04/20 12:30)

Mashhad, Iran (March 6-8, 2017)


In response to the invitation extended by the Mashhad Disaster Management Department, ADRC/IRP sent representative to the 8th Asian Safe Community Conference, 6-8 March 2017 in Mashhad, Iran. The representative imparted the message that "recovery is an opportunity to strengthen safe community agenda". Injuries and deaths are commonly exacerbated in times of disaster, especially if infrastructures like housing, buildings, roads, and offices are weak or vulnerable to hazards. To help build a safer community, past mistakes and failures can be corrected and mitigated during the recovery phase. Several case studies from around the globe were shared at the conference to illustrate the concept of build back better and to strengthen safer community programs. 
 

WS000011.JPGSafe Community is a movement aimed at promoting safety and preventing injuries, and efforts depend largely on local engagement and regional networking, including academic centers and universities. In 1989 certification of safe communities has been started based on seven criteria developed by the Safe Community Network in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Based on agreed criteria, safe communities are those that have the following features: (i) an infrastructure based on partnership and collaboration, governed by a cross-sectional group that is responsible for safety promotion in their community; (ii) long-term, sustainable programs covering gender and all ages, environments, and situations; (iii) programs that target high-risk groups and environments, and programs that promote safety for vulnerable groups; (iv) programs that are based on all available evidence; (v) programs that document the frequency and causes of injuries; (vi) evaluation measures to assess the programs' processes and the effects of change; and (vii) ongoing participation in national and international Safe Communities networks. Since 1991, annual conferences on Safe Communities were organized in the regions to facilitate knowledge exchange.

   (2017/03/16 14:40)

18-19 February 2017 (Nha Trang, Vietnam)

The first meeting of APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group, EPWG in 2017 was held on 18 and 19, February, at Nha Trang, Vietnam. The meeting was opened by the welcoming remarks by Mr. Tran Quang Hoai, Vice Director, Directorate of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam, and Mr. Le Tan Ban, Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, DARD of Khanh Hoa Province also gave his welcoming remarks.ED of ADRC participated in the meeting as one of the co-chairs and expressed words of thanks for the warm welcome, followed by the speech by another co-chair, Dr. Le Quang Tuan, Vietnam.From Peru, host economy of the year 2016, the Honorable Mr. Alberto Manuel Lozada Frias, Head of National Institute of Civil Defense, INDIECI, gave his message through video, due to a severe flood presently affecting Peru. 
photo.JPGThis year, the host economy proposed to explore "Advanced Science and Technology to live with "New Normal" and Mr. Van Phu Chinh, Director General, Department of Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, Directorate of Water resources, MARD, Vietnam moderated the discussion for the agenda item. Dr. Le Quang Tuan gave a brief introduction on the issue and also raised the challenges to enhance resilience to face 'New normal' of coastal deltas by fostering Science Technology innovation. Many other ministries provided inputs and then other economies including Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, China and Indonesia presented their diverse experiences of using high technology for DRR, followed by the inputs from international organizations and private sector including those from Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, ADPC, Pacific Disaster Center, PDC, JICA , WFP and the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Sunrise.
EPWG then discussed its Work Plan 2017 and the Strategic Plan 2017-2020 that had been discussed intersessionally. The two plans guiding the activities of EPWG were formally endorsed.
Economies then reported the updates of recent natural disasters and major DRR policies including a report by Mexico about the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction scheduled in May in Cancun.
ADRC made the final report on the tsunami workshops organised last year, gave also updates of the Kumamoto earthquakes last year, in particular, regarding ADRC study visits to the affected area organized last December with the participation of officials from DRR ministries from its 23 member countries. ADRC also reported about the implementation of an APEC project, "Enhancing Rural Disaster Resilience through Effective Infrastructure Investment" and invited participants to discuss the concept of Build Back Better. Based on the discussion, ADRC together with Vietnam organised a kick off meeting in Kobe, Japan, 13th-14th March.
The second meeting of EPWG in 2017 will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in August.
(2017/2/18 12:30)
19-20 January 2017 (Bangkok, Thailand)

ADRC attended the 2nd meeting of Sentinel Asia Steering Committee held in Bangkok,Thailand,on 19th and 20th January, 2017. The meeting was attended by JAXA as the secretariat of Joint Project Team, Sentinel Asia, Space agencies in Asia working as Data Provider Node, DPN, Universities and research organisations as Data Analysis Node, DAN and ADRC representing DRR organisations in Asia.

Day 1 started with the opening remarks by the two co-chairs of SC, Dr.Lar, AIT and Mr.K. Suzuki, Executive Director,NIED, followed by a briefing by JAXA on Steering Committee Mandate and status and lessons learnt from emergency observation so far. ADRC then reported advantages of earth observation satellite imagery at diverse phases of DRR and challenges of Sentinel Asia operation from the viewpoint of DRR organisations. As a start of discussion, ADRC gave some cases of emergency situations in which satellite imagery could deliver useful information facilitating DRR operation including mega disasters affecting extensive geographical coverage beyond borders or flood affecting remotely located areas difficult to access lasting weeks, volcano eruptions hindering the use of airplanes, and so on to identify the strength of satellite imagery for DRR purposes.

Space agencies and research organisation reported about the DAN activities. The day 2 focused first on basic idea to discuss the strategic plan after the 10th anniversary, which will be discussed throughout this year towards the APRSAF scheduled in Autumn 2017.The agenda of the 10th anniversary event scheduled in March was also discussed and approved.
(2017/1/19 12:30)
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16-17 November (Manila, Philippine)
 
The 23rd Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) was held from 15 to 18 November in Manila, Philippine. It was co-organized by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development - Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines (DOST-PCIEERD), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
 
The APRSAF was established in 1993 to enhance space activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Attended by space agencies, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations as well as companies, universities and research institutes, this Forum is the largest space-related conference in the Asia-Pacific region. Now APRSAF has 4 Working Groups; Space Applications Working Group (SAWG), Space Technology Working Group (STWG), Space Environment Utilization Working Group (SEUWG) and Space Education Working Group (SEWG). The participants of APRSAF share information about their activities and the future plans for their countries and regions in each working group APRSAF also supports international projects designed to find solutions to common issues such as disaster management and environmental protection.
 
ADRC joined Space Applications Working Group (SAWG) and reported activity of Sentinel Asia. The Sentinel Asia initiative is one such activity, and involves the use of space-based information in the form of satellite images for disaster management in the Asia-Pacific region. ADRC has been tasked with the responsibility of receiving emergency observation requests from ADRC member countries and Joint Project Team (JPT) members
 
Sentinel Asia marks 10 years anniversary in 2016. ADRC reported a trend of Emergency Observation Request in the past decade. It was highlighted that the number of EOR is increasing in the recent year. Also ADRC introduced two good practices in Vietnam and in Myanmar. Provided satellite images and product were utilized for DRR activity in both country. However it remains some points to be discussed such as data sharing in each country.

(2016/11/18 18:30)
3-5 November 2016 (Delhi, India)

ADRC participated in the AMCDRR held in Delhi during November 3-5th and the pre-conference held on 2nd Nov. The Conference was opened by the Prime Minister Modi, India and attended by almost 60 countries

ADRC co-organised a thematic event "Partnerships and Innovations for improving Disaster Loss Accounting" . Mr. S. Jegillos, Senior Advisor, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub made an opening remark on the purpose of the event, and Professor Yuichi Ono,Tohoku University reported first about the Global Centre for Disaster Statistics, followed by a presentation on the use of drone for DRR by Ms. C. Briggert, Head of Stakeholder Relations, DJI, a report on innovation regarding DRR by the government of Maldives, and a presentation on disaster losses estimation focusing on that of private sector by Mr. A. Perwaiz, Head, Disaster Risk Management Systems, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC).

IMG_0784.JPGADRC contributed to the event by the presentation titled "GLIDE, GLobal unique disaster IDEntifier number to Support Evidence Based Disaster Reduction Strategy at National & Local Levels -A Simple but Innovative Tool for Effective Disaster Information Sharing-",delivered by Dr.S. Nishikawa, former Executive Director of ADRC. Mr.Nishikawa raised the extensive potential contribution of GLIDE as basic tool to facilitate disaster information sharing at national and sub-national DRR organisations towards upgrading DRR activities including those against mega disasters beyond national borders. Many questions on the use of GLIDE were raised from the floor and after the event. In addition to the useful comments on GLIDE, AMCDRR provided us throughout the Conference period diverse opportunities of exchange with our counterparts from ADRC member countries, which has facilitated us reshaping GLIDE and redefining other activities more adapted to the future needs of Asia.                                     

As the outcome of the AMCDRR, the New Delhi DeclIMG_0784.JPGaration was endorsed, and an "Asia Regional Plan for Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030"s was agreed as one of the main outcome documents. Prior to AMCDRR, a Special Session dedicated to the tsunami DRR was organised by UNISDR, while a commemoration event of the World Tsunami Awareness Day took place on 5th November at the Closing Ceremony. During the special session, many speakers referred to the good practices of Inamurano-hi, on which ADRC published brochures in more than 10 languages. (http://www.adrc.asia/publications/inamura/top.html)
(2016/11/3, 12:30)

24-26 October 2016 (Cebu City, Philippines)


WGDRR gorup Photo at 11th IWS for webup EN caption.jpgADRC participated in the 11th Integrated Workshop of Typhoon Committee (TC) which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), World Meteorological Organization (WMO) TC Secretariat in collaboration with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Local Organizing Committee of Cebu at Waterfront Cebu Hotel on October 24-26, 2016.

ADRC represented by Mr. Kazuhito Ueda attended the workshop during its Breakout Session on Disaster Risk Reduction in the second day and presented the member's report in the morning and discussed on the progress of the Annual Operation Plan (AOP) by the Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR) as well as its initiatives and budgets towards the following year.

The member's report covered the disaster overview focusing on typhoons in 2016, the progress of projects related Typhoon Committee and the initiatives on Disaster Reduction by 10 member-countries including the People's Republic of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, Japan, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Korea, the United States of America and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Mr. Ueda explained the characteristics of typhoons that landed Japan this year and reported on the enormous damage these had brought to areas that have not frequently been hit by typhoon such as Kanto, Tohoku regions and Hokkaido from the Pacific side. Further, he suggested on the need to accumulate the contents of these disasters' characteristics and damages as the analyzable dataset.

During the consultation about the AOP in the afternoon, a useful report was made regarding the 4th project of the year 2016 entitled, "Benefit Evaluation of Typhoon Disaster Prevention and Preparedness" of which China has become the implementing country. In the report, a Chinese Representative stressed that reducing typhoon track forecast error could lead to a reduction of considerable economic losses.

Although the stay was quite brief, the flow of the activities was unbelievably smooth and the travel was comfortable thanks to the support by the Local Organizing Committee. Finally, ADRC would like to express its sincere appreciation for everyone's effort which contributed to the success of this conference.
(2016/10/24 19:30)
8-9 October 2016 (Iquitos, Peru)

The 10th APEC Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum (SDMOF) was held in Iquitos, Peru on 8th and 9th, October 2016. As one of the co-chairs of EPWG, ED of ADRC attended the meetings and the APEC Workshop organised by FEMA on Strengthening Public Alert and Early Warning Capacity on 6th and 7th October, prior to the SDMOF. 

The meeting, hosted by National Institute of Civil Defense,INDIECI Peru was opened by the Honorable Mr. Alberto Manuel Lozada Frias, Head of  INDECI, and Mrs. Adela Esmeralda Jimenez, Provincial Municipality of Maynas. The meeting focused on "Emergency Preparedness for Supply Chain and Emergency Food Security" as the theme and explored the issue of food delivery targeting, in particular, at the poor in emergency, effective public-private collaboration for this purpose, and policy challenges throughout four sessions. 

The forum was attended by senior disaster management officials and delegates of Australia, China, Japan, Peru, Philippines, Chinese Taipei, United States and Viet Nam as well as representatives from ABAC and other relevant organizations. From Japan, Mr.Yasuyuki Ishii, Policy Advisor,Disaster Management Bureau Cabinet Office, made a presentation on the experience of Kumamoto earthquakes in April 2016 by highlighting the support initiated by the national government facilitating emergency relief activities by the affected local governments facing difficulties in immediately procuring the necessary supplies by themselves and arranging the transportation.

Participants of SDMOF welcomed the draft Action Plan that EPWG had been discussing, as instructed by APEC leaders in 2015 as guidance for implementation of the APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework (DRRF) .The Action Plan, as a living document will be discussed and updated as needed.
http://www.apec.org/Press/News-Releases/2016/1012_disasters.aspx
(2016/10/8 12:30)

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19-22 September 2016 (Beijing, China)


The 6th Annual UN-SPIDER Conference, jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China, was held in Beijing on 19-21 September 2016. The event gathered about 130 participants, including representatives of Space Agencies and Disaster Management Organizations from 35 countries, who visited relevant organizations as part of the three-day program.

<First Day: 19th September>
The key officials at the inauguration included: Mr. Benjie Yin (Deputy Director, General Office of China National Commission on Disaster Reduction) who delivered the opening remarks; Ms. Mei Chai (Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Civil Affairs) who served as moderator; and Dr. Shirish Ravan (Secretary-General, UN-SPIDER Beijing Office) who provided an overview of sessions to be covered in the three-day program.
 The sessions of the first day were "Building on UN-SPIDER 10 Years' Achievements" and "Risk Assessment and Mapping Using Earth Observation Data". There was presentation prior to each of these topics' discussions. In second session for instance, the value of radar sensing on satellite technology was highly evaluated, and  the accuracy of drought prediction was discussed, which needs to be improved through observation and data accumulation.

<Second Day: 20th September>
The morning sessions of the second day were "Access to Data and Information for Risk Assessment" and "National Spatial Data Infrastructure and Data Framework to Support Disaster Management". The morning sessions highlighted the contribution of satellite data for flood and drought monitoring and prediction. Hence, initiatives such as the introduction of "GAOFEN", with series of high resolution earth observation satellite system in China, needs to be effectively promoted.
In the afternoon, three breakout sessions were organized, namely: "Monitoring indicators against the global targets of the Sendai Framework", "Procedural guidelines for sharing space-based information during emergency response", and "Crowd-source Mapping for risk assessment and emergency response". ADRC representative participated in the second breakout session, and reported the importance of proactive participation in learning events and capacity building enhancement in each country to facilitate sharing of space-based information.

<Third Day: 21th September>
The morning session of the third day was about "Networking and Engagement with the UN-SPIDER Network", where reports from Regional Support Offices (RSOs), including ADRC, as well as country reports were presented. In the afternoon, two separate site visits were organized - one group visiting the National Disaster Reduction Center of China (NDRCC) and the other group visiting the Yungang Satellite Earth Station. ADRC representative joined the first group that also visited the UN-SPIDER Beijing Office.

After the conference, the ADRC representative took the opportunity to visit his colleague of the NDRCC in the morning (9:30 - 11:00) of following day to discuss further strengthening of ADRC-NDRCC cooperation. She is the former ADRC Visiting Researcher(FY 2007) and is currently Director of Data Center, Satellite Application Center for Disaster Reduction at NDRCC.
In the afternoon (12:30 - 14:00) of the same day, a visit to the Executive Director of the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) was also made to explore ways for collaboration and cooperation in improving collection of information.
Participation in this conference has helped to strengthen ADRC organizational networks with relevant countries and organizations as well as build wider human relations.

(2016/09/23 19:30)

15-16 August 2016 (Lima, Peru)

APEC emergency preparedness working grope meeting was held during August 15-16, in Lima, Peru and ED of ADRC attended it as one of the co-chairs. The second meeting of EPWG of the year 2016 hosted by Peru discussed first, preparation of the upcoming SDMOF meeting scheduled on  8th and 9th October in Iquitos. EPWG elaborated the main theme of SDMOF, which will highlight food security by focusing on emergency meal delivery, public-private collaboration towards increasing resilience, and so on.

PWG also discussed the draft Action Plan based on the APEC Disaster Reduction Framework endorsed last year by APEC leaders. Many of the economies reported also about recent disasters and DRR policy development including Indonesia, Vietnam, China, USA, Russia, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, and so on. ADRC briefed about the damages by the earthquakes in Kumamoto in April and the status of recovery. (http://www.adrc.asia/publications/201604_KumamotoEQ/ADRC_2016KumamotoEQ_Report_1.pdf)  It also reported about a new proposal of project on infrastructure development at reconstruction and BBB stage in rural area by Vietnam and Japan.

After the Day 2 of EPWG meeting, on August 16th in the afternoon, ADRC in collaboration with INDECI, Peru, organized an APEC workshop on Tsunami Disaster Reduction, supported by Cabinet Office, Japan. USA, Vietnam, Chile, Philippines, Chinese Taipei as well as Peru and Japan joined and discussed a wide range of tsunami DRR policies, challenges and transborder effects through supply chain. Private sector in Peru and JICA also provided inputs on their tsunami DRR efforts.  APEC covering majority of tsunami affected areas is one of the best fora to explore tsunami DRR in close collaboration  with  the  private  sector, since a  huge tsunami  could  bring  about  significant  indirect  damages on the world economy through global value chain, while a tsunami of significant magnitude could physically affect  many  economies  directly,  as  did  the  2004  Indian  Ocean  Tsunami.  Further  collaboration  bridging both sides of the Pacific should be pursued based on the outcomes.

On 17th and 18th August, FEMA,USA held an APEC workshop on appropriate donation and ADRC attended it on 17th .On 18th and 19th, meetings of APEC Chief Science Advisors and Equivalents, CSAE took place and raised the theme of "Science advice in and around emergencies" on the 1st day. The recommendation by CSAE to APEC leaders and senior officials suggests importance of appropriate scientific advisory input as a core part of economy's disaster preparedness and response systems.
(2016/8/15 12:30)
6 June 2016 (Vienna, Austria)

In accordance with the cooperation agreement between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) signed on June 2009 on the establishment of the ADRC UN-SPIDER Regional Support Office (RSO), said RSO has been established on the ADRC premises and is being operated by ADRC staff members as coordinators of the ADRC UN-SPIDER RSO. There are currently 20 regional support offices worldwide.

In its capacity as an RSO, ADRC participated in the 7th UN Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response RSO Meeting, which was held in conjunction with the UN-SPIDER+10 Anniversary Conference. Held from 6 June, the meeting was attended by more than 20 participants from RSOs around the world. During the meeting, the following topics were discussed:

1. Reports on activities of each RSO in 2015
2. Planning activities of each RSO in 2016
3. Discussion of the implementation of TAM recommendations 
4. Regional breakout groups: work planning 2016-17
5. Feedback from breakout groups
6. Collaboration for the ongoing implementation of knowledge management 

At this meeting, ADRC gave a presentation on its 2015 activities and accomplishments as well as its plans for 2016, and discussed many ideas with the secretariat and other RSOs.
(2016/6/20 18:30)

20-21 February 2016 (Lima, Peru)


Before opening, participants dedicated one minute silence for the victims of Kaohsiung Earthquake on February 6th, 2016, in Taiwan as well as those by the other natural disasters since the last EPWG meeting last year. The meeting was opened by welcoming remarks by General A.Murgueytio, Institutional Chief of the National Institute of Civil Defense, INDIECI, Peru followed by opening remarks by two newly elected co-chairs, one from Vietna and another from Japan, ED of ADRC. The focus of the meeting was placed first on the draft 2016 work plan that was agreed on the second day, and then draft action plan to implement APEC disaster Risk Reduction Framework(DRRF) that had been endorsed last October by SDMOF and adopted by APEC Economic Leaders to facilitate collective work in building adaptive and disaster-resilient economies facing increasing frequency, magnitude and scope of natural disasters. The meeting reviewed also the Intersessional works undertaken in 2015 and discussed diverse cross fora activities. On 29 February 2016, the annual meeting of the SOM Steering Committee on ECOTECH Committee of the Whole (SCE-COW) was held in Lima as well.

(2016-02-20 12:30)

19-21 January (Colombo, Sri Lanka)

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ADRC participated in the meeting named above, which was organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Disaster Management Center (DMC) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) from 19 to 21 January 2016 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The meeting was attended by 70 participants including representatives of satellite agencies, disaster management organizations and academic institutions in Japan. The meeting primarily consisted of the following.

・Situation report of Sentinel Asia
・Sentinel Asia Step 3 Evolution Progress Report
・Local Hosts' Special Session
・Emergency Observation Activity (EoR) Activities in 2015
・Project Management Report
・Mitigation and Preparation Report
・Working Group
・Emergency Response Report
・Implementation Plan 2016

ADRC gave two presentations, covering the activation of emergency observations and the satisfaction of system users based on a questionnaire survey, and new emergency observation request format conducted on Sentinel Asia.
(2016/1/21 18:30)
14-18 December 2015 (Bangkok, Thailand)

"Applying SBT and ICT to Strengthen Disaster Resilience" funded by ADB for 18 months in 4 countries has been launched with regional kick-off meeting on 14-18 December 2015 at AIT, Thailand. 

International and National consultants of the project participated in the OSM (Open Street Map) workshop to learn the OSM concept, how to use, good practices. Also participants joined OSM exercise in the field of AIT. On 16-17 December, national delegates also participated in the regional kick-off meeting. During the meeting, the project briefing was done by ADB, then contributions from each international consulting firm (AIT, ADRC, RESTEC, PASCO, Geo Things), current situations in each pilot project country (Armenia, Bangladesh, Fiji, Philippines) were explained, and project targets in each country were discussed. And the relations between the project and the Sentinel Asia program was explained.
The kick-off meeting at the national level will be held during February to April 2016. Dr. Ogawa, former Executive Director, and Mr. ARAKIDA, Senior Researcher will be in charge from ADRC.

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30 Nov.- 4 Dec. 2015 (Bali, Indonesia)

ADRC participated in this meeting which was co-organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education (RISTEK-DIKTI), the Indonesian National Institute of Aeronautics Space (LAPAN), the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It was held from November 30 to December 4 2015 in Bali, Indonesia and was attended by 453 participants and 10 international organizations, mainly Asia-Pacific regional space agencies, from 30 countries and regions.

Meeting Overview
Day 1: The Sentinel Asia Initiative Tsunami Working Session. After the presentations on "Moving Toward Sentinel Asia Step3 and the Purpose of the Tsunami WG" and "Sentinel Asia's Contributions to Tsunami Disasters," opinions were exchanged on the future activities of the WG. 
Days 2-3: Meetings were held by the four working groups: Groups-Space Applications, Space Technology, Space Environment Utilization, and Space Education. ADRC participated in the Space Applications WG, which featured presentations and the exchange of opinions on the following topics:
- Environmental Ocean Monitoring
- Sentinel Asia Session
- Geostationary Satellite Applications
- Agriculture Applications
- Forestry & Water Resources Applications
- Regional Cooperation
Day 4: Opening remarks, Country Reports, and three Special Sessions on Space and Maritime Applications, Synergies in Space, Regional Cooperation in Space Exploration.
Day 5: A presentation about Space Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region and summary reports by working group.

ADRC gave two presentations at this conference: (1) "The Role of ADRC in Sentinel Asia" at the Space Applications Working Group on Day 2 and (2) an introduction to ADRC and cooperation with disaster management organizations in the Special Session on Synergies in Space on Day 4.

(2015/12/18 18:30)

17-19 November 2015 (New Delhi, India)


ADRC participated in the "Asian Leaders' meeting towards implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia", and the "2nd ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting of 2015" , held during 17-19 November 2015, New Delhi, India.
On the first day in the morning, the "Asian Leaders' meeting towards implementation of the SFDRR in Asia", a senior level meeting took place, which was attended many political leaders in Asia.

1511.JPGShri Kiren Rijiju, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India opened and set the context of the meeting in his welcome remark, followed by a keynote address by Ms. M. Wahlstrom, UN Special Representative of the Secretary.  Senior level representatives from seven countries including AMCDRR host countries in the past and in the future, then delivered their statement on their experience and way forward; People's Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Royal Thai Government, Mongolia, Japan and Afghanistan.

Mr. F. Matsumoto, State Minister of Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, hosting the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, expressed their gratitude to the wide participation in the Conference in Sendai and their strong will to support the international community in implementing the SFDRR, in particular, by providing know-how to develop indicators and to strengthen governance. Minister Matsumoto stressed also further collaboration with ADRC and other regional organizations by highlighting the ACDR2016 in Phuket in February 2016. He also encouraged supporting the UN resolution designating the World Tsunami Day by referring to their projects of awareness raising to reduce the damages of Tsunami in Asia. Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon'ble Union Home Minister, India also attended the meeting and expressed his strong hope that the meeting would set the policy directions towards the AMCDRR in 2016.

In the afternoon, the first session of the IAP meeting focused on the AMCDRR in 2016. After the introduction of the agenda by Ms. Kan, Head, UNISDR Asia Pacific office, Ms.Wahlstrom gave her key note, encouraging political commitment to implementing SFDRR in Asia, followed by an update from the host country and presentations by member countries, and those by regional organizations. ADRC reported about its major activities after Sendai and encouraged a wide participation in the ACDR 2016.

Morning session of the second day was focused on the Asian regional plan. A series of presentations to facilitate regional planning was made including those on  monitoring of the SFDRR, and indicator.  In the afternoon, participants discussed in one of the three groups aiming to provide inputs to develop the Regional Plan. Sector by sector implementation of SFDRR was also spotlighted as well after the coffee break.

The last day started with a panel discussion on local implementation of SFDRR attended by the participants from sub-national governments including Ms. Y. Ito, Vice Mayor of Sendai city, Japan. Three parallel sessions in the afternoon continued to discuss local implementation by focusing on assessment of local risk and resilience, local DRR strategies and plans, and inclusive and community-managed approaches, the outcome of which was shared at the final plenary.

29-30 October 2015 (Taipei, Taiwan)


ADRC participated in an APEC workshop focusing on big data and open data application to emergency preparedness, as a co-chair of EPWG. The workshop was attended by more than 20 participants from APEC economies, universities and research organizations including Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. 

The workshop was opened by a statement by Mr. Chien, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology of Chinese Taipei, followed by a keynote by Mr. Stone, Assistant Administrator for National Continuity Programs, Federal Emergency Management Agency U.S. Department of Homeland Security, focusing on "Best Practices for Alert and Warning Systems, Leveraging Public Private Partnership". Another keynote was then delivered by Dr. Li, Co-Chair of EPWG and Secretary General, National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction on topic of Enhancing Regional Digital Preparedness on Natural Hazards - The Application of Science and Technology in DRR Decision-Making."

ADRC attended the first two sessions on the 1st day. Session 1: "Big datasets for disaster risk reduction"  highlighted some best practices of the digital emergency preparedness, in preparing and collecting big dataset to mitigate adverse impacts brought by disasters. In the session 2: "Regional projects to improve digital emergency preparedness", ADRC reported , after summerising recent government policy development on big data and open data in general, about diverse efforts in Japan to strengthen institutional information sharing among the relevant ministries regarding disaster relief activities.Three sessions as follows took place as well: (3) Practical applications of big data or open data, (4) Synergies with industry, private sector and crowd sourcing, and (5) Challenges to embrace the new trend. Data collections are the basic digital emergency preparedness to mitigate adverse impacts brought by disasters.

(2015/09/18 12:30)

13 - 15 October, 2015 (Bangkok, Thailand)

As the secretariat of Sentinel Asia, ADRC participated in a meeting jointly organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and ADRC. It was held from 13 to 15 October 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand and was attended by representative of satellite agencies, academic institutions, and disaster management organizations across Asia. The meeting primarily covered the following topics.

[Day 1]
After a presentation on the contributions of Sentinel Asia activities to disaster management in the Asia-Pacific region, opinions were exchanged on the development of Sentinel Asia Step 3 and on the role of the Steering Committee in its development. 

[Day 2]
After a presentation on Sentinel Asia Step 3 implementation strategies, opinions were actively exchanged regarding the following topics.
• Strengthening cooperation between disaster management organizations (DMO) and space/GIS organizations (SGO)
• Evolution of working group activities to strengthen cooperation between DMOs and SGOs and thus contribute to disaster preparedness, as well as disaster response and recovery
• Emergency observation scenarios that include the stages of preparedness and early warning as well as post-disaster emergency response and recovery 
• Rapid provision of data to end users through the effective use of observation results and the strengthening of cooperation with analyzing institutions.

[Day 3]
The closing session included an explanation of the 2016 strategy plan and a summary of the meeting. ADRC gave three presentations at this conference on the following topics: (1) EOR and Emergency Observation Procedures Using Sentinel Asia, (2) The Role of ADRC in Sentinel Asia, and (3) Sentinel Asia Emergency Observation Trends.

(2015/10/28 18:30)

22-23 September 2015 (Iloilo City, Philippines)


ADRC attended an APEC senior level meeting on disaster management, as a co-chair of EPWG. The meeting was hosted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippines. The Forum was attended by APEC economies, private sector, non-government organizations and so on. The meeting raised diverse topics on DRR and contributed to sharing of best practices of the various member-economies. From Japan, Mr.Y. HYOTANI, Deputy Director-General for Disaster Management Bureau, Cabinet Office, made a presentation titled " Protecting the Economic Interests from the Disasters" focusing mainly on the economic impacts by the Great East Japan earthquake and the recovery from it. As an output of the Forum, the 'APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework', a policy document to address disasters and the "new normal" to be faced with the member economies, was discussed, which was endorsed in mid-October, then in November endorsed by the Joint Ministerial Statement and adopted by APEC Economic Leaders.

(2015/09/22 12:30)

18-19 September 2015 (Ha Long city, Vietnam)


ADRC attended the APEC Workshop on community-based disaster risk management in response to climate change held in Ha Long city, Vietnam on September 18-19.
The workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Quang Ninh provincial People's Committee. as one of the initiatives by Vietnam in preparation for the country's hosting of the 25th APEC Summit in 2017.
The workshop, attended by around 100 participants from member economies, focused on community based disaster management efforts of member economies as well as those of international organsations, and adopted a summary report, the essence of which was presented at the  9th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum, held 22-23 September 2015 in Iloilo City, Philippines.

ADRC made a presentation in the Session 2 titled "Innovative approaches to investment and technology" chaired by USAID and raised some steps after Sendai, including those towards World Tsunami Day, Community-based DM well adapted to the ageing and urbanising Asia, and better bridging of scientific and locally based knowledge. ADRC also delivered a closing remark of the workshop as a co-chair.

(2015/09/18 12:30)

9-11 September 2015 (Beijing, China)

ADRC participated in WG1: GEOSS Asia-Pacific Major Natural Disaster Monitoring (AP-MaNDM) of 8th Global Earth Observation system of systems (GEOSS) Asia-Pacific Symposium held at 9-11 September in Beijing, China.

In the first session of WG1, current situation of space-based monitoring for natural disaster risk reduction in each country was reported. Then, the global/regional cooperation of space technology for disaster management session was held, in which, ADRC made a presentation of the Sentinel Asia, which has been promoting the cooperation of disaster management organizations and space agencies. In the WG1, , Mr. Suzuki, Executive Director of NIED,former Executive Director of ADRC, proposed to develop more resilient platform for the collaboration with DRR and Space technology, and WG1 agreed to a cooperation for the realization of the platform.

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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)
30 June - 1 July, 2015 (Singapore)

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the meeting named above from 30 June to 1 July 2015 in Singapore. The meeting was attended by approximately 12 participants including representatives of satellite agencies in Japan, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. The meeting primarily consisted of establishment of Steering Committee Sentinel Asia. ADRC gave a presentation, covering the activation of emergency observations and the satisfaction of system users based on a questionnaire survey conducted on Sentinel Asia.

(2015/07/06 18:30)
3-5 June, 2015 (Bangkok, Thailand)

On 3-5 June in Bangkok, Thailand Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the IAP meeting which was attended by around 90 people from 17 Asian countries and 33 international institutions. The main focus of this IAP was to discuss the way forward from the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR) in the Asian Region.

At first, the Secretariat of UNISDR explained the background of this meeting; the 1st Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) after SFDRR will be hosted by the Government of India in November 2016, and its intended outcome of this AMCDRR in India will be to an 'Asian Regional Implementation Plan of the SFDRR'. Then, the Government of India showed the process of preparation toward the next AMCDRR.

In this meeting, considering the importance of involving the wide-range stakeholders, a session specially devoted to the public private partnership was held and the various participants such as ADPC and Japan Bosai Platform introduced their activities. ADRC Executive Director, who is also one of co-chairperson of APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group, introduced ADRC's activities like as the research on the dissemination of BCP among small / medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the APEC member economies and the editing guideline on BCP for SMEs, and declared support to PPP activities by UNISDR.

(2015/06/03 13:00)

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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)
20-21 April 2015 (Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania)

   An International Conference entitled "IORA Sustainable Development Programme Workshop: Exploring Preemptive Disaster Risk Management Measures to Ensure Community Resilience", organized and hosted by the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and co-hosted by the Prime Minister's Office of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, was held in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on 20-21 April 2015.

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   Upon invitation and request, the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) sent one Japanese representative from International Recovery Platform (IRP) to the conference, which attracted over 50 participants including government officials from the Indian Ocean Rim countries. As Japan is one of the IORA's Dialogue Partners, delegations from the Embassy of Japan in Tanzania, JICA Office in Tanzania, and IRP based in Hyogo, Japan were also invited.

   Considered as the first international gathering of over 20 countries associated with IORA since the Sendai conference in March 2015, the IORA Conference provided participants with vital opportunity to exchanging their views on "How Can We Explore Preemptive Disaster Risk Management Measures to ensuring Community Resilience?"

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   During the opening session titled "Disaster Risk Management and Community Resilience: Sharing Japan's Experience", Mr. Shingo Kochi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, valued the high ability of Governments in the Indian Ocean Rim Association to promote recovery and reconstruction efforts since the 2004 Sumatra Earthquake and Indian Ocean Tsunami disasters. Mr. Kochi also noted that ADRC and IRP have long been promoting and implementing multilateral cooperation on disaster reduction and recovery by sharing Japan's technologies, experiences, and lessons as well as knowledge management. Among those are "IRP Guidance Notes for Recovery", and "ADRC's Visiting Researcher (VR) Program".

   "Although the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami waves reached Tanzania and other east coast of African countries 18 hours after the occurrence of the earthquake, still, some 100 causalities were accounted in Somalia. This triggered the following questions: What can we learn? How can we build back better? How can we incorporate disaster management into sustainable development?" To shed light, Mr. Kochi emphasized the importance of everyday preparedness by citizens and private sector, in addition to the government efforts when a massive disaster strikes. In this connection, the upcoming big event in late May 2015: "IRP Workshop on Disaster Recovery Planning" to be held in Dhaka, People's Republic of Bangladesh, one of IORA member countries, will showcase another evidence of Bangladesh's continuous efforts on disaster reduction, disaster preparedness, and recovery. This event illustrates how ADRC/IRP will seek possibilities of providing further technical assistance for the IORA member countries' preparation efforts towards future disasters.

   For more information, please contact Kochi (kouchi@receoveryplatform.org).

25 February 2015 (Manila, Philippines)


"Preparatory Meeting for Resilience Conference on Earthquake", hosted by the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development, co-hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Manila Observatory, was held in Manila, Philippines on 25 February 2015.  As a cooperation of this meeting, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The meeting's over 90 participants included government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, managers from private sector and experts from international organizations.

During his presentation titled "Reconstruction, Recovery and Preparedness: Lessons Learned from Japan's Experience--Towards Comprehensive Disaster Management in the Philippines and Japan--", Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, highly appreciated every effort made by both public and private sectors toward possible earthquakes in the Metro Manila. Similar to Japan's situation, it has been widely recognized in the Philippines that the Government and local enterprises need to promote the public-private partnership and multi-stakeholder approach towards effective regional disaster mitigation/prevention and reconstruction/recovery. Mr. Kouchi also stressed that  IRP have been working closely with many stakeholders in the Philippines, and ADRC/IRP will seek possibilities of providing technical assistance for the Philippines' preparation efforts towards future earthquakes.

With the concept of "Building Back Better than Before", IRP would like to make continuous efforts for realization of disaster-resilient society and communities in the Metro Manila region, by sharing Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons learned from the past. For more information, please contact Kouchi (kouchi@receoveryplatform.org).

(2015/2/27 14:50)

 

9 February 2015 (Vienna, Austria)

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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in a Japan-sponsored seminar and reception held at the 52nd Meeting of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on the Peaceful Users of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS), which was held at the United Nations (UN) Office in Vienna, Austria. The seminar was held after the COPUOS session on the morning of 9 February. Presentations focused on the theme of "The Role of Space-based Applications in Disaster Risk Reduction" were given by ADRC and several other organizations (including the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)). These were followed by question and answer sessions. ADRC gave a presentation on the performance of and problems with Sentinel Asia, which uses space-based applications to reduce and prevent natural disaster damage. Presentations were also given on sample hazard maps created for floods and volcanos using satellite images, and proposals for the use of satellite images at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) to be held this March.

(2015/02/09 13:50)
5 to 6 February 2015 (Vienna, Austria)

KIMG0007.jpgThe Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the 6th UN Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting, which was held in conjunction with the 52nd Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS). Held from 5 to 6 February, the meeting was attended by more than 30 RSOs from around the world.
During the meeting, the following topics were eagerly discussed:
1) Activities conducted in 2014
2) Proposed activities for 2015
3) A booklet and portal site developed by UN-SPIDER 
4) Issues related to strategies for providing technical guidance to developing countries and best uses of satellites
5) Best practices in providing technical guidance to developing countries
6) Activity reports from working groups on tsunamis, droughts, and floods

At this meeting, ADRC gave a presentation on its 2014 activities and accomplishments as well as its plans for 2015, and discussed many ideas with the secretariat and other RSOs.
 
(2015/02/05 13:50)
2-4 December 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

ADRC joined the 2nd ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting which was held on 2 - 4 December 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand. The IAP aimed at discussing the way forward from the 6th Asia Ministerial Conference, preparation towards the 3 WCDRR and preparing the Post 2015 framework adoption and implementation.
Some 90 participants from national governments, international/regional organizations, UN organizations, CSOs, media etc attended the meeting. 

The meeting constituted of the following five sessions;
1. Reflections of the 6thAMCDRR,
2. HFA monitoring and updates on 3 WCDRR,
3. Post DRR framework implementation,
4. Delivering the UN Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction and
5. Strengthening IAP to deliver Post 2015 DRR framework.


Active discussions were made at each session and the meeting closed with the expectations to the coming 3 WCDRR and Post 2015 DRR framework.

(2014/12/12 17:40)

18th-21th November 2014 (Yangon, Myanmar)

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ADRC participated in the meeting named above, which was organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Myanmar Earthquake Committee (MEC), from 18 to 21 November 2014 in Yangon, Myanmar. The meeting was attended by approximately 60 participants including representatives of satellite agencies and academic institutions in Japan, Thailand, and Myanmar. The meeting primarily consisted of the following.

-Overall status of Sentinel Asia 
-Activations of satellite agencies
-Report on the disaster status, and disaster prevention and mitigation measures in Myanmar
-Report on technologies that use satellites and the dissemination of those technologies by international agencies
-Report on projects that use satellite images
-Report on the cultivation of human resources in the use of satellite imagery and introductions to mini-projects
-Working group reports: Earthquakes and Landslides, Floods, Wildfires and GLOF

ADRC gave two presentations, covering the activation of emergency observations and the satisfaction of system users based on a questionnaire survey conducted on Sentinel Asia.
According to the questionnaire findings, a result with the satisfaction is almost provided about the time to data offer from a request and the offered image.

(2014/11/18 13:50)

Taipei, Taiwan (October 27-31, 2014)


photo_Taiwan.jpgADRC had actively supported the 2014 International Training Workshop (ITW) which was organized by the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR), 27-31 October 2014 at the NCDR Training Center, Taipei, Taiwan. The workshop was aimed at sharing experiences and lessons on post-disaster recovery, especially from countries that experienced mega-disasters. 

Along with speakers from various organizations and countries, ADRC had shared experiences on post-disaster recovery. In particular, ADRC Executive Director Mr. Kiyoshi Natori presented the "Recovery and Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011" highlighting the challenges on post-disaster recovery and how these challenges were addressed, including applying the lessons from past disasters as well as integrating the emerging lessons from current disasters such as considering the "wisdom of local community" in disaster risk reduction.  Additionally, a researcher at ADRC also shared some of the existing "Tools and Guidance in Building Back Better" emphasizing ADRC's experience in disseminating knowledge on recovery.

ADRC's presentations had contributed in achieving one of the key objectives of the workshop, which is to collect, analyze, and apply trans-boundary knowledge and lessons on recovery. Based on the presentations from countries in Asia and the Pacific as well as Latin America, the elements for organizing effective recovery were identified - especially in the areas of infrastructure/housing reconstruction, livelihood revitalization, and psychosocial wellness. The sharing of knowledge and experiences was reinforced with a one-day field visit to the Chi‐Chi Earthquake Museum (9.21 Museum) and Nantou County, which showcased the recovery efforts from the 1999 earthquake and the recovery of Sacred Wood Community from the 2009 Typhoon Morakot, respectively.

The 2014 ITW was an opportunity to forward collaboration and interdisciplinary discussions on post-disaster recovery. It explored actions that promote further investment in DRR and emergency preparedness through development of new technology and upgrading of infrastructures to make them more resilient.

(2014/11/7 14:40)

20-24 October 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)


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ADRC participated in the 9th Integrated Workshop of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat on 20-24 October 2014. The more than 80 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, D.P.R. Korea, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, US, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions.

The participants discussed their approaches of "Synergized, Integrated, Collaborative Standard Operating Procedures Strategies to Improve Early Warning System for Coastal Multi-hazards" which was the main theme of the meeting. And reports were given on the typhoon damage sustained in each country, as well as on the current year's activities. These included the project on Synergized Standard Operating Procedures for Coastal Multi-hazards Early Warning System (SSOP), in which ADRC is involved.

For the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, it was also considered that the participation in the "UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction" at Sendai, Japan on March 2015 as the Typhoon Committee.

The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups covering meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction. This time, the three working group meetings were held together as an integrated event.

For more information, visit the Typhoon Committee website:
http://www.typhooncommittee.org/9IWS/

(2014/10/28 19:40)

                                                                                     

18-19 September 2014, (Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic)

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ADRC participated in the Second Regional Ministerial Conference of Disaster Management Authorities in Central Asia under the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 18-19 September 2014. This conference, organized by the government of Japan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, and UNDP Kyrgyzstan, aimed to discuss the possible creation of a high level forum for disaster management authorities involved in DRR under the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue. The participants included representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the Embassy of Japan in the Kyrgyz Republic, JICA, and other international organizations.
     During the conference, participants discussed the most urgent DRR issues facing the region as well as future opportunities for cooperation. ADRC presented information on the outcomes of DRR programs conducted in various Central Asian countries, and identified needs and areas for future DRR cooperation in the region.
     At the end of the two-day conference, the participants agreed to establish and regularly convene a forum for the heads of the disaster management authorities in Central Asia for discussing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in reducing, preventing, and responding to disaster risks. In addition, an expert level working group of disaster management authorities in Central Asia will be established to support this forum.

(2014/09/18 16:50)

 

10-12 September 2014 (Washington D.C., USA)

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Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), in cooperation with the International Recovery Platform (IRP), organized a number of the technical sessions at the second World Reconstruction Conference (WRC 2) in Washington D.C., 10-12 September 2014. Hosted by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), a member of IRP, the conference was aimed at building consensus on resilient recovery as an imperative for sustainable development and poverty reduction. It also discussed innovative approaches for post-disaster recovery and reconstruction to further inform the deliberation of Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
At the opening, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank, emphasized the importance of including disaster risk reduction in building back better disaster recovery principles, focusing specifically on developing countries at high risk. In that regard, he expected the conference to deliberate on a way forward on disaster recovery, particularly in fragile contexts, and highlight the role of recovery in poverty reduction and shared prosperity.
The three IRP/ADRC technical sessions contributed greatly in the discussions to achieve the objectives of the conference through the recommendations from the panelists and participants. In Session 1: Making Post-Disaster Recovery Efficient and Effective: Elements of Good Recovery for Articulation in Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the recommendations to aid governments in facilitating effective recovery are as follow: (i) having stable fund for recovery; (ii) using scientific information to support policy decisions; and (iii) collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, including the private sector.
In Session 8: Ten Years after Tsunami: A Retrospective, the recommendations to improve recovery operations include the following: (i) ensuring speed and focus on recovery of livelihoods; (ii) creating greater participation of community in recovery planning and implementation processes; (iii) linking recovery from tsunami to long-term development; and (iv) adopting simple measures of impacts of tsunami recovery programs. 
In Session 16: Role of Private Sector in Recovery: The Case for Private Sector Engagement in Recovery for Post-2015 Framework for DRR, emphasized that private sector is a key factor in recovery because they understand the context and have the expertise to solve problems. This session recommended that private sector can be effectively engaged through the following actions: (i) providing opportunity for private sector to invest in recovery as means of sustaining businesses; (ii) promoting pre-contract agreements and  pre-disaster recovery planning; and (iii) building long-term and sustainable relationship between public and private sector.
Included in the conference was the 15th Steering Committee meeting of IRP which mainly discussed its future role in the implementation of Post-2015 Framework for DRR as well as IRP's preparations for the International Recovery Forum in January 2015 in Kobe and World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2015 in Sendai. One potential future role of IRP is to serve as a global mechanism for coordinating recovery policies and recovery processes. 
Speakers at the closing plenary imparted key actions to move forward. Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction UNISDR, outlined the following recommendations:  (i) bridging the segregation gap between climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) that are exhibited in research initiatives and in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery planning; (ii) reconciling response and recovery approaches for hazards and conflicts; (iii) recognizing of the critical role of local governments and communities in DRR and recovery by encouraging national governments to motivate and support local responses; and (iv) promoting collaboration among multi-stakeholders in recognition of the complexity of recovery process.
Ms. Rachel Kyte, Vice President and Special Envoy for Climate Change, World Bank Group, indicated that: (i) resilience is all about people: the more we understand about people the more we understand about communities and their dynamics; (ii) it's not just about money: while actors need to make sure that there are finances to properly respond, governments must have the capacity to allocate, disperse, and protect funds; (iii) initiatives and messages should be "practical and simple"; and (iv) foster effective partnerships to reduce the burden.
Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Member of Parliament, People's Republic of Bangladesh, delivered the Conference Statement: Strengthen Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction in the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction aimed at advancing consensus, national and internationally, on the critical role of resilient recovery for sustainable development and poverty reduction. He ended his presentation saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". 
The WRC2 will inform the next round of deliberations at the second Preparations Committee meeting in November in Geneva leading to the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2015 in Sendai, Japan where the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction will be adopted.

For more information, please contact IRP Recovery Expert, Mr. Potutan (gerald@recoveryplatform.org). 

(2014/9/26 14:40)

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14 August 2014 (Manila, Philippines)

The ASEAN High-Level Conference on Assistance for the Recovery of Yolanda-Affected Areas (ARYA), hosted by the Government of the Philippines, co-hosted by the ASEAN, was held in Manila, Philippines on 14 August 2014.  As a cooperation of this conference, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The conference's over 200 participants included government officials from ASEAN member countries, disaster managers across the Philippines and experts from international organizations.
During his statement in plenary session titled "Role of Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) towards Recovery of Typhoon Yolanda -What we have done so far, and what we can do now and on", Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, highly appreciated every effort made by the Government and people of the Philippine since the occurrence of the disaster. Similar to Japan's situation, it has been widely recognized in the Philippines that Government and people need to promote multi-stakeholder approach towards effective disaster mitigation/prevention and reconstruction/recovery. Mr. Kouchi also stressed that ADRC and IRP have been working closely with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and many stakeholders in the Philippines, and ADRC/IRP will seek possibilities of providing technical assistance for the Philippines' recovery and rehabilitation efforts of Yolanda-affected communities to enhance current efforts of the government.
With the concept of "Building Back Better than Before", ADRC would like to make continuous efforts for realization of disaster-resilient society and communities across the Asian region, by sharing Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons learned from the past. For more information, please contact Kouchi (kouchi@receoveryplatform.org).

(2014/08/29 14:50)

11 - 12 August 2014, (Beijing, CHINA)

The 8th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum (SDMOF), was held on August 11-12, 2014, Beijing, China.

Representatives and experts from APEC economies and international agencies gathered for this forum (APEC-funded project led by China) under the theme: 'Science and technology strengthening disaster risk reduction,'

Participants shared experiences and best practices under following topics: Innovative role of science and technology in disaster preparedness; Science and technology strengthens efficiency in emergency response; Science and technology enables rehabilitation for increased resiliency; and International and regional cooperation on science and technology application for disaster risk reduction.

(2014/11/04 13:00)
30 June to 2 July 2014 (Toulouse, France)

ADRC participated in the Toulouse Space Show held in Toulouse, France on 30 June to 2 July 2014. This show was organized by the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and featured displays and introductions to activities by space-related organizations and companies from across Europe. Meetings were held to discuss the effective use of space technologies in various fields such as telecommunications and policymaking. ADRC participated in a roundtable discussion on "Crisis Management and Mitigation: Anticipating, Managing, and Rebuilding" and shared good practices in the use of space technologies during the Great East Japan Earthquake. Other organizations including the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) also gave presentations on their latest activities in this field and explained the need for cooperative structures that extend beyond national and regional boundaries.

(2014/07/22 18:30)

22-27 June 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

6AMCDRR1.JPG   On occasion of the Sixth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (6AMCDRR), a biennial conference in Asia to ensure political and stakeholder's commitment towards disaster risk reduction implementation, the International Recovery Platform (IRP) organized a side event
"Investing in Recovery for Resilience: Articulating Recovery in HFA2" was organized on June 24, 2014 at Lotus 4, Bangkok Convention Center at Centara Grand.  Following the opening and special remarks by Mr. Kaoru Saito, Director of Cabinet Office, Japan, with panelists coming from diverse backgrounds, including Atty. Violeta Seva of Makati City (Philippines), Prof. Santosh Kumar of SAARC Disaster Management Center (SDMC), Mr. Tadao Hasue and Ms. Kumi Onuma of Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), and Ms. Ana Cristina Thorlund of International Recovery Platform (IRP), past experiences were highlighted to draw insights. The moderator Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Member of Parliament Bangladesh, raised the broad question: What will be the critical recommendations to adequately articulate recovery in HFA2?
   After consolidating all the inputs from speakers and audience, the side event came up with the following key recommendations:

- Institutionalizing recovery functions in national and local governance systems
- Ensuring financial predictability for recovery programs and activities
- Strengthening coordination of recovery actors as well as considering the trans- boundary nature of recovery
- Recognizing human security as an essential foundation for effective recovery
- Developing concrete and measurable indicators to monitor progress of implementation and achievement of recovery goals

   In view of these recommendations, it was suggested that the future role of IRP may consider acting as a global mechanism for cooperation in the areas of recovery. Its task may include providing technical support on recovery for subnational governments, contributing to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), offering technical support on recovery from technological disasters or conflicts, and ensuring seamless integration of recovery in with development plans.
   Three key conclusions were reached at the end of the session. Firstly, recovery should be adequately articulated in HFA2 so that governments can have general guidance in implementing recovery programs. Secondly, recovery (seen as an opportunity to build back better) must also be aligned with the sustainable development goals. Finally, recovery needs further advocacy at the policy and legislative levels to outline clear measures for monitoring progress as well clear roles of government departments and units in implementing recovery programs. 
   The event was concluded successfully with the closing remarks by Mr. Kiyoshi Natori, Executive Director of ADRC.


   The IRP booth showcased various knowledge products including Guidance Notes on 6AMCDRR2.JPGRecovery, newsletters, thematic reports, brochures, and materials on recovery from IRP partners. In addition, the works and activities of IRP are presented in attractive posters that caught the attention of many delegates at the conference. the Secretariat pursued wider dissemination of IRP products and services as well as building and strengthening partnerships.

   Following the 6AMCDRR, the IRP Secretariat participated in the workshop on "Job-rich Recovery after Natural Disasters: Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake" organized by ILO Asia-Pacific Office on 27 June 2014 at the United Nations Convention Center in Bangkok.
   The objectives of the workshop included raising awareness of the relevance of employment and social protection policies in the contexts of disaster risk prevention and post-disaster reconstruction; sharing experiences, lessons, and good practices generated from the reconstruction process in Japan since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake; and identifying strategies for further enhancing knowledge on job-rich disaster risk prevention and6AMCDRR4.JPG reconstruction practice in Asia and the Pacific. The participants who attended the workshop were experts and practitioners in employment policy, social protection, and disaster risk management from selected governments, humanitarian, and development assistance organizations in Asia and the Pacific. 

(2014/07/02 14:40)
22-27 June 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the 6th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (6th AMCDRR)  held in Bangkok, Thailand from 22 to 26 June 2014. The conference participants included more than 3,000 delegates, ministers, and top government officials, as well as UN agencies, international organizations, and NGOs. The objectives of this conference were to generate stronger political commitment for and investments in disaster risk management among the nations of Asia, and to stimulate discussions around the formulation of a post-2015 framework for DRR in preparation for the upcoming 3rd WCDRR to be held in Sendai, Japan. ADRC also helped arrange several side events and facilitated a pre-conference meeting as follows.

[Side Event (SE7): Introduction and Demonstration of the DRR Education Tools and Efforts for Getting Wider Participation of Communities]
ADRC conducted a side event entitled "Introduction and Demonstration of the DRR Education Tools and Efforts for Getting Wider Participation of Communities"" on 23 June 2014 during the 6th AMCDRR. The session aimed to introduce good practices in CBDRM, highlighting disaster education tools that have been promoted by local NGOs and local governments since the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. It also focused on efforts to raise DRR awareness and training programs for local government officials based on lessons learned from that earthquake. The side event was also intended to facilitate discussions around how to localize such tools and efforts in other countries, and it highlighted some successful localization activities from Asia and other parts of the world. 
After the introduction by ADRC, Mr. Masahiko Murata from the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution (DRI), Mr. Nobuhito Ohtsu of the Kobe City Fire Bureau, and Dr. Ikaputra of Gadjah Mada University introduced their DRR efforts, all of which are based on lessons learned from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. First, Mr. Murata of DRI gave a presentation entitled "Hyogo Prefecture's Effort for Capacity Development of Local Government Officials and Raising Awareness of the Public"" in which he introduced the training programs targeting mayors, local government officials, and local residents, as well as efforts to raise public awareness. Mr. Ohtsu of Kobe City next explained "BOKOMI," a community-based disaster risk management organization that has been promoted by Kobe City since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. He emphasized the importance of self-self and mutual-help, in addition to public help.
After these two presentations, Dr. Ikaputra of Gadjah Mada University described an example of how disaster education tools have been adapted to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. "Iza! Kaeru Caravan!" is a Japan-based disaster education and awareness raising program for children that was developed by NPO Plus Arts based in Kobe. He localized the tool and conducted the program in Indonesia, ensuring close coordination between Plus Arts and the local residents of Yogyakarta. He concluded his presentation by stressing the need for disaster education for children, as well as the importance of ensuring the beneficial application of various tools within local contexts. Lastly, Mr. David Korunic of AXA Group introduced an example of how CBDRM has been promoted by the private sector and NGOs, explaining AXA-CARE International's joint initiative for building disaster resilience in local communities in Thailand and the Philippines. At the end of the session, all the participants confirmed that there is a need for the development of good educational tools for CBDRM which are based on past experience as well as local contexts. They also highlighted the need for the well-coordinated localization of tools, as well as the benefits of involving the private sector and various stakeholders in CBDRM activities.

[Side Event (SE40): Promotion of DRR Initiatives in Private Sector and Strengthening Public - Private Partnership for Local Resilience Building : Towards HFA2 to be Adopted in 3rd WCDRR in Sendai]
On 25 June 2014, ADRC and the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) co-chaired a Side Event entitled " Promotion of DRR Initiatives in Private Sector and Strengthening Public-Private Partnership: for Local Resilience Building: towards HFA2 to be Adopted in 3rd WCDRR in Sendai " Experts from ADRC, APEC EPWG, Sendai City, the Development Bank of Japan, JICA, and Mitsubishi Corporation Insurance gave presentations on their good practices related to the these subjects. 
Dr. Wei-Sen Li from the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group gave a presentation on surveys on BCP status, BCP Guidelines for SMEs, and relevant training activities in the APEC region. Sendai City  Vice Mayor, Mr. Yukimoto Ito introduced projects involving collaboration with the private sector, civil society organizations, and communities such as disaster-resilient town planning and the formation of agreements with the private sector regarding logistics and evacuation in times of disaster. Sendai City was recognized as a Role Model in the 2010-2015 World Disaster Campaign "Making Cities Resilient" and will host the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2015. Mr. Tadao Hasue, Deputy General Manager, and Ms. Kumi Onuma, Associate, Tohoku Branch, Development Bank of Japan gave a presentation on their region-wide plans and activities targeting the Tohoku Region including the establishment of the Tohoku Alliance, a Tohoku‐based platform for a flexible alliance among diverse entities in Japan and abroad for knowledge and information sharing. JICA Senior Advisor Dr. Hitoshi Baba introduced JICA's new concepts of "Area BCP" and "Area BCM," which refer to a scalable cross-sector coordination framework for disaster management for business continuity. He also outlined how these are being applied in a pilot project in industrial clusters in the ASEAN region. Mr. Takahiro Ono of Mitsubishi Corporation Insurance then commented on the importance of improving disaster resilience of both private sector enterprises and local governments, and on strengthening community-wide networks to ensure that the best actions are taken. Finally, ADRC Executive Director Mr. Kiyoshi Natori summarized the discussions to conclude the event.

[Pre-Conference (PC-8): Satellite Data and Information to Supplement Regional and National DRR Systems and to Assist Local Communities at Risk]
On 22 June 2014, JAXA and ADRC cooperated in organizing a pre-conference entitled "Satellite Data and Information to Supplement Regional and National DRR Systems and to Assist Local Communities at Risk." The purpose of this event was to share information on how satellite data and information are being used for DRR, to investigate user needs, and to promote the expansion of cooperative structures among operators, governments, and communities with regard to the collection and use of satellite data. This pre-conference was divided into two sessions.
The first session was on "Progress and Issues with Existing Regional and National (Coordination and Management) Initiatives and Related Access Mechanisms." Dr. Lal Samarakoon from AIT showed outcomes of the space technology session at ACDR 2014 which was held in Tokyo in March. Dr. Shirish Ravan from UNOOSA also reported on the outcomes of the ASEAN workshop, given its position as a UN-SPIDER activity. ADRC reported on regional DRR requirements and activities. Mr. Pierre-Henri Pisani from the Embassy of France in Japan explained the latest efforts in the development of an international charter to promote the use of space technologies worldwide. Dr. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava from UNESCAP mentioned harnessing regional cooperation for enhancing national capacity for disaster risk management. And representing JAXS, Mr. Chu Ishida introduced the Sentinel Asia evolution and space agencies' recommendations for HFA2. He also announced that a new satellite, the ALOS2 was launched in May 2014.
The second session was on "Working with Communities at Risk: Initiatives and Projects Devoted to the Use of Earth Observations for the Benefit of Local Communities." Good practices in the use of space technologies in DRR were reported on by Tajikistan, China, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Professor Shunichi Koshimura from Tohoku University gave a presentation on the analysis and use of satellite images during the Great East Japan Tsunami. Mr. Hiroshi Une from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan introduced some of the basic data developed by that organization and proposed ways that it might be developed for the DRR field. Professor Ryosuke Shibasaki from the University of Tokyo explained the use of big data and space technology for DRR. 
This pre-conference was tied to the morning pre-conference which was organized by UN-SPIDER. Both organizers put together a proposal on the importance of investing in the systematic generation of products based on space-based and geospatial information.

Final Plenary Session and the "Bangkok Declaration"
At the plenary session held on the final day of the conference, participants adopted the "Bangkok Declaration" to conclude the event. Its policy recommendations to nations and stakeholders are as follows:
1. Enhance resilience at local levels
2. Improve public investment in disaster and climate risk management to protect and sustain development gains
3. Promote public and private partnerships for DRR
4. Promote science and technology
5. Enhance governance, transparency, and accountability
6. Contribute to the global deliberation on the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the development of an Asia-Pacific Regional HFA2 Implementation Plan
7. Ensure that the Post-2015 Framework for DDR is consistent with sustainable development goals and climate change efforts

(2014/06/22 18:30)

IMG_2585.JPGのサムネール画像のサムネール画像4-5 June 2014 (Gabala, Azerbaijan)


ADRC has participated in the 7th ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) International Conference on Disaster Risk Management held in Gabala, Azerbaijan on 4-5 June 2014. This conference was organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan, together with ECO Secretariat. This conference provided the delegates of ECO Member States and experts from UN agencies, international organizations and academic and scientific institutions to discuss and share experiences on disaster risk reduction for better cooperation in the ECO region. In the ECO Member States, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are the ADRC's member countries.

Following the presentations and speeches from the heads of delegations, various organizations such as UNOCHA, UNESCAP, GIZ, Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG) and ADPC, etc. introduced their efforts for disaster risk reduction in the region. ADRC made a presentation on its roles in Asia, as well as the programs that member countries from Central and Caucasus can be benefitted, namely the Visiting Researcher Program, the JICA training for Central Asia and Caucasus, and the Peer Review Project.

At the end of the conference, all the participants confirmed that a holistic approach combining policy, operational and scientific levels would contribute to more effective and efficient disaster risk management in the region. ADRC believes that this is crucial not only in this region, but also in other part of Asia.

(2014/06/17 16:50)

4-6 June 2014 (Manila, Philippines)


The ASEM Manila Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management "Post-Haiyan/Yolanda -A Way Forward", hosted by the Philippines, co-hosted by Japan, the European Union (EU) and Switzerland, was held in Manila, Philippines on 4-6 June 2014.  As a cooperation of this conference, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The seminar's over 280 participants included government officials from ADRC member countries, experts across the Philippines and delegates from EU countries.
During his presentation in Working Group titled "Role of Stakeholders -National and Local Governments, NGOs, the Local Community, Media and the Private Sector (Strengthening the Role of the State and other DRRM Stakeholders in Disaster Response and Coordination)", Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, positively evaluated the Philippine Government and peoples' high ability to promote multi-stakeholder approach towards effective disaster mitigation/prevention and reconstruction/recovery. Mr. Kouchi also noted that ADRC and IRP have long been working together closely with many stakeholders in the Philippines. When promoting reconstruction and recovery countermeasures after large-scale disasters like 2014 super typhoon "Yolanda" and 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, ADRC/IRP has put particular emphasis on the concept of "Building Back Better than Before".
The ADRC, together with the IRP, would like to make continuous efforts for realization of disaster-resilient society and communities across the Asian region, by sharing Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons learned from the past. For more information, please contact Kouchi (kouchi@receoveryplatform.org)

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(2014/6/23 14:50)
22-24 April 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

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

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

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

(2014/05/01 13:40)

19 March 2014 (Perth, Australia)


International Seminar titled "Crisis Response: Restoring public services in the immediate aftermath of a disaster", organized by the Institute of Public Administration Australia WA, was held in Perth, Western Australia on 19 March 2014. As a cooperation of this forum, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The seminar's over 150 participants included experts from government officials and academic experts across the Western Australia.
During the presentation, Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, valued the Government and people of Australia's high ability to promote preparedness, recovery and reconstruction efforts towards crisis and natural disasters. Mr. Kouchi also noted that ADRC and IRP have long been in help to many developing countries' efforts to utilize Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons related to earthquake disaster risk reduction.
Mr. Kouchi also emphasized the importance of everyday preparedness by citizens, in addition to the government efforts, when a massive disaster strikes. In this connection, some weather-related disasters which occurred in Japan since 1960's showed the evidence of progress of disaster reduction and preparedness.
The ADRC, together with the IRP, would like to continue to support efforts to strengthen the disaster reduction capabilities of affected communities in Asia and the Pacific.

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(2014/04/01 14:50)

17-18 February 2014 (Ningbo, CHINA)

APEC is the premier Asia-Pacific economic forum whose primary goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, championing free and open trade and investment, promoting and accelerating regional economic integration, encouraging economic and technical cooperation, enhancing human security, and facilitating a favorable and sustainable business environment.

The EPWG was first established as APEC's Task Force for Emergency Preparedness (TFEP) by APEC Senior Officials in 2005 and mandated to coordinate and facilitate emergency and disaster preparedness within APEC. In 2009 APEC Leaders reaffirmed the importance of enhancing human security and reducing the threat of disruptions to business and trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognizing the importance of its work, in 2010 the TFEP was upgraded in status to a working group. Now the EPWG continues to play a constructive role in enabling the region to better prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters by helping to reduce the risk of disasters and building business and community resilience. By sharing expertise and collaborating on emergency preparedness issues, APEC members strengthen their capacity to mitigate emergencies and disasters. In recent years, the global economic damage caused by the Great East-Japan Earthquake and Thai flood in 2011 urged APEC EPWG to disseminate the business continuity plan (BCP) especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 6th EPWG was held on 17 - 18 Feb in Ningbo, and the Executive Director of ADRC participated in the meeting.

Funded by APEC, The ADRC has researched the BCPs among small and middle-sized enterprises and edited the guidebook on BCP considering the rapid economic growth in Asia region.

At the beginning of the meeting, considering past contribution to our activities to APEC EPWG, Executive Director of the ADRC was elected as co-chairman of EPWG. Then the co-chair and member economies reported the activities in 2013 and proposed the work plan of 2014, which encourages to continue the dissemination of BCM among SMEs and to enhance the resilience of supply-chain, and to launch the new project titled "The Workshop of a Space-and-ICT based disaster management system to enhance supply-chain resilience and BCP" by the Government of Japan.

(2014/02/25 13:00)
13-14 February 2014 (Vienna, Austria)

United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) has designated 16 institutions, including ADRC to activity centers around the world as "Regional Support Office (RSO)", and has held regular meetings. The 51th Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) were held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria. At this sub-session, the 5th UN-SPIDER Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting was organized, and ADRC took part in this meeting. From 13 to 14 February, the meeting was attended by more than 30 delegates from worldwide RSOs. During the meeting, the following topics were eagerly discussed: 
  1. Reports on activities in 2013, plans for 2014-2015
  2. The stakeholder consultation initiative and the role of RSOs
  3. Review of ongoing activities
  4. UN-SPIDER 2014 plan of activities
  5. Booklets and recommended practices
  6. The RSO network and technical advisory support activities (Group discussion)
  7. Geovisualization

At the UN-SPIDER RSO Meeting, ADRC presented its activities and accomplishments as RSO as well as its future plans. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange opinions, and explore measures of enhancing future activities of UN-SPIDER RSO. Especially, ADRC appealed to encourage the importance of space technology from space agencies toward the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai-city (March 2015).

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(2014/2/18 13:40)

10-13 February 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)


IMG_7425.JPGThe Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), participated in the 46th Session of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, Thai Meteorological Department in Bangkok on 10-13 February 2014.

The more than 70 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, US, Viet Nam, and the Hong Kong/Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions.

The participants discussed action plan of this committee's three working groups on meteorology, hydrology and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the next year as well as their activities in the last year.

And the progress of SSOP (Synergized Standard Operating Procedures for Coastal Multi-Hazards Early Warning System) project with which ADRC involves also reported in this session.

Furthermore, regarding the Typhoon Haiyan which raged in the last year, the delegates of Philippines gave a presentation of the damage and the recovery states, and WMO etc reported the assistance for them such as the provision of the typhoon information.

As a result, we had a fruitful discussion such as the enhancement of cooperation among member countries.

For more information, visit
http://www.typhooncommittee.org/46th/index.html

 (2014/2/10 19:40)

1-5 December 2013, Macao


IMG_6284.JPGThe Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), participated in the 8th Integrated Workshop in conjunction with the 2nd Training and Research Coordination Group Forum of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau in Macao on 2-4 December 2013. The more than 100 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from Cambodia, China, D.P.R. Korea, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, US, Viet Nam, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions. The participants discussed their approaches of"Forecasting, Warning and DRR Strategies in the Mitigation of Tropical Cyclone Impact in a Multi-hazard Environment" which was the main theme of the meeting.
For the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, Japan's Cabinet Office gave a presentation on the damage caused by typhoons in 2013 and on ADRC activities such as the Visiting Researcher Program.
Furthermore, regarding the Typhoon Haiyan, the delegates of Philippines and Vietnam gave a presentation of the damage and the current states, and WMO and Japan Meteorological Agency, etc reported the assistance for them such as the provision of the typhoon information. As a result, we had a fruitful discussion such as the enhancement of cooperation among member countries.
The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction. In this time, the three working groups and the Training and Research Coordination Group Forum was held together as an integrated event.
For more information, visit http://www.typhooncommittee.org/8IWS_2TRCG/8IWS_2TRCG.html

(2013/12/6 19:40)

27-29 November 2013 (Bangkok, Thailand)  


The third session of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, from 27 to 29 November 2013.

As a cooperation of this committee, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The forum's many participants included officials from UNESCAP member countries, and experts from intergovernmental organizations.

During the session titled "Item 4: Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into development", Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, valued the Government and people of UNESCAP member countries' high ability to promote recovery and reconstruction efforts following each large-scale disasters. Mr. Kouchi also noted that ADRC and IRP have long been in help to ADRC member countries' efforts to utilize Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons related to disaster risk reduction. Among those is three month-long Visiting Researcher (VR) Program, a capacity building program which ADRC offers government officials, and we are pleased to observe many former VRs are now playing a central role at their ministries in charge of disaster management.

Mr. Kouch also emphasized the importance of everyday preparedness by citizens, in addition to the government efforts, when a massive disaster strikes. In this connection, the two big events; ADRC's "Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction" to be held in Tokyo, Japan in 4-6 March 2014, and IRP's "International Recovery Forum" to be held in Kobe, Japan in 21 January 2014, will show the evidence of progress of disaster reduction and preparedness toward the next UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2015.

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(2013/12/12 14:30)

 
27-29 November 2013 (Bangkok, Thailand)

The 1st Sentinel Asia* Joint Project Meeting Step-3 (JPTM) was held on 27-29 November 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. It was organized jointly by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) of the Thailand.

Under the Sentinel Asia framework, ADRC functions as a single gateway for processing emergency observation requests, screening and then forwarding approved requests to the relevant space agencies. At the meeting, ADRC reported on the status of the emergency observations that were implemented and presented the suggestions for improvement of the questionnaire that are sent after emergency observation. 

The topics discussed at this meeting were as follows:
 - Status Report (Overview of Sentinel Asia Status, Introduction of New Members, Overview of Emergency Observation, DPN/DAN** Report)
 - Project Management (Sentinel Asia Evolution, DATA SHARING/DISSEMINATION, Plan of UNWCDRR in Tohoku in 2015
 - Mitigation and Preparation (Sentinel Asia Success Story in Philippines and so on)
 - Working Group Activities (Flood WG, Wildfire WG, GLOF WG)
 - Emergency Response (Face book, Enforcement of DAN's activity, PM role at the Escalation to the Charter, PM training)
 - Recovery (The success story using the space data and the issues of Recovery phase)
- Multiple Use of Satellite (Winds*** and other assets and services of JAXA, QZSS)

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* 'Sentinel Asia' is an international project in order to establish a disaster risk management system in Asia, using earth satellites.
** DPN (stands for Data Provider Node) is Space Agencies to get satellite images, and DAN (stands for Data Analysis Node) is universities and other research institutes to analyze satellite images.
*** WINDS (KIZUNA) is a satellite to perform ultra-high-speed Internet access service via the satellite.
(2013/12/3 13:40)


5-7 November 2013 (Bagan, Myanmar)


Upon the request of ASEAN Secretariat, IRP/ADRC participated in the ASEAN Workshop on Recovery Planning, 5-7 November 2013 at Aye Yar River View Resort in Bagan, Myanmar. The event was aimed at reviewing the progress as well as identifying the gaps/challenges of the Recovery Component of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Program. The ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) formed a Working Group on Recovery comprising Myanmar and Indonesia as co-chairs and Brunei and Philippines as members. One of the functions of the Working Group is to develop a Toolbox on Recovery to be used by member states in recovery planning.

The toolbox is envisioned as (i) repository of practices and experiences on recovery of ASEAN Member States; (ii) compilation of best practices and other related resources; (iii) recovery guidelines; (iv) capacity building tools and activities; and (v) mechanisms for coordination and resource mobilization. To contribute in achieving this vision, IRP/ADRC shared tools and guidance as well as relevant materials on recovery planning, including guidance notes, recovery planning module, and case studies from around the globe.

As a way forward, IRP/ADRC committed to provide technical assistance to the ACDM's Working Group on Recovery, if needed.


(2013/11/11 14:40)

5-7 Nov, 2013 (Bangkok, Thailand)


The 2nd ISDR Asia Partnership meeting for the year 2013 was held on 05-07 November 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. The main focus of this IAP was discussion on the substantive preparation of the 6th Asia Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR); engagement processes for stakeholder groups and partners in the AMCDRR and World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR); and the HFA2 (Future DRR framework) consultation and background preparation for the HFA2 input from the region.

At the meeting, ADRC expressed its contribution to the substantive in the "key area" such as "reducing exposure/underlying risk factors" and "incentive for private sector in DRR", and to the consultation process through "the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction".

(2013/11/15 13:00)

8-9 Sep 2013 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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ADRC participated in the Saudi International Conference on Crisis and Disaster Management which was organized by Imamu University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 8-9 Sep 2013.

Recently, disaster becomes a major concern with global dimensions, this conference was held to obtain knowledge of the civil protection policies by inviting experts from various countries.

At the conference, about 40 experts of Crisis and Disaster management, who came from Australia, Egypt, German, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, USA, as well as representatives of the organizer and so on, gave lectures on topics such as "Modern Technologies for Crisis Management" and "Critical Assessment of Disaster Vulnerabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" to about 500 listeners (government officials, students, etc).

During this conference, the ADRC representative gave a presentation titled as "Lessons Learnt from the Great East Japan Earthquake", and introduced the efficacy of Disaster Prevention Education, and our activities regarding that. This presentation drew the interest of the audience and some stressed that the importance of Disaster Prevention Education and the necessity to enhance the public awareness to DRR in Saudi Arabia.

 (2013/09/13 19:40)  

14-15 August 2013, Almaty, Kazakhstan

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The ADRC joined the JICA Follow-Up Seminar "Comprehensive Disaster Management" held at the Center of Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR) in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 14-15 August 2013. This seminar was held to follow up the efforts of JICA training course "Comprehensive Disaster Management for Central Asia and the Caucasus" that ADRC has been conducting together with JICA Kansai. In addition, for further transferring Japan's experience and expertise regarding disaster risk management, it focused on a few themes, namely "Seismic Safety of Buildings," "Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM)" and "Operation of regional disaster management center," which Kazakh Government is interested in. Approximately 40 participants including the Vice Mayor of Almaty City, national and local government officials of Ministry of Emergency Situations and Almaty City, and researchers from KazNIISA (Agency for Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and other institutions.

In the seminar, the ADRC introduced the efforts for CBDRM taken place in Japan, including voluntary organizations for disaster prevention, disaster education and awareness raising activities. Furthermore, the ADRC shared the information on its activities since its establishment in 1998, as well as the management of a regional center as a humble guide for operating the new CESDRR which was agreed with the establishment between the governments of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in May 2013.

Seminar participants might have a difficulty to understand Japanese disaster management system, however we believe that they understand well the importance of retrofitting of buildings, as well as the concept of "Self Help," "Mutual Help" and "Public Help." The ADRC also learnt a lot from the Kazakh experiences on DRR through this seminar. We are looking forward to further working with JICA and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, as well as CESDRR in the near future.

(2013/09/05 16:50)

29-30 May 2013 Seoul, KOREA


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ADRC participated in the 8th Meeting of Typhoon Committee Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction which was jointly organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, and the National Emergency Management Agency of the Republic of Korea in Seoul on 29-30 May 2013.
The about 30 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives from the organizing institutions and so on.
During the meeting, participants discussed future activities of the working group, such as "Synergized Standard Operating Procedures for Coastal Multi-hazards Early Warning System (SSOP)" project which cooperates with ADRC, and strengthening international cooperation, etc.
The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction.

(2013/06/03 19:40)

23 May 2013, Geneva, Switzerland


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The IRP secretariat and the Cabinet Office of Japan organized the forum "Lessons on Recovery from Mega-Disasters" with the participation of 124 people from ADRC, IRP partners, international and regional institutions, governments and NGOs, etc. The forum was also organized as the last session of the Expert Group Meetings on the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) which had been held fourth times since 2011 by IRP with the Cabinet Office of Japan, ADRC and UN organizations, and the completion of the Recovery Status Report on the GEJE in which IRP has compiled experiences and lessons from the GEJE in corporation with Tohoku and Kobe University, etc. was announced in the forum.
Following the opening remark by Mr. Yoshitami Kameoka, Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Office of Japan, and the message from Mr. Toshizo Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, delivered by Mr. Akinori Sugimoto, Superintendent for Disaster Management of Hyogo Prefecture, Prof. Yasuo Tanaka of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Emeritus Professor of Kobe University) moderated a panel discussion with experts serving as panelists, namely: Mr. Roger Sutton, Chief Executive, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), New Zealand; Prof. Yoshimitsu Shiozaki, Ritsumeikan University (Emeritus Professor of Kobe University), Japan; Mr. David Trissell, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USA, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Nadeem Ahmed, Former Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Pakistan. Each panelist made a presentation on recovery experiences and good practices of each country.
Mr. Roger Sutton highlighted the importance of speed in decision making as well as in reconstructing to avoid greater economic lost. He also mentioned the relevance of community engagement and strong institutional arrangements at time of recovery and reconstruction.
In the case of Japan, Prof. Yoshimitsu Shiozaki shared the recovery and reconstruction efforts from the Great East Japan Earthquake. One of the key observations during the recovery process is the engagement of private sector.
The United States of America, as presented by Mr. David Trissell, is one of those countries that developed the Recovery Framework. The framework proved to be useful, especially during the recovery from Hurricane Sandy. One of the core principles of the Recovery Framework is the "Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning" which sets forth the recovery support functions (RSF) even before the disaster happens.
In Pakistan, as reported Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Nadeem Ahmed, experiments were made to assess whether Recovery Framework can facilitate a more effective reconstruction. NDMA compared a Pakistan's disaster in which a recovery framework was put in place with the one in which there was no recovery framework. After observing the results, it was concluded that management of recovery under a recovery framework is more resilient and effective. It implies that recovery framework can significantly improve the governance of recovery efforts.
They further explored measures for integrating recovery in development planning as well as efforts towards effective recovery strategy and frameworks, and also highlighted the key strategic recommendations on recovery for HFA2.
IRP/ADRC also took advantage of disseminating its brochures and publications to the participants in the GP at the Market Place. In particular, Recovery Status Report on the Great East Japan Earthquake, along with other recovery reports and guidance notes on recovery, was showcased at the marketplace.

(2013/05/23 14:30)

21-23 May 2013 (Geneva, Switzerland)

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Venue of 4th GP
(from UNISDR web site)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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



(2013/06/13 13:00)

8-11 May 2013 (Chengdu, China)


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The Forum on Post-Disaster Revival and International Disaster Reduction -Experience and Lessons from 5-Year Wenchuan Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Lushan Earthquake Relief, organized by the Sichuan University, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was held in Chengdu, China in May 2013. As a cooperation of this forum, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The forum's over 300 participants included experts from government officials and academic experts across China.


During the keynote speech, Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, valued the Government and people of China's high ability to promote recovery and reconstruction efforts following the Wenchuan Earthquake that struck Sichuan Province in May 2008.  Mr. Kouchi also noted that ADRC and IRP have long been in help to China's efforts to utilize Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons related to earthquake disaster risk reduction.


Mr. Kouchi also emphasized the importance of everyday preparedness by citizens, in addition to the government efforts, when a massive disaster strikes. In this connection, the Lushan Earthquake which occurred in late April showed the evidence of progress of disaster reduction and preparedness since five years ago.


On occasion of commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Wenchuan earthquake, the Sichuan
U - The HK PolyU Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (IDMR) has been established. Followed by the opening ceremony, signing ceremony of MoU between ADRC and IDMR was held. The purpose of ADRC and IDMR is to promote smoothly the releasing and sharing of information related to disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction, developing of disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction programs and educating talents in the field of disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction. The two parties will be dedicated to cooperation and mutual participation in the following activities;
(1) Promote personnel exchanges by mutual reception of research staff, faculty and students related to activities of both parties.
(2) Give priority to research projects with mutual participation to promote collaborative research.
(3) Promote the implementation of joint activities including the releasing and sharing of information on research results and professional knowledge.


The ADRC, together with the IDMR, would like to continue to support efforts to strengthen the disaster reduction capabilities of the affected communities.

(2013/06/11 14:50)

 

Bangkok, Thailand, 5-7 March, 2013

Workshop on Space Applications for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Second Workshop on Use of Multi-Global Navigation Satellite Systems for Sustainable Development organized by UNESCAP and supported by JAXA, was held in Bangkok (UNCC), Thailand from 5 to 7 March 2013. Government officials and experts from 17 countries and intergovernmental organizations participated in the workshop and discussed about potential utilization of space applications for disaster risk reduction and multi-global navigation satellite systems (Multi-GNSS) for sustainable development.

The main contents of the workshop are as follows.
1) Country Presentations on Disaster Management Status
2) Overview of Regional Initiatives/Frameworks for Disaster Risk Management
3) Activities for Disaster risk Reduction and Success Stories
4) Multi-Global Navigation Satellites Systems
5) Utilization of GNSS and Multi-GNSS
6) Regional Activities in Disaster Risk reduction

ADRC presented about "The present situation of emergency observation and demands of disaster management organizations" in Sentinel Asia activities. 
(2013/3/12 13:40)

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18-20 February 2013, Algiers


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

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

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

(2013/03/12 14:40)

11-13 February 2013 (Vienna, Austria)

The Fifties Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) were held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria. At this session, the fourth United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting was also organized. ADRC took part in this event. In the plenary session of COPUOS, participating countries were discussing in terms of many problems, such as "inter-regional cooperation and technical assistance," "their applications and space technology and space science" training "capacity building to developing countries". From 11 to 12 February, the meeting was attended by more than 30 from world's RSO. During the meeting, the following subtopics were eagerly discussed: 
1) Review of activities 2012
2) Proposed activities in 2013-2014
3) Detailed review of ongoing project
4) Discussion on emergency response imagery needs
5) Discussion of the technical support toward developing countries
6) Group discussion (future activities of flood, drought, and forest fire)

At the UN-SPIDER RSO Meeting, ADRC presented its activities and accomplishments as RSO as well as its future plans. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange opinions, and explore measures of enhancing future activities of UN-SPIDER RSO.

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(2013/2/20 13:40)
27-29 January 2013 (Hong Kong, CHINA)

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The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), participated in the 45th Session of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, the Hong Kong Observatory in Hong Kong on 27-29 January 2013. The more than 100 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from Cambodia, China, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, US, Viet Nam, and the Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions. The participants discussed action plan of this committee in next fiscal year as well as their countries' activities in this fiscal year.

The Typhoon Committee has three working groups on meteorology, hydrology and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The DRR group which ADRC participated reported the SSOP (Synergized Standard Operating Procedures for Coastal Multi-Hazards Early Warning System) project in this session. This project, in which ADRC plans to participate, will be carried out in earnest from next fiscal year.
For more information, visit
http://www.typhooncommittee.org/45th/index.html


 (2013/1/27 19:40)

18-19 December 2012 (Bangkok, Thailand)


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On 18-19 December 2012, ADRC organized Regional Workshop 2012 on ASEAN Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management project in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop aims to share experiences through the project in which ADRC and NDMOs of each ASEAN country jointly have conducted since 2008. Thirteen participants from ASEAN states, ASEAN Secretariat and ADRC briefed the activities and discussed the way forward. As many local officials who had attended the training gave favorable comments on this training, it is expected to maintain sustainability of capacity building programs targeting local officials to meet various needs and situations of countries and areas. ADRC would like to extend sincere appreciation to all ASEAN NDMOs, local governments and relevant organizations that have cooperated in the project.


(2012/12/27 17:40)

26-27 November 2012 (Nanjing, CHINA)


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ADRC participated in the 7th Integrated Workshop of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), and Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST) in Nanjing on 26-27 November 2012. The more than 100 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, US, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and the Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions. The participants discussed their approaches to issuing "effective warnings," which was the main theme of the meeting. For the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, Japan's Cabinet Office gave a presentation on the damage caused by typhoons in 2012 and on ADRC activities such as the Visiting Researcher Program.


The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction. This workshop brought the three working groups together for an integrated meeting.
For more information, visit
http://www.typhooncommittee.org/IWS_Nanjing/index.html


(2012/11/30 19:40)

19 -21 September 2012 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)

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ADRC and IRP participated in the Workshop on Stock-taking and Ways Forward in Capacity Development for Making Cities Resilient in Incheon, Republic of Korea on 19-21 September 2012, which was organized by UNISDR. Over fifty Resilient Cities Capacity Development (RCCD) partners, especially the capacity development service providers, came together to take a strategic look at approaches to implement programs that encourage sharing of experiences and discussion of options for addressing challenges. Outcomes of the workshop included recommendations for scaling up capacity building programs for resilient cities such as promoting city-to-city learning as well as strengthening the networks of service providers to facilitate wider access to cities. Both ADRC and IRP will be included in the list of service providers, which cities and other related stakeholders can collaborate for potential capacity building activities in the future.  

(2012/10/10 17:40)


30 August 2012 (Bangkok, Thailand)

  "Sentinel Asia" is an international cooperation project on emergency observation by satellites in case of a great disaster. Sentinel Asia was launched seven years ago and ADRC has played a role of the hub which collects the needs from disaster organizations and makes the request on emergency observation to space agencies.

  Sentinel Asia was designed to progress in 3 steps as follows, and 2012 is the final year of STEP2.

STEP 1: Implementation of the backbone 'Sentinel Asia' data dissemination system and associated Nodes, to showcase the value and impact of the technology using standard internet dissemination systems (2006 - 2007)
STEP 2: Expansion of the dissemination backbone with new Satellite Communication Systems (2008 - 2012)
STEP 3: Establishment of a comprehensive "Disaster Management Support System" in Asia-Pacific region (2013 and onwards)

The meeting of Data Provider Nodes (space agencies) was held on STEP3 30th of August in Bangkok, Thailand. ADRC participated in this meeting on the behalf of disaster organizations and introduced disaster organizations' needs on emergency observations to space agencies.

Thereafter, the participants discussed the basic policy of Sentinel Asia Step3. Main topics were; 1)broaden the use of satellite data in the whole disaster management process, especially disaster preparedness and disaster recovery 2)improve the accuracy of satellite data by new facilities such as ALOS2, 3)strengthen the capacity building.

(2012/08/30 13:00)

7-9 August 2012 (Jogjakarta, Indonesia)

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ADRC participated in the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting held on 7-9 August in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. The meeting was attended by more than 100 participants, including representatives from many countries in Asia as well as from international and inter-governmental organizations.

 

The meeting covered the following topic.

 1 ) Update on preparations for the 5th AMCDRR

   Reports were given on the status of preparations for the 5th Asian

     Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction scheduled to be

     held in Jogjakarta on 22 to 25 October this year.

 2 ) Draft of the Jogjakarta Declaration and the Stakeholders'

      Addendum

   Participants discussed a draft of the Jogjakarta Declaration and

     the Stakeholders' Addendum for the 5th AMCDRR.

 3 ) HFA review and monitoring

   Based on the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), Nepal, Sri Lanka,

     Myanmar, Vietnam, and others reported their activities.

 4 ) Post-HFA framework

   Participants discussed a post-HFA framework based on the

     challenges presented by the HFA.

   5 ) Updates and sharing of experiences by partners

  Presentations were given by ADPC (DRR Project Portal Site),

  UN-SPIDER (Disaster Management using Satellites) and others.

 

ADRC works to build disaster-resilient communities and to establish networks among countries through its ongoing participation in international conferences.

 

http://www.unisdr-apps.net/confluence/display/iap09/IAP+Meeting+August+7-9%2C+2012+-+Yogyakarta%2C+Indonesia+%28Documents+and+Presentation%29


(2012/08/14 19:40)

26-27 June 2012 Bogor, INDONESIA

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ADRC collaborated with LAPAN organizing the workshop entitled "ASEAN Cooperation Project on Utilization of Satellite Images for Disaster Risk Management". This workshop is aimed at reporting all activities in this project. The delegates from several member states of ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, LAO PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia were involved in this workshop. This project is funded by the JAPAN-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). The main objective of the project is to increase the awareness and develop necessary skills in using satellite data/images of government officers in disaster management agencies, mapping agencies, space agencies, and other related agencies of ASEAN member countries who are engaged in disaster mitigation and risk management activities. These objectives are achieved through appropriate capacity building programs including seminars, workshops and hands-on training programs conducted locally in each of the member counties and regional workshop to share the knowledge and experiences among all the members. This workshop was held on June 26-27, 2012 at Salak Hotel, Bogor - Indonesia. 

The workshop was attended by 76 participants from government and government-related organizations engaged in disaster mitigation and development activities and keen to incorporate remote sensing techniques in their present day needs. The workshop began with a welcome address by Mr. Kiyoshi Natori executive director (ADRC). Organization of the program divided into opening session, presentation of ASEAN countries, and presentation of external experts and local agencies. The resource personnel were from ADRC-Japan, JAXA-Japan, AIT-Thailand, ASEAN-SCOSA Secretariat, AHA Center, and local institutions (LAPAN, BNPB). 

(2012/07/18 13:40)
14-15 May 2012 (Singapore)

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

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(2012/5/17 11:30)
3 May 2012 (Makati, Philippines)

United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and Manila Observatory jointly hold the forum at Ateneo de Manila University on 3rd May 2012. The aim of the forum was to urge Manila's business community to reduce disaster risk and to develop business continuity plans which take account of the capital city's extreme exposure to earthquakes and typhoons. 
About 100 participants from research institute, private sector and government sector actively exchanged views and opinions on the issue of Business Continuity Planning in the Philippines.
ADRC made presentation regarding the current situation of Business Continuity Planning in Japan and other Asian countries after Great East Japan Earthquake and flooding in Thailand.

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(2012/05/08 11:30)
9-11 April 2012 (Bali, Indonesia)

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The ADRC participated in the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting held on 9-11 April in Bali, Indonesia. Around 60 participants attended the meeting including representatives from many countries in Asia as well as from the international and inter-governmental organizations.

The main contents of the meeting are as follows.
 1) Update on 5th AMCDRR preparation
  There were reports about the preparation of "5th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction" scheduled to be held in Indonesia, Yogyakarta 22 to 25 October this year.
 2) Discussion on the AMCDRR outcome and structure
  About how to proceed and output of the discussion in the AMCDRR, group discussions were held by the participants.
 3) HFA Monitoring and Review
  Based on the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), Thailand, Mongolia, UNOPS, ASEANand UNICEF have reported their activities.
 4) Post HFA framework
  The participants discussed the framework of post HFA based on the challenges to HFA.

Asian Disaster Reduction Center made the presentation titled "Business Continuity Management in Private Sector for Regional Resiliency" concerning topic 2), and many participants were interested in the subject.

(2012/04/09 13:40)

21-22 March, 2012 (Bangkok Thailand)


 The Workshop on Use of Multi-Global Navigation Satellite Systems for Sustainable Development organized by UNESCAP and supported by JAXA, was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 21 to 22 March 2012.

Government officials and experts from 13 countries and intergovernmental organizations participated in the workshop and discussed potential utilization of Multi-Global Navigation Satellite Systems (Multi-GNSS) in the fields of transportation, disaster risk reduction and agriculture.

http://www.unescap.org/idd/events/2012-Workshop-Multi-GNSS-21-22-Mar-2012/index.asp

 

(2012/3/23 11:30)

19th and 20th March, 2012 (India, Vanarasi)


International Seminar on "Disaster and Environmental Management" was held by Institute of Management Studies, Mahatoma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University from 19-20 March 2012 in Vanarasi, India.

The ADRC made a presentation about the current situation of recovery and reconstruction on Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in the Technical Session "Institutional and policy Framework for Disaster Management."

About 100 researchers, experts and students participated in the seminar and actively exchanged views and opinions on the issue of disaster and environmental mangement.

(2012/3/21 11:30)

12 March 2012 (Seoul, Korea)


The ADRC participated in the International Conference on "Lessons from Japan: Is Japan Korea's Future?" held on 12 March 2012 jointly organized by Asian Development Bank Institute and North East Asian Research(NEAR) Foundation of Korea Rep.

ADRC made presentation regarding the current situation of recovery, reconstruction and lessons on the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami disaster.

Around 100 participants attended the conference including experts and officials from nuclear, disaster management, economics and security fields and actively exchanged views and opinions on the broad issues such as aging society, social welfare, disaster risk management, nuclear power plant and security.

http://www.adbi.org/event/5010.adbi.near.conference.japan.korea.future/


(2012/3/13 11:30)


8-9 March 2012 (Tokyo, Japan)


Seminar on Disaster Risk Management in Asia: Lessons and Challenges was held by Asian Developing Bank Institute from 8 to 9 March 2012 in Tokyo, Japan.  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 100 officials, experts from public and private organizations participated in the seminar and actively exchanged views and opinions among them, demonstrating their strong interests in disaster risk management measures both structural and non-structural.

http://www.adbi.org/event/5012.disaster.risk.management.asia/

http://www.adbi.org/event/5013.disaster.risk.management.brainstorming.meeting/


(2012/3/9 11:30)

13-17 February 2012 (Vienna, Austria)


Staff of IRP/ADRC had participated in a five-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) which was jointly organized by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), and the Joint Vienna Institute (JVI). During the training, participants were acquainted with the methodology for (i) assessing damages and losses, (ii) determining the needs for recovery and reconstruction, and (iii) ensuring improved resilience of communities and countries following recovery.

The training offered an opportunity to strengthen synergy among IRP/ADRC partners in promoting capacity building programs on post disaster recovery planning by linking with UN, EU, WB, and donor agencies in supporting disaster prone countries to reduce risk of future disasters. In addition, the training has enhanced the capacity of IRP/ADRC staff in conducting PDNA and providing related training for requesting countries or organizations.

The lectures, group exercises, and discussions at the training had specifically contributed in developing the capacities for improved recovery planning using information from PDNA. It particularly enhanced participants' competence in organizing PDNA, developing recovery framework, and following up post-PDNA measures.

(2012/02/29 14:20)

6-7 February 2012 (Vienna, Austria)

The Forty-Ninth Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) were held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria. At this session, the third United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting was also organized. ADRC took part in this event.

From 6 to 7 February, the meeting was attended by more than 30 from world's RSO.
During the meeting, the following subtopics were eagerly discussed: 
1) Review of Activities 2011
2) Proposed activities in 2012-2013
3) Breakout sessions to discuss joint activities (Asia, Africa and Central and South America)
4) Knowledge Portal and Knowledge Management
5) Leveraging on Existing opportunities

At the UN-SPIDER RSO Meeting, ADRC presented its activities and accomplishments as RSO as well as its future plans. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange opinions, and explore measures of enhancing future activities of UN-SPIDER RSO.

(2012/02/06 13:40)
5 December 2011 (Singapore)

The 18th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-18), under the main theme entitled "A regional collaboration for tomorrow's environment" was organized by Singapore Space and Technology Association (SSTA), Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing, National University of Singapore (CRISP), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) from 5 to 9 December 2011 in Singapore. More than 200 people participated in the forum from space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region as well as relevant agencies, business and academic institutions. 

For the first three days, four working groups, "Earth Observation", "Communication Satellite Applications," "Space Education and Awareness" and "Space Environment Utilization" were held followed by plenary session for the remaining two days. In the special session, Japanese astronaut, Mr. Soichi Noguchi made a presentation "the Earth View from Space by Astronauts".

At the plenary session, Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) presented on  "Activities of ADRC in the Sentinel Asia" and "The Damages by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Contribution by Space Technology", outlining  its efforts in Sentinel Asia, and lessons learned from the preparedness and response to the Great East Earthquake and utilization of satellite and communications satellites.

(2011/12/05 13:40)
22 November 2011 (Beijing)

From 22 to 25 November 2011, Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in a UN international conference on space-based technologies for disaster risk management, "Best Practices for Risk Reduction and Rapid Response Mapping" in Beijing, China. The conference, organized by UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (ONOOSA) and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China, was attended by more than 100 experts from space agencies, academia and NGOs.

During the conference, the following subtopics were eagerly discussed: 
1) Global space based resource for disaster management
2) Portals and platforms contributing to disaster risk management and emergency response
3) Rapid Response Mapping
4) International/regional rapid mapping initiatives/practices
5) Initiatives promoting space-based information in Disaster Risk Management

ADRC made a presentation titled "Activities of ADRC in the Sentinel Asia, and the effectiveness of satellite images on the Great East Japan Earthquake" and introduced its activities of emergency satellite observation in collaboration with Asian countries including the response to the Great East Earthquake.

(2011/11/22 13:40)

15 November 2011 (Doha, Qatar)

 

  The 3rd Civil Defence Exhibition and Conference was organized by the Government of Qatar from 14 to 16 November 2011 in Doha Qatar. As a side event, the 2nd Security Conference (forum) was held. Seven officials and specialists on Disaster Risk Management, including a ADRC's researcher, were invited to the forum to deliver presentations/speeches.

   The ADRC explained the damages of and lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March this year while other speakers presented a broad range of issues, both man-made and natural disasters, such as climate change, challenges concerning high-rise building disaster and information dissemination. More than 200 officials, experts and the media people from Qatar participated in he forum and actively exchanged views and opinions among them, demonstrating their strong interests in disaster risk management.

 

 

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(2011/11/17 19:50)

10 November 2011 (Incheon, Korea)


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

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

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

(2011/11/12 13:10)

7-8 November 2011 (Taipei, Taiwan)


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

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

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

(2011/11/09 11:30)

31 October -1 November (Jakarta, Indonesia)


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

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

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

(2011/11/02 13:10) 

Beijing, China, 27-28 October, 2011

"The Symposium on China-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation on Disaster Prevention and Relief" is held on 27-28 October 2011 at China Institute of International Studies, Beijing, China.

This is one of the side event of "the Japan-China-Korea Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on. Disaster Management".

Approxmately 30 experts from three countries participated and discussed on the current situations and future problems of the cooperation on disaster prevention and relief.
The symposium consists following four sessions;
 1) National Disaster Management System in each country
 2) Current situation and future plan of trirateral cooperation on disaster prevention and relief
 3) Nuclear plant safety and trirateral cooperation
 4) Mass medias contribution on trirateral cooperation on disaster prevention and relief

The ADRC made presentation at the second session. Mr. Arakida introduced the histry of international cooperation on disaster management in the world, previous trirateral cooperations at the past disaster, ADRC contributions for Asian disaster management cooperation, current problems for immediate relief, and the future possible options for more effective coraborations.
The active presentations and disscussions made by professor, government official, mass media, etc., are very useful for future contribution for collaboration on disaster management. ADRC would like to support this kinds of effort.
(2011/10/27 16:40)

27-28 October 2011 (Shanghai, China)


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The Shanghai Forum on Disaster Prevention, Post-Disaster Reconstruction and International Cooperation: Learning from both Japanese and Chinese Experiences was organized by Osaka University from 27 to 28 October 2011 at Hotel Nikko in Shanghai, China.
The forum was attended by researchers from Japanese and Chinese universities as well as experts from international organizations. Invited by Osaka University, IRP/ADRC also participated in the Forum.
The Forum addressed: a) The role of civil society and social capital on post-disaster reconstruction and disaster prevention; b) Advanced technologies to reduce earthquake damage of structures; c) Earthquake damage and countermeasures of civil engineering structures; d) Disaster assistance network across the border; e) Nuclear energy: Safety, risk and human resources education, including a panel discussion on disaster prevention, post-disaster reconstruction and international cooperation.
IRP/ADRC presented the significance of social capital in disaster reduction and recovery based on the analysis of community-level recovery cases throughout the world. The presentation drew a lot of attention from both Japanese and Chinese researchers.

(2011/11/15 14:00)

27 October 2011 (Jakarta, Indonesia)


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The Conference "Disaster Management and the Impact of Climate Change" was organized by the Coordinating Ministry for People's Welfare, Republic of Indonesia as part of "The Indonesian Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery, EXPO and Conference (IDEC)2011.

It  was jointly organized by the JST-JICA Project "Multi-disciplinary Hazard Reduction from Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Indonesia. 2011_10_27 008.jpgHence, members of the JST-JICA Project participated in the Conference, Specifically, three members made presentations, focusing on recent disasters in Indonesia and in Japan, which included the presentation "Policy Response to 3.11 Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster" done by Mr. Atsushi Koresawa of the Center.

The joint coordination of the Conference demonstrated the importance and relevance of the activities that the JST-JICA Project were engaged in.

(2011/10/28 13:10)

18 October -21 October 2011 (Beijing, China)


ADRC participated in the Seminar on East-Asia Earthquakes Studies - Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Volcanoes in Northeast Asia: International Collaboration and Regional Capacity Building for the Forecast, Preparedness and Early Warning.

2011_10_24 004.jpgのサムネール画像のサムネール画像The Seminar was organized jointly by the China Earthquake Administration (CEA), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). It was a first attempt of this kind.

The Seminar addressed key scientific and technological issues in need of special consideration for forecast, preparedness and early-warning of earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, especially for Northeast Asia. Experts from not only China, Korea and Japan but also from other countries in Asia and other regions participated and examined relevant issues based on their experiences, most notably the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.. Mr. Atsushi Koresawa of the ADRC presented "Policy Response to Great East Japan Earthquake" in the "Communicating with the Public" session.

The Seminar was successfully closed by reaching a consensus that collaborate need to be continued and strengthened among China, Korea and Japan and with other countries in Asia to further enhance scientific knowledge and relevant technologies against seismic hazards.

(2011/10/22 13:10)

 

Taipei, Taiwan, 3-7 October, 2011

The ACRS2011 was held at Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), Taipei, Taiwan from October 3 to 7 in 2011. The conference was organized by the Chinese (Taipei) Society Of Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing (CSPRS), and the Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research (CSRSR), National Central University, in conjunction with the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS).
854 persons from 28 countries/regions participated in this conference,
ADRC made a presentation with the title of "The Damages by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Contributions by Space Technology", it included contributions of the Sentinel Asia initiative and further research plan.
Participants had a strong interest in the Great East Japan Earthquake, especially, one of speaker from Taiwan made a video presentation of their reliefs to Japanese victims after the event.
(2011/10/03 16:40)

28-29 July 2011 (Da Nang, Vietnam)


The APEC Workshop on Facing Abnormal Flood Disaster: New Vision for APEC Member Economies was organized by Vietnamese Government from 28 to 29 July 2011 at Life Style Resort Hotel in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The workshop was attended by experts from APEC member economies as well as experts from international organizations. Invited by the Vietnamese Government, IRP/ADRC also participated in the Workshop.

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The Workshop addressed: a) Abnormal flood disasters in Asia-Pacific region and the experience of APEC economies in responding to such challenges; b) Best practices on emergency preparedness and response to abnormal flood disasters; c) New vision for APEC members in abnormal flood management. IRP/ADRC presented the experience and lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami disaster. The presentation drew a lot of attention, specifically on how Japan - a developed country - organizes recovery activities.

(2011/7/30 14:00)

27-29 June 2011 (Bangkok, Thailand)


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

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

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

(2011/07/04 13:10)

9-10 May 2011 (Cambodia)


The ADRC attended the 22st meeting of sub-committee on space technology and applications (SCOSA) held from 9th  to 10th  May 2011 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Various organizations in ASEAN countries which are related to the space technology attended this meeting in order to discuss on-going and future projects by SCOSA and other relevant. .
For the last two year the ADRC has been implementing "Satellite Data Utilization for Disaster Risk Reduction and Response" funded by Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). Eight ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam are the target countries of the project.
In this meeting, ADRC made a progress report on the project.
ADRC is currency producing materials to be used at planned seminars and trainings in each ASEAN country.
For more details of this project, please look at the following site; http://www.geoinfo.ait.ac.th/adrc/index.htm


2011/6/2 13;20

 8 -13 May 2011  , Geneva

 

The Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) organized by UNISDR was held from 8 to 13 May 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss topics around the theme "Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow: Increased Investment in Local Action." The Global Platform also included the first World Reconstruction Conference (WRC), hosted by the World Bank.

 

 

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ADRC participated in several side events, including "Saving Lives and Improved Coastal Risk Management through Regional Cooperation in Ocean and Marine-Related Early Warning Systems in Asia" and "Integrated Use of Space Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction". In the latter,  ADRC presented the use of emergency satellite observations through the Sentinel Asia Initiative and explained how space-based applications were effectively used during the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake.

 

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Together with the Japanese government, ADRC also took advantage of the DRR Market Place area to highlight several recent projects on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery by displaying relevant posters. One of the posters showed the impacts of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake vis-à-vis preparedness and response measures.
On the other hand, IRP set up its own booth at the DRR Market Place to showcase knowledge products and services for resilient recovery.  Several posters
were displayed to communicate key messages for "Build Back Better". The Guidance Notes on Recovery and the Capacity Building Module on Resilient Recovery drew a lot of attention from participants. Moreover, IRP in cooperation with ADRC, made a presentation entitled "The Great East Japan Earthquake: Rethinking the Investment for Safer Tomorrow" at the Ignite Stage.

  (2011/5/16 11:30)

23-25 March 2011 (Jakarta, Indonesia)

 

The Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD), hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and organized by the Indonesian Defense University, was held at Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta, Indonesia. The core objective of the Dialogue was the promotion of intergovernmental cooperation to meet common threats such as disaster and terrorism, and explore disaster management and counterterrorism measures.  

About one thousand participants from different countries and agencies gathered for this event. Among the countries represented were Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Australia, United States. Some European countries and agencies of United Nations were also represented. ADRC, represented by Senior Administrative Manager Mr. Masataka Onishi, presented the Emergency Response System in Japan. Mr.Onishi highlighted the disaster management system as well as  outlined the impact of the tsunami that flattened many towns and communities situated at the Pacific coast of Tohoku region caused by "Great Eastern Japan Earthquake" of March 11, 2011. How the Japanese central and local governments have been responding to the disaster was emphasized in the presentation. Many of the participants showed deep condolence for the victims of the disaster and some briskly asked questions about sharing of responsibilities among central and local governments in disaster response.

 

 (2011/03/26 19:20)

7th March 2011 (Washington DC, USA)


The ADRC participated in the Emergency Preparedness Working Group organized by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Washington DC.
The Working Group is co-chaired by Australia and Indonesia and around 40 participants attended the meeting included representatives from 16 member economies namely Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chili, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia,  Papua New Guinea , Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Russia, Taiwan, USA and Vietnam.
The WG addressed issues related to minimize the economical impact of disruption caused by natural disasters. The ADRC introduced the emergency satellite observation framework of Sentinel Asia and Business Continuity Management methodology to minimize the economical impact for effective disaster response.     (2011/03/08 11:30)

1-4 March 2011 (Islamabad, Pakistan)


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

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

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

(2011/03/04 13:10)

18-19 February  2011 (Malacca, Malaysia)


The National Disaster Awareness Day 2011 was held in Malacca, Malaysia on 18 and 19 February 2011. The event was organized by the National Security Council (NSC) of Malaysia. The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) was invited to participate.
More than a thousand representatives from international organizations, the ASEAN countries, national and local governments attended the event. On Day One, ADRC, at the request by the organizer, gave a presentation on "Total Disaster Risk Management" in the plenary session. Under the theme "Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Development Policy, Planning and Implementation", the seminar was organized into four sessions: Session 2A "Role of Local Authorities in DRR", Session 2B "ASEAN Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Mainstreaming DRR in Education", Session 2C "Hospital Safe from Disasters" and Session 2D "National Disaster Management Mechanism."

On Day Two, in conjunction with this event, the ceremony on National Launching of UNISDR World Disaster Reduction Campaign was held with Y.A.B. Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Mohd Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, in attendance.  
                                                                                             (2011/02/19 17:30)

 

7-10 February 2011 (Vienna, Austria)

RSO_Meeting.jpgThe Forty-Eighth Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS)was held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria. At this session, the second United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting was also organized.
ADRC took part in this event. At the technical subcommittee of COPUOS, the activities of ADRC as focal point for Sentinel Asia's emergency observations in the event of disasters was introduced its accomplishments. At the UN-SPIDER RSO Meeting, ADRC presented its activities and accomplishments as RSO as well as its future plans. The RSO meeting provided an opportunity to exchange opinions, and explore measures of enhancing future activities of UN-SPIDER RSO.

(2010/02/14 19:20)

1-2 February 2011 (Bangkok, Thailand)


The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) held the first regional workshop of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Project on "Capacity Building in the Utilization of Satellite Images for Disaster Management" from 1 to 2 February 2011.
This workshop was organized in cooperation with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and was held at the AIT Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand.
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.
The purpose of the workshop was to allow relevant personnel to share information from the Report from the Seminar and Training for the Utilization of Satellite Images for Disaster Management, as well as other information regarding the use of satellite image for disaster management. The 27 participants, who represented the ASEAN countries, the ASEAN secretariat, the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, and UN agency, discussed efforts to promote the use of satellite images for disaster management activities.
The key points discussed were as follows:
  1) Close ties between space organizations and disaster management organizations
  2) Effective use of satellite information and the development of expertise and technologies
  3) Use of ICTs other than satellite technologies to strengthen disaster management capacity
  4) Mutual learning among countries though regional mechanisms
ADRC will continue to cooperate with relevant agencies to further promote the utilization of satellite data in the field of disaster management in ASEAN region.
For more details of this project and the result of this workshop, please visit ADRC web site (http://www.adrc.asia/top_j.php).

2011/02/21 13:20

 


 

17-22 January 2011 (Jeju, Republic of Korea)


The ADRC participated in the 43rd Session of Typhoon Committee organizend by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific(UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization(WMO) Typhoon Committee in Jeju on 17-22 January 2011.
The 43rd Session was hosted by Republic of Korea and around 100 participants attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, USA, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives from the organizing institutions.
The Committee consists of three working groups, namely, WG on Meteorology(WGM), WG on Hydrology(WGH), and WG on Disaster Risk Reduction(WGDRR), among which ADRC has joined WGDRR.
The Committee as well as its WGs addressed issues related to the impact of climate change on tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, growing risks of urban flooding, among others. The ADRC gave a presentation on the recent activities introducing the framework of Sentinel Asia using GLIDE numbers for effective disaster response.
For more details, please refer to: http://typhooncommittee.org/session.htm

(2011/1/28 11:30)

 12-14 December 2010 (Thimphu, Bhutan)

DSC02094 (2).JPG The International Conference on Disaster Management and Cultural Heritage "Living in Harmony with the Four Elements" was held on 12-14 December 2010 in Thimphu, Bhutan. This was the first large-scale international conference to be held in Bhutan; it attracted 55 international participants from 23 countries, as well as 98 participants from around Bhutan, including His Excellency the Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, and Ms. Margarita Wahlstrom, the United Nations' Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Special Representative of the Secretary General for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action. This conference was organized by the Department of Disaster Management and the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Bhutan, and was supported by UN/ISDR, UNESCO, UNDP, GFDRR, and the World Bank. During this conference, participants discussed the following five themes. The results are reported in the Thimphu Document. a. Policy and Institutional Framework for Disaster Management b. Technical Aspects of Disaster Management c. Traditional Practices for Disaster Risk Reduction d. Post-Disaster Recovery of Cultural Heritage e. Capacity Building and Networking This document will be reported to the next Global Platform in Geneva on 8-13 May 2011, and the Climate Summit for a Living Himalayas Bhutan 2011. The ADRC dispatched Mr. Masaru Arakida, Senior Researcher, to introduce historical disaster management techniques and community-based early warning systems, and to propose an implementation strategy for Bhutan.

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After the conference, he visited Punakha and paid a courtesy call on the provincial governor, investigated damages caused by flooding in 2009, and visited candidate sites for rain gauges along the upstream areas of the Mo-chu River. ADRC will hold a workshop on disaster education and disaster drills for residents, including students and monks, in the Mo-chu area, and also will hold a class to teach people how to make rain and river gauges that can be managed by the local community.

 (2010/12/15 16:40)
1-9, 18-22, December, 2010

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. The ADRC dispatched mission teams to those two countries to discuss the details of the project activities, including determination of the work schedule.

 On 1-9 December 2010, the ADRC team visited Mongolia and conducted preliminary survey for the proposed project activities on earthquake disaster education. The team visited National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), two target schools to conduct disaster drill, and other related organizations. Through discussion, the ADRC and NEMA agreed to have pre-training course in Japan at the end of January 2011, and to have workshop of earthquake disaster education in the middle of February 2011. 

On 19-22 December 2010, the ADRC team visited Indonesia to learn detailed ideas on the promotion of disaster education to mass media, the project theme proposed by Indonesia. They concerns mass media casualties caused by pyroclastic flows of Mt. Merapi eruption, and inadequate Tsunami early warning information distribution. The team visited the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) and The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), and interviewed some mass media. Through the discussion, the ADRC and BNPB agreed to have training course in Japan and workshop in Jakarta in February or March 2011. Also, we agreed to conduct survey on mass media's awareness on natural disaster before the workshop.
APRSAF-17.jpg 25 - 26 November (Melbourne, Australia)

ADRC participated in the 17th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) that was held from 23 to 26 November in Melbourne, Australia. The theme of the Forum was "The role of space technology and industry in addressing climate change." The APRSAF was established in 1993 to enhance space activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Attended by space agencies, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations as well as companies, universities and research institutes, this Forum is the largest space-related conference in the Asia-Pacific region.

The participants of APRSAF share information about their activities and the future plans for their countries and regions. APRSAF also supports international projects designed to find solutions to common issues such as disaster management and environmental protection. The Sentinel Asia initiative is one such activity, and involves the use of space-based information in the form of satellite images for disaster management in the Asia-Pacific region. ADRC has been tasked with the responsibility of receiving emergency observation requests from ADRC member countries and Joint Project Team (JPT) members and, if appropriate, forwarding them on to four regional space agencies, namely, ISRO, GISTDA, KARI and JAXA.

ADRC gave a presentation on this year's requests for the use of space technologies in disaster management through Sentinel Asia. ADRC also emphasized the importance of human resource development to promote the more effective utilization of space technologies in disaster management, giving examples of successful as well as unsuccessful uses of the images provided. ADRC representatives also presented information about a human resource development program for promoting the use of satellite images in disaster management, which is currently being implemented using the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.


(2010/11/26 19:20)

25-28 October 2010, Incheon, Republic of Korea


P1060974.JPGADRC participated in the 4AMCDRR held in Incheon, Republic of Korea from 25 - 28 October 2010. More than 900 participants comprising ministers of disaster management from 53 Asia-Pacific and European nations, representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, and NGOs attended the conference. The Prime Ministers of Republic of Korea and Kingdom of Bhutan were among the high level participants.

Under the theme "Disaster Risk Reduction through Climate Change Adaptation" (DRR through CCA), the conference was organized into three sessions: Session 1 "Raising awareness and building capacity for DRR & CCA", Session 2 "Developing and sharing information, technology, sound practices, and lessons learned in climate & disaster risk management", and Session 3 "Promoting integration of DRR & CCA into development for green growth". ADRC chaired Technical Session 1 and co-chaired the High Level Round Table of Session 1 (HLRT1) with the Maldives and Bhutan. 

The outcomes of the technical session emphasized two key concerns. One is the need for training for both government officials and civil society organizations. The other is the need to learn from local and indigenous peoples on how they manage risk and the need to support their efforts in raising awareness. In this regard, it was suggested that DRR and CCA should be framed within local and national development planning. At the HLRT1, the ministers expressed problems of their countries, including issues on raising awareness and building capacity. HLRT1 recognized that problems vary from country to country, and that solutions need to be localized. HLRT1 had drawn commitments from delegates to work together and share technical knowledge. Recommendations from Technical Session and HLRT1 were reflected into the conference outcome documents: Incheon Declaration, Incheon Regional Roadmap or REMAP, and Incheon Action Plan aimed at establishing climate resilient disaster risk management systems by 2015 that will contribute to sustainable development at the regional, national and community levels.

ADRC also co-organized various side events at 4AMCDRR including "Incorporating space-based information and technologies into DRR and CCA" with UNOOSA, "Asian Film Festival on Disaster Management" with GFDR and ADPC, and "A tool for Better Recovery: Introduction to Guidance Notes on Climate Change Adaptation and Recovery" with IRP. The next AMCDRR will be held in Indonesia in 2012 and the progress of REMAP will be reviewed accordingly.

For more information on ADRC's activities during the 4th AMCDRR, please see the ADRC Highlights to be issued shortly.

(2010/10/25 16:50)

5 October 2010 (Washington DC, USA)


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ADRC attended the Global Dialogue on Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Planning, which was organized by the United Nations, the European Commission, and the World Bank in Washington DC. National governments, regional organizations, UN agencies, and other stakeholders participated in the dialogue. The use of PDNA(Post Disaster Needs Assessment) as a tool for reconstruction and sustainable development of disaster affected countries was mainly discussed. The presentations of PDNA experiences from 4 disaster affected countries highlighted the usefulness of PDNA as a tool. After the presentations, three subgroups discussed and reflected on PDNA as tool for (1) assessing socio-economic impacts of disaster, (2) recovery and reconstruction planning, and (3) mainstreaming resilience in longer term development strategies.

The PDNA workspace, hosted at the IRP Website, was also launched. The International Recovery Platform, with support of ADRC, presented the key features of PDNA workspace at the launching.

(2010/10/12 14:00)

 1-3 October 2010 (Moscow)

The first International Forum of Fire and Rescue Services hosted by EMERCOM is held on 1-3 October 2010 in Moscow. The Forum gathered 300 representatives of emergency and firefighting services from 80 countries of the world including Asia, Eastern Europe, EU, the African Continent states, North and Latin American countries.
The heads of the "emergency" services of the countries-participants reported at the plenary meeting in the Academy of Civil Defence EMERCOM of Russia.
 The Forum participants visited the training unit of EMERCOM, observed the large scale emergency fire and rescue drill in the field, and saw the latest equipments and tools of fire and rescue.
 This forum is very useful to exchange information for participants from fire and rescue. Also it is a good opportunity to recognize that EMERCOM has good enough resources for multi-countries training program.


 (2010/10/03 16:40)

28 September - 2 October (Padang, Indonesia)


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

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

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

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

22-23 September 2010 (Chengdu, China)


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The International Symposium "5.12 Massive Wenchuan Earthquake Reconstruction & Catastrophic Disaster Control" was held in Chengdu, China on 22 and 23 September 2010.  The event  was jointly organized by  the Provincial People's Governments of Sichuan, Shanx, and Gansu and the Chinese Academy of Governance. Mr. Onishi, Senior Administrative Manager of Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) was invited to participate.
Around 130 representatives from international organizations, national and local governments, and experts from 30 countries and organizations in America, Europe, and Asia attended the symposium. On day 1, the participants visited the reconstruction sites in Yingxiu town, Shuimo town, and Dujiangyan city to look at the progress of recovery. On day 2, presentations concerning the theme  "Scientific Reconstruction and Harmonious Development" were made. The title of Mr. Onishi's presentation is "From Resilient Recovery to Sustainable Development:  Development of Recovery and Rehabilitation Measures".

(2010/09/22 19:20)

16 September 2010 (Nanjing, China)


The ADRC attended the Preparatory Meeting for the High-level Expert Group Meeting towards Developing a Roadmap to Reduce Flood Disaster Risks in Pakistan held on 16 September 2010 in Nanjing, China. The Preparatory Meeting was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

The meeting was opened jointly with the Stakeholder Meeting on the Regional Cooperative Mechanism on Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning, Particularly Drought in the same venue, and was started with a moment of silence for the victims of the Pakistan Floods and China landslides that happed in July/August 2010. Dr.Xuan Zengpei, Director of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD) of ESCAP, delivered a statement of Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

Following the opening session and setting the scene, Mr. Ahmed Amjad Ali, Deputy Head of Mission and Alternate Permanent Representative of Pakistan to ESCAP made presentation briefly on the current situations of flooding damage of Pakistan. He stressed that unprecedented floods affected the entire length of Pakistan, causing maximum damage in province of Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KPK), Punjab and Sindh. The number of affected people by the floods is more than 20 million and is larger than the Pakistan Earthquake 2005, the Hurricane Katrina 2005, the Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004, the Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 all put together.

Each and all participants made presentations and brainstormed on how they could provide potential assistance to reduce flood disaster risk in Pakistan.

The High-level Expert Group Meeting will be held in Pakistan in early November 2010.

For more details, please visit the following web site.

http://www.unescap.org/idd/events/2010_Pakistan_Floods/
 

(2010/09/16 17:30)

 

15-17 September 2010(Seattle, USA)


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

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

(2010/09/18 13:10)

 

30 August-1 September 2010, Tokyo, Japan


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As a partner organization, ADRC participated in the ASEAN plus Three International Conference on Disaster Management in Tokyo.

ASEAN Plus Three International Conference on Disaster Management, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in close cooperation with the Cabinet Office of Japan, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), with participation of officials and academic experts from ASEAN countries Plus Three  countries and observer countries such as Australia and India as well as other international organizations, was convened on 30 August-1 September 2010 in Tokyo, Japan.

The Meeting reviewed the progresses and challenges in the first half decade of the HFA 2005-2015 in the region and discussed to identify new challenges in the next half decade of the HFA with a view to contributing to the Mid-Term Review of the HFA. Participants of the Meeting shared the view that progresses have been made at both national and regional levels.

It was also pointed out that adaptation to climate change should be linked with disaster risk reduction policy in each country and facilitated through the regional cooperation in view of the disaster management.

The Meeting also acknowledged the important role of ADRC to the regional cooperation in Asia on disaster management and recognized valuable and significant activities of JICA in bilateral cooperation on disaster management through the Official Development Assistance of Japanese government.


-Note-

ASEAN Plus Three; ASEAN Member States (Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) and People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea


13 August 2010 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)


Steering Committee for the fiscal year 2010 of Asian Disaster Reduction Center was held in Incheon City, Korea on August 13. Representatives of 19 member countries attended.
Mr.Tomoya Nagai, the new Director for Disaster Preparedness, Public Relations and International Cooperation, Cabinet Office of Japan, chaired the steering committee meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, he expressed sympathy to victims of recent disasters in Pakistan, China, and India and also expressed strong support to the affected governments on behalf of ADRC. The chair formally announced the Republic of Maldives as the 29th member country of ADRC, which officially joined in May 2010.
After the presentation of ADRC activities for fiscal year 2010, the member countries discussed on how to further promote ADRC activities.

(2010/08/13 19:20)

11-13 August 2010 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)


The ADRC attended the ISDIMG_0001.JPGR Asia Partnership (IAP) Meeting held from 11 to 13 August 2010 in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The meeting was organized to speed up the preparations for the Fourth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) scheduled on 25-28 October 2010 at Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The main themes, procedures, and expected outcomes of 4th AMCDRR were among the key items discussed and examined at the meeting.

The ADRC has been actively involved in drafting outcome documents, and will be chairing Technical Session 1 "Raising awareness and building capacity for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA)" at the 4th AMCDRR. In addition, the ADRC has been also co-organizing few side events such as "Incorporation of space-based information to support DRR and CCA" and "Introduction to Recovery Guidance Notes on CCA" with UNOOSA and International Recovery Platform (IRP) respectively.

Following the discussions at the preparatory meeting, the ADRC will further strengthen the preparations for Technical Session 1 and side events.

 

(2010/08/11 16:50)

1-2 July 2010, Bangkok, Thailand


IMG_1010.JPG

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

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

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

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

(2010/07/05 13:10)

20 May 2010 (Makati City, Philippines)


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

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

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

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

( 2010/05/31 13:10)

 

17-18 May, Vientiane, Lao PDR


The ADRC attended the 21st meeting of sub-committee on space technology and applications (SCOSA) held from 17th to 18th May 2010 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Various organizations in ASEAN countries which are related to the space technology attended this meeting in order to discuss on-going and future projects by SCOSA and other relevant. .
For the last two year the ADRC has been implementing " Satellite Data Utilization for Disaster Risk Reduction and Response" funded by Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). Eight ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam are the target countries of the project.
In this meeting, ADRC made a progress report on the project.
 ADRC is currency producing materials to be used at planned seminars and trainings in each ASEAN country which will be implemented from July this year.
For more details of this project, please look at the following site ; http://www.geoinfo.ait.ac.th/adrc/index.htm


(2010/05/26 13:20)

5-6 May, Singapore


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

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

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

Note) 

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

(2010/05/12 13:10)

27 April 2010  Almaty, Kazakhstan


Central Asia is a region vulnerable to multiple natural disasters including devastating earthquakes, floods, landslides/mud-slides, avalanches that have caused economic and human losses across the region. The Central Asia nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan agreed on the need for stronger regional cooperation on issues of disaster risk management and agreed to start a dialogue on the regional centre for disaster preparedness and response. Eventually, a working group was formed to start consultation on the establishment of a regional disaster preparedness and response coordination centre.

P1060259.JPGAgainst this background, the Third Consultative Meeting on the Establishment of a Regional Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordination Centre was organised, jointly by Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Sub-regional Office for Central Asia, on 27th April in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) has been supportive of this initiative since January 2005 when the establishment of a centre was first proposed at the UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction held in Kobe, Japan. ADRC attended the third meeting along with the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, various UN bodies (UNDP, UNISDR, UNHCR), GTZ and IFRC.
During discussion, the participants discussed some specific issues relevant to the draft agreement and regulation but agreed upon a urgent need to establish the centre. Consequently, they have agreed to set up a working-level standing committee sometime this year to solve particular problems.

ADRC plans to provide relevant information based on its own experience as an organisation to promote multinational cooperation for disaster reduction across countries in Asia and explore ways to cooperate with the Centre once in such fields as training and human resource development.

(2010/05/10 13:10)

 

24-26 March 2010 (Bangkok, Thailand)

iap201003.jpgThe ADRC attended the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) Meeting held from 24 to 26 March 2010 in Bangkok. The meeting focused on the next cycle of HFA (Hyogo Framework for Action) progress reporting, the process and implications of HFA Mid-term review, and the preparations for the Fourth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR). As many as 80 participants, including government officials from the Asian countries, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations such as ASEAN, APEC, and SOPAC attended the meeting. The ADRC introduced the result of the ACDR2010 and future expected activities based on the recommendations made in the conference.
(2010/03/31 10:40)

11-12 March 2010 (Singapore)


acdm meeting.JPG

As a partner organization, ADRC participated in the 15th Meeting of ACDM and 4th ACDM+3 Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) in Singapore.

One of the highlights of ACDM meeting, 11 March 2010, was the turnover of chairmanship from Myanmar to the Philippines. Under the new chair, ACDM aims to achieve two major objectives for 2010: (i) the implementation of AADMER Work Programme for 2010-2015 and (ii) the establishment and operationalization of AHA Centre.

During ACDM+3SOM, 12 March 2010, representatives from Government of Japan re-announced its assistance to ASEAN's efforts in Disaster Reduction under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) which focus on (i) enhancing ASEAN's capacity for emergency response to large-scale disaster based on the AADMER, (ii) supporting the improvement of the disaster prevention ability of AHA Centre and construction of the disaster information and communication system that allows the utilization of satellite, and (iii) implementing the following four (4) projects through the activities of ADRC:

 • Promotion of Disaster Education in Schools
 • Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management
 • Utilization of Satellite Image on Disaster Management, and
 • Development of Web-based GLIDE Associated Disaster Event Databases for ASEAN
Countries.

In the ACMD+SOM, ADRC made a presentation on the progress of above four (4) on-going ASEAN Cooperation Projects implemented by ADRC and expressed continuous support for the iplementation of the cited JAIF projects.

(2010/03/23 17:30) 

8 March 2010 (Bangkok, Thailand)


The new web system that been produced as part of Sentinel Asia Step 2 for the last two years will start its operation from April 2010.
The Sentinel Asia Secretariat, ADRC and other relevant agencies held a meeting at Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, GISTDA, in Bangkok, Thailand, to share information on the new web system.
The new web site is located at; 
https://sentinel.tksc.jaxa.jp

(2010/03/30 13:20)

8-19 February 2010 (Vienna, Austria)

 

The Forty-Seventh Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS)was held from 8 to 19 February 2010 at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria. At this session, the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting was also organized on 9-10 February.

ADRC took part in both events.  At the technical subcommittee of COPUOS, ADRC introduced its major activities and accomplishments. Two key activities were highlighted. Firstly, ADRC serves as focal point for Sentinel Asia in facilitating, emergency observations in the event of disasters. Secondly, ADRC implements capacity building activities on the use of satellites data among its member countries. At the UN-SPIDER RSO Meeting,  ADRC presented its activities and accomplishments as RSO as well as its future plans. The RSO meeting provided an opportunity to discuss frankly, exchange of opinions, and explore measures of enhancing future activities of ADRC in line with the objectives of UN-SPIDER.

 (2010/02/20 19:20)

42nd ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee

25-29 January 2010 (Singapore)

ADRC participated in the 42nd Session of ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee that was held from 25th to 29th January in Singapore. The Committee consists of three working groups, namely, WG on Meteorology (WGM), WG on Hydrology (WGH), and WG on Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (WGDPP), among which. ADRC has been a member of WGDPP.
The Committee as well as its WGs addressed issues related to the impact of climate change on tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, growing risks of urban flooding, among others. For more details, please refer to: http://www.typhooncommittee.org/tc.htm.

 

16th Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum

26-29 January 2010 (Bangkok, Thailand)


IMG_0681.JPGADRC also participated in the 16th Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum that was held from 26 to 29th January in Bangkok, Thailand. ADRC has been tasked as a focal point to receive an emergency observation request from ADRC member countries and JPT (Joint Project Team) members and, if appropriate, forward it to four space agencies, namely, .ISRO, GISTDA, KARI and JAXA. In addition, ADRC in cooperation with JPT Secretariat conducts follow-up surveys on the use of provided satellite images in individual countries as well as capacity building to enhance the use of satellite data for disaster management objectives.

ADRC made a presentation on the situation and trends of natural disasters worldwide, progresses made in implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 - a global blueprint for disaster risk reduction efforts -, and the application of space technologies to disaster management with Sentinel Asia and UNSPIDER as an example. It is followed by emergency observations reports by Vietnam and the Philippines. For more details, please refer to http://www.aprsaf.org/text/ap16_info.html.

(2010/02/01 13:10)

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)

3-5 November 2009 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

   The International Recovery Platform (IRP), the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), and the Department of Architecture and Planning of Gadjah Mada University (DAP/UGM) organized the IRP Regional Workshop "Action by Stakeholders for Effective Management of Post-Disaster Recovery" from 3-5 November 2009 at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The following is the highlights of the Workshop.

Jogja brief report (Eng.).pdf

(2009/11/5 14:20)

28-30 October 2009 (Beijing, China)
 

The International Conference on the Social Mobilization for Catastrophic Disasters and the Formulation of Emergency Laws and Regulations was organized by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China, was held on 28-30 October 2009 in Beijing, China. Mr. Fujieda, senior researcher of the ADRC was invited to participate in the conference.
 

Around 130 representatives from international organizations, ASEAN member countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Chinese government, regional institutions, NGOs, participated in the Conference.
 

The participants from different countries made presentations on the role of the government in the catastrophe emergency response, developments in the laws and regulations on disaster management and disaster-relief activities from their own perspectives. On the other hand, the participants from China including government, NGOs and other institutions, made presentations on roles of  volunteers, communities and enterprises in relief activities in the case of Whenchuan Earthquake.
Mr. Fujieda made presentation on disaster management laws and systems and disaster emergency response system in Japan in the session titled "the Role of Government in Social Mobilization on Catastrophic Disasters and Laws and Regulation Development".

(2009/10/28  17:30)

27-28 October 2009 (Singapore)


WS_in_SIN.jpg

 The International Workshop on "Disaster Management Response & Recovery 2009" was held in Singapore on 27 and 28 October.  Mr. Onishi, Senior Administrative Manager of Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) was invited to discuss the "Role of Knowledge Management in Disaster Management from the Perspectives of ADRC".

Around 100 delegates from Asian countries, including government officials and security managers at the private sector, participated in the work shop.

(2009/10/29 19:20) 

7-8 October 2009 (Dushanbe, Tajikistan)

The ADRC participated in the 4th ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) International Conference on Disaster Risk Management which was held on 7-8 October 2009 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
ECO is an intergovernmental regional organization established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey for the purpose of promoting economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among the members. The ECO was expanded to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in 1992, and have accelerated the pace of regional development through their common endeavors.
The Conference was attended by the participants from Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, and Tajikistan, as well as the related organizations. They shared their recent initiatives for the disaster risk management, especially in the areas of establishment of the national platforms and climate change adaptation, and discussed further strengthening the cooperation for DRR in the ECO region. Further, they proposed the ECO regional strategy for promoting DRR activities through discussion.
The ADRC made a presentation in the session of regional cooperation and coordination, and expressed continuous support for regional cooperation in the Central Asia and Caucasus.
(2009/10/19 10:40)

5-8 October 2009 (Dhaka, Bangladesh )


    The fourth Workshop on Earthquake Risk Reduction and Recovery Preparedness Programme (ERRP) will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 10th  to 12th December. Through the workshop the relevant countries will present their outcomes on ERRP while experts will make presentations or give lectures on topics like retrofitting, risk assessment, hazard mapping, area disaster prevention plan, and contingency plan.  On 5th to 8th October, ADRC sent its staff to Bangladesh to consult with Ministry of Food and Disaster Management and UNDP Bangladesh on the holding of the Workshop and exchange views concerning participation of Japanese experts and other issues.  Detailed programme will be announced through ADRC Website once it is set.

(2009/10/19 14:00)

2009/08/17-18 (Bangkok, Thailand)


ADRC organized a regional workshop as part of the "ASEAN Cooperation Project on Capacity Building for Local Government Officials on Disaster Management" in Bangkok, Thailand on 17-18 August 2009 with precious support from Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) of the Thai Government.

ADRC has been implementing the JAPAN-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) Project "the Capacity Building for Local Government Officials on Disaster Management" since August 2008. In implementing this project, ASEAN member countries have been divided into the following three groups:   

•First Year Group (August 2008 - March 2010): Cambodia,
                                                                             Lao PDR and Vietnam;
•Second Year Group (May 2009 - December 2010): Brunei
           Darussalam, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand; and
•Third Year Group (February 2010 - September 2011): Indonesia,
                                                                 Myanmar and Singapore.
The workshop in Bangkok was attended by countries of all three groups so as to achieve the following objectives:  

   (1)  To better understand the concept and direction of
          this project in ASEAN;
   (2)  To facilitate information sharing on the implementation of
          the project; and
   (3)  To help improve the conduct of the project by learning from
          the countries that has undertaken the project.
 
In the Introductory Session, ASEAN Secretariat and ADRC made presentations on the JAIF Project and the progress in this project made to date respectively. In the subsequent sessions, the representatives of each group presented the progress in this project made so far and relevant issues followed by lively discussion and exchange of ideas among participants.

 (2009/08/17 17:30)

11-14 August 2009 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)


326.jpg

ADRC participated in this year's second meeting of the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) held in Incheon Metropolitan City, the Republic of Korea on 13-14 August 2009. The meeting discussed the follow-up action to the Second Session of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), which was held 16-19 June 2009, the finalisation of the Kuala Lumpur Action Plan on DRR, and preparations for the Fourth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), which will be held in Incheon Metropolitan City on 25-28 October 2010.

Dr. Yeon-Soo Park, Vice Administrator, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Republic of Korea, put forward his comprehensive proposal for the fourth AMCDRR in a very positive manner. He also detailed preparatory steps to be taken by various partners, i.e. member state governments, international organisations and other institutions.

Furthermore, participating organisations shared information on their recent attempts to follow up on the HFA midterm review, Kuala Lumpur Action Plan, etc. ADRC Executive Director Mr. Atsushi KORESAWA presented some of the ADRC's ongoing and future activities by putting a stress on the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2010 (ACDR 2010) to be held in Kobe city, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan from 17-19 January 2010, back to back with other relevant meetings such as the IRP Recovery Forum. He also informed the participants that details of such events would be provided in due course on the website of ADRC.

In addition, ADRC had a chance to participate in the opening ceremony of the UNISDR Education and Training Institute for Urban Risk reduction and the UNISDR Northeast Asia Office, which was held on 11 August and the conference on "Building a Local governance Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction" jointly hosted by UNSIDR and Incheon Metropolitan City.

 

(2009/08/25 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)

15-17 July 2009 (Bali, Indonesia)


P7150285.jpgSentinel Asia Project was established to build a disaster management system by using a satellite image in Asia region. The international conference, Joint Project Meeting for Sentinel Asia, has been held to share the latest activities every year. In this year, this conference was held in Bali, Indonesia and attended by 117 participants from 43 organizations including ADRC.
The objectives of the JPTM2009 were to introduce the progress concerning utilization of satellite and make discussion implementation of a new program for Sentinel Asia.
ADRC reported the several activities about the Emergency Observation Request in this year and the installation of the regional support office of UNSPIDER. In addition, ADRC proposed the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Working as a new project with Keio University and ICIMOD, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

(2009/07/27 18:30)

15-19 June 2009 (Geneva, Switzerland)

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

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

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

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

28-29 May 2009 (Chengdu, China)


ASEM01.jpg

ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Workshop on Cooperation of Capacity Building of Disaster Relief, organized by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, was held on 28-29 May in Chengdu, China.
In the opening ceremony speech, Mr. Li Xueju, Minister of Civil Affairs of China noted that Europe and Asia should reinforce the exchanges of knowledge and experience and cooperation in disaster reduction and relief. Asian countries have rich experience in disaster relief, while the European countries possess advanced technology and management concepts. Both sides should overcome their own shortcomings by learning from each other's strong points.
Total of 160 representatives from 32 member countries of the Asia-Europe Meeting and international organizations are present at the workshop.
The workshop focused on four core thematic areas: (1) disaster preparedness and emergency relief; (2) rehabilitation and reconstruction; (3) public-private partnership in disaster relief; and (4) disaster reduction and risk management. ADRC made a presentation entitled "Build Back Better" to introduce the activities of its own and IRP(International Recovery Platform).
Participants also visited the earthquake-affected areas in Dujianyan, Sichuan Province.

(2009/06/05 19:20)

18-22 May 2009 (Bali, Indonesia)

In support to ASEAN's implementation of the Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), ADRC participated in the visioning workshop to help identify areas for further cooperation and support. AADMER is a comprehensive document, signed by all ASEAN Member States in July 2005, capturing not only ASEAN's intention to respond jointly and more effectively but also to reduce disaster risks in the region. It provides the overall framework for regional cooperation on disaster management in ASEAN, which embodies the region's commitment to the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).

During the visioning workshop, ADRC introduced three potential projects in the context of implementing the AADMER. The first project is to conduct the feasibility study for the operationalization of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), which shall function as the operational arm of AADMER. The second project is to establish the ASEAN Disaster Management Communications Networking System (ADMCNS), which is aimed at strengthening the disaster management capacities of ASEAN Member States (AMSs) through the enhancement of communications network system that utilizes near real-time data from space satellites. The third project is to conduct a separate feasibility study for the ASEAN stockpiling, which will put up emergency stockpiles of disaster relief items.
(2009/06/24 14:40)
28-29 April 2009 (Islamabad, Pakistan)

pakistanRWS.jpgRegional Workshop of Earthquake Risk Reduction and Recovery Preparedness Program (ERRP) for South Asia Region was conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan.
For more details, please refer to the below report.
Mission Report
(2009/05/11 19:10)

4thTCDPP.JPG28-29 April 2009 Seoul, KOREA

 

The ADRC participated in the 4th meeting of the Working-Group on Disaster Prevention and Preparedness which was jointly organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, and the National Emergency Management Agency of the Republic of Korea in Seoul on 8-29 April 2009.

The 22 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, USA, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives from the three organizing institutions.

During the meeting, participants discussed future activities of the working group, such as upgrade of the Typhoon Committee Disaster Information System (TCDIS), which is expected to be a useful typhoon- related disaster database for Asia. The ADRC gave a presentation on the role of GLIDE numbers, which are to be assigned to disasters contained in the individual databases of different organizations, and on the ADRC's contributions to the working group this year. The next meeting scheduled is the Integrated Workshop of the Typhoon Committee, to be held in the third week of September in the Philippines.

The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster prevention and preparedness.

(2009/05/13 12:20)

19 April 2009 (Bandung, Indonesia)


2009042.jpg

The kick-off meeting for Multi-disciplinary Hazard Reduction from Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Indonesia funded by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) was held on 21st April in Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and University of Tokyo. This project was approved by JICA-JST as one of the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development projects (http://www.jst.go.jp/global/index.html) for natural disaster prevention. The kick-off meeting was simultaneously held in ITB and University of Tokyo with the across-the-board support by the SOI (School on Internet) Asia (http://www.soi.asia/about/index.html) that is advanced internet infrastructure for information and communication technology.

In the kick-off meeting, after the opening remarks from Dr. Harjono, (Deputy to the Chair of LIPI for Earth Science, LIPI = Indonesian Institute of Science) and Prof. Satake (University of Tokyo), each group leader organized the session and discussed the project goal and implementation modality.

In the session for Group 6, Mr. Suzuki (Executive Director of Asian Disaster Reduction Center) and Dr. Pariatmono (Assistant for Deputy Minister for Development of Mathematics and Natural Science, Ministry of Research and Technology, RISTEK) facilitated the discussion on the project goals and all group leaders introduced their experiences and lessons learned on the government-academia collaboration on disaster risk reduction.

(2009/04/21 13:10)

15-16 April 2009 (Almaty, Kazakhstan)


Central_Asia.JPGADRC participated in the 2nd Consultative Meeting on Establishment of Regional Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordination Centre in Central Asia which was organized by Kazakhstan government and UN OCHA in Almaty Kazakhstan on 15-16 April 2009.

In the meeting, the participants including representatives from Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Republic of Tajikistan discussed specific conditions and definition towards establishing of the Coordination Centre which has been agreed through several meetings on mutual cooperation for disaster risk reduction in the Central Asia.

The delegates from the Central Asian countries were actively involved in the discussion. The documents for establishment of the Centre were gone through one article by one article for reaching consensus. Further, through the discussion, the Centre's name has been changed as "the Central Asia Coordination Centre on Disaster Response and Risk Reduction" in consideration of the aspect that the Centre would also play important role for disaster risk reduction in the area.

(2009/04/20 10:40)

3-5 November 2008 (Kathmandu, Nepal)


adrrn_meeting.jpgThe annual meeting of the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN) 2008 was held in Kathmandu, Nepal on 3-5 November 2008. In the meeting, titled Learning through and from the Network, approximately 40 participants from NGOs and international organizations as well as the ADRC had active discussions in order to further reinforce the activities of their organizations and ADRRN toward DRR.

(2008/11/03 17:40)

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