Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Global Mainstreaming Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction

Capacity Development | Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction | Risk Identification and Assessment | Climate Change

Introduction

Global Mainstreaming Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction

Tools for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Development

Developing Capacities for Mainstreaming Risk Reduction

Partners in Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction

Cross-cutting Issues

“ With more than 75% of the world’s people living in disaster prone areas, risk reduction has been recognized as a cost effective strategy to protecting livelihoods and achieving the internationally agreed development goals… presently, there is insufficient ‘disaster proofing of the Millennium Development Goals’ through mainstreaming risk reduction into development strategies” UN Secretary General's High Level Panel Report 'Delivering as One' (2006)

Disasters exact an enormous toll on lives and livelihoods, impacting the poorest and the most vulnerable populations disproportionately. In recent years, losses caused by natural disasters have grown in scale and frequency. If planned properly, development activities can reduce risks, and mitigate the potential impacts of natural disasters.

UNDP approaches its development work from a disaster risk reduction perspective at regional and national levels.  In an effort to further mainstream disaster risk reduction into development planning and programmes, UNDP, with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), is coordinating a ‘Global Mainstreaming Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction’.

Through this initiative, UNDP works with national stakeholders to explore and define the relationship between disaster risk reduction and other core development priorities such as human-rights, good governance, and food security.  The complex interface of natural disaster with conflict and political instability is also an essential consideration.  Throughout, the differences in vulnerability related to gender will be explored and highlighted.

Global Mainstreaming Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction

Led by UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR), the Global Mainstreaming Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) seeks to:

1) Develop tools and strengthen capacities for mainstreaming DRR into development programmes and activities;

2) Harmonize institutional policies and approaches for mainstreaming DRR into development plans; and

3) Develop practical approaches to advocate for the integration of DRR into global and national level policy commitments and frameworks.

Project flyer.

Tools for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Development

I. Guidance for integrating DRR into national CCA/UNDAF processes

The Common Country Assessment (CCA) and United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF)are joint planning and programming processes designed to enhance the UN Country Team’s analysis and programming in support of national goals and priorities. 

Over the last two years, UNDP, in co-ordination with the ISDR Secretariat , supported the development of guidelines for integrating disaster risk and capacity assessments into CCA and UNDAF. The guidelines were developed in consultation with various UN agencies including UNICEF, WFP, FAO, UNIFEM and WHO.

CCA/UNDAF guidance note, UNDP/ISDR, 2006

II. Integrating DRR into UNDP’s Governance, Poverty Reduction and Energy and Environment

In an effort to promote concrete cross-practice work on risk reduction, UNDP is currently exploring the linkages between disaster risk reduction and governance, poverty reduction and energy and environment. More information on this effort is forthcoming.

III. Exploring Disaster-Conflict Interfaces

Increasingly, countries are experiencing situations whereby disaster and conflict dynamics interact to produce multiple vulnerabilities for affected populations. These dynamics have a significant impact on people’s coping capacities and livelihood options. This makes it crucial for UNDP to better anticipate — and then manage and reduce — risks arising from crisis situations.

Led by the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR), the ‘disaster-conflict interface project’ seeks to develop a better understanding of how disasters and conflicts relate and impact on each other.

The project is likely to evolve through 4 phases: (i) desk review of interface scenarios; (ii) field research across 8 pilot countries; (iii) comparative analysis of case studies and; (iv) field testing and application of crisis prevention and recovery programming tools in a selected number of pilot countries.

Project Concept Note for ‘Exploring Disaster-Conflict Interfaces across the world’.

Developing Capacities for Mainstreaming Risk Reduction

I. Comprehensive Training Package for Mainstreaming Risk Reduction at National Level

In 2007, UNDP launched an initiative with Cranfield University’s Resilience Centre to produce a comprehensive training package to support capacity building for disaster risk reduction and recovery needs at country level. More information on this effort is forthcoming.

II. UNDP-ISDR/ CPSG: E-Learning Kit with specialized module on Disaster Risk Reduction

In 2006, UNDP, in collaboration with the ISDR Secretariat, produced, as part of an e-learning kit, a new online module on disaster risk reduction for UN staff. This constitutes an important step in raising awareness and understanding of DRR issues and key processes, across the UN family. 

Draft DRR module for e-learning kit.

III. Other Resources on Capacity Development

Capacity Diagnostics' Users Guide 2006, UNDP

Rethinking Capacity Development for Disaster Risk Reduction: Action 2005- 2015.

Strengthening UN System capacity in Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDP Regional Centre Bangkok, 2006

UN Caribbean Regional Cluster Training on Disaster Risk Reduction, DMTP, 2005

Relief Web

Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
Review online publications of the Asian Urban Disaster Mitigation Programme at www.adpc.net

Partners in Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction

World Bank - 2005 and 2006 saw the World Bank emerge as a major proponent of DRR mainstreaming.  In 2006, the Bank launched its new Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery – a large element of which is focusing on DRR mainstreaming. Discussions took place with DFID and the Bank throughout 2006 on the best approach to develop a partnership.   It was agreed that the focus of collaboration should take place in 5 countries, namely Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua and Vietnam.  The exact shape of collaboration in each country will depend on identification of needs and opportunities at the national level. 

ISDR Secretariat – The partnership with the ISDR Secretariat specifically focused on finalizing the CCA/UNDAF Guidelines and producing the online e-learning kit for UN country offices.  More recently, UNDP has been invited to convene the Global Platform’s session on ‘National Mechanisms’ for implementing the Hyogo Framework of Action. 
 
ProVention Consortium – ProVention has had a key role on DRR mainstreaming for a number of years.  In 2006, UNDP was invited to participate in the ProVention’s peer review for its 11 guidance notes on DRR mainstreaming.  UNDP also began discussions with Provention regarding the possibility of holding a joint policy forum meeting on mainstreaming.  Currently planned for the second half of 2007, the objective of this meeting is to provide partners, especially, bilateral development agencies, with a forum to share experiences on practical ways to address the challenges of integrating DRR into development programmes.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) – In 2006, the ADB hired a new Senior Disaster Management Specialist to help them implement their Disaster and Emergency Assistance Policy. Discussions on how best to collaborate on DRR are ongoing.

Cross-cutting Issues

Human Rights based approach

At the request of partner countries and in collaboration with other UN agencies, UNDP provides services anchored in human rights.  The Mainstreaming initiative is working on further developing the links between human rights and natural disasters.  For instance, UNDP provided initial guidance to UNDP Pacific on how to strengthen a joint approach in this area.

IASC Operational Guidelines on Human Rights and Natural Disasters