Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) : An Introduction

Salvano BricenoChair, IRDR Science Committee

African Regional Implementation Workshop on Hazards and Disasters

Dakar, Senegal, 26-27 September 2012

The Science PlanAddressing the challenge of

natural and human-induced environmental hazards

An integrated approach to research on disaster risk through: an international, multidisciplinary (natural, health, engineering and social sciences, including socio-economic analysis) collaborative research programme

IRDR Science Plan at: http://www.irdrinternational.org/

Introduction

• Debunking “natural” of disaster.• From nature to society; from natural construction

to social construction of risk.• Deficiency in many past efforts to understand

disaster hazard or technological focus sectorial or disciplinary based emergency response

Characterization of hazard, vulnerability and risk Identifying hazards and

vulnerabilities leading to risks Forecasting hazards and assessing

risks Dynamic modelling of risk

Research Objective #1

Effective decision-making in complex and changing risk context Identifying relevant decision-making

systems and their interactions Understanding decision making in

the context of environmental hazards; and

Improving the quality of decision-making practice.

Research Objective #2

Reducing risk and curbing losses through knowledge-based actions Vulnerability assessments Effective approaches to risk

reduction

Research Objective #3

Forensic Investigations of Disaster (FORIN)

- Establish basis for analysis based on actual evidence and applied scientific methodologies/principles

- Study more deeply causes of disaster- Integrated- Comprehensive- Transparent- Investigative or forensic style

- Series of case studies

Identify what data and quality are needed to improve integrated disaster data management

Bring together loss data stakeholders and utilize synergies for recognized standards to minimize uncertainty

Define of “losses” and creation of methodology for assessing it

Educate users on data interpretation and biases Increase downscaling of loss data to sub-national

geographies for policy makers

Disaster Loss Data WG

First systematic and critical global assessment of published research on disaster risk

Provide a baseline Use to identify and support longer-term

science agenda Provide scientific evidentiary basis in

support of policy and practice

Assessment of Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (AIRDR)

Risk Interpretation and Action (RIA)

- How actors attempt to make sense of experience and information from various sources as a basis for decision- Estimation of the likelihood, magnitude of event and vulnerability of physical infrastructure- Social and behavioural factors leading to greater or lesser risk

Joint WWRP (WMO) and IRDR project To advance the science of the social

and economic applications of weather-related information and services

Development, review and promotion of societal and economic-related demonstration projects focused on high-impact weather and information

WWRP/IRDR Societal and Economic Research and Applications (SERA)

Partners

National & international science institutions

National & international development assistance agencies and funding bodies

Other research organizations

ICSU Unions ISSC Unions Regional Offices UN Organizations IRDR National

Committees IRDR International

Centres of Excellence

National Committees

Canada China France Germany Japan New Zealand

In discussion Algeria Australia Nordic Region

(Europe)* Sweden UK USA

IRDR Centres of Excellence

Taipei In discussion: Australia Germany UK USA

Improve scientific knowledge and integrated research

Enhance the integration of science in disaster risk reduction planning, policies and programmes

Foster and support participation in IRDR for institutions and individual scientists.

Serve as the technical, national or regional focal point

Foster networking and collaboration among domestic, regional and international disaster risk reduction science and technology activities

Activities

Support efforts to update and report activities aligned with HFA strategic priorities, with emphasis on the science and technology activities

Engage in the discussions for the post-2015 “HFA” Contribute to the national/regional discussions for

other relevant global negotiations (Future Earth, climate change adaptation, etc.).

Provide scientific advice to policy-makers Assist in fundraising for IRDR activities and

projects.

Activities

An enhanced capacity around the world to address hazards and make informed decisions on

actions to reduce their impacts.

Societies to shift focus from response-recovery towards

prevention-mitigation, building resilience and reducing risks, learning from experience and

avoiding past mistakes.

IRDR Legacy

Thank youwww.irdrinternational.orgwww.preventionweb.net

www.unisdr.orgwww.gfdrr.org

www.globalnetwork-dr.org