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Issue III, 2003Issue III, 2003Issue III, 2003Issue III, 2003Issue III, 2003

News from the Inter-AgencNews from the Inter-AgencNews from the Inter-AgencNews from the Inter-AgencNews from the Inter-Agency Secrety Secrety Secrety Secrety Secretariaariaariaariaariat of the Internat of the Internat of the Internat of the Internat of the International Strtional Strtional Strtional Strtional Straaaaategtegtegtegtegy for Disy for Disy for Disy for Disy for Disaster Raster Raster Raster Raster Reductioneductioneductioneductioneduction

In this Issue:

• FFFFFeaeaeaeaeature Arture Arture Arture Arture ArticleticleticleticleticleLandslide MitigationLandslide MitigationLandslide MitigationLandslide MitigationLandslide Mitigationin Ugandain Ugandain Ugandain Ugandain UgandaBy the Department of DisasterPreparedness and Refugees,Office of the Prime Minister,Uganda

PPPPPararararartners intners intners intners intners inActionActionActionActionActionMajor developments andactivities in disasterreduction

ResourcesResourcesResourcesResourcesResourcesUpdUpdUpdUpdUpdaaaaateteteteteRecent publications,audiovisual materials andmultimedia

UpcomingUpcomingUpcomingUpcomingUpcomingEventsEventsEventsEventsEventsCalendar of forthcomingconferences, seminars,training and other events

NaNaNaNaNaturturturturturalalalalalDisastersDisastersDisastersDisastersDisastersReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewListing of recent naturaldisasters

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ISDR Highlights is published every two months bythe Inter-Agency Secretariat of the InternationalStrategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR).

We welcome your input, ideas and suggestions forfuture issues, including contributions for the featurearticle. Please direct all correspondence (includingsubscription requests) to: [email protected]

United Nations Inter-Agency Secretariat ofUnited Nations Inter-Agency Secretariat ofUnited Nations Inter-Agency Secretariat ofUnited Nations Inter-Agency Secretariat ofUnited Nations Inter-Agency Secretariat ofthe International Strategy for Disasterthe International Strategy for Disasterthe International Strategy for Disasterthe International Strategy for Disasterthe International Strategy for DisasterReduction (UN/ISDR)Reduction (UN/ISDR)Reduction (UN/ISDR)Reduction (UN/ISDR)Reduction (UN/ISDR)Palais des NationsCH 1211 Geneva 10, SwitzerlandTel: +41 22 9172103 / 762 / 759Fax: +41 22 [email protected]

UN/ISDR Latin America and the CaribbeanUN/ISDR Latin America and the CaribbeanUN/ISDR Latin America and the CaribbeanUN/ISDR Latin America and the CaribbeanUN/ISDR Latin America and the CaribbeanP.O. Box 3745-1000San José, Costa RicaTel: +506 224 1186Fax: +506 224 [email protected]

UN/ISDR AUN/ISDR AUN/ISDR AUN/ISDR AUN/ISDR AfricafricafricafricafricaBlock U Room 217UNEP, Gigiri, Nairobi, KenyaTel: + 254 2 62 41 01Fax: + 254 2 62 47 [email protected]

Recognising that natural hazards can threatenany one of us, ISDR builds on partnerships andtakes a global approach to disaster reduction,seeking to involve every individual and everycommunity towards the goals of reducing theloss of lives, the socio-economic setbacks andthe environmental damages caused by naturalhazards. In order to achieve these goals, ISDRpromotes four objectives as tools towardsreaching disaster reduction for all:

• Increase public awareness to understand risk,vulnerability and disaster reduction globally

• Obtain commitment from public authorities toimplement disaster reduction policies and actions

• Stimulate interdisciplinary and intersectoralpartnerships, including the expansion of riskreduction networks

• Improve scientific knowledge aboutdisaster reduction

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LLLLLandslide Mitigation in Ugandaandslide Mitigation in Ugandaandslide Mitigation in Ugandaandslide Mitigation in Ugandaandslide Mitigation in UgandaBy the Department of Disaster PBy the Department of Disaster PBy the Department of Disaster PBy the Department of Disaster PBy the Department of Disaster Prrrrreparepareparepareparedness and Redness and Redness and Redness and Redness and Refugees,efugees,efugees,efugees,efugees,Office of the POffice of the POffice of the POffice of the POffice of the Prime Ministerrime Ministerrime Ministerrime Ministerrime Minister, Uganda, Uganda, Uganda, Uganda, Uganda

“After gardening, my family and I went home to prepare lunch. Some neighbourshad joined us making us altogether 13 in the home. Just as I was starting to servelunch it begun raining and I asked one child to go out and untie the goats. Nosooner was he out than we heard a loud bang. The boy shouted that the “monster”was coming; actually, the landslide had struck. We scrambled out of the houserunning in different directions. I ran to the kitchen, picked up my 3-month baby,pulled out some other children, and ran. After the landslide had settled, we wentback to find that two of my children had been buried never to be seen again. Fivecows, two donkeys, three goats, and one sheep had also been buried (Shereminisces and cries). My two other children were dug out of the debris, thesesurvived.”

Nambi, landslide victim of the Nanderu village in Buluganya sub-county

During the last few decades, farmers living on the slopes of Mount Elgonin the Sironko district of Uganda have moved higher and higher up theslopes in search of land for agriculture. In the process, they have clearedthe slopes of their natural vegetationleading to environmental problems suchas landslides soil erosion, flooding,deformation of the landscape, amongothers. Landslides in particular havebecome rampant, with disastrousimpacts on communities in Sironko.Characterised by the movement of soiland rock down slope under gravitationalinfluence, landslides result from slopeinstabilities caused by natural and man induced factors. In recent years,landslides have become a major problem in the mountainous parts ofUganda because of the damage and risk associated with them.

ArArArArArticleticleticleticleticle

The International Strategy forDisaster Reduction (ISDR)

Sironko community groupSironko community groupSironko community groupSironko community groupSironko community group

The approach aims at findinglong-term solutions to thelandslide problems andemphasises disaster preventionrather than responding tolandslides as they occur.

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The frequency of landslides has been on theincrease, and during the period 1991-2000there were over 86 landslides. This highnumber can mainly be attributed to El Niñorains that occurred between 1997 and 1998.The most affected people are women andchildren who spend most of their time athome and in gardens. Many other peopledisplaced by landslides in Bumasifwa,Buluganya and Zesui migrated into nearbyMt. Elgon National Park, and it is estimatedthat over 500 families encroached and settledin the park, where they acquired large tractsof free land.

Gazettment of Mt. Elgon as a national parkwas aimed at protecting the important watercatchment and biodiversity found therein,and encroachment on this fragile ecosystemhas led to a number of other environmental problemssuch as loss of biodiversity, exposure of the park tofurther degradation due to landslides, and interferingwith an important water catchment. If measures are nottaken to reverse the trend, the area – which covers11,961 thousand hectares – is likely to be entirelydevastated by landslides.

Over 90 per cent of the population on the slopes of Mt.Elgon is dependent on subsistence agriculture for aliving. Any activity that damages their crop or hampersagricultural production affects their livelihood.Landslides are therefore a major socio-economicproblem in the district and government as a whole. Ithas led to loss of lives, crops, land productivity, andother property.

Landslides have also led to the degradation ofmountain ecosystems, which are important watercatchments, and damaged roads, bridges, steel laddersschools, and water sources. For theUgandan government to mitigatedamage of public infrastructuredue to landslides yearly, it requiresmillions of dollars. Consequently,the government has not been ableto cope with this problem.

Landslides have caused conflictsamong the local people, whose property such as cropsand woodlots have slid from one plot to another. Dueto small fragmented pieces of land, when landslidesoccur, there is a tendency for property to move fromone plot to another, sometimes with crops intact. This

causes people to claim ownership of such crops, whilethose whose property is covered by debris also claimownership of the same.

In the past, successive governments in Uganda haveaddressed natural disasters as they occur, mainly becausedisasters have been perceived as natural incidents thatcannot be averted. This reactive approach to disastermanagement has been a major setback to developmentand has cost the country enormous financial losses.Realising that the landslide problem is increasing, theGovernment of Uganda with one-year financial andtechnical support from the German Technical Corporation(GTZ) initiated a new approach to disaster management.The approach aims at finding long-term solutions andemphasises disaster prevention rather than responding tolandslides as they occur. An initial study on landslides inthe Sironko district aimed at establishing the causes,impact, and possible mitigation measure to landslides, amultidisciplinary approach was used field surveys,

including visits through consultationwith district and local authorities, inaddition to focus groups openlydiscussing communities’ experiencesand possible future solutions. Dataanalysis using Geographic InformationSystems (GIS) identified the maincauses of landslides in the area,including human activities.

The findings were presented to authorities andcommunity members at a two-day workshop,incorporating their views and feedback into the long-term plan for landslide mitigation. The first step was to

Disaster prevention is one of themost effective approaches to minimisethe negative impacts of landslidesand should be institutionalised toensure its sustainability.

Location of Sironko District

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raise public awareness andincreasing government sensitivityat all levels to ensure that no livesare lost due to landslides duringthe El Niño period, predicted tooccur from October 2002, as wellas future rainy seasons. It wasnoted that many communitymembers were unaware of the factthat landslides effects could bemitigated, believing thatlandslides were a result of fate.Increased community awarenesswas achieved through sensitisationmeetings in sub-counties and vianumerous radio spots and mediaarticles, proving highly successfulas during this period, no deathswere recorded due to landslides inSironko. Some people inlandslide-prone areas expressingwillingness to relocate to saferareas. However, in many casesvoluntary relocation presents agreat challenge to communities, asthey lack the means for acquiringland and initial settlement andthere is no official program inplace to support those willing torelocate. Land scarcity andinsecurity in the low lying areasalso prove relocation to be difficult and slow.

It was also noted that improved sensitization wasdeemed necessary to make people appreciate the needto plant trees in such areas and also take on treeplanting as an income generating activity, just likeagriculture. Although many people are eager toimplement the mitigation measures, some people withland in the risky areas are not willing to plant treesbecause of lack of land for agriculture.

Other goals included building capacity in landslidemanagement at all levels, training and equipment ofthe relevant offices, the integration of landslide issuesin the district development plans to ensure thatlandslide issues are planned for and managedaccordingly, promoting better farming methods atcommunity level through the training of farmers inappropriate farming methods for hilly areas, traininglocal leaders on bylaw and ordinance formulation to

enable them formulateappropriate laws for managementof hilly and mountainous areas.The final component of theproject was the development of adistrict disaster management planto ensure planning for effectiveresponse to disasters that befell thedistrict.

This project, which is continuingits mid-term and long-termactivities with the financial helpof the Ugandan government, hasbrought to light that the conceptof disaster prevention is one of themost effective approaches tominimise the negative impacts oflandslides and should beinstitutionalised to ensure itssustainability. This implies thatinstitutions responsible formanagement of hilly andmountainous areas should plan forthe careful use and managementof these areas instead of simplyresponding in the event of adisaster. The long-term solution tothe landslide prone areas isreforestation and afforestation butgiven the high population pressure

and land tenure system, it is important that this ispreceded by a lot of sensitisation of the local communityand their leaders. There is also a need to formulateenforceable ordinances and bylaws that are specific to aparticular area, particularly relevant to district and lowerlocal governments.

FFFFFor further information on the Sironkor further information on the Sironkor further information on the Sironkor further information on the Sironkor further information on the Sironko project,o project,o project,o project,o project,please contact Ms. Gorretti Kitutu, Nationalplease contact Ms. Gorretti Kitutu, Nationalplease contact Ms. Gorretti Kitutu, Nationalplease contact Ms. Gorretti Kitutu, Nationalplease contact Ms. Gorretti Kitutu, NationalEnvironment Management Authority (NEMA),Environment Management Authority (NEMA),Environment Management Authority (NEMA),Environment Management Authority (NEMA),Environment Management Authority (NEMA),[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

WWWWWe would also like would also like would also like would also like would also lik e to thank Mre to thank Mre to thank Mre to thank Mre to thank Mr. Martin Ower for. Martin Ower for. Martin Ower for. Martin Ower for. Martin Ower forhis permission to reproduce the information andhis permission to reproduce the information andhis permission to reproduce the information andhis permission to reproduce the information andhis permission to reproduce the information andphotographs in this article. Article written byphotographs in this article. Article written byphotographs in this article. Article written byphotographs in this article. Article written byphotographs in this article. Article written byNahid Bhadelia based on the Sironko LandslideNahid Bhadelia based on the Sironko LandslideNahid Bhadelia based on the Sironko LandslideNahid Bhadelia based on the Sironko LandslideNahid Bhadelia based on the Sironko LandslideMitigation RMitigation RMitigation RMitigation RMitigation Report, by the Ugandan Department ofeport, by the Ugandan Department ofeport, by the Ugandan Department ofeport, by the Ugandan Department ofeport, by the Ugandan Department ofDisaster PDisaster PDisaster PDisaster PDisaster Prrrrreparepareparepareparedness and Redness and Redness and Redness and Redness and Refugees, 2003.efugees, 2003.efugees, 2003.efugees, 2003.efugees, 2003.

Sironko District: 11961 hectares ofland is under risk from landslides

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Gender mainstreaming in disasterGender mainstreaming in disasterGender mainstreaming in disasterGender mainstreaming in disasterGender mainstreaming in disasterreductionreductionreductionreductionreduction

Soroptimist International is a highly respectednon-governmental organization holdingconsultative status with the UN Economic andSocial Council. The women’s global voiceorganization has actively promoted support andempowerment for women worldwide,comprising over 100,000 members in 122countries.

At the Soroptimist International/Europe (SI/Europe) Pan-African Women’s Conference heldin Nairobi, Kenya (2 May 2003) 270 participantsfrom 53 European and African countries cametogether to share experiences related topromoting gender equality in Africa. UN/ISDRAfrica contributed to the event by highlightingthe importance of gender within disasterreduction, noting that African women are oftenfound to live in areas prone to disaster risks dueto inadequate access to relevant information inaddition to poor socio-economic conditions.

More information on SI can be found atMore information on SI can be found atMore information on SI can be found atMore information on SI can be found atMore information on SI can be found atwww.sorop.orgwww.sorop.orgwww.sorop.orgwww.sorop.orgwww.sorop.org

AAAAAfrican cooperation in disaster riskfrican cooperation in disaster riskfrican cooperation in disaster riskfrican cooperation in disaster riskfrican cooperation in disaster riskmanagementmanagementmanagementmanagementmanagement

Since its inception in 2001, the New Partnershipfor Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has beenactively involved in addressing issues related toits programme of action for the redevelopment ofthe African continent. On 23-24 April NEPADorganized a workshop in Johannesburg, SouthAfrica, supported by UN/ISDR Africa promotingthe development of a comprehensive programmeon disaster management and food security. TheWorld Bank provided funding for the workshop.

NEPAD committed to working with a group ofexperts to develop specific area projects forimplementation by bringing stakeholderstogether for participatory decision-making, withoutcomes evaluated from a national, sub-regional

and international perspective. Regionaleconomic communities will work in conjunctionwith the NEPAD Secretariat to improve nationalcapacities as part of the ‘NEPADising’ process.

FFFFFor further information on NEPor further information on NEPor further information on NEPor further information on NEPor further information on NEPAD, pleaseAD, pleaseAD, pleaseAD, pleaseAD, pleaserefer to www.nepad.orgrefer to www.nepad.orgrefer to www.nepad.orgrefer to www.nepad.orgrefer to www.nepad.org

Early warning to El Niño in UgandaEarly warning to El Niño in UgandaEarly warning to El Niño in UgandaEarly warning to El Niño in UgandaEarly warning to El Niño in Uganda

As part of the country’s El Niño mitigation andpreparedness action plan, the UgandanDepartment of Disaster Prepareness and Refugeeshas set in place preparedness measures and earlywarning systems throughout various districtswarning against imminent rains and stormsrelated to the El Niño phenomenon. Warningmessages are broadcasted on national andcommunity radio stations alerting residents at risk,and have proved most successful in reducing theimpacts of hazards throughout the country.

In demonstration of his commitment tointegrating disaster reduction in public policies,Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi took theinitiative to establish an Inter-Ministerial ElNiño Committee comprising representativesfrom a range of sectors – including theministries of finance, defence, health, education,and works, transport and communications – toguide policies designed to mitigate and managethe likely effects of the hazards.

FFFFFor further information on Uganda’s actionor further information on Uganda’s actionor further information on Uganda’s actionor further information on Uganda’s actionor further information on Uganda’s actionplan, please contact Mrplan, please contact Mrplan, please contact Mrplan, please contact Mrplan, please contact Mr. Martin Ower. Martin Ower. Martin Ower. Martin Ower. Martin Ower,,,,,Ugandan Department of DisasterUgandan Department of DisasterUgandan Department of DisasterUgandan Department of DisasterUgandan Department of DisasterPPPPPrrrrreparepareparepareparedness and Redness and Redness and Redness and Redness and Refugees,efugees,efugees,efugees,efugees,[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

Launch of new Launch of new Launch of new Launch of new Launch of new ISDR Informs: DisasterISDR Informs: DisasterISDR Informs: DisasterISDR Informs: DisasterISDR Informs: DisasterRRRRReduction in Africaeduction in Africaeduction in Africaeduction in Africaeduction in Africa magazine magazine magazine magazine magazine

UN/ISDR Africa is pleased to announce thelaunch of its new regional magazine, ISDRInforms: Disaster Reduction in Africa.

TTTTTo ro ro ro ro receive a copy of the magazine, pleaseeceive a copy of the magazine, pleaseeceive a copy of the magazine, pleaseeceive a copy of the magazine, pleaseeceive a copy of the magazine, pleasecontact UN/ISDR Africa,contact UN/ISDR Africa,contact UN/ISDR Africa,contact UN/ISDR Africa,contact UN/ISDR Africa,[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

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LLLLLatin America and the Caribbeanatin America and the Caribbeanatin America and the Caribbeanatin America and the Caribbeanatin America and the Caribbeanupdateupdateupdateupdateupdate

Risk reduction commitment inRisk reduction commitment inRisk reduction commitment inRisk reduction commitment inRisk reduction commitment inAntofagastaAntofagastaAntofagastaAntofagastaAntofagasta

In May 2003, UNESCO in collaboration withUN/ISDR launched the “Safer Cities Initiative”building on the experiences of the 1998-1999RADIUS project (during the IDNDR)implemented in Antofagasta.

Training on the application of risk estimation tools tourban planning and sustainable development

The launching workshop was held on 14th May, inAntofagasta, and included both a seminar, withactive participation of both scientists and localauthorities, as well as training sessions targeted forthe city officers in charge of city planning on theapplication of the RADIUS risk assessment toolsand methodologies for sound urban planning.

Antofagasta Mayor Mr. Pedro Araya expressed hiscomplete support for this initiative, affirming hiscommitment for its continuation in local communities.

Building on national and regional developmentsalready in place for risk assessment and contingencyplanning, local authorities proved to be extremelyinterested in participating in the Safer Cities CCTprogramme, and agreed to use complementary toolssuch as the UN/ISDR and UNICEF educationgame ‘Riskland’ and the University of Chile’smobile laboratories on seismology and earthquakerisk, to enhance an existing package offering a wealthof information related to disaster risk reduction,educating children and raising public awareness.

FFFFFor further information, please contact Elinaor further information, please contact Elinaor further information, please contact Elinaor further information, please contact Elinaor further information, please contact ElinaPPPPPalm, UN/ISDR LAC, elina.palm@eiralm, UN/ISDR LAC, elina.palm@eiralm, UN/ISDR LAC, elina.palm@eiralm, UN/ISDR LAC, elina.palm@eiralm, UN/ISDR LAC, [email protected]

Community learning at Chile’s interactiveCommunity learning at Chile’s interactiveCommunity learning at Chile’s interactiveCommunity learning at Chile’s interactiveCommunity learning at Chile’s interactivemini-museummini-museummini-museummini-museummini-museum

In October 2002, the National Office for EmergencyManagement of Chile (ONEMI) opened the first mini-museum on hazards and the risks faced in Chile. Theinteractive museum, located at ONEMI headquarters inSantiago, includes a comprehensive review of the principalhazards of the past decade, in addition to interactiveactivities such as educative seismic and tsunami simulatorsthat allow children and adults to learn the basic steps to taketo reduce risk and vulnerabilities in Chile. Technologiesrelated to disasters provide concrete examples of successfulmethodologies and tools to assist in reducing their impacts.

FFFFFor further information on the museum please contactor further information on the museum please contactor further information on the museum please contactor further information on the museum please contactor further information on the museum please contactCarmen FCarmen FCarmen FCarmen FCarmen Fermandez Gibbs, ONEMI, [email protected] Gibbs, ONEMI, [email protected] Gibbs, ONEMI, [email protected] Gibbs, ONEMI, [email protected] Gibbs, ONEMI, [email protected]

Memorandum of Understanding signed be-Memorandum of Understanding signed be-Memorandum of Understanding signed be-Memorandum of Understanding signed be-Memorandum of Understanding signed be-tween UN/ISDR and CEPREDENACtween UN/ISDR and CEPREDENACtween UN/ISDR and CEPREDENACtween UN/ISDR and CEPREDENACtween UN/ISDR and CEPREDENAC

Ms. Elina Palm, UN/ISDR Latin America and theCaribbean (representing UN/ISDR Director Mr. SálvanoBriceño), Mr. Gerónimo Giusto-Robelo and Dr.Elizabeth Cubías, CEPREDENAC

In line with the declaration signed by Central AmericanPresidents at the 1999 high-level meeting on the reductionof vulnerabilities and disaster impacts, a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) between UN/ISDR and theCentral American Centre for Coordination for NaturalDisaster Prevention (CEPREDENAC) was signed on 22May 2003, in El Salvador. The MoU represents thecommitment of both organizations to work in partnershipto promote disaster reduction at both the regional andnational levels, especially targeting those groups andsectors most vulnerable in societies.

FFFFFurther information on the UN/ISDR andurther information on the UN/ISDR andurther information on the UN/ISDR andurther information on the UN/ISDR andurther information on the UN/ISDR andCEPREDENAC MoU is available atCEPREDENAC MoU is available atCEPREDENAC MoU is available atCEPREDENAC MoU is available atCEPREDENAC MoU is available atwww.cepredenac.orgwww.cepredenac.orgwww.cepredenac.orgwww.cepredenac.orgwww.cepredenac.org

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Remembering Hurricane Mitch:Remembering Hurricane Mitch:Remembering Hurricane Mitch:Remembering Hurricane Mitch:Remembering Hurricane Mitch:5 years later5 years later5 years later5 years later5 years later

Hurricane Mitch in 1998 was a disaster that no onein Central America will ever forget. The enormousloss of lives, livelihoods and property completelychanged the region’s attitude and perceptions towardsnatural hazards, and five years later various regionalactors have taken the initiative to plan a forumentitled Mitch+5 that will take place in late 2003.Mitch+5 aims to provide the opportunity for areview and evaluation of what has occurred in thecontext of disaster reduction since the hurricane inCentral America, assessing whether the vulnerabilitiesto natural disasters that existed five years ago havesince increased or been reduced. The event willinvolve international organizations, regionalinstitutions, non-governmental organizations andcommunities to reflect on the lessons learned from theMitch experience and consider the direction thatdisaster reduction in the region is taking towards thefuture.

FFFFFor further information on Mitch+5, pleaseor further information on Mitch+5, pleaseor further information on Mitch+5, pleaseor further information on Mitch+5, pleaseor further information on Mitch+5, pleaserefer to www.cepredenac.orgrefer to www.cepredenac.orgrefer to www.cepredenac.orgrefer to www.cepredenac.orgrefer to www.cepredenac.org

FFFFFarewell to our respected colleaguearewell to our respected colleaguearewell to our respected colleaguearewell to our respected colleaguearewell to our respected colleaguePPPPPaul Bellaul Bellaul Bellaul Bellaul Bell

It is with great sorrow that we received the news ofthe loss of Mr. Paul Bell, OFDA-USAID, one ofthe most generous and forward-looking experts inthe field of disaster management. Mr. Bell’sdedication to assist developing countries (mainlyin Latin America and the Caribbean) to enhancetheir disaster management capacities has been oneof the main features in the advancement of disastermanagement in the region. His visionaryapproach contributed greatly to move disaster riskreduction forward within the disaster managementcommunity and to identify the need to buildbridges with other relevant sectors such as health,environment, development, among others. We hadthe privilege of working with him on severaloccasions and benefited greatly from his wise andtimely advice. He was indeed a supporter of theISDR, and we hope that his example, values andattitudes will be continued by his colleagues inSan José and Washington.

EuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeupdateupdateupdateupdateupdate

Space applications for disasterSpace applications for disasterSpace applications for disasterSpace applications for disasterSpace applications for disastermanagement and preventionmanagement and preventionmanagement and preventionmanagement and preventionmanagement and prevention

Over 20 European countries and some five internationalorganizations met near Brasov, Romania, for a four dayregional workshop on space applications for disastermanagement and prevention. The event, hosted byRomania’s space agency and organized by the UN Office forOuter Space Affairs (UN/OOSA) and the European SpaceAgency (ESA) with support from other partners includingUN/ISDR, was the fourth in a series of five regionalworkshops intended to pave the way to the implementation ofthe recommendations of UNISPACE III.

The discussions reflected the wide array of space-related capacitiesand initiatives existing in Europe today, which range fromprevention to response tools derived from space-supported tools.The presence of ESA and the European Commission to theevent took on special significance in light of the forthcomingaccession of several countries to the European Union. In thiscontext the ISDR is regarded as a vital link to global policies andstrategies for disaster reduction and a means of coordinationamong countries in the region, especially for the development ofcompatibly initiatives.

The growing ISDR network in Europe is a tool for addedsynergy in this and other fields, and the ISDR Secretariat isworking with national platforms and focal points throughoutthe region to include space application components in disasterreduction initiatives.

FFFFFor further information, please ror further information, please ror further information, please ror further information, please ror further information, please refer toefer toefer toefer toefer towwwwwwwwwwwwwww.oosa.unvienna.or.oosa.unvienna.or.oosa.unvienna.or.oosa.unvienna.or.oosa.unvienna.org or contact Fg or contact Fg or contact Fg or contact Fg or contact Francesco Prancesco Prancesco Prancesco Prancesco Pisano,isano,isano,isano,isano,UN/ISDRUN/ISDRUN/ISDRUN/ISDRUN/ISDR, [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

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VVVVVulnerability in the Euroulnerability in the Euroulnerability in the Euroulnerability in the Euroulnerability in the Euro-Med area-Med area-Med area-Med area-Med area

A few days after the strong earthquake that shook Algeria in May2003 the figures emerging from the media are all but reassuring:over 2,000 lives lost, some 1,000 people still missing and a huge15,000 homeless. At a time when the international community isstepping up discussions on how to include disaster reduction insustainable development criteria, and the ISDR community of theEuro-Mediterranean region is focusing on the forthcomingreview of the 1994 Yokohama Strategy, the Algeria quake is all toosimilar to what already happened in Turkey and similar to otherdeveloping countries. Sub-standard construction methods –especially evident in public housing – is being pointed at as themain cause of the surge in urban vulnerability that led to themassive toll in both catastrophes.

The problem of urbanvulnerability to naturalhazards has been raisedmore and more often inthe past years. Within thefollow-up to the WorldSummit on SustainableDevelopment, UN-HABITAT, UNU,ICLEI and UNESCO(among others) areworking on specificinitiatives to publicise theneed to take serious actionnow to reduce urban risk.In the same vein, theISDR Secretariat and itspartners across the regionare consolidating a Euro-

Mediterranean network of national platforms and focal points fordisaster reduction with higher visibility in the European context.This should lead to greater recognition of the importance ofvulnerability assessment and risk prevention in all relevant areas,from land use planning to civil protection, and hopefullycontribute to eliciting political commitment by public authorities.

Furthermore, the ISDR Secretariat jointly with UNDP andUNESCO are currently discussing possible support to disasterreduction policies and measures with Algerian institutions.

FFFFFor further information on the Euroor further information on the Euroor further information on the Euroor further information on the Euroor further information on the Euro-Mediterranean-Mediterranean-Mediterranean-Mediterranean-Mediterraneannetwork of national platforms, please contact Fnetwork of national platforms, please contact Fnetwork of national platforms, please contact Fnetwork of national platforms, please contact Fnetwork of national platforms, please contact FrancescorancescorancescorancescorancescoPPPPPisano, UN/ISDRisano, UN/ISDRisano, UN/ISDRisano, UN/ISDRisano, UN/ISDR , [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Asian and the PAsian and the PAsian and the PAsian and the PAsian and the Pacificacificacificacificacificupdateupdateupdateupdateupdate

South PSouth PSouth PSouth PSouth Pacific contribution toacific contribution toacific contribution toacific contribution toacific contribution tothe Ythe Ythe Ythe Ythe Yokokokokokohama reviewohama reviewohama reviewohama reviewohama review

Approximately 90 participants representing 20countries attended the recent 11th PacificDisaster Managers Meeting and Communitiesat Risk Conference held in Sigatoka, Fiji.Prime Minister The Hon. Laisenia Qaraseofficially opened the Conference, emphasizingthe vital role risk management plays in goodgovernance in the region. UN/ISDR DirectorSálvano Briceño presented the keynote addressat the Conference providing an internationalperspective on the need for a global agenda toaddress the many complex issues related todisaster reduction, in particular in the context ofachieving sustainable development goals. Theevent represents the Pacific region’s contributionin the lead up to the 2nd World Conference onDisaster Reduction, to be held in Kobe, Japanin January 2005. The main recommendationsfrom this meeting included: the development ofa community risk management policy for theregion; the development of a national disastermanagement planning and legislationframework; continued support forimprovements to response communication andcoordination; and continued high leveladvocacy to support the implementation ofComprehensive Hazard And RiskManagement (CHARM).

FFFFFor information on the ror information on the ror information on the ror information on the ror information on the results of theesults of theesults of theesults of theesults of theCommunities at Risk Conference, pleaseCommunities at Risk Conference, pleaseCommunities at Risk Conference, pleaseCommunities at Risk Conference, pleaseCommunities at Risk Conference, pleaserefer to www.sopac.orgrefer to www.sopac.orgrefer to www.sopac.orgrefer to www.sopac.orgrefer to www.sopac.org

Community Risk PCommunity Risk PCommunity Risk PCommunity Risk PCommunity Risk Programme appoint-rogramme appoint-rogramme appoint-rogramme appoint-rogramme appoint-ment at SOPment at SOPment at SOPment at SOPment at SOPAAAAACCCCC

SOPAC has announced the appointment ofMr. Alan Mearns as Manager of theirCommunity Risk Programme for the nextthree years. Mr. Mearns was previously theProject Manager for the SOPAC DisasterManagement Project, which commenced inJuly 2000 and has actively promoted the use ofrisk management as a tool for reducing

22 December 1999: 28 dead and175 injured in north-west

18 August 1994: 172 dead and288 injured in western region ofMascara

29 October 1989: 30 dead and400 injured in Tipaza region

10 October 1980: About 3,000dead and 8,000 injured and in al-Asnam

9 and 16 September 1954: 1,400dead and 14,000 injured

9


community vulnerability within the Pacificregion. In his new role Mr. Mearns will lead asmall team of professional staff including adedicated Risk Analyst, with the goal of thenew programme being to improve hazardassessment and risk management practices tobuild safer communities. Mr. Mearns will alsocontinue to represent SOPAC as a member ofthe Inter-Agency Task Force on DisasterReduction. We wish him all the best as hecommences his new duties.

SOPAC is the leading ISDR partner in theSouth Pacific region, through which UN/ISDRhas been maintaining contact with PacificIslands’ National Disaster Management Offices.In collaboration with SOPAC, the ISDRSecretariat is working on developing a regionaloutreach programme that should include adedicated ISDR presence in the region.

Other activitiesOther activitiesOther activitiesOther activitiesOther activitiesin disaster reductionin disaster reductionin disaster reductionin disaster reductionin disaster reduction

Nominations for 2003 UN SasakawaNominations for 2003 UN SasakawaNominations for 2003 UN SasakawaNominations for 2003 UN SasakawaNominations for 2003 UN SasakawaAAAAAward for Disaster Rward for Disaster Rward for Disaster Rward for Disaster Rward for Disaster Reductioneductioneductioneductioneduction

A reminder thatnominations for the2003 UN SasakawaAward for DisasterReduction must bereceived by the ISDRSecretariat by 15August 2003. Kindlynote that nominations

forms must be duly completed andaccompanied by the relevant supportingdocumentation in order to be considered. Joinus in recognising the efforts of disasterreduction practitioners around the worldwide!

To download a copy of the 2003 UN SasakawaAward for Disaster Reduction nominationform, please refer to www.unisdr.org orwww.eird.org or contact Christel Rose, UN/ISDR, [email protected]

Appointment of new WMO SecretarAppointment of new WMO SecretarAppointment of new WMO SecretarAppointment of new WMO SecretarAppointment of new WMO Secretary-y-y-y-y-GeneralGeneralGeneralGeneralGeneral

During the 14th World MeteorologicalCongress it was announced that Mr.Michel Jarraud was appointed asSecretary-General of the WorldMeteorological Organisation (WMO)for a four-year mandate commencing 1January 2004. In his statement ofacceptance, Mr. Jarraud affirmed his

commitment to addressing challenges for the future includingdisaster prevention and mitigation, climate change and itsimpacts, sustainable development and enhanced cohesionamong international programmes and organizations, amongothers. Mr. Jarraud succeeds Prof. G.O.P Obasi as the topofficial of WMO. We warmly congratulate Mr. Jarraud on hisappointment and look forward to continue working closely withhim in both his capacities as an active member of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction, as well as WMOSecretary-General on future disaster reduction initiatives.

44444ththththth International Conference on Seismology and International Conference on Seismology and International Conference on Seismology and International Conference on Seismology and International Conference on Seismology andEarthquake Engineering (SEE-4)Earthquake Engineering (SEE-4)Earthquake Engineering (SEE-4)Earthquake Engineering (SEE-4)Earthquake Engineering (SEE-4)

On 12-14 May the International Institute of EarthquakeEngineering and Seismology (IIEES) held a conference onrisk reduction in relation to seismology and earthquakes inTehran, Iran. Numerous parallel sessions enabled acomprehensive coverage of issues, such as earthquake awarenessand preparedness, vulnerability analysis, and seismicity studies.The panel discussion ‘Seismic strengthening of structure andlifelines’ in particular provoked fruitful discussions amongconference participants, with panelists sharing experiences inand views on seismic rehabilitation of structures and lifelines,seismic strengthening and the role of public, private andscientific sectors.

FFFFFor further information on SEE-4, please refer to theor further information on SEE-4, please refer to theor further information on SEE-4, please refer to theor further information on SEE-4, please refer to theor further information on SEE-4, please refer to theIIEES website, wwwIIEES website, wwwIIEES website, wwwIIEES website, wwwIIEES website, www.iiees.ac.ir.iiees.ac.ir.iiees.ac.ir.iiees.ac.ir.iiees.ac.ir

InterInterInterInterInter-----Agency TAgency TAgency TAgency TAgency Task Fask Fask Fask Fask Force on Disasterorce on Disasterorce on Disasterorce on Disasterorce on DisasterReduction 7Reduction 7Reduction 7Reduction 7Reduction 7ththththth meeting meeting meeting meeting meeting

As one of the two principal mechanisms of the ISDR, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction (IATF/DR) isincreasingly recognized as providing much added-value andincreasingly tangible results, in particular as a productiveplatform for coordination and policy advice and synergies. On

10


10-11 April IATF/DR met for theseventh time to review and discuss theprogress of its four working groups(on climate and disasters, earlywarning, risk, vulnerability and impactassessment and wildland fires) and ad-hoc discussion group on drought. Themeeting proved most fruitful, withsignificant outputs of the groups beingpresented. Among these were thecontinuing support to the InternationalCentre on the El Niño Phenomenon(CIIFEN) and the provision ofregular El Niño Outlooks; the furtheradvancement of a global inventory ofearly warning systems as well as activepreparations for the 2nd InternationalConference on Early Warning(EWCII); the ongoing review ofexisting disaster databases and efforts toconsolidate and standardise disasterdata and information, includingvulnerability indexing; the formulationof a global fire network built onregional and sub-regional contacts inaddition to the preparations for theInternational Wildland Fire Summit tobe held in September in Sydney,Australia; and the production of acomprehensive report on drought,including recommendations and stepsto take towards the development of aglobal drought risk reduction network(see Resources Update for a review of thereport).

IATF/DR members affirmed theircommitment to the development of aprogramme of work for the biennium2004-2005 based on a review ofachievements to date and reassessmentof its goals, including urban riskissues. IATF/DR members alsorecognised and appreciated the work ofthe ISDR Secretariat, who is receivingever-increasing demands andexpectations from the internationalcommunity in addition to requestsfrom the UN General Assembly.

FFFFFor further information on theor further information on theor further information on theor further information on theor further information on therrrrresults of the IAesults of the IAesults of the IAesults of the IAesults of the IATF/DR meeting,TF/DR meeting,TF/DR meeting,TF/DR meeting,TF/DR meeting,please contact Helena Molin Vplease contact Helena Molin Vplease contact Helena Molin Vplease contact Helena Molin Vplease contact Helena Molin Valdes,aldes,aldes,aldes,aldes,UN/ISDRUN/ISDRUN/ISDRUN/ISDRUN/ISDR , , , , , [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

Climate change adaptationClimate change adaptationClimate change adaptationClimate change adaptationClimate change adaptationand disaster reductionand disaster reductionand disaster reductionand disaster reductionand disaster reduction

Dealing with our changing climate constitutes an exceptionally complexchallenge for humanity at large, and countries that are vulnerable to currentclimate-related events will probably see their vulnerability exacerbated in thefuture. Poorer countries are often less able to cope due to related socio-economic factors that in turn increase their vulnerability, and it is clear that forprogress on adaptation to climate change to take place, integration of riskreduction strategies into other sectoral policy initiatives in sustainabledevelopment planning is required.

In an attempt to strengthen its capacity and support the continuation ofvarious existing disparate and ad-hoc events, meetings and dialogues linkingdisaster reduction and climate change, the ISDR Secretariat in closecollaboration with the Netherlands Red Cross Climate Change and DisasterPreparedness Centre, involving other stakeholders, has taken the initiative tomove the process forward by involving an expanding array of partners alreadyaddressing the issue.

Recent activities include ISDR representation at the Intergovernmental Panelon Climate Change (IPCC) Expert Consultative meeting convened inColombo on 5-7 March, whereby experts from a broad range of disciplinesassociated with the IPCC provided specific guidance in identifying thelinkages between adaptation and mitigation as well as sustainabledevelopment. UN/ISDR is also facilitating the participation of disaster riskmanagement experts in four regional training workshops organized by theLeast Developed Countries (LDCs) Expert Group to develop countries’capacities to prepare and plan for the implementation of National AdaptationPlans of Action.

FFFFFor further information please contact John Haror further information please contact John Haror further information please contact John Haror further information please contact John Haror further information please contact John Harding, UN/ISDRding, UN/ISDRding, UN/ISDRding, UN/ISDRding, UN/ISDR,,,,,[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

Preparations are currently underway for activities in line with the 2003World Disaster Reduction Campaign theme ‘Living with Risk – Turningthe tide on disasters towards sustainable development’. You are invited toshare with the international disaster reduction community your plans forparticipation in the Campaign focused on water-related disasters, bycontributing to the Campaign’s information kit and/or organizing relatedevents highlighting the subject such as round-tables, festivals, communitycontests and others to raise awareness on disaster reduction.

The Campaign announcement (in English, FThe Campaign announcement (in English, FThe Campaign announcement (in English, FThe Campaign announcement (in English, FThe Campaign announcement (in English, Frrrrrench and Spanish) isench and Spanish) isench and Spanish) isench and Spanish) isench and Spanish) isavailable on-line at wwwavailable on-line at wwwavailable on-line at wwwavailable on-line at wwwavailable on-line at www.unisdr.unisdr.unisdr.unisdr.unisdr.or.or.or.or.org or to rg or to rg or to rg or to rg or to receive a hareceive a hareceive a hareceive a hareceive a hard copy,d copy,d copy,d copy,d copy,please contact Nicole Rplease contact Nicole Rplease contact Nicole Rplease contact Nicole Rplease contact Nicole Rencorencorencorencorencoret, UN/ISDRet, UN/ISDRet, UN/ISDRet, UN/ISDRet, UN/ISDR , on r, on r, on r, on r, on [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

11


ResourcesThe following publications are available for consultation only in the UN/ISDR Library. Please contact Ms. Marie Lou Darricau,

[email protected] for more information on the UN/ISDR Library and its resources.To order publications, please contact the publisher/sources indicated.Hard copies of all documents for inclusion in the UN/ISDR Library should be forwarded to UN/ISDR, Palais des Nations, CH1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland.

update

AAAAAd-hoc discussion group ond-hoc discussion group ond-hoc discussion group ond-hoc discussion group ond-hoc discussion group ondrought, 2003. drought, 2003. drought, 2003. drought, 2003. drought, 2003. DroughtDroughtDroughtDroughtDrought. UN/. UN/. UN/. UN/. UN/ISDR, Geneva, English, 41 pages.ISDR, Geneva, English, 41 pages.ISDR, Geneva, English, 41 pages.ISDR, Geneva, English, 41 pages.ISDR, Geneva, English, 41 pages.A comprehensive report resulting fromthe Inter-Agency Task Force on DisasterReduction’s ad-hoc discussion group ondrought. Included in the report is anextensive list of websites and contactsrelated to drought.TTTTTo ro ro ro ro receive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,please contact UN/ISDR,please contact UN/ISDR,please contact UN/ISDR,please contact UN/ISDR,please contact UN/ISDR,[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

Andersen, TAndersen, TAndersen, TAndersen, TAndersen, T.J.. 2002. .J.. 2002. .J.. 2002. .J.. 2002. .J.. 2002. InnovativeInnovativeInnovativeInnovativeInnovativeFFFFFinancial Instruments for Naturalinancial Instruments for Naturalinancial Instruments for Naturalinancial Instruments for Naturalinancial Instruments for NaturalDisaster Risk ManagementDisaster Risk ManagementDisaster Risk ManagementDisaster Risk ManagementDisaster Risk Management. Inter-. Inter-. Inter-. Inter-. Inter-American Bank, TAmerican Bank, TAmerican Bank, TAmerican Bank, TAmerican Bank, Technical Pechnical Pechnical Pechnical Pechnical PapersapersapersapersapersSeries, English, 36 pages.Series, English, 36 pages.Series, English, 36 pages.Series, English, 36 pages.Series, English, 36 pages.Assessing the potential for catastropherisk transfer, this publication analysesboth conventional and contemporaryfinancial instruments for risk transfer, forexample through reinsurance contracts orrisk-linked securities.TTTTTo ro ro ro ro receive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,eceive a copy of this publication,please contact [email protected] contact [email protected] contact [email protected] contact [email protected] contact [email protected]

Bhatti, A. and MalalgodaBhatti, A. and MalalgodaBhatti, A. and MalalgodaBhatti, A. and MalalgodaBhatti, A. and MalalgodaAriyabandu, M. 2002. Ariyabandu, M. 2002. Ariyabandu, M. 2002. Ariyabandu, M. 2002. Ariyabandu, M. 2002. DisasterDisasterDisasterDisasterDisasterCommunication: A Resource Kit forCommunication: A Resource Kit forCommunication: A Resource Kit forCommunication: A Resource Kit forCommunication: A Resource Kit forthe Mediathe Mediathe Mediathe Mediathe Media. A Duryog Nivaran. A Duryog Nivaran. A Duryog Nivaran. A Duryog Nivaran. A Duryog NivaranPPPPPublication, ITDG South Asia,ublication, ITDG South Asia,ublication, ITDG South Asia,ublication, ITDG South Asia,ublication, ITDG South Asia,Colombo and the JournalistsColombo and the JournalistsColombo and the JournalistsColombo and the JournalistsColombo and the JournalistsResource Centre, Islamabad,Resource Centre, Islamabad,Resource Centre, Islamabad,Resource Centre, Islamabad,Resource Centre, Islamabad,English, 260 pages.English, 260 pages.English, 260 pages.English, 260 pages.English, 260 pages.The media has an important role to playin protecting people from disasters, byeducating the public about risks andhazards, transmitting forecasts andwarnings as well as challenging policymakers and disaster managers to improvetheir performance. This publication aimsto improve the South Asian’s media’scoverage of disasters, by providing themedia with a clear understanding ofdisasters and their causes and bypromoting a more progressive approachto gathering and presenting news thatcould stimulate more effective action bypolicy makers and the public.TTTTTo purchase a copy of thiso purchase a copy of thiso purchase a copy of thiso purchase a copy of thiso purchase a copy of thispublication, please contact ITDGpublication, please contact ITDGpublication, please contact ITDGpublication, please contact ITDGpublication, please contact ITDGSouth Asia, [email protected] Asia, [email protected] Asia, [email protected] Asia, [email protected] Asia, [email protected]

Dialogue on WDialogue on WDialogue on WDialogue on WDialogue on Water and Climateater and Climateater and Climateater and Climateater and Climate(DWC). 2003. (DWC). 2003. (DWC). 2003. (DWC). 2003. (DWC). 2003. Climate changes theClimate changes theClimate changes theClimate changes theClimate changes thewater rules: How water managers canwater rules: How water managers canwater rules: How water managers canwater rules: How water managers canwater rules: How water managers cancope with today’s climate variabilitycope with today’s climate variabilitycope with today’s climate variabilitycope with today’s climate variabilitycope with today’s climate variabilityand tomorrow’s climate changeand tomorrow’s climate changeand tomorrow’s climate changeand tomorrow’s climate changeand tomorrow’s climate change.....English, 106 pages.English, 106 pages.English, 106 pages.English, 106 pages.English, 106 pages.This report draws on experiences of copingwith climatic phenomena in the watersector, and is accompanied by a bookletspecifically targeted at water policymakersas well as a CD-ROM comprising a waterand climate biography.FFFFFor moror moror moror moror more information about thise information about thise information about thise information about thise information about thispublication, please refer topublication, please refer topublication, please refer topublication, please refer topublication, please refer towww.waterandclimate.orgwww.waterandclimate.orgwww.waterandclimate.orgwww.waterandclimate.orgwww.waterandclimate.org

Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ),Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ),Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ),Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ),Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ),2003. 2003. 2003. 2003. 2003. Interactive Geological HazardInteractive Geological HazardInteractive Geological HazardInteractive Geological HazardInteractive Geological HazardMap of East and Southeast Asia withMap of East and Southeast Asia withMap of East and Southeast Asia withMap of East and Southeast Asia withMap of East and Southeast Asia withGeoHazarGeoHazarGeoHazarGeoHazarGeoHazard Vd Vd Vd Vd Viewiewiewiewiew. V. V. V. V. Version 1, English,ersion 1, English,ersion 1, English,ersion 1, English,ersion 1, English,CD-ROM.CD-ROM.CD-ROM.CD-ROM.CD-ROM.This CD-ROM contains the interactiveversion of the Eastern Asia GeologicalHazards Map which was first published in2002. The programme is also used in themanagement and update of geologicalhazard information databases in the region,allowing for user-friendly access andmanipulation as required.TTTTTo oro oro oro oro order a copy of the CD-ROM,der a copy of the CD-ROM,der a copy of the CD-ROM,der a copy of the CD-ROM,der a copy of the CD-ROM,please contact Hirokazu Kato,please contact Hirokazu Kato,please contact Hirokazu Kato,please contact Hirokazu Kato,please contact Hirokazu Kato,[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

Munich Reinsurance Group. 2003.Munich Reinsurance Group. 2003.Munich Reinsurance Group. 2003.Munich Reinsurance Group. 2003.Munich Reinsurance Group. 2003.TTTTTopics Annual Ropics Annual Ropics Annual Ropics Annual Ropics Annual Review: Naturaleview: Naturaleview: Naturaleview: Naturaleview: NaturalCatastrophes 2002.Catastrophes 2002.Catastrophes 2002.Catastrophes 2002.Catastrophes 2002. English, 48 English, 48 English, 48 English, 48 English, 48pages.pages.pages.pages.pages.The annual comprehensive reportreviewing natural catastrophes of theprevious year, including a discussion on riskmanagement for natural hazards.

id21 at the Institute of Development Studies Societyid21 at the Institute of Development Studies Societyid21 at the Institute of Development Studies Societyid21 at the Institute of Development Studies Societyid21 at the Institute of Development Studies Societyand Economy website wwwand Economy website wwwand Economy website wwwand Economy website wwwand Economy website www.id21.org.id21.org.id21.org.id21.org.id21.orgA valuable resource comprising databases of contacts, publicationsand initiatives related to development.

VVVVVarious authors. 2003. arious authors. 2003. arious authors. 2003. arious authors. 2003. arious authors. 2003. PPPPPoverty and Climate Change:overty and Climate Change:overty and Climate Change:overty and Climate Change:overty and Climate Change:RRRRReducing the Veducing the Veducing the Veducing the Veducing the Vulnerability of the Pulnerability of the Pulnerability of the Pulnerability of the Pulnerability of the Poor through Adaptationoor through Adaptationoor through Adaptationoor through Adaptationoor through Adaptation.....English, 43 pages.English, 43 pages.English, 43 pages.English, 43 pages.English, 43 pages.The object of this document is to contribute to a global dialogue onhow to mainstream and integrate adaptation to climate change intopoverty reduction efforts. Authors include development banks (Africaand Asia), international organizations (OECD, UNDP, UNEP,World Bank) and governments (UK, EC, Germany, Netherlands).

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DateDateDateDateDate

3-5 June5 June5 June

11-13 June

17 June22-25 June23-24 June

24 June-4 July

25 June2-8 July13-16 July

13-18 July16-18 July

21-26 July

23-25 July

EventEventEventEventEvent

Hemispheric Consultation on Early WarningWorld Environment Day‘Living with risk in a changing climate’ Side event atthe eighteenth session of the Subsidiary Bodies of theUN Framework Convention on Climate ChangeConference of the European TelecommunicationsRecovery and Resilience AssociationWorld Day to Combat Desertification and Drought13th World Conference on Disaster ManagementAfrican Regional Consultation in preparation for the2nd International Early Warning Conference22nd Session of the Assembly of the IntergovernmentalOceanographic Commission (IOC)Regional consultation on disaster risk managementEuropean Regional Consultation on Early WarningThird International Conference on ContinentalEarthquakes (III ICCE)Cities on VolcanoesInternational Conference on the Impact of GlobalEnvironmental Problems on Continental and CoastalMarine WatersApplication of Remote Sensing, GeographicInformation System and Hydrodynamic Modelling forFlood ManagementEmergency Situations: Prevention and Elimination

FFFFFor For For For For Further Informationurther Informationurther Informationurther Informationurther Information

www.eird.orgwww.unep.org/[email protected]

www.etr2a.org

www.unccd.int/publicinfo/june17/menu.phpwww.wcdm.orgwww.unisdrafrica.org

http://ioc.unesco.org/iocweb/

[email protected]@un.orgwww.icce.ac.cn

http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~cov3/www.unige.ch/sciences/near

[email protected]

http://niipb.by.ru/news_e.htm

Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming Events

TTTTTajikistan: ajikistan: ajikistan: ajikistan: ajikistan: Floods - Jun 2003

India:India:India:India:India: Heat Wave - Jun 2003 ET-2003-0250-IND

Philippines: Philippines: Philippines: Philippines: Philippines: Tropical Storm Linfa - May 2003 ST-2003-0258-PHL

Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan: Earthquake - May 2003

Algeria:Algeria:Algeria:Algeria:Algeria: Earthquake - May 2003 EQ-2003-0245-DZA

China: China: China: China: China: Floods - May 2003 FL-2003-0227-CHN

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka: Floods - May 2003 FL-2003-0229-LKA

Namibia:Namibia:Namibia:Namibia:Namibia: Floods - May 2003 FL-2003-0220-NAM

Madagascar: Madagascar: Madagascar: Madagascar: Madagascar: Tropical Cyclone Manou - May 2003 ST-2003-0218-MDG

Horn of AHorn of AHorn of AHorn of AHorn of Africa: frica: frica: frica: frica: Floods - May 2003 FL-2003-0204-KEN

VVVVVenueenueenueenueenue

Antigua, GuatemalaWorldwideBonn, Germany

Newcastle, UK

WorldwideToronto, CanadaNairobi, Africa

Paris, France

Nairobi, KenyaPotsdam, GermanyBeijing, China

Hilo, HawaiiGeneva, Switzerland

Hanoi, Vietnam

Minsk, Belarus

NaNaNaNaNaturturturturtural Disal Disal Disal Disal Disasters Rasters Rasters Rasters Rasters ReviewevieweviewevieweviewFor detailed up-to-date information on recent natural disasters, please refer to www.reliefweb.intThe number appearing alongside each disaster refers to the GLobal IDEntifier Number (GLIDE), used by disasterdatabases worldwide. For more information about GLIDE, see www.cred.be or www.reliefweb.int/help/glide.html

Please email news (providing dates, venues, organizer contact information) concerning upcoming events to beincluded in future issues of ISDR Highlights to [email protected]

Bangladesh: Bangladesh: Bangladesh: Bangladesh: Bangladesh: Tropical Storm - May 2003 ST-2003-0211-BGD

Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan: Floods/Landslides - May 2003 FL-2003-0212-AZE

PPPPPapua New Guinea:apua New Guinea:apua New Guinea:apua New Guinea:apua New Guinea: Landslide - May 2003 SL-2003-0208-PNG

TTTTTurkurkurkurkurkey: ey: ey: ey: ey: Earthquake - May 2003 EQ-2003-0197-TUR

Argentina: Argentina: Argentina: Argentina: Argentina: Floods - Apr 2003 FL-2003-0196-ARG

Guatemala:Guatemala:Guatemala:Guatemala:Guatemala: Landslide - Apr 2003 SL-2003-0191-GTM

India:India:India:India:India: Cyclonic Storm - Apr 2003 ST-2003-0182-IND

KKKKKyrgyzstan: yrgyzstan: yrgyzstan: yrgyzstan: yrgyzstan: Landslide - Apr 2003 SL-2003-0177-KGZ

Indonesia: Indonesia: Indonesia: Indonesia: Indonesia: Landslides - Apr 2003 SL-2003-0155-IDN

Bolivia: Bolivia: Bolivia: Bolivia: Bolivia: Landslide - Apr 2003 SL-2003-0153-BOL

Documents

sue III, 2003 - United Nations International Strategy for ... · PDF fileIssue III, 2003 News from the Inter ... as landslides soil erosion, ... This reactive approach to disaster