UNDP-BUREAU FOR UNDP-BUREAU FOR CRISIS PREVENTION AND CRISIS PREVENTION AND

RECOVERY (BCPR)RECOVERY (BCPR)Disaster Reduction UnitDisaster Reduction Unit

Disaster Reduction – A Disaster Reduction – A Challenge to Sustainable Challenge to Sustainable

Development in AfricaDevelopment in Africa

THE SETTINGTHE SETTING

75% of the world’s population live in areas affected at least once by earthquake,

tropical cyclone, flood or drought between 1980 and 2000

Billions of people in more than 100 countries are periodically exposed to at

least one disaster event triggered by these hazards

THE SETTINGTHE SETTING

More than 184 deaths per day are recorded in different parts of the world

While only 11% of the people exposed to natural hazards live in countries classified

as exhibiting low human development, they account for more than 53% of total

recorded deaths

THE SETTINGTHE SETTING

UNDP-BCPR recognises that development processes intervene in the

translation of physical exposure into disaster events

Disasters put development at risk but also development choices can generate new

disaster risk

THE AFRICAN CONTEXTTHE AFRICAN CONTEXT

Africa – the only continent where disasters have increased over the last decade

Mortality is decreasing but the number of those affected and economic losses

increasing Hydrological hazards occur most pervasively but epidemics (including

HIV/AIDS) a major cause

THE AFRICAN CONTEXTTHE AFRICAN CONTEXT In 2000-2001, 13% of Africa’s population

(35m) affected by disasters Natural hazards compounded by other elements, such as conflict, while impact of HIV/AIDS compromises food security and

capacity Countries in constant crisis management

Disaster risks – a major threat to development in Africa

ULTIMATE GOALULTIMATE GOAL

Seamless programming between disaster reduction and the development agenda

EXAMPLES OF COMMON EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONCERNSCONCERNS

Growing vulnerabilities due to demographic and land use changes – urban and rural habitats

Increasing erosion of natural resources- deforestation, draining of wetlands, etc

Absence of or poorly enforced legislation and institutions governing development

EXAMPLES OF COMMON EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONCERNS (2)CONCERNS (2)

Rapid industrialisation without the necessary planning and institutional arrangements

Links between disaster risk, environmental degradation and poverty – the importance of combined approaches through poverty reduction

EXAMPLES OF COMMON EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONCERN (3)CONCERN (3)

Understanding the destructive influence of HIV/AIDS in risk accumulation and disaster vulnerability

Understanding the complexities of the relationship between conflict, natural hazards and human development

DEVELOPMENT NEEDS TO BE REGULATED ACCORDING TO ITS IMPACT ON DISASTER

RISK AND VICE VERSA

IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICAIMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA

Understand the hazard, vulnerability and capacity profile – thorough assessment at all levels

Understand that natural hazards are only one of the potential threats to life and livelihoods

Institutions and structures that relate to the hazard profile and the threat levels

Stress the importance of utilising existing resources and capacities – cost effectiveness

IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA (2)IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA (2)

Integration of disaster risk reduction in development – identification of risk reduction priorities and actions the PRSP, UNDAF and in projects aimed at achieving the MDGs

Additional compensatory risk management – addressing already accumulated risk through preparedness, etc What is the regional role? Co-ordination?

Facilitation? Operations? Information? Or a combination?