scholarly journals Views from the Frontline: A critical assessment of local risk governance in South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doret Botha ◽  
Dewald Van Niekerk
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Global Network ◽  
International Strategy ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Disaster Reduction ◽  
Local Risk

In 2005 the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction introduced the ‘Hyogo Framework for Action’ (HFA) aimed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction. Subsequently, the ‘Global Network for Disaster Reduction’ (GNDR) was formed to support the implementation of the HFA. The GNDR initiated a country-based, international research project called ‘Views from the Frontline’ (VFL) in order to measure progress at local level in terms of compliance with the HFA. The VFL 2011 project focused on local risk governance, which is critical for effective implementation of policy and provision of resources at grassroots level. This article provides insight into the findings for South Africa. The project made use of quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data was gathered by means of a survey and/or questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on ‘indicators’ which assessed progress toward the goals of the HFA. The surveys also provided for qualitative commentary. The target population for this research consisted of local government officials and community representatives. Based on the quantitative scores for all the different indicators, the research showed that South Africa could still improve significantly in terms of compliance with the HFA. More attention must be given to operationalise the HFA at local level, a culture of safety must be fostered, local actors and communities must be involved directly and consulted, indigenous knowledge must be recognised, and significant capacity development for disaster risk reduction is necessary.

Natural Hazards Governance in Cuba

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique A. Castellanos Abella ◽  
Benjamin Wisner
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Natural Hazard ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Disaster Reduction ◽  
Local Risk

Natural hazard governance in Cuba elicits widely differing commentaries. While some experts praise it as an extension of state commitment to social welfare, others debate the ethics, necessity, and utility of forced evacuation. However, many disaster experts are unaware of the long-term development of disaster reduction in the country—how Cuban risk governance has evolved in a unique geopolitical and social environment. Mass mobilization to prepare for military invasion and prior response to hurricane disaster provided the foundation for Cuba’s contemporary focus on disaster risk reduction. A pragmatic analysis of the development of natural hazard governance in Cuba and its components reveals key factors for its success in protecting lives. Deployment of local risk management centers, nationwide multi-hazard risk assessment, and early warning systems are recognized as important factors for the effectiveness of disaster reduction in the country. The number of scientific organizations collecting data and carrying out research is also a factor in the reduction of disaster impact and increases the level of resiliency. Over time, an increasing number of organizations and population groups have become involved in risk governance. Risk communication is used as a tool for keeping popular risk perception at an effective level, and for encouraging effective self-protection during hazard events. The continuous development and improvement of a multilateral framework for natural hazards governance is also among the important components of disaster risk reduction in Cuba. However, the economic crisis that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union and the long-lasting U.S. government blockade have been constraints on economic development and disaster risk reduction. These geopolitical and macroeconomic realities must be recognized as the main causes of the large economic losses and slow recovery after a natural hazard impact. Nevertheless, disaster recovery is carried out at the highest level of management with the goal of reducing vulnerability as much as possible to avoid future losses. Despite economic losses due to natural disasters, Cuban governance of natural hazards is evaluated as a success by most organizations and experts worldwide.

scholarly journals From Yokohama, Hyogo, and Sendai to the World: The Global Legacy of Kobe

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s133-s133
Author(s):  
Frank Archer ◽  
Caroline Spencer ◽  
Dudley McArdle
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
International Strategy ◽  
World Conference ◽  
Disaster Reduction ◽  
Sendai Framework ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Third World

Introduction:The Hyogo and Sendai Frameworks for Disaster Reduction are well known and have been influential globally. However, less is known of their broader contexts.Aim:A recent opportunity to visit Kobe, Japan, provided an opportunity to experience the rich, and largely unknown tapestry behind the scenes of the Hyogo and Sendai Frameworks. This paper aims to illuminate the journey of the Kobe Legacy and its global influence.Methods:An experiential visit to Kobe and exploring its rich resources relating to disaster risk reduction.Results:The First World Conference on Natural Disasters, was held in Yokohama, Japan, in 1994. Almost immediately, Kobe experienced the Great Hanshin Earthquake, January 17, 1995, resulting in 6,434 dead, 43,792 injured, and 249,180 homes damaged. The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (2000 – 2005) culminated in the Second World Conference on Disaster Reduction, Kobe, 2005 and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 – 2015. The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, with 18,453 dead or missing, 6157 injured, 1.1M homes damaged, with a tsunami and nuclear accidents. The Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction followed in Sendai in 2015 with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030 agreed on. Subsequently, the Sendai Framework has further evolved. However, behind the scenes, Kobe has developed a rich tapestry of insightful and valuable resources which will be outlined in this presentation.Discussion:In the words of the Mayor of Kobe, Mr. Tatsuo Yada in 2010, “I would like to reaffirm my determination to never allow our experiences of the disaster to fade away. It is our responsibility to make the utmost effort for disaster prevention and mitigation and keep passing on our experiences and the lessons learned to future generations”. This is the real legacy of Kobe.

Strengthening National Platforms for Effective Use of Science and Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1199-1206
Author(s):  
Satoru Nishikawa ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
International Strategy ◽  
Disaster Reduction ◽  
United Nations General ◽  
Primary Responsibility ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
National Disaster

The Guiding Principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 state that “(a) Each State has the primary responsibility to prevent and reduce disaster risk, including through international, regional, subregional, transboundary and bilateral cooperation,” and “(b) Disaster risk reduction requires that responsibilities be shared by central Governments and relevant national authorities, sectors and stakeholders, as appropriate to their national circumstances and systems of governance.” The need for a multi-sectoral national mechanism for disaster reduction was recognized during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) 1990–2000, and the responsibility was inherited to the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 56/195, which was adopted in December 2001, called upon Governments to establish national platforms or focal points for disaster reduction. At the Global Forum on Science and Technology for Disaster Resilience, held in Tokyo in November 2017, a plenary session focusing on National Platforms was organized and ways for the effective integration of the knowledge and expertise available within the national science and technology community in the national disaster risk reduction activities were discussed. This paper examines how the idea of national platform for disaster reduction evolved since the beginning of IDNDR. This paper further reviews and illustrates the previous discussions on National Platforms from 2005 to 2015 as well as existing guidelines on National Platforms. Based on the discussions carried out during the Forum, five recommendations adopted by the Forum are introduced.

Disaster risk reduction initiatives in South Africa

2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaco Vermaak ◽  
Dewald van Niekerk
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk

scholarly journals Towards improved public awareness for climate related disaster risk reduction in South Africa: A Participatory Development Communication perspective

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tigere Chagutah
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Participatory Development ◽  
Development Communication ◽  
Communication Campaigns

Southern Africa has frequently been struck by damaging climate hazards which increasingly continue to threaten sustainable development efforts. Ominously, climate models predict that the incidence of major ‘wet’ events, such as floods and cyclones will increase in frequency against the background of a changing climate. Unfortunately, local mechanisms for communicating and raising public awareness of the consequent risks and appropriate risk reduction options remain weak. At the core of policy responses to the threat posed by climate related hazards, the South African government has adopted a disaster risk reduction approach to disaster management. This article details how, among many other measures to limit the adverse impacts of natural hazards, South Africa’s National Disaster Management Framework calls for the implementation of effective public awareness activities to increase the knowledge among communities of the risks they face and what risk-minimising actions they can take. Emphasis is laid on the importance of information provision and knowledge building among at-risk communities. Citing established theories and strategies, the author proposes a participatory development communication approach through Development Support Communication strategies for the provision of disaster risk reduction public awareness activities by government and other disaster risk reduction role-players in South Africa. By way of a review of completed studies and literature, the article provides guidance on the planning and execution of successful public communication campaigns and also discusses the constraints of communication campaigns as an intervention for comprehensive disaster risk reduction.

scholarly journals Social Work and Community Based Disaster Risk Management in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-132
Author(s):  
Sajjad Hussain ◽  
Saira Miraj ◽  
Rani Saddique
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Civil Unrest ◽  
The Government ◽  
Negative Impacts

Pakistan is exposed to various natural calamities due to its geophysical condition and climatic changes. In addition, man-made disasters also pose a threat to human lives and properties which includes industrial and transport disasters including oil spills, civil unrest, wars and conflicts. Although it is not possible to stop or prevent natural disasters, but the negative impacts of natural disasters can be minimized through human efforts. The government of Pakistan has adopted participatory approach as part of its policy for disaster management. This research paper is based on the analysis of secondary data for reviewing the existing policies with emphasis on disaster risk reduction in pre and post disaster period. The paper concludes that participation of target community is indispensable for disaster risk reduction on sustainable basis. The article suggests that community should be meaningfully involved in disaster risk reduction efforts at the local level. In this connection the role of social workers is indispensable for disaster risk reduction on sustainable basis.

A neglected issue: informal settlements, urban development, and disaster risk reduction in Latin America and the Caribbean

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 731-745
Author(s):  
Vicente Sandoval ◽  
Juan Pablo Sarmiento
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Disaster Resilience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
New Urban Agenda

PurposeThis paper introduces the state of informal settlements in Latin America and the Caribbean, and it explores potential relationships between informal settlements and national policies on urban development and disaster risk reduction, especially on how risk governance and disaster resilience are conceived and practiced by governments.Design/methodology/approach17 Habitat III National Reports issued during the preparatory process toward the New Urban Agenda in 2016 are analyzed using statistics and qualitative methods. Some quantitative variables, such as access to drinking water and sewerage in the region, are combined with qualitative data from references to the Sendai Framework and national urban policies in the mentioned reports. Countries in the study include Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.FindingsResults show that the situation of informal settlements in the region is complex and presents two different realities that coexist: one group of countries in which provision of basic urban services poses great challenges for a significant proportion of the urban population, while the other group in which urban informality and precariousness persists despite better statistics. Risk governance and disaster resilience principles are scarcely articulated in existing urban development discourses in the region.Originality/valueThe preparatory process toward the New Urban Agenda allowed to conduct an original updated cross-country analysis and to identify cross-cutting issues on informality, risk reduction, and urban development in the region.

scholarly journals The role of traditional leadership in disaster management and disaster risk governance: A case of Ugu District Municipality by-laws

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonhlanhla A. Zamisa ◽  
Sybert Mutereko
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Disaster Risk Management ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Traditional Leaders ◽  
Traditional Leadership

Section 151(2) of the Constitution empowers municipalities in South Africa to pass disaster management-related by-laws. Such by-laws should be specific on the role of traditional leaders, owing to their authority and proximity to the people coupled with their constitutional mandate to preserve customs and traditions. However, their role is often not maximised because of vague and inadequate policies. There has been little or no scholarly attention to the role of traditional leadership and the policy and legal framework that guide their participation in disaster risk management. Employing a comprehensive content analysis of Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law, this article assesses the adequacy of these by-laws on disaster risk governance in the context of collaboration disaster risk reduction. While the Ugu District Municipality Disaster Management By-law provides for the participation of traditional leadership, this study reveals that it is fraught with ambiguities and seemingly vague clauses. For instance, although in Article 5.1.1 the word ‘authorities’ is used, it is not clear whether this refers to traditional leadership or other entities at the local level. In addition, the composition of the Disaster Management Advisory Forum in Ugu does not explicitly include AmaKhosi. While these results add to the rapidly expanding field of disaster risk management, they also suggest several courses of action for policymakers at local government. Such actions might include, but not limited to, a review of the by-laws to address the lack of collaborative essence relative to traditional leaders for optimal disaster risk reduction initiatives targeting traditional communities.

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