International Frameworks for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Disasters know no borders. Therefore, the international community has established frameworks to guide countries in reducing disaster risks.

1. IDNDR (1990-1999)

• Full Form: International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.
• Origin: Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1989.
• Objective: To reduce, through concerted international action, the loss of life, property damage, and social and economic disruption caused by natural disasters.
• Legacy: It marked the first global recognition that we need to stop "fighting fires" and start "preventing" them.

2. Yokohama Strategy (1994)

• Conference: World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction, Yokohama, Japan (May 1994).
• Key Principles:
• Disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness are better than disaster response.
• Developing countries need special assistance.
• Community participation is essential.
• Outcome: The "Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World" was adopted, providing the first blueprint for DRR policy.

3. Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) (2005-2015)

• Conference: World Conference on Disaster Reduction, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan (Jan 2005).
• Context: Adopted just weeks after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, highlighting the urgent need for warning systems.
• Goal: To purely reduce disaster losses by 2015 - in lives, and in the social, economic, and environmental assets of communities.

The 5 Priorities for Action (HFA):

1. Governance: Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation.
2. Risk Identification: Identify, assess, and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
3. Knowledge: Use knowledge, innovation, and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels.
4. Risk Factors: Reduce the underlying risk factors (e.g., poor building codes, environmental degradation).
5. Preparedness: Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.