The 2009 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction was launched in Bahrain on 17 May. The report provides evidence to demonstrate how, where and why disaster risk is increasing globally. It presents key findings from a global analysis of disaster risk patterns and trends, including where high mortality and economic loss is concentrated.
The report analyses the underlying factors that increase risk levels and reviews the progress of individual countries in achieving the Hyogo Framework for Action, the international framework for reducing disaster risk adopted by 168 governments in 2005.
It says that last year alone, some 200 million people were affected by natural disasters.
The best and easiest way to mitigate the affects of natural hazards is to build early warning systems, it says. Local knowledge and education are also key factors in reducing vulnerability.
Governments adopted the Hyogo Framework at the UN's 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction, the second in the series. The first was held in Yokohama in 1994.
The main outcome of the 2005 conference, the Hyogo Declaration and Hyogo Framework for Action, represent a strong commitment from the international community to address disaster reduction and engage in 'determined, results-based' action for the decade 2005-2015.
Now, using documented best practices from around the world, the 2009 Report shows that it is possible to address the underlying factors that are increasing disaster risk and worsening poverty. It calls for a renewed national and international commitment to reducing disaster risk.
The report is a collaborative biennial effort undertaken by UN agencies and partners, member states, the World Bank, regional inter-governmental and technical institutions, civil society networks and academic institutions.
Source: www.asmmag.com
