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A challenge in implementing Disaster Risk Management in any region of the world is access to resources. In this respect, Pacific island governments have only limited means to execute initiatives related to natural disasters. Consequently, such initiatives must compete for funds with initiatives from other sectors such as health, education and defence. The “Pacific Regional Disaster Risk Management Meeting for Pacific CEOs of Finance/Planning and Disaster Management” which started yesterday will help respective CEOs develop greater understanding of the global and regional commitments towards Disaster Risk Management. Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) says the meeting will highlight the linkages between disasters and development to demonstrate the importance of mainstreaming DRM into planning and budgeting. This meeting, the first of its kind will provide Pacific CEOs with the opportunity to discuss the challenges related to the mainstreaming of disaster risk management into Pacific government planning and budgetary systems. Being prepared and preventing some of the effects of disasters is everyone’s role. Although the cyclones or earthquakes are unavoidable, there is a lot that can be done by governments and its people. Natural calamities have had the potential to hammer development programmes in a country and add to economic costs. The meeting’s aim is to boost the involvement and participation of key chief executives of Pacific governments in DRM and so getting their support is crucial. Beyond them there is a need to engage with and obtain the support of leaders at different levels within each country. Pacific island leaders recognise the importance of planning for and dealing with natural disasters. They have developed the Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action 2005 – 2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters (Regional Framework) which outlines the major policy imperatives needed in the region to support the management of disaster. It sets out priorities for disaster risk reduction and calls upon the region to take practical steps to make communities safer. These include strengthening flood prevention measures and early warning systems, and applying relevant building standards to protect critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and homes. We must also protect precious ecosystems like coral reefs and mangrove forests that act as natural storm barriers. The framework was approved by Pacific Forum Islands Leaders in 2005. The Pacific Plan, which is the overarching strategic development policy document for the Pacific region, also emphasizes the need for improved disaster risk management practices and policies to enhance sustainable development. Activities that aim to reduce the risks associated with natural disasters, and or address the ability of a society to respond to them is jointly termed ‘disaster risk management’ (DRM). Disaster management activities in the Pacific have always involved preparation for disasters, response such as emergency relief, rescue work, medical assistance and rehabilitation. More recently in the Pacific, there has been increase in ‘disaster risk reduction’ (DRR) activities that attempt to proactively reduce the likelihood that disasters will occur – or at least reduce the scale of their impact. Such activities in the Pacific include vulnerability assessment and the management of unsustainable resource use to head off disaster such as limiting logging to prevent land slides. The theme of the meeting is: “Sustainable Development in Pacific Island Countries: Investing in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) to Protect Our Future”. Natural disasters in the Pacific have reportedly directly affected more than 3.4 million people and led to more than 1 700 reported deaths in the region (outside of PNG) since 1950. The meeting ends at 5pm this afternoon. -End- No:1199 |
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