jointokyo.org - Disaster Risk Management in East Asia and the Pacific - 2011 Series

Introduction Natural disasters are a main source of risk for the poor, and present a serious obstacle to achieving sustainable social and economic development. Disasters affect the poor most severely; measures taken to manage hazards and reduce their impact provide an effective vehicle to make substantial advances in the fight against poverty. Since 1980, the World Bank has allocated more than US$26 billion for projects related to natural disasters. It is a leader in providing reconstruction assistance, and is working actively to integrate risk reduction into its development strategies and projects so that all development activities contribute to reducing hazard impacts in our client countries. Because natural disasters have a disproportionate impact on the poor, disaster mitigation and management programs are an integral part of poverty alleviation strategies. In this regard, the EAP region is working with clients to shift from post-disaster response to risk reduction and mitigation programs in order to build disaster resilient societies. About the Distance Learning Seminar Series As part of the EAP Sector Management Unit Initiatives, which is a program promoting outreach and knowledge-sharing, the East Asia and Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) team, in collaboration with the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN), is supporting Disaster Risk Management Distance Learning Seminar Series for EAP client countries to build capacity and increase knowledge of all professionals who will be involved in DRM activities as well as to help them drive the agenda for DRM activities in their respective countries and empower local partners. This seminar series will highlight the following areas: ・Disaster risk analysis, preparedness and mitigation ・Emergency preparedness and early warning systems ・Community and local level disaster risk management Within these three areas of focus, this series is comprised of 5 sessions delivered via VC by connecting 5-7 countries in the region starting from June through February 2012. Support for this initiative has been provided by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). Partners