Role of Regional Organizations for Enhancing Private Sector Involvement in Disaster Risk Reduction in Developing Asia

Abstract

Asia has a large diversity on disaster risks, and role of different stakeholders are different based on the country context. The regional organization (ASEAN, SAARC, APEC) in Asia plays an important role in disaster response and risk reduction by bringing cooperation between private sector and national governments. This chapter provides an overview of regional organizations and private sector involvement, its potentials and challenge in disaster management in the context of developing Asian nations. The case studies of Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004 and Cyclone Nargis 2008 are considered to understand and analyze the role of regional organizations and private sector in various phases of disaster management. The findings from the case studies and various regional legislations lead to specific recommendations, which are; (1) Increase collaboration and cooperation among international, regional, and national level organizations for humanitarian business response. (2) Specific guidelines for private sector involvement. (3) Support information and knowledge sharing. (4) Increase accountability and transparency. (5) Awareness generation.