Integration Of Disaster Risk Reduction Research Articles

Assessing the integration between disaster risk reduction and urban and regional planning curricula at tertiary institutions in South Africa

Urban areas are increasingly being affected by more frequent and severe disasters. It has been argued in theory and international development policy that the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) within existing urban planning (UP) curricula would greatly benefit efforts to build resilient urban environments. However, the current status quo and progress of this crucial transdisciplinary integration in the South African University context remain unclear. Through the application of an exploratory mixed method research design, this article established that UP lecturers at South African universities have a good grasp of the theoretical need for the integration of DRR into existing curriculums and have also tentatively started to integrate DRR into some of their modules. However, because of challenges such as full curricula, financial and human resources constraints and integration predominantly happening on postgraduate level, integration has not occurred in sufficient depth while also missing the opportunity to expose the majority of the student cohort and future urban planners to much-needed DRR knowledge.Transdisciplinary contribution: This article illuminates the current status of integration across and collaboration between DRR and UP at selected South African Universities.

Disaster Risk Reduction Education in Geography at Schools in Greece

In Greece, the school subject of geography is used as a tool to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the national school curriculum. In order to investigate the content development of DRR in the Greek school geography curricula, this study analyzed the primary and secondary geography curricula from 2003 to 2023, using the five dimensions of the DRR learning system (knowledge, reaction , action, participation and integration) as platforms and conceptual assumptions. Qualitative content analysis indicated the following: (a) the DRR-relevant content in the geography curricula used for analysis underwent minimal changes from 2003 to 2023; (b) the changes in the DRR-relevant content in the primary and secondary school curricula presented almost identical characteristics. Therefore, should the geography curriculum be revised in the future, it is necessary to understand that the term “disaster” does not only describe the natural event per se but also its impact on and the consequences for infrastructure and society. Such revisions in the school geography curriculum are bound to add more DRR-relevant content that belongs to the “action” and “participation” dimensions, and as they should systematically incorporate the DRR-relevant content of the “integration” dimension.

Policy coherence for resilience in Sri Lanka coherence of climate change adaptation (CCA) disaster risk reduction (DRR) and sustainable development goals (SDGs)

PurposePolicy coherence is a complex and tough task for many developing nations because their capacity to examine and deliver evidence-based inputs to policymaking is limited, and policy dialogue platforms need to be effectively used. Resolving these difficulties is a critical requirement for policy consistency. As a result, the study focuses on the level of policy coherence for climate change adaptation (CCA), disaster risk reduction (DRR) and sustainable development goals (SDG) in Sri Lanka and suggests routes for policy coherence for Resilience. This study aims to investigate the coherent approach of CCA, DRR and SDG; to identify concerns in policy documents addressing the coherence of CCA, DRR and SDG in local context; and to propose policy coherence suggestions for resilience in Sri Lanka.Design/methodology/approachMethodology comprises a review and content analysis of 17 policy and legal documents in Sri Lanka and a qualitative study. The qualitative approach consists of semistructured interviews that obtained deep and broad expertise knowledge with ten government representatives and stakeholders. Both content analysis and interview data were analyzed by using NVivo.FindingsIt was discovered that there are several issues with the coherence of policies in Sri Lanka, including the fragmented approach, lack of integration, inadequate coordination, limited resources and lack of monitoring and evaluation. The policies are inspired by international frameworks, and local implementations are not focused, leading to inadequate implementation of policies. The lack of development cooperation for the use of innovative approaches, such as climate-resilient infrastructure and environmentally friendly solutions for CCA and DRR, further aggravates the situation. Another concern is the lack of land use management and responsibility for the development of physical infrastructure for DRR integration with CCA. It is found that there is a limited community involvement which is vital for the implementation of policies. Local implementations are encouraged to fill the gaps in existing policies/acts. The analytical framework of the study is based on a preliminary examination of policy documents, a review of the literature and discussions with practitioners. The framework reflects the current situation of policy integration which addresses strategic, conceptual, institutional, operational and financial coherence. The research suggests pathways for achieving policy coherence in CCA, DRR and SDG in Sri Lanka, such as enhancing the strategic coherence by improving goals to increase the coherence within CCA, DRR and SDG; improving the credibility of the unified approach for developing DRR and CCA risk assessments; intensifying institutional cooperation and stakeholder management; improving the common monitoring and evaluation; establishing implementation strategies; and increasing the community involvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study on policy coherence in Sri Lanka recommends increasing community and professional involvement, conducting more research, developing a national strategy, increasing capacity building, strengthening international collaboration and fostering multisectoral collaboration. These recommendations can help improve policy coherence between CCA, DRR and SDGs, align policies with national goals and priorities and improve implementation effectiveness. By implementing these recommendations, Sri Lanka can address the challenges of climate change and natural disasters and achieve SDGs.Practical implicationsThe study on policy coherence for resilience in Sri Lanka has practical implications, including improved coordination and resource allocation, increased capacity building, improved reputation and sustainability. By integrating CCA, DRR and SDGs, this study can help Sri Lanka become more resilient to climate change and natural disasters, achieve SDGs and become a responsible actor in the international community. These implications can contribute to a more sustainable future and ensure that development goals are achieved in a way that is resilient to climate change and natural disasters.Social implicationsIncreased community participation: the study emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the policy development process. This can help build trust between communities and government agencies, improve transparency and ensure that policies are developed in a way that is responsive to local needs and priorities.Originality/valueBased on the identified existing loopholes in the policies and pathways to policy coherence, the issues in policymaking could be overcome. It could be used to establish strong linkages between policies based on CCA, DRR and SDGs to achieve long-term resilience.

Training and Assistance in the Implementation of Disaster Safe Schools/Madrasahs (SMAB) as an Effort to Reduce Disaster Risk in Muhammadiyah 1 High School Malang City

Until now, schools in Indonesia that have received disaster education, whether facilitated or only limited to socialization, are still recorded at around 9%, which is still very few. SMA Muhammadiyah (SMAM) 1 Malang City, one of the schools in a potential disaster area, is located in a watershed area (DAS), a one-way road that has a risk of disaster, such as traffic accidents, landslides, and fires. Meanwhile, the vulnerabilities include building maps which tend to be difficult for the evacuation process in the event of a disaster. In 2018 and 2019 every rainy season there are always schools affected by landslides at the back of the school which is right in the Brantas DAS caused by the erosion of the river banks. Training and Assistance in the Implementation of Disaster Safe Schools/Madrasahs (SMAB) as an Effort to Reduce Disaster Risk at Muhammadiyah 1 Middle School Malang City based on Law no. 24 of 2007 concerning Disaster Management. It clearly states that everyone has the right to receive education, training, counselling, and skills in disaster management, both in situations where a disaster does not occur or when there is a potential for disaster. Through education it is hoped that disaster risk reduction efforts can achieve broader targets and can be introduced earlier to all students, by integrating disaster risk reduction education into the school curriculum as well as into extracurricular activities. Preparation for the implementation of disaster-safe schools/madrasas (SMAB) begins with compiling materials on the SMAB framework and transformation of implementation information based on guidelines from BNPB/BPBD and the Ministry of Education and Culture/Disdikbud. The second step is to arrange training for educators and education staff regarding the framework and assistance for SMAB implementation. The last stage is compiling disaster risk reduction learning practices for students in subjects and compiling activities to increase students' knowledge and skills about first aid, protection and rescue.

Assessment of Disaster Preparedness and Related Knowledge Among Senior High Students in Del Pilar National High School, Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte, Philippines

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) are put into practice by the Department of Education (DepEd). It aimed to increase students’ degree of resilience to natural disasters by integrating Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) into the curricula and other educational programs. This study was conducted to assess the disaster preparedness and related knowledge among Senior High School students of Del Pilar National High School in Cabadbaran City. A total of 120 respondents from Grades 11 and Grade 12 were subjected to the study. An adapted and modified survey questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. A five-point Likert scale was used to evaluate the responses. The results obtained high disaster preparedness (WM- 3.88) and disaster-related-knowledge indicators (WM- 3.53) with its verbal interpretation of Prepared. This indicates a helpful indicator that the students in the study area were equipped with disaster management. While a significant correlation P< 0.0001 between age to disaster preparedness and related knowledge has been obtained. This indicates a strong relationship that age is an important factor in influencing disaster management. Further, results obtained from a high level of participants showed related knowledge, preparedness, and awareness of disasters associated with the use of effective, safe, and standardized methods. Employing the study emphasizes readiness, and resiliency while assessing the knowledge among the students in responding to the disaster. Thus, it presented information for students to improve and sustain their level of disaster preparedness to ensure safety on the school premises.

Extent of Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Selected Elementary Schools: Evidence from the Philippines

This study examined the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) in the 11 Elementary Schools in Santiago District in the Philippines using the Gawad Kalasag criteria. It determined the problems encountered by the schools in the implementation of DRRM and assessed the areas of enabling environment, safe learning facilities, school disaster risk reduction management, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in education. Complete enumeration was employed for the school heads and DRR coordinators while random sampling for teachers and pupils. The responses were analyzed using a four-point Likert scale weighted mean. The results found that the schools have fully implemented safe learning facilities and partially implemented enabling environment and school disaster risk reduction management criteria, with the lowest mean in the DRR in education criteria. Common problems encountered in the implementation of DRRM include creating policies, lack of personnel and budget, and lack of education and information. The study recommends development of DRR integration module, conduct of DRRM training, and budget allocation on DRR.

Addressing unavoidable climate change loss and damage: A case study from Fiji’s sugar industry

Climate change loss and damage (L&D) presents an existential threat to the Fiji Islands. This case study examines how rural Indo-Fijian sugarcane farming communities face challenges in minimising, averting, and addressing L&D from cyclones. In-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 68) were conducted with 40 sugarcane farmers in two Indo-Fijian sugarcane communities, Barotu and Toko settlements in Western Viti Levu, Fiji, and with 28 key stakeholders from government ministries, academia, and climate change response services. Despite implementing climate change adaptation measures, Fiji’s sugar industry has faced devastating L&D from frequent and severe cyclones. Much of the climate change L&D to crops, property, and income was irreversible and unavoidable. Non-economic loss and damage (NELD) was found insurmountable in both field sites, including the loss of homes and places of worship, cascading and flow-on effects as well as the heightening of uncertainty, fear, and trauma. Evidence suggests that L&D, including NELD, is highly context specific, and UNFCCC’s broad NELD categories do not fully capture L&D at the local level. The systematic documentation of L&D within vulnerable communities would improve understanding of L&D, including NELD, and assist to facilitate the mobilisation of immediate support and action to address L&D in countries that lack the capacities to respond independently. This paper recommends crucial policy interventions such as livelihood diversification, integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, land tenure policy reforms, and the operationalisation of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage.

A reality check for the applicability of comprehensive climate risk assessment and management: Experiences from Peru, India and Austria

Climate-related risks are a major threat to humanity, affecting the lives and livelihoods of communities globally. Even with adaptation, climate change is projected to increase the severity of risks, leading to impacts and residual risks, also termed losses and damages. Frameworks and approaches using Climate Risk Management (CRM), an integration of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation, and sustainable development, are being devised to support the comprehensive management of increasing climate-related risks. Here we discuss to what extent comprehensive CRM has been implemented in three specific cases – in Peru, India and Austria. The approach is conceptually represented and evaluated using a CRM framework. The cases deal with risks associated with glacial lake outburst floods, sea level rise, tropical cyclones, salinization, riverine floods and agricultural droughts. Ultimately, we synthesise policy and research recommendations to help understand what is feasible for CRM approaches applied in practice. We find that successful CRM implementation in practice benefits from being flexible, and participatory from beginning to end, whilst considering compounding risks, and the spectrum of (just and equitable) incremental to transformational adaptation measures necessary for attending to current and projected future increases in climate-related risks.

Addressing the interplay of the Sendai Framework with sustainable development goals in Latin America and the Caribbean: moving forward or going backwards?

PurposeThe 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) constitute an overarching global milestone for creating a better sustainable future worldwide. The risk component of the agenda under the SFDRR must be better embedded into the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and integrating disaster risk management policy with broader development objectives at national and subnational levels in many countries is still a work in progress. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the progress between the SDGs and the SFDRR in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and its complementary featuresDesign/methodology/approachComprehensive and contextualized analyses of the progress of SFDRR and SDGs related to the LAC region need to be fully addressed to examine synergies and trade-offs with the two global agendas. Based on empirical evidence from United Nations global reports, a literature review of DRR and DRM, as well as development planning evidence, this paper addresses the implications of building coherence between the SDGs and the SFDRR in the region.FindingsInterplay and connections of the two agendas are highlighted together with an analysis of coherence among indicators. Despite the richness of several indicators, the examined evidence suggests that derived from the current progress, indicators are unable to completely reflect the dynamics among disaster risk drivers for both the SFDRR and the SDGs in the region.Research limitations/implicationsData availability at UNIDSR as well as at the regional level can limit the scope of the research. When comparing and matching the agendas, results could be further improved upon new releases of data. SFDRR and SDGs have also ground for improvement and countries are doing well but still slow.Practical implicationsThe paper offers new insights and findings for decision/policy makers in Latina America and the Caribbean.Originality/valueThe paper offers an overall understanding of the progress and coherence among SFDRR and SDGs global frameworks and provides insights to identify the gaps and opportunities that need to be addressed to integrate disaster risk reduction into sustainable development planning at national and regional scales in LAC.

Co-producing knowledge to address disaster risks in informal settlements in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: pathways toward urban equality?

In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, small-scale and everyday disasters are a manifestation of the multidimensional inequalities faced by residents of informal settlements. The co-production of knowledge about disaster and other risks, bringing together residents with local NGOs and local government representatives, is a potential entry point for addressing inequalities. This paper reports on such a co-production process in two informal settlements, carried out by the Centre for Community Initiatives with the Tanzania Urban Poor Federation and local government at the Mtaa level, and it looks at how community assessments of risks travel into local governance and policymaking. The involvement of Mtaa officials in this process has led to incremental changes in local governance, for example better linking of local budgets with disaster risk reduction (DRR) priorities and the representation of civil society on the municipal disaster management committees. The paper also points to the challenges of achieving integration of DRR and development activities at the local level.

Principles and practice: Towards disaster risk reduction in New South Wales, Australia

By ratifying the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), the Australian Government has accepted the need to mainstream disaster risk reduction (DRR) principles into policy and procedures. This research explores the extent to which this rhetoric has been actioned, using local-government policy as an indicator. The rationale for this approach is that evidence of DRR integration should be observable in recovery procedures related to the aftermath of disasters, which could extend over a period of years and require transformational changes. Using the targets and priorities of the SFDRR, a meta-synthesis of research conducted since its ratification was used to create a conceptual framework of DRR principles and practices. This framework was then used to conduct a policy analysis of the New South Wales Local Disaster Recovery Plan (NSWLDRP) template for alignment/non-alignment to the principles of the SFDRR, with the intention of indicating where future efforts in policy development should be directed.The analysis revealed gaps in intent between the NSWLDRP template and DRR principles and practices. While some underlying concepts of DRR are incorporated into the plan, such as vulnerability assessments and communication tools, fundamental risk reduction policies, including prevention, mitigation and participatory mechanisms are largely absent. This gap between the principles of the SFDRR and its limited application at the local level in NSW highlights the need for greater mainstreaming of DRR principles in both State and Federal Government frameworks since they direct both local disaster management arrangements and subsequent ongoing community development. The benefits of this includes reduced load on emergency services during extreme events, and increased community resilience after them, including reduced reconstruction and less disruption to community productivity in their aftermath.

Exploring Curriculum for the Integration of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change: The Case of Planning Schools in India

This article explores the urban planning curriculum of the three selected planning schools in India. They are the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi; Department of City and Regional Planning, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur; and the Faculty of Planning, CEPT University, Ahmedabad. It uses content analysis to understand the deepening of research, skill formation and the possible change in pedagogy due to growing concerns about climate change (CC) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the urban area. The concerned programme coordinators and heads of the departments have also been consulted to find out the general approach to integrating CC and DRR knowledge into their planning curricula. An account of research outreach of faculty members, student dissertations and institutional publication in the CC and DRR has also been presented to illustrate research outreach with the community. It has been found that these schools need to deepen further their engagement with the domain of CC and DRR.

Disaster risk reduction for whom? The gap between centrally planned Disaster Management Program and people's risk perception and adaptation

Integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) is gaining popularity to address the increasing threat of climate change. People living in high disaster-prone impoverished areas can benefit from risk reduction interventions and subsequent adaptation of new technologies and behavior if those interventions diminish the perceived risk of disaster. Perceived risk of disaster plays an important role in influencing adaptive behavior. Disaster risk reduction interventions therefore can be benefitted from inclusive local consultation during the planning and implementation of the risk reduction interventions by taking local people's perceived risk of disaster into account. We studied a national-level disaster risk reduction program called ‘The comprehensive Disaster Management Program (CDMP)’ in Bangladesh to understand the linkage between risk reduction interventions, perceived risk of disaster, and adaptation. Following a mixed-method approach, we collected quantitative administrative data, interviewed local people, and conducted Focus Group Discussions in two disaster-prone neighboring coastal unions of Bangladesh. We have found that if risk reduction interventions designed by the central government are not aligned with the perceived risk of the local people, the implementation of these interventions does not reduce perceived risk significantly, and consequently, people do not adopt new technologies and behavior to increase their resilience to climate change shocks. Furthermore, people's valuation of a risk reduction intervention in reducing the perceived risk of disasters does not change after an actual disaster takes place insinuating the relative accuracy and robustness of local people's assessment of such interventions. We also found that risk reduction interventions implemented in a holistic way addressing multiple sources of risks can reduce perceived risk significantly. Lastly, we demonstrated that reducing perceived risk is a necessary condition but is not sufficient to encourage adaptation. Our study can contribute to improving the design and implementation of large-scale risk-reduction interventions implemented at the community level.

Climate change impacts on socio-hydrological spaces of the Brahmaputra floodplain in Assam, Northeast India: A review

Intensification of the water cycle mediated by global warming increases the risk of hydrological disasters by modifying precipitation patterns across the globe which leads to adverse socio-economic impacts, especially in developing countries. Socio-hydrological spaces in the vicinity of major river systems are prone to the devastating effects of hydrological disasters yet attract human settlements due to the availability of fertile lands that support agriculture. The Brahmaputra floodplain (BFP) of Assam in Northeast India (NEI) is one such region that supports a high population in spite of being ravaged by annual floods and occasional droughts. The current study attempts to critically review the climate change impacts on socio-hydrological spaces of the BFP exploring climate change-hazard-lives and livelihood linkages of floodplain dwellers. This work utilizes peer reviewed articles along with reports of government and international/national organizations to critically appraise the following-(i) existing climate and fluvial hazard scenario in the BFP, (ii) impacts of climate change on the fluvial hazard and agriculture in the BFP, and (iii) the adaptation and mitigation measures that exist in the BFP. Shifts in the long-term trends of temperature and rainfall have occurred over this region leading to speculations on future scenarios of hydrological hazards and their impacts. Studies project an alteration in the hydrology and flow regime of the Brahmaputra River under climate warming scenarios which will influence the hazard characteristics with implications for agriculture and food security. Integrating disaster risk reduction with agricultural management can provide better climate resilience to the farming communities in the BFP.

Towards a Resilient Ecotourism Destination: Assessment of the Ella Urban Development Plan 2021-2030

Ella, with its environmental and ecological attributes and highest room occupancy rate (75.24%), attracted 120,000 (6%) of the total tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka in 2019, also projects 2 million visits by 2030. Due to topographical features and climate change implications, Ella is prone to natural disasters, especially the main access road of Ella-Wellawaya and surrounding areas of Ella town. 99% of occupants in Ella are self-employed in the tourism industry. The Ella urban development plan 2021-2030 (the plan) was formulated with the goal of developing the area as the most attractive and safest tourism destination in the hills. Tourism resilience improves capacities to recover the tourism sector from disasters and reduces tourism-induced stress on the society and environment through integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. In this context, the objective of the study was to assess the extent to which the Plan considered DRR strategies towards a disaster resilient tourism industry. A qualitative methodology was adopted where hazard identification and vulnerability reduction, being key elements in DRR, were chosen to assess components of the Plan-Scope (1), Background Study (2), Need of the Plan (3), Goal and Objectives (4), SWOT Analysis (5), and the Plan (6). Relevant secondary data were obtained from official sources and reviewed journal articles. Despite Ella being identified as a multi-hazard area by the Disaster Management Centre, hazard identification of the plan was limited to landslides; not considering high winds, cyclones, and lightning in 2, 5 components. Being the main objective, consideration towards reducing ecological vulnerability was visible in all components. The unauthorized constructions in protected areas, which may have an underlying relationship with economical vulnerability, were neither identified nor, vulnerability reduction measures proposed. Social vulnerability reduction measures were also absent despite 18% of female-headed households and 17% of female involvement in the tourism industry in various capacities. The tourism infrastructure and beautification projects were prioritized over projects aimed at physical vulnerability reduction of existing tourism infrastructure and stakeholders. It was found that the resilience of the tourism industry to natural disasters was compromised as DRR in the aspect of hazard identification, and reduction of social, physical, and economical vulnerability were inadequate. Therefore, the study recommends amending the Plan, or to pass a separate by-law by the local government authority to integrate comprehensive hazard identification, and integrate intervention for reduction of social, economic, and physical vulnerabilities for a resilient tourism destination, while conserving the natural environment in Ella.
 Keywords: Resilient ecotourism, Ella tourism destination, Urban development plan, Conservation of nature

Flood Hazard Mapping and Flood Preparedness Literacy of the Elderly Population Residing in Bangkok, Thailand

This research aimed at assessing flood hazard areas and flood literacy of the elderly population in Bangkok, Thailand and analyzing their flood preparedness through SWOT analysis. Expert interviews and a community survey were conducted. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and GIS technique, the results indicated that land-use, drainage density, and annual maximum rainfall were the most heavily weighted factors in flood hazard mapping in Bangkok. About half (50.32%) of Bangkok’s total area was defined as high flood hazard area. A total of 736 questionnaires were distributed in flood-prone areas and in the areas with the highest percentage of elderly population. The results of both SWOT and survey analysis found that many senior citizens have low digital and media literacy and limited experience in using information technology for flood preparedness. Lack of integration of disaster risk reduction and aging population policy, ineffective warning system, and lack of access to disaster preparedness training were the key barriers in reducing vulnerability to flood hazard. The survey revealed that the majority of elderly respondents (75%) have neither used online applications for their flood hazard management both before and during flood disaster nor shared/communicated information via online platforms. Some respondents (13%) used Facebook and Line applications to obtain information before a flood event. Very few of the elderly respondents (<2%) accessed the national/provincial web-based platform to find out flood-related information. Almost all respondents, especially who are living in high-risk flood zones, had never participated in the community training of flood preparedness and management. Therefore, effective strategies in enhancing social engagement of the elderly and their literacy skills in flood risk preparedness and management are urgently needed.

Pathways to Disaster Risk Reduction Education integration in schools: Insights from SPAB evaluation in Indonesia

The World Conference on Disaster Reduction 2005 endorsed the first and significant global promotion for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) integration in schools. Within 15 years of progress of the global and national movements for DRR education in Indonesia, this research asks three key research questions: First, how do schools adopt and sustain DRR education? Second, how do local and national actors upscale the integration of DRR education in schools? Third, what are the challenges and opportunities of DRR education in Indonesia? Using an explorative and qualitative approach, this research evaluation combined primary and secondary data. Ten transdisciplinary workshops were carried out involving 211 participants in four provinces involving key stakeholders such as educators, policy-makers, government and NGO workers at both national and local levels during June–August 2020. This paper offers new insights by identifying new pathways of DRR integration in schools where school-based DRR can be inextricably linked to family-based DRR and community-based DRR programming. However, DRR integration in schools and schools' adoption of DRR education remains paternalistic in which schools are heavily dependent on the local government initiatives. In contrast, local governments are hesitant to invest in DRR education. The paper concludes that such institutional gaps delay upscale DRR education and DRR integration in schools. This research is significant because it serves as an early warning of the potential failures to meet the targets of the Sendai Framework for the rest of disaster-prone and low-to-middle-income countries.

Disaster risk reduction and climate policy implementation challenges in Canada and Australia

ABSTRACT Disaster risk reduction is central to managing the risks of climate change at global, national, and sub-national levels. The operationalization of disaster risk reduction, however, has been met with challenges that have restricted successful policy implementation. Drawing from document analyses and Delphi studies with government practitioners, this article examines the policy context for disaster risk reduction in Canada and Australia and investigates the state of flood and drought planning and preparedness. Results are organized around two central themes: risk (ownership and sensitivity) and engagement (stakeholder involvement and capacity-building). The findings show that public policies on disaster risk reduction in Canada and Australia reflect international discourse that advocates for a whole-of-society, risk-sensitive, and risk-informed approach. However, implementing this approach in household planning and preparedness, cross-sector planning and policy integration, terminology, and socio-cultural representation, has been hampered by several factors. Government practitioners in both countries argued that while disaster risk reduction and climate risk management continue to evolve in multi-level governance, policy implementation is constrained by the legacies of past governance arrangements that have enabled disaster risk creation and accumulation. The results presented herein suggest a need for institutional reform that better reflects the holistic and systemic relationships between disaster risk, climate change, and other policy problems. We argue that disaster risk reduction and climate risk management policies require bridging governance arrangements between these and related policy domains to foster effective multi-level implementation. Key policy insights Implementing disaster risk reduction has been inconsistent, exacerbating exposure to climate change and increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities to disaster impacts. Managing climate and disaster risk requires a holistic approach that targets vulnerable groups, tackles underlying drivers of risk, and builds capacities to support disaster risk reduction. Although disaster risk reduction and climate risk management policies continue to evolve, implementation is hindered by legacy governance arrangements that favour economic growth over sustainable, climate-sensitive disaster risk management. Transformation through the integration of disaster risk reduction and human development offers potential pathways to reduce vulnerabilities via a holistic disaster risk and climate policy approach.

ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF INTEGRATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION POLICIES IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN CAMBODIA, INDONESIA, AND MALAYSIA

More than 50 per cent of global disaster mortality occurred in Southeast Asia between 2004 and 2014, and four of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states are ranked in the top 10 countries most affected by climate risk between 1996 and 2015. As climate concerns and their attendant disaster risks are influenced by, and will affect, human activities across broad sectors, a holistic approach to addressing the issues is needed. In this regard, integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction frameworks within the context of national development becomes critical. By ensuring an integrated approach in development plans, sufficient resource allocations can be better ensured and climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts can be implemented more effectively. To enable further estimate of ASEAN’s readiness to face the effects of climate change, this study examines the level of integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in national development plans of select ASEAN member states. It specifically looks at the structure and design of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction agenda within the development plans in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The assessment discovers that there is a varying degree of climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and development convergence in the countries under study, and concludes that Cambodia has them fully integrated while Indonesia and Malaysia have integrated them partially.

Comic worksheets for integrated disaster risk reduction learning in the subject of Geography.

Indonesian students have limited visual learning capacity. Low literacy of such students has gained the researcher’s attention in developing their literacy through comic worksheets. The researcher created comic worksheets with blank speech bubbles to help high school students build their conceptual framework about disaster risk mitigation. This study attempts to investigate the effectiveness of comic worksheets in helping high school students learn disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the subject of Geography. This study followed the research and development (R&D) approach to develop comic worksheets with blank speech bubbles. A paired sample t-test was used to analyse the mean difference between the pre-and post-test scores of 103 students. The results show a significant difference between both means. It indicates that using comic worksheets could improve student learning outcomes. It could also effectively be used as an assessment instrument for the students’ affective aspects. Dialogues among comic characters compiled by students record their attitudes and behaviour in their everyday life. Collaboration between teachers, learning media developers, and artists is needed to create comic packages for learning Geography.