Expanding the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to include animals

This policy paper examines how the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction could be expanded to recognize animals as sentient beings rather than solely as economic assets or livelihoods. It argues for a rights-based approach that integrates animal welfare and biodiversity considerations across the Framework’s four priorities for action, including disaster risk understanding, governance, investment, preparedness and recovery.

The publication recommends incorporating animal suffering, habitat destruction and species-specific biological needs into disaster risk assessments, strengthening governance through dedicated institutional representation, investing in resilient habitats and wildlife infrastructure, and embedding animal-inclusive evacuation, recovery and restoration measures into preparedness planning. It also advocates enhanced science–policy collaboration, education and legal reforms to support more comprehensive and ecosystem-centred disaster risk reduction.