Integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation for sustainable development

This policy brief shows that disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) require a flexible national framework to allow for tailored solutions at the local level. It calls for the countries and their humanitarian and development partners to urgently ensure that governments implement a policy of awareness, resilience and information sharing. 

The included case study highlights the need for a clear link between government policy, DRR and CCA, with the help of government offices and NGOs. In particular, it makes the following policy recommendations: 

• Countries in Asia Region must address disaster and climate risks in development through strengthened governance arrangements in sectors and territories. This requires a combination of prospective risk management for risk-informed investment, corrective risk management to reduce the risk in existing capital stock, and efforts to strengthen resilience at all levels.
• National governments should ensure the enabling policies, guidelines and legal frameworks are in place at the national and sub-national level to support the implementation of a DRR and climate change adaption framework informed by the national agenda and tailored for local needs.
• National governments should improve DRR and CCA capacity by taking into account multi-hazard approaches including conflict. They should ensure authorities are prepared for different events by developing a disaster risk reduction plan. An adequate budget should be allocated by 2020. 
• National governments should build capacity for DRR and CCA solutions to support community actions before, during after disasters. They should encourage local communities, particularly women, to participate in decision-making processes to make their livelihoods safer. 
• National governments should ensure local government investments are able to follow national and regional agendas whilst allowing flexibility and integration of DRR and CCA at all community levels.

The brief was prepared in advance to the Asia Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), in India, 2-5 November 2016.