Lesotho: National Risk Reduction Policy 2011

The purpose of national disaster risk reduction policy is to provide a framework for effective planning and implementation of disaster risk reduction in Lesotho. More than 90 percent of disasters in Lesotho are related to climatic changes. Drought, floods, snowfall, strong winds and landslides are physical processes that impact and are in turn impacted by the environment. These natural hazards threaten human lives, their livelihood and development. In the context of Lesotho's disaster profile, this policy addresses the triple challenge of climate change, environmental degradation and disaster risk.

The policy underlines Lesotho's commitment to the implementation of the HFA in making disaster risk reduction a national priority. The policy is thus guided by the three priority goals and the five priorities for action of the HFA. The policy provides guidelines for integration of disaster risk reduction into all development and social sectors. It further reinforces ongoing efforts and programmes within various sectors that are promoting disaster risk reduction.