Mobilizing Local Knowledge in Local Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies

[MP3-03] Mobilizing Local Knowledge in Local Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies

Dr Aaron Opdyke (The University of Sydney)

The Sendai Framework has targeted increasing the adoption of national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020. There is evidence to suggest that significant progress has been made toward this goal, but are we doing enough to turn these strategies into action? Furthermore, who are is being left behind? This talk will explore challenges and advancements in the creation of national and local DRR strategies, drawing on experiences from the Philippines. Using the Municipality of Carigara (located in the province of Leyte) as a case study, the session will share lessons that can help guide the creation and activation of effective local strategies. Specifically, the talk will showcase how local DRM offices can lead in creating a common vision but also enable resilience as a cross-cutting theme in local governments. The talk will discuss how Carigara’s hazard mapping project, a Sasakawa Award nominee, was central in organizing a participative process to engage communities in creating a shared vision and priorities. The session will conclude with a discussion of how the local knowledge embedded in DRR strategies can be mobilized for achieve other Sendai Framework targets in the decade ahead.