LEADERS 2006 International Course on Development and Disasters November 20 – December 01, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. RISK REDUCTION Presenter: Aston Brown – Assistant Vice President, Systems Planning and Development (National Water Commission)

RISK REDUCTION Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to: Identify the five categories of risk reduction; Analyze contexts in which active and passive risk reduction measures are taken; and Identify the key actors involved.

Impact Experienced during a Hazard Research indicates that the impact experienced during a hazard are determined in part by: - 1. Where to locate development; 2. How buildings and infrastructure are constructed; and 3. How development practices and land use decisions affect natural environmental systems.

Categories of Risk Reduction Measures 1. Physical 2. Socio-economic 3. Environmental 4. Management and Institutional 5. Post-disaster measures

Definition of Disaster Risk Reduction Risk reduction activities are designed to minimize or eliminate damage from hazard events. Physical Measures Physical risk reduction measures are structural and non-structural measures that are undertaken to help avoid or alleviate the damage and losses that result from hazards.

Poor Development Practices Extensive cutting of slopes can cause landslides and rock falls that can damage houses Trinidad 2005

Definition - Structural Measures These include any actions to reduce the effects of a hazard event including: Construction Strengthening of facilities Altering of the environment. Gabion baskets used to reduce the effect of torrential rains in landslide prone area on Trinidad’s North Coast (2005).

Definition of Non-Structural Measures Policies and programmes that guide future development and investment towards reducing hazard vulnerability. Building Codes Ordinances and regulations controlling the design, construction, materials, alteration, and occupancy of any structure to insure human safety and welfare (ISDR, 2004).

Photograph showing flooding and associated damage in Trinidad. Source: Trinidad Guardian (2004).

Definition of Socio- Economic Measures Socio-economic disaster risk reduction measures are designed to address gaps and weaknesses in the systems whereby communities and society as a whole prevent and mitigate. Definition of Environmental Measures Environmental risk reduction measures are those which are designed to protect existing, or rehabilitate degraded, environmental systems that have the capacity to reduce the impacts of natural hazards.

Active Measures Active measures are those used by the authorities to promote desired actions by offering incentives. These measures are often associated with development programmes in areas of low income. Passive Reduction Measures Passive measures are those used by the authorities to prevent undesired actions, as for example controls and penalties (as opposed to incentives).

Requirements of Passive Disaster Risk Reduction Passive disaster risk reduction measures are effective when the following conditions exists: - 1. An existing and enforceable system of control; 2. Acceptance by the target community; and 3. Compliance with the regulations.

Natural Hazard Risk Reduction Actors

THE END THANK YOU!