CDM Conference 2013: Report on Key Outcomes Andria Grosvenor Alliance and Cooperation Services Manager Office of Executive Director, CDEMA

What Were the Objectives? To launch the Caribbean Strategy on Comprehensive Disaster Management To review and enhance the CDM Strategy Implementation Plan To share experiences on resilient development through sound investment by the public and private sectors To examine the benefits of investment in CDM To facilitate dialogue on opportunities for investing in CDM

… And Expected Results Improved stakeholder awareness of the CDM Strategy ; Action Plan for Implementing CDM Strategy; Recommended actions for strengthened investment in CDM; Exchanges on CDM related research, tools, products, information and education materials; Compendium of papers on experiences in investment for disaster resilience – social and economic; Greater awareness of the benefits and potential opportunities for investment in CDM;

… Delivered Through Partner Consultation Sessions Commissioned research papers built around the conference theme Opening Ceremony Plenary Sessions & Panel Discussions Conference Exhibition Lunch Time “Talk de Talk” Youth Session Conference Tour Film Festival CDM Stakeholder Parliament

Result 1: Improved Stakeholder Awareness CDM Strategy

Stakeholder Awareness of CDM Strategy CDM Parliament was convened December 2-6, 2013 and CDM Strategy shared on December 3 rd Representation over the period was 258 delegates ◦ 36 Countries – Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, North America, Pacific ◦ Disaster management practitioners, educators, researchers, development partners, community and non- governmental actors ◦ 51 youth Several persons joined the Conference online through the live streaming of sessions. Continued sharing to enhance awareness.

Result 2: Action Plan for Implementing CDM Strategy

Action Plan for Implementing CDM Strategy Validated/Updated Objectives Statements for the 4 CDM Strategy Outcomes Report shared by Session Facilitators

Action Plan for Implementing CDM Strategy Identified Key Results for Emerging Sectors (a) Finance and Economic Development and (b) Physical and Environmental Planning: ◦ Scientific data to inform the planning process; ◦ Spatial plans taking into account biological, physical and social elements; ◦ Baseline information for what needs to be addressed to improve resilience in the financial system.

How Were the Cross Cutting Themes Treated In the CDM Implementation Plan and Conference Discussions?

GENDER There is general consensus that gender considerations is a critical requirement for resilience building and as such, financing of gender mainstreaming in DRR is a good invest. The Implementation Plan of the CDM Strategy therefore calls attention to the need for gender analysis of and mainstreaming into all relevant actions.

CLIMATE CHANGE An agreement has been reached that the impact of climate change is clear in the region as evidenced by more intense flooding from heavy rainfalls, landslide, stronger hurricane, intensified dry periods etc: CDM Strategy and HFA assessment/review has identified climate change as an important emerging issue for resilience building. It has been determined therefore that investment in climate smart infrastructure is vital to resilience building.

CLIMATE CHANGE Specifically investment to making critical and economic infrastructure is ongoing and must be intensified in:  Hospitals and small health facilities  Road networks  Housing stock; especially those of the poor  National Disaster Offices or Situation Rooms for national leadership in times of disasters  Drainage systems

CLIMATE CHANGE The deliberation and analysis of gaps indicate that investment in regional and national capacities for measuring the impact of all disasters and distinguishing the effects of climate change is important. The ability to measure the impact of climate change is the basis on which ◦ case building for increased investment in disaster risk reduction etc. Can be made ◦ for strengthening the region’s representation and negotiations for funding etc. at international fora ◦ engender the conversion of the DM and CC technical communities in the region as the evidence will show there is little to no separation re hazard exposure and the impact on the ground

ICT Concurrent Session 5C: ICT Tools for Resilience Recommended that there be greater focus on GIS applications development in the Caribbean region. Investment in telecommunication/mobile phone technology medium is critical for response and early warning notification. In an effort to ensure it reaches all classes of society including: the poor, middle class and wealthy.

ICT SESSION 2 PLENARY: “CDM Strategy Implementation Plan Investment in scientific assessments is required to inform the spatial planning process. DEWETRA Impact forecasting tools can greatly enhance decision making and requires investment, financial and human capital for data fusion and research. Continuous investment in data sharing and maintenance of DEWETRA platform is required to ensure that its usefulness is maximized.

Environment Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) II consultation Evidence of the incorporation of HVA into environmental impact assessments and land use planning is important. Caribbean Health Disaster Risk Reduction Committee (HSSC) Noted that the SMART Hospitals Initiative was designed to establish an integrated approach to building and retrofitting of health care facilities to ensure that they are environmentally friendly and disaster resilient.

Result 3&6: Recommended Actions and Opportunities for Investment in CDM

Economic Investment for Resilience Appoint a CDM Champion, who will accompany Ministers to CDM Meetings and be in charge of implementing national commitments. The Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning and Social Development to prepare DRM Plan of Actions, which is supported by the national budget. Ministries to be the main drivers for CDM methodologies and tools. Need to transition from DRR planning to mainstreaming into policy, legislation and financing.

Public-Private Investment for Resilience Effective public-private partnership can play an important role in post-disaster response and recovery. ◦ Draws on a range of cultures, knowledge and skill sets from both private and public sectors. Strong communication between public and private sector actors is key to facilitating effective public-private partnership. ◦ Access to information and expertise from private and public sectors. Business Recovery planning is vital

Social Investment for Resilience We must invest in… Knowledge management Livelihoods Safety net programmes Community based disaster management

Social Investment for Resilience We need… A longer term perspective; Integrated and Inter-disciplinary approaches; To seek and address the root causes and not merely the symptoms.

Youth Investment for Resilience Youth are a vital part of the civil society mechanism that can be leveraged to support community risk reduction. Identifying a CDM Youth Champion is a viable mechanism for promoting a culture of safety.

Result 4: Exchanges on CDM- related Research Tools, Products, Information and Education Materials

CDM EXHIBITION 11 companies participated in the 8 th CDM Exhibition showcasing DRR products and tools. Of these: 6 companies showcased products largely aimed at reducing vulnerability to weather and climate hazards and enhancing resilience to disasters. 4 companies showcased products geared at leveraging ICTs for more efficient and effective data gathering, communication, information management and support for emergency operations. 1 company shared information on its activities in the area of sustainable environmental management.

The Film Festival and “Talk de Talk” Four films on: ◦ Climate Change ◦ Slope Stabilisation Techniques ◦ Mitigation Works ◦ Model for Disaster Management Operations Talk de Talk: ◦ Community Resilience Tools ◦ Warning Systems ◦ Climate Change/DRR Tools

Conference Sessions Decision Making Tools Remote Sensing Tools ICTs for Disaster Risk Management Tools

Result 5: Compendium of Papers on Experiences in Investment in Disaster Resilience

Publication Five (5) Commissioned Papers - to be Updated ◦ Examining 21 st Century Economic Losses From Hazard Events In The Caribbean – The Rationale For Resilient Investment And Recovery ◦ Public-Private Partnerships: A Catalyst for Resilient Investment. ◦ Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: Revisiting and Reshaping the Investment Focus ◦ Building The Business Case For Resilient Construction ◦ Social Investment for Disaster Resilience: A Development Imperative

Publication Several other papers shared: ◦ Effective Financing and Insurance for Resilience ◦ Constructing and Deconstructing Resilience ◦ ICT Tools for Resilience

SO WHAT ABOUT THE WAY FORWARD?

Way Forward Presentations Online Conference Evaluation Online Conference Report Strengthening the CDM Implementation Plan Publication of Compendium of Papers Uptake of Conference Recommendations Stakeholder Parliament Meetings