UNDP-BUREAU FOR CRISIS PREVENTION AND RECOVERY (BCPR) Disaster Reduction Unit Disaster Reduction – A Challenge to Sustainable Development in Africa

THE SETTING  75% of the world’s population live in areas affected at least once by earthquake, tropical cyclone, flood or drought between 1980 and 2000  Billions of people in more than 100 countries are periodically exposed to at least one disaster event triggered by these hazards

THE SETTING  More than 184 deaths per day are recorded in different parts of the world  While only 11% of the people exposed to natural hazards live in countries classified as exhibiting low human development, they account for more than 53% of total recorded deaths

THE SETTING  UNDP-BCPR recognises that development processes intervene in the translation of physical exposure into disaster events  Disasters put development at risk but also development choices can generate new disaster risk

THE AFRICAN CONTEXT  Africa – the only continent where disasters have increased over the last decade  Mortality is decreasing but the number of those affected and economic losses increasing  Hydrological hazards occur most pervasively but epidemics (including HIV/AIDS) a major cause

THE AFRICAN CONTEXT  In , 13% of Africa’s population (35m) affected by disasters  Natural hazards compounded by other elements, such as conflict, while impact of HIV/AIDS compromises food security and capacity  Countries in constant crisis management  Disaster risks – a major threat to development in Africa

ULTIMATE GOAL Seamless programming between disaster reduction and the development agenda

EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONCERNS Growing vulnerabilities due to demographic and land use changes – urban and rural habitats Increasing erosion of natural resources- deforestation, draining of wetlands, etc Absence of or poorly enforced legislation and institutions governing development

EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONCERNS (2) Rapid industrialisation without the necessary planning and institutional arrangements Links between disaster risk, environmental degradation and poverty – the importance of combined approaches through poverty reduction

EXAMPLES OF COMMON CONCERN (3) Understanding the destructive influence of HIV/AIDS in risk accumulation and disaster vulnerability Understanding the complexities of the relationship between conflict, natural hazards and human development DEVELOPMENT NEEDS TO BE REGULATED ACCORDING TO ITS IMPACT ON DISASTER RISK AND VICE VERSA

IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA Understand the hazard, vulnerability and capacity profile – thorough assessment at all levels Understand that natural hazards are only one of the potential threats to life and livelihoods Institutions and structures that relate to the hazard profile and the threat levels Stress the importance of utilising existing resources and capacities – cost effectiveness

IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA (2) Integration of disaster risk reduction in development – identification of risk reduction priorities and actions the PRSP, UNDAF and in projects aimed at achieving the MDGs Additional compensatory risk management – addressing already accumulated risk through preparedness, etc What is the regional role? Co-ordination? Facilitation? Operations? Information? Or a combination?