module 3 introduction to disaster risk reduction integrating climate change adaptation in disaster...

Module 3Introduction to disaster risk reduction

Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction

Welcome to e-Learning on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction!

This module is part of an e-Learning package on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction.

The package includes five modules:

1. Concepts in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

2. Understanding vulnerability

3. Introduction to disaster risk reduction

4. Introduction to climate change adaptation

5. Guiding principles for integrating adaptation in disaster risk reduction

We recommend that you work through the modules in the specified order.

To access the other e-Learning modules, please visit the:

e-Learning Center - Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reductionNOTE: You will need a user name and password to access the e-Learning Center.

If you do not have an account, please contact: [email protected]

http://216.191.146.181/carenet/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=461&catid=119:climate-change-adaptation

Who are the e-Learning modules for? How were they developed?

The e-Learning modules are designed for disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners. This includes practitioners within CARE, as well as our civil society and government partner organizations.

They were developed by Raks Thai Foundation and CARE, with significant inputs from CARE experts on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and most importantly from practitioners engaged in DRR initiatives in Country Offices across the Asia Pacific Region, as well as in Raks Thai Foundation.

Practitioner perspectives were gathered through two workshops. An initial workshop was conducted to develop the overall framework and brainstorm on key content. In the second workshop, the draft modules were tested and feedback was gathered. The current version reflects inputs from both workshops.

The modules reflect CARE’s current thinking on integrating adaptation in DRR initiatives. They should be considered as working versions. Our approach will be tested and refined as we develop more experience in this area.

Please send any feedback on these modules to Bruce Ravesloot:

[email protected]

You can move through the module at your own pace.

We estimate that this module will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.

However, everyone learns at a different speed, so you should feel comfortable moving at your own pace.

The map on the right helps you to track your progress through the module. Where you are will be highlighted in orange.

We recommend that you go through the module in sequence, however you will have the option of jumping forwards or backwards by clicking on the map.

At any point, you can go back to the previous slide by clicking the

back arrow.Use the forward arrow to move

through the module.

Introduction

DRR project cycle

Assessment/ analysis

Project example

Participatory action planning

Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Throughout the module, you’ll find links to key definitions.

This e-Learning module is designed to be as clear and user-friendly as possible. So, as we introduce different concepts, we’ll use simple language and examples to promote understanding.

However, we will also provide links to ‘official’ definitions for those who prefer this approach.

Any time you see underlined text in the module, you can click to access the official definition.

Are you ready?Then let’s get started!

Module 3Introduction to disaster risk reduction

Modules 1 and 2 focused on building understanding of important concepts for disaster risk reduction.

To review from Modules 1 and 2:

• Climate change makes disaster risk reduction even more important.

• With the exception of geophysical hazards, climate change affects all types of natural hazards.

• Vulnerability to climate change and disasters:

• Depends on exposure to hazards.

• Is determined by human, social, physical, natural, political and financial factors.

• Varies within communities and even within households.

• More capacity means less vulnerability.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Let’s start by reminding ourselves what we mean by disaster risk reduction.

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is an approach to reduce disaster risks caused by hazard events. It refers to the practical actions that society, communities or other stakeholders take to reduce the risk of disasters.

DRR aims to reduce exposure to hazard events, to reduce vulnerability, and to improve preparedness.

Ideally, DRR actions take place within the framework of a disaster risk management (DRM) policy, strategy or plan.

Because climate change increases the frequency, severity and intensity of climate-related hazards, it

provides a strong imperative for DRR actions.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Why is DRR important in the communities we work in?

As discussed in Module 1, hazard events can have a wide range of negative effects, including:

Injury, illness or loss of life

Destruction of property or assets

Interruption in services

Harm to or loss of livelihoods

Damage to ecosystems

Psycho-social impacts

A hazard event can set back or completely reverse development progress that has been made.

In almost every disaster situation, it is the poorest and most vulnerable people who suffer most.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

DRR includes disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

Prevention: Actions that avoid the adverse impacts of hazards

Example: avoidance of areas at risk of hazard event

Mitigation: Actions that reduce the direct impact of a hazard

Example: improving drainage systems for rainwater

Preparedness: Actions that enhance capacity to respond to a disaster event that has occurred

Example: establishment of community disaster response teams, prepositioning emergency response materials

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Let’s look at a typical project cycle for a disaster risk reduction initiative.

Evaluation

ImplementationExecution of activities and monitoring



Click on the orange boxes for a brief description of each stage.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Engaging stakeholders throughout the process is an important success factor for DRR.

Key stakeholders that need to be involved in DRR initiatives include:

Community members, including representatives of vulnerable groups

Authorities at all levels

Civil society organizations

Technical specialists

Private sector

Research institutes

Media

These stakeholders must be involved in all stages of the project cycle.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

There are a few things to keep in mind in the assessment/analysis phase.

During disaster risk assessment/analysis, it is important to: Use complementary assessment approaches to look at

different aspects of disaster risks Incorporate participatory approaches Use methods that allow triangulation of data Adapt methods to social/cultural customs Use methods that are sensitive to gender and power

dynamics Ensure that the most vulnerable groups are

represented in the process Be flexible in your approach

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Based on the results of the assessment/analysis stage, we can decide which DRR approach to take.

There are three main approaches to disaster risk reduction:

If disaster risks are high, the objective of the action is specifically to reduce disaster risk/increase resilience.

If disaster risks are medium, objectives are linked to other domains, but activities/results are made more resilient.

If disaster risks are low, no reference is made to disaster risk/resilience (though disaster risks should be systematically monitored).

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Based on the results of the assessment/analysis stage, we can decide which DRR approach to take.

These different approaches to DRR are shown in the graphic below.

For the remainder of the e-Learning process, we will be assuming that we are pursuing the first option,

where explicit DRR activities are being implemented.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

In planning an explicit DRR initiative, there are several things to take into consideration

when deciding on activities.

Considerations for planning explicit DRR activities include:

Priorities identified in DRM policies, strategies or plans of relevant authorities

Different hazards the communities are dealing with and their relative impacts on lives and livelihoods

Feasibility, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of different DRR actions

Availability of necessary technical expertise to implement the action

Potential for negative unintended effects

Ensuring actions benefit the most vulnerable and address the underlying causes of vulnerability

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Based on the assessment, and taking the above factors into consideration, you may identify a number of

different types of DRR activities.

For example, to reduce the risk of disaster caused by flooding, activities could include:

Early warning systems

Raising embankments

Improving drainage

Raising wells

Swimming lessons

Providing boats

Providing safe shelters

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Along with actions that explicitly address disaster risks, you may also identify activities that achieve other objectives

in addition to reducing disaster risks.

Some examples of these types of activities could include:

Sustainable ecosystem management

Diversifying and/or strengthening livelihoods

Strengthening community organization

Strengthening institutional capacity

Building schools that double as shelters for floods or cyclones

REFLECTIONConsider your own DRR projects.

Do they incorporate these types of “dual purpose” activities?

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Once you have identified and prioritized activities, you can move into implementation.

This stage involves execution of activities and monitoring.

There are a couple of key things to keep in mind during the implementation of DRR projects:

Develop activities that meet the project objectives.

Adopt a flexible approach so that you can adjust according to changes in context.

This will help to ensure that your DRR initiative is both effective and sustainable.

Monitoring is a key tool for achieving this.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Monitoring in DRR initiatives involves two key aspects.

Monitoring of hazards, for example:

Monitoring environmental changes This monitoring can be linked to early warning

systems

Monitoring of vulnerability, for example:

Households in unsafe locations

Adherence to building codes

Functioning of local risk management groups

Poverty levels

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Evaluation in DRR initiatives looks at two important dimensions.

Evaluation in DRR initiatives evaluates both the process and the results

Results are evaluated in terms of:

- Effectiveness- Efficiency- Coverage- Relevance to local needs and priorities- Appropriateness to context- Alignment with policies- Any unintended impacts

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Let’s look at an example of a DRR project.

In Krabi province in southern Thailand, Raks Thai Foundation is working with six coastal communities to facilitate planning for disaster risk management and the implementation of targeted DRR activities on a pilot basis.

The planning will use a community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) approach, working with local leaders, resource persons and community members.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

The project will act as a “learning lab” for community-based disaster risk management, with explicit integration of adaptation to climate change. It will provide learning, guidance and experiences that will be useful to DRM practitioners throughout the region.

The CBDRM approach adopted by the project involves ten key steps.

The ten steps in the CBDRM process are:

1. An initiating the process from policy coordination to selection

2. Information development

3. Community awareness raising

4. Coordination of local implementing partners

5. Establishment of volunteers and working group on CBDRM

6. Development of CBDRM plan

7. Administration and implementation of CBDRM plan

8. Monitoring and evaluation

9. Strengthening learning processes

10. Linking to sustainable community development

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

The core of the process is the development of the CBDRM plans.

The project has formed working groups of trained local leaders, and resource persons. These working groups are collaborating with participating coastal communities to establish CBDRM committees and facilitate the development of CBDRM plans. These plans will be linked to CBDRM plans and early warning systems at both sub-district and provincial levels.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

The CBDRM plans are currently under development. They address disaster response, preparedness, disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation.

The communities have identified a range of activities within their CBDRM plans.

Activities in the CBDRM plans developed to date include:• Mangrove and beach forest resource

management• Fishery resource restoration• Study and pilot activities on solutions for

controlling coastal erosion, such as bamboo walls and beach forest tree plantation

• Establishing evacuation routes and safe evacuation areas

• Establishing boat parking areas in canals for use during monsoon season

• Establishment of early warning systems• Capacity building for local stakeholders

on DRR and adaptation• Establishing community DRR funds

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Let’s review the key learning points for this module.

• DRR aims to reduce exposure to hazard events, to reduce vulnerability, and to improve preparedness.

• The project cycle for DRR consists of four key stages: assessment/analysis; participatory action planning; implementation (execution of activities and monitoring); and evaluation.

• Engaging stakeholders is very important throughout the project cycle.

• Explicit DRR actions specifically aim to reduce disaster risk/increase resilience.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Ready to review your knowledge?

In this module, we’ve introduced the basics of disaster risk reduction.

Next, you’ll have a chance to review your knowledge before moving on to the next module.

Ready?

If you feel you’re ready for the knowledge review, click on the forward arrow.

Not quite there yet?

If you’d like to go through any of the concepts again before moving on to the knowledge review, click on the appropriate box in the map.

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Knowledge ReviewQuestion 1

Which of the following is an example of a disaster mitigation activity which could form part of a DRR initiative?

Establishing community

disaster response

teams

Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

Improving drainage

systems for rainwater

Avoidance of areas at risk

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Knowledge ReviewQuestion 2

At what stage of the project cycle for a targeted DRR project do we begin to engage stakeholders?

Assessment/analysis

Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

Participatory action

planning

Execution of project

activities

Introduction

DRR project cycle


Project example


Implementation

Evaluation

Knowledge Review

Congratulations! You’ve completed Module 3.

We hope that you have found this to be a useful learning experience.

To access the other e-Learning modules, please visit the:

e-Learning Center - Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction

NOTE: You will need a user name and password to access the e-Learning Center.

If you do not have an account, please contact: [email protected]

Thank you for your participation!

You can exit the module by pressing the Esc key.



module 3 introduction to disaster risk reduction integrating climate change adaptation in disaster...

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