| EXTRACT FROM: REMARKS OF THE CDERA COORDINATOR AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE DISASTER MITIGATION POLICY WORKSHOP This CDERA organized DIPECHO sponsored workshop, represents another of the agency�s strategic interventions to create the environment for a Comprehensive Approach to Disaster Management (CDM). At the heart of CDERA�s programming activities over the last 4-5 years, has been the initiation of the critical elements necessary to create the highly desirable links between our development aspirations, development decisions and our vulnerability. We have been working feverishly with a diversity of partners to create the infrastructure for a broad based culture of sustainable development founded on appropriate and affordable mitigation and prevention practices. As you are aware, we have initiated with the support of UNDP and USAID, a stakeholders consultative process in pursuit of a strategic framework for moving CDM forward at all levels. We believe very strongly that the goal and objectives of CDM will only be meaningfully pursued once the nation is at ease about our foundational activities in preparedness. It is against this background that, even as we speak about mitigation and prevention, we are also advocating strong preparedness and response mechanisms. To assist in the preparation of its 2001-2004 Work Programme, the CDERA Coordinating Unit has been undertaking a series of assessment audits. There are welcoming signs that things are improving in most Participating States, in the areas of disaster management accessories. However, the institutionalizing process is not moving apace. There is no effort here to apportion blame for the lethargy but rather to suggest the recognition of responsibility. At the CDERA Coordinating Unit, we are beginning to emphasize the importance of adequately trained, appropriately appointed and enumerated disaster management officials. This is central to the creation and management of a national dialogue at all levels. Equally important is the need for national resource allocators to recognize that building capacity in disaster management is not a humanitarian exercise. It must be seen as a national priority with adequate allocation of resources. As we seek to move CDM forward, i.e moving from a reactive relief mode to a proactive mitigation mode, our leaders will also be required to adjust their perception of disaster management organizations and programmes as donor dependants, to one of development enablers. Whilst this workshop seeks to initiate the policy framework necessary for mainstreaming disaster management in the education sector, the process and the principles are equally relevant to other key economic sectors. It should not be seen in isolation of prior initiatives centered on mitigation planning, maintenance as a mitigation tool, and disaster preparedness and mitigation in the agricultural sector. We anticipate that a central outcome of this dialogue will be a framework for national mitigation policies in this sector. A tool which will be made available to CDERA Participating States to facilitate this important foundation in the context of their capacity and schedule. .................... Jeremy Collymore March 1, 2001 |
| COMPREHENSIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT |
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