The IGAD Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Management is a collaborative roadmap spanning 20 years, designed in accordance with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the continental Programme of Action (PoA) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Africa. Its primary aim is to proactively mitigate new risks and alleviate existing ones by implementing a holistic approach. This involves integrating various measures across economic, structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational, environmental, technological, political, and institutional domains. By reducing exposure to hazards and vulnerability to disasters, enhancing preparedness for response and recovery, the strategy endeavors to bolster resilience. Aligned with the global aspirations of the Sendai Framework, it seeks a significant reduction in disaster risk and associated losses across lives, livelihoods, health, and various assets by 2030. The Strategy is structured around four priority areas, each aligned with the Sendai Framework for DRR 2015-2030 and the AU PoA (1) understanding disaster risk; (2) strengthening Disaster Risk Governance; (3) investing in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for Resilience; (4) disaster preparedness for effective response and resilient recovery, aiming to ‘Build Back Better. Each priority area encompasses strategic interventions supported by detailed thematic descriptions, multiple strategies, and key actions. Common hazards in the IGAD region include droughts, floods, animal and human diseases, pests, along with seismic risks. The strategic objectives of the Strategy aim to (i) support IGAD and its Member States in fortifying Disaster Risk Management (DRM) institutions, capacities, and mechanisms to enhance resilience against both natural and human-made hazards. This support is designed to be holistic, gender-sensitive, and integrated; (ii) foster the mainstreaming and integration of disaster risk management and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) within IGAD's programs and the Member States' Development Policies, sectoral plans, and programs in a cohesive manner; (iii) establish an inter-governmental mechanism to facilitate collaboration and partnerships among IGAD Member States in Disaster Risk Management; (iv) enhance coherence and integration between disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation, conflict and fragility, and other development obligations. This alignment is aimed at contributing to the implementation and achievement of the goals and aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063 and other pertinent international frameworks. Furthermore, it aligns with the implementation of the AU DRR Strategy and PoA, aiming to contribute to the achievement of global targets outlined in the Sendai Framework by 2030, including (i) significantly reducing disaster-related mortality in the IGAD region; (ii) substantially decreasing the number of affected individuals in the IGAD region; (iii) decreasing direct disaster economic losses relative to the IGAD region's gross domestic product (GDP); (iv) significantly reducing disaster damage to critical infrastructure and the disruption of basic services, including health and educational facilities by enhancing their resilience; (v) increasing the number of countries with national and sub-national disaster risk reduction strategies aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) by 2020; (vi) engaging Member States strategically with stakeholders to enhance international cooperation by providing adequate and sustainable support to complement national actions for the implementation of the Sendai Framework; (vii) substantially enhancing the availability and accessibility of multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments for all individuals. The IGAD Regional Strategy outlines four key priorities: (i) Enhancing understanding of disaster risk by strengthening risk identification, information management, and research to mitigate climate-related impacts; (ii) Strengthening governance for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) through implementing strategies, fostering collaboration, and enhancing institutional mechanisms; (iii) Investing in DRM to build resilience by integrating it into public finance and infrastructure development, with a focus on climate change adaptation; (iv) Prioritizing preparedness for effective response and recovery by strengthening early warning systems, supporting disaster response, and promoting 'Building Back Better' principles to ensure resilient disaster management practices and sustainable development.
2019-02-01