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Equipping the disadvantaged to cope better with disasters
The Disaster Risk Reduction Programme in Bolivia improves the country’s ability to reduce the impact of natural disasters and climate change on people’s lives, on the country’s economy and on its
infrastructure.
Project DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction)
Disaster risk reduction in Central Asia
The SDC “Regional Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Programme Central Asia” is a combination of several projects, carried out in collaboration with the governments and local communities of Kyrgyzstan
and Tajikistan.
Project DRR in Central Asia
Prevention: Reducing the impact of natural disasters
Climate change has been accompanied by an increase – both in terms of frequency and intensity – in extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones and droughts. In 2001, natural disasters claimed 30,000 lives and affected 200 million people, causing damages totalling CHF 370 billion. Developing countries are largely defenceless against natural and environmental disasters.
Increasing resilience – the key to risk reduction
Disaster risk reduction is an important contribution to poverty reduction and to the long-term effectiveness of development projects. Prevention and preparedness measures involving planning, and
technical aspects help reduce the impact of natural disasters and mitigate their humanitarian consequences. Appropriate policy frameworks at the national and global level are also necessary to ensure
better resilience in the face of disasters.
Preparedness and responses to international emergencies in humanitarian crises must be strengthened. The international community also needs to agree to improve the early warning systems and the collection of socio-demographic data needed to reduce risks. Every country must be put in a position to cope with disasters as independently as possible without international assistance.
| SDC's commitment The SDC's commitment aims to promote the sustainable use of natural resources, to strengthen local coping mechanisms, and to improve the international system of disaster preparedness. Humanitarian Aid seeks to bring about greater integration of humanitarian contexts in international environmental policies. |