Introduction On March 11, 2011, the world watched the Great East Japan Earthquake measuring a staggering 9.0 on the Richter scale, hit the Tohoku region along the pacific coast of Japan. It was the fourth largest earthquake in the world. The subsequent Tsunami washed away towns and villages along the sea shore, resulting in huge numbers of human casualties and left devastation. It is globally recognized that the loss of life and damage could have been far greater had it not been for Japan's disaster risk management policies and measures. Emergency plans, sharp drills, and training activities saved thousands of lives as procedures were implemented properly and carefully. Patience, responsibility and the general sense of collected and dignified calm drove the rescue process. Success stories as well as unfortunate failures must be collected, analyzed and shared to make the world more resilient. In October 2011, the Government of Japan (GoJ) and World Bank started working on a new program, “Learning from Mega Disasters: Program of Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Exchange”, which is aimed at supporting Japan share its lessons from disaster risk management and reconstruction with the rest of the world.. In more details, the objectives are to: 1. Develop Knowledge Notes (KNs) by collecting data and facts about damage and loss caused by the unprecedented disaster that recently hit Japan. 2. Share draft KNs with DRM experts around the world for the peer review and discuss the adaptability of the KNs to developing countries context by holding GDLN session with practitioners and experts. 3. Facilitate mutual learning and cooperation in building resilient societies around the world by drawing on Japan’s long experience in dealing with mega disasters. Global Development Learning Network Seminar Series Learning from Mega Disasters Session 4 Recovery Process & Reconstruction Planning About the KS Sessions Under this project “Learning from Mega Disasters”, a series of interactive Knowledge-Sharing (KS) sessions using the video-conferencing (VC) system will be organized in collaboration with the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN). This is aimed at (i) sharing initial findings and lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake with practitioners throughout the world and (ii) exchanging views among experts how these lessons could be adapted to developing countries. 33 Knowledge Notes have been developed. The KNs will be grouped into 6 clusters for this GDLN knowledge-exchange sessions. The themes and target countries for each session are as follows: Session 1: Structural Measures -- addressing experiences and lessons learnt on (i) tsunami dykes; (ii) building code; and (iii) prepare for cascading effects. (April 18) with East Asia, Latin America Session 2: Non-structural Measures -- addressing experiences and lessons learnt on (i) community based risk assessment/DRM; (ii) early warning and evacuation planning; and (iii) local vs. national planning and the role of urban planning in DRM. (April 19) with East Asia, Latin America (April 20) with South Asia, Africa Session 3: Response -- addressing experiences and lessons learnt on (i) vulnerable group and gender; and (ii) logistics, coordination and communication. (April 23) with East Asia, South Asia, Africa Session 4: Recovery -- addressing experiences and lessons learnt on (i) recovery planning; (ii) debris management; and (iii) livelihood. (April 25) with East Asia, South Asia, Middle East Session 5: Risk Information and Risk Financing -- addressing experiences and lessons learnt on (i) disaster risk Insurance; and (ii) risk assessment and communication. (April 26) with Latin America, Central Asia, Middle East April 25, 2012 (Local Time) China (Beijing/Shichuan) 14:00-16:30 Indonesia 13:00-15:30 Thailand 13:00-15:30 Fiji 18:00-20:30 Turkey 9:00-11:30 Iran 10:30-12:00 Sri Lanka 11:30-13:00 India 11:30-13:00 Japan (Tokyo & Kobe) 15:00-17:30

Language English. (Simultaneous interpretation can be arranged at each site upon prior request by connection sites.) Delivery of the program The organizers are very interested to receive comments to draft Knowledge Notes(KNs) from participants, Draft KNs will be distributed by before sessions. The session will be a 2.5-hour interactive session using Video Conference technology. The session consists of 2 presentations followed by Q&A and open discussion. Webcasting (Live Streaming via Internet) will be also available. URL: (To view webcasting, participants will need a PC with internet access, Windows Media Player Version and PC speakers.) Registration information Please submit your confirmation of participation to local contact person. (See the right box for local contact persons) Registration Deadline: April 18, Contacts For Program Information: Federica Ranghieri, Mikio Ishiwatari, For GDLN Central Contacts at TDLC (logistical and VC technical support): Takiko Koyama Sachiko Oda Telephone: +81-(0) Target Audience  National and sub-national government officials  Officials from relevant Regional organizations  Other partners and stakeholders such as academics, private sector, practitioners, civil society organizations in the field of environment.  World Bank staff and other donor staff in country offices. Session 4: Recovery Process and Reconstruction Planning Agenda 1. Opening & Welcome (Introduction of participants and objectives) 2. Presentation on Recovery Planning 3.Presentation on Transition Housing 4. Q&A and open discussion 5. Conclusions & Closing Presenters Yasuo Tanaka and Akihiko Hokugo, Professors, Research Center for Urban Safety and Security, Kobe University Sanjaya Bhatia, Knowledge Management Officer Yasuo Kawawaki, Senior Recovery Expert International Recovery Platform Kobe, Hyogo, Japan Discussants TBC Moderator Federica Ranghieri Senior Urban Specialist The World Bank Institute Mikio Ishiwatari Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist The World Bank Institute Photos : Mikio Ishiwatari Venues and Local Contacts for RSVP Indonesia (Jakarta) World Bank Office, Jakarta Iwan Gunawan, Thailand (Bangkok) Chulalogkorn University Kamontip Klaibanmai China (Beijing) World Bank Office, Beijing Tianxiu China (Shichuan) TBC Fiji (Suva) UNDP – Pacific Centre Level 7 Kadavu House, 414 Victoria Parade (RSVP: Takiko, Turkey (Ankara) TBC Japan (Tokyo) Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) Takiko Koyama, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Distance Learning Center Chanuka Wattegama, India TERI Distance Learning Center Vinod Bhargava, Iran TBC (RSVP: Takiko Koyama,