1. Disaster risk reduction A users perspective from the IFRC
An overview & areas for collaboration with NMHS’s
A users perspective from the IFRC

2. Session Overview Introduction to the International Federation
Disaster risk reduction
Cooperation with providers to date
Challenges & Opportunities

3. International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies
165 National Societies supported by a Secretariat in Geneva as well as 16 regional and 60 country offices
National Societies act as auxiliaries to the public authorities of their own countries in the humanitarian field.
National Societies provide a range of services including disaster preparedness, disaster relief, health and social programmes, and assistance to people affected by war.

4. World Disasters Report 2002 messages
disaster preparedness pays but is not enough
need for disaster risk reduction to protect livelihoods and development
Red Cross/Red Crescent has a role to play in reducing vulnerability/risks and increasing resilience
development and humanitarian agendas come together - disasters erode development gains and disasters are a result of under-development
Message on climate change and trends

5. saving and protecting lives
intrinsic functions of the RC/RC Movement’s component organisations
…. historically interpreted as a requirement to prepare for and respond to emergencies:
conflict
natural disasters
floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, urban and technological incidents and major transport accidents etc.
an essentially REACTIVE approach

6. a responsive pro-active approach
trends and developments
risk reduction and disaster mitigation
increasing emphasis placed on capacity building for disaster preparedness and mitigation at RC Branch & community levels
community capacities to address issues related to their vulnerability constitute the focus of RC disaster reduction initiatives
poverty and insecurity clearly indicated as major factors inducing and exacerbating vulnerability
sustainable development and community empowerment identified as the key to disaster risk reduction
a responsive pro-active approach

7. What we actually do in DRR
Mitigation work (e.g)
Structural and non-structural such as education through schools, adaptation to climate change, early warning, mangroves, raised platforms, rainwater collection
Disaster preparedness – organisational and community level (e.g)
Regional, national and branch levels response capacities
Contingency planning
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment
Emergency assessment skills (guidelines and capacities)
Training and support of local response teams
Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction
Ensuring our development work such as livelihoods, clinics, houses are protected from future risk (especially in recovery)
Two key areas of advocacy work: 1. Climate change 2. Strengthening the ISDR System

8. Potential scope of cooperation
Early Warning
early response
Seasonal Forecasting
disaster preparedness & disaster risk reduction
Climate Change
adaptation

9. Examples of cooperation to date
One third of RC/RC Societies have had some contact with NMHS’s
Lima: International Federation attended regional WMO meeting
Belize: Effective early warning
Central America: Early warning through Miami Hurricane Centre
Haiti: Forecast available but information not reaching users
Pacific: Weather updates received but not always understood
Tsunami: Early Warning and Response System (first mile)

10. Using forecast material
Cambodia (flood monitoring)
Cooperation between MRC and Red Cross
High tech system
Down to local level through radios and flags
Bangladesh (cyclone preparedness)
Cooperation with government & met offices
In 1970, half a million people died in one cyclone
Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) evacuated 2.5 million people during 5 cyclones in 1990s

14. Some Challenges
Different perceptions on the right type/ quality of information/data
Does information require re-packaging for different users? (user driven)
Need more user friendly information, for instance, based on local assessment of risk;
Need better delivery systems to reach users;
Need greater local participation (plus two way feedback);
Need to better measure impact of early warning & forcecasting

15. Opportunities Welcome your ideas
International Federation Global Alliance on disaster risk reduction
Possible focus on 5-7 countries (Pacific & Caribbean?)
Develop good practice
WMO focal point for National Societies enquiries & vice versa

16. Thank you