1. Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction
Module 3
Introduction to disaster risk reduction

2. Welcome to e-Learning on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction!
This module is part of an e-Learning package on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction.
The package includes five modules:
Concepts in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation
Understanding vulnerability
Introduction to disaster risk reduction
Introduction to climate change adaptation
Guiding principles for integrating adaptation in disaster risk reduction
We recommend that you work through the modules in the specified order.
To access the other e-Learning modules, please visit the:
e-Learning Center - Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction
NOTE: You will need a user name and password to access the e-Learning Center.
If you do not have an account, please contact:
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3. Who are the e-Learning modules for? How were they developed?
The e-Learning modules are designed for disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners. This includes practitioners within CARE, as well as our civil society and government partner organizations.
They were developed by Raks Thai Foundation and CARE, with significant inputs from CARE experts on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and most importantly from practitioners engaged in DRR initiatives in Country Offices across the Asia Pacific Region, as well as in Raks Thai Foundation.
Practitioner perspectives were gathered through two workshops. An initial workshop was conducted to develop the overall framework and brainstorm on key content. In the second workshop, the draft modules were tested and feedback was gathered. The current version reflects inputs from both workshops.
The modules reflect CARE’s current thinking on integrating adaptation in DRR initiatives. They should be considered as working versions. Our approach will be tested and refined as we develop more experience in this area.
Please send any feedback on these modules to Bruce Ravesloot:
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4. Participatory action planning
You can move through the module at your own pace.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
We estimate that this module will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.
However, everyone learns at a different speed, so you should feel comfortable moving at your own pace.
The map on the right helps you to track your progress through the module. Where you are will be highlighted in orange.
We recommend that you go through the module in sequence, however you will have the option of jumping forwards or backwards by clicking on the map.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
COPY TO ALL MODULES
Project example
Knowledge Review
At any point, you can go back to the previous slide by clicking the back arrow.
Use the forward arrow to move through the module.

5. Throughout the module, you’ll find links to
key definitions.
This e-Learning module is designed to be as clear and user-friendly as possible. So, as we introduce different concepts, we’ll use simple language and examples to promote understanding.
However, we will also provide links to ‘official’ definitions for those who prefer this approach.
Any time you see underlined text in the module, you can click to access the official definition.
Are you ready?
Then let’s get started!
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6. Introduction to disaster risk reduction
Module 3
Introduction to disaster risk reduction

7. Participatory action planning
Modules 1 and 2 focused on building understanding of important concepts for disaster risk reduction.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
To review from Modules 1 and 2:
Climate change makes disaster risk reduction even more important.
With the exception of geophysical hazards, climate change affects all types of natural hazards.
Vulnerability to climate change and disasters:
Depends on exposure to hazards.
Is determined by human, social, physical, natural, political and financial factors.
Varies within communities and even within households.
More capacity means less vulnerability.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

8. Participatory action planning
Let’s start by reminding ourselves what we mean
by disaster risk reduction.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is an approach to reduce disaster risks caused by hazard events. It refers to the practical actions that society, communities or other stakeholders take to reduce the risk of disasters.
DRR aims to reduce exposure to hazard events, to reduce vulnerability, and to improve preparedness.
Ideally, DRR actions take place within the framework of a disaster risk management (DRM) policy, strategy or plan.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Because climate change increases the frequency, severity and intensity of climate-related hazards, it provides a strong imperative for DRR actions.
Knowledge Review

9. Participatory action planning
Why is DRR important in the communities we work in?
Introduction
DRR project cycle
As discussed in Module 1, hazard events can have a wide range of negative effects, including:
Injury, illness or loss of life
Destruction of property or assets
Interruption in services
Harm to or loss of livelihoods
Damage to ecosystems
Psycho-social impacts
A hazard event can set back or completely reverse development progress that has been made.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
In almost every disaster situation, it is the poorest and most vulnerable people who suffer most.

10. Participatory action planning
DRR includes disaster prevention,
mitigation and preparedness.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Prevention: Actions that avoid the adverse impacts of hazards
Example: avoidance of areas at risk of hazard event
Mitigation: Actions that reduce the direct impact of a hazard
Example: improving drainage systems for rainwater
Preparedness: Actions that enhance capacity to respond to a disaster event that has occurred
Example: establishment of community disaster response teams, prepositioning emergency response materials
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

11. Click on the orange boxes for a brief description of each stage.
Let’s look at a typical project cycle
for a disaster risk reduction initiative.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Evaluation
Assessment/ analysis
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Implementation
Execution of activities and monitoring
Participatory action planning
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the orange boxes for a brief description
of each stage.

12. Participatory action planning
Engaging stakeholders throughout the process
is an important success factor for DRR.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Key stakeholders that need to be involved in DRR initiatives include:
Community members, including representatives of vulnerable groups
Authorities at all levels
Civil society organizations
Technical specialists
Private sector
Research institutes
Media
These stakeholders must be involved in all stages of the project cycle.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

13. Participatory action planning
There are a few things to keep in mind in the assessment/analysis phase.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
During disaster risk assessment/analysis, it is important to:
Use complementary assessment approaches to look at different aspects of disaster risks
Incorporate participatory approaches
Use methods that allow triangulation of data
Adapt methods to social/cultural customs
Use methods that are sensitive to gender and power dynamics
Ensure that the most vulnerable groups are represented in the process
Be flexible in your approach
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

14. Participatory action planning
Based on the results of the assessment/analysis stage,
we can decide which DRR approach to take.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
There are three main approaches to disaster risk reduction:
If disaster risks are high, the objective of the action is specifically to reduce disaster risk/increase resilience.
If disaster risks are medium, objectives are linked to other domains, but activities/results are made more resilient.
If disaster risks are low, no reference is made to disaster risk/resilience (though disaster risks should be systematically monitored).
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

15. Based on the results of the assessment/analysis stage,
we can decide which DRR approach to take.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
These different approaches to DRR are shown in the graphic below.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
For the remainder of the e-Learning process, we will be assuming that we are pursuing the first option,
where explicit DRR activities are being implemented.

16. Participatory action planning
In planning an explicit DRR initiative,
there are several things to take into consideration
when deciding on activities.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Considerations for planning explicit DRR activities include:
Priorities identified in DRM policies, strategies or plans of relevant authorities
Different hazards the communities are dealing with and their relative impacts on lives and livelihoods
Feasibility, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of different DRR actions
Availability of necessary technical expertise to implement the action
Potential for negative unintended effects
Ensuring actions benefit the most vulnerable and address the underlying causes of vulnerability
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

17. Participatory action planning
Based on the assessment, and taking the above factors into consideration, you may identify a number of
different types of DRR activities.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
For example, to reduce the risk of disaster caused by flooding, activities could include:
Early warning systems
Raising embankments
Improving drainage
Raising wells
Swimming lessons
Providing boats
Providing safe shelters
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

18. Along with actions that explicitly address disaster risks,
you may also identify activities that achieve other objectives in addition to reducing disaster risks.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Some examples of these types of activities could include:
Sustainable ecosystem management
Diversifying and/or strengthening livelihoods
Strengthening community organization
Strengthening institutional capacity
Building schools that double as shelters for floods or cyclones
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
REFLECTION
Consider your own DRR projects.
Do they incorporate these types of “dual purpose” activities?

19. Participatory action planning
Once you have identified and prioritized activities,
you can move into implementation.
This stage involves execution of activities and monitoring.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
There are a couple of key things to keep in mind during the implementation of DRR projects:
Develop activities that meet the project objectives.
Adopt a flexible approach so that you can adjust according to changes in context.
This will help to ensure that your DRR initiative is both effective and sustainable.
Monitoring is a key tool for achieving this.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

20. Participatory action planning
Monitoring in DRR initiatives involves two key aspects.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Monitoring of hazards, for example:
Monitoring environmental changes
This monitoring can be linked to early warning systems
Monitoring of vulnerability, for example:
Households in unsafe locations
Adherence to building codes
Functioning of local risk management groups
Poverty levels
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

21. Participatory action planning
Evaluation in DRR initiatives looks at two important dimensions.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Evaluation in DRR initiatives evaluates both the process and the results
Results are evaluated in terms of:
Effectiveness
Efficiency
Coverage
Relevance to local needs and priorities
Appropriateness to context
Alignment with policies
Any unintended impacts
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

22. Participatory action planning
Let’s look at an example of a DRR project.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
In Krabi province in southern Thailand, Raks Thai Foundation is working with six coastal communities to facilitate planning for disaster risk management and the implementation of targeted DRR activities on a pilot basis.
The planning will use a community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) approach, working with local leaders, resource persons and community members.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
The project will act as a “learning lab” for community-based disaster risk management, with explicit integration of adaptation to climate change. It will provide learning, guidance and experiences that will be useful to DRM practitioners throughout the region.
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

23. Participatory action planning
The CBDRM approach adopted by the project
involves ten key steps.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
The ten steps in the CBDRM process are:
An initiating the process from policy coordination to selection
Information development
Community awareness raising
Coordination of local implementing partners
Establishment of volunteers and working group on CBDRM
Development of CBDRM plan
Administration and implementation of CBDRM plan
Monitoring and evaluation
Strengthening learning processes
Linking to sustainable community development
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

24. Participatory action planning
The core of the process is the development
of the CBDRM plans.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
The project has formed working groups of trained local leaders, and resource persons. These working groups are collaborating with participating coastal communities to establish CBDRM committees and facilitate the development of CBDRM plans. These plans will be linked to CBDRM plans and early warning systems at both sub-district and provincial levels.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
 The CBDRM plans are currently under development. They address disaster response, preparedness, disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation.
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

25. Participatory action planning
The communities have identified a range of activities within their CBDRM plans.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Activities in the CBDRM plans developed to date include:
Mangrove and beach forest resource management
Fishery resource restoration
Study and pilot activities on solutions for controlling coastal erosion, such as bamboo walls and beach forest tree plantation
Establishing evacuation routes and safe evacuation areas
Establishing boat parking areas in canals for use during monsoon season
Establishment of early warning systems
Capacity building for local stakeholders on DRR and adaptation
Establishing community DRR funds
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

26. Participatory action planning
Let’s review the key learning points for this module.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
DRR aims to reduce exposure to hazard events, to reduce vulnerability, and to improve preparedness.
The project cycle for DRR consists of four key stages: assessment/analysis; participatory action planning; implementation (execution of activities and monitoring); and evaluation.
Engaging stakeholders is very important throughout the project cycle.
Explicit DRR actions specifically aim to reduce disaster risk/increase resilience.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

27. Participatory action planning
Ready to review your knowledge?
Introduction
DRR project cycle
In this module, we’ve introduced the basics of disaster risk reduction.
Next, you’ll have a chance to review your knowledge before moving on to the next module.
Ready?
If you feel you’re ready for the knowledge review, click on the forward arrow.
Not quite there yet?
If you’d like to go through any of the concepts again before moving on to the knowledge review, click on the appropriate box in the map.
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review

28. Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.
Knowledge Review
Question 1
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Which of the following is an example of a disaster mitigation activity which could form part of a DRR initiative?
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Establishing community disaster response teams
Improving drainage systems for rainwater
Avoidance of areas at risk
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

29. Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.
Knowledge Review
Question 2
Introduction
DRR project cycle
At what stage of the project cycle for a targeted DRR project do we begin to engage stakeholders?
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Assessment/analysis
Participatory action planning
Execution of project activities
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

30. Congratulations! You’ve completed Module 3.
We hope that you have found this to be a useful learning experience.
To access the other e-Learning modules, please visit the:
e-Learning Center - Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction
NOTE: You will need a user name and password to access the e-Learning Center.
If you do not have an account, please contact:
Thank you for your participation!
You can exit the module by pressing the Esc key.
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32. Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.
Definitions
Hazard
A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
From:
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) (2009). Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.

33. Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.
Definitions
Disaster risk reduction
The concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events.
From:
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) (2009). Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.

34. Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.
Definitions
Disaster risk management
The systematic process of using administrative directives, organizations, and operational skills and capacities to implement strategies, policies and improved coping capacities in order to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster.
From:
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) (2009). Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.

35. Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.
Definitions
Vulnerability
The propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected.
From:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2011). Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation: A Special Report of Working Group I and Working Group II to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.

36. Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.
Definitions
Resilience
The ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions.
From:
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) (2009). Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Click on the arrow to go back to the e-Learning module.

37. Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.
Let’s look at a typical project cycle
for a disaster risk reduction initiative.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
During the assessment/analysis stage:
Hazards are identified
Vulnerability of communities and groups within communities is analyzed
Capacity to cope with hazards is evaluated
Stakeholders are identified and involved
Underlying causes of vulnerability are analyzed
Assessment/ analysis
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.

38. Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.
Let’s look at a typical project cycle
for a disaster risk reduction initiative.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
During the participatory action planning stage:
Decisions are made about how to address DRR
Approach is designed to minimize negative effects of hazards
Strategies are identified to deal with residual risks, which are risks that can’t be eliminated because they are beyond our control or beyond what can be expected based on past experience
Participatory action planning
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.

39. Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.
Let’s look at a typical project cycle
for a disaster risk reduction initiative.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Execution of activities depends on the approach:
In targeted DRR initiatives, activities are implemented that directly address disaster risks
When DRR is integrated into other projects, activities are implemented that increase resilience of project activities to disasters
During monitoring:
Changes in disaster risk are monitored
Project and activities are adapted to achieve desired changes
Implementation
Execution of activities and monitoring
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.

40. Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.
Let’s look at a typical project cycle
for a disaster risk reduction initiative.
Introduction
DRR project cycle
During evaluation:
The process is evaluated
Impact of project on disaster risk is evaluated
Evaluation
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the arrow to go back to the project cycle map.

41. Click on the orange box to go back to the Knowledge Review.
Question 1
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Which of the following is an example of a disaster mitigation activity which could form part of a DRR initiative?
Assessment/ analysis
Sorry! Establishing community disaster response teams is an example of a preparedness activity. Preparedness actions enhance capacity to respond to a disaster that has occurred.
The correct example of a mitigation activity is improving drainage systems for rainwater. Mitigation actions are those that reduce the direct impact of a hazard.
Participatory action planning
Establishing community disaster response teams
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the orange box to go back to the Knowledge Review.

42. Participatory action planning Improving drainage systems for rainwater
Knowledge Review
Question 1
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Which of the following is an example of a disaster mitigation activity which could form part of a DRR initiative?
Assessment/ analysis
Participatory action planning
Improving drainage systems for rainwater
You are right!
Improving drainage systems for rainwater is an example of a mitigation activity.
Mitigation actions are those that reduce the direct impact of a hazard.
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the orange box to go back to the Knowledge Review.

43. Participatory action planning Avoidance of areas at risk
Knowledge Review
Question 1
Introduction
DRR project cycle
Which of the following is an example of a disaster mitigation activity which could form part of a DRR initiative?
Assessment/ analysis
Sorry! Avoidance of areas at risk is an example of a prevention activity. Prevention actions aim to avoid the negative impacts of hazards.
The correct example of a mitigation activity is improvement of drainage for rainwater systems. Mitigation actions are those that reduce the direct impact of a hazard.
Participatory action planning
Avoidance of areas at risk
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the orange box to go back to the Knowledge Review.

44. Participatory action planning
Knowledge Review
Question 2
Introduction
DRR project cycle
At what stage of the project cycle for a targeted DRR project do we begin to engage stakeholders?
Assessment/ analysis
You are right!
Stakeholders should be engaged during the assessment/analysis stage, and this engagement should continue throughout the project.
Stakeholders include community members, especially groups that are particularly vulnerable to hazards, as well as relevant government and civil society organizations.
Participatory action planning
Assessment/analysis
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the orange box to go back to the Knowledge Review.

45. Participatory action planning Participatory action planning
Knowledge Review
Question 2
Introduction
DRR project cycle
At what stage of the project cycle for a targeted DRR project do we begin to engage stakeholders?
Assessment/ analysis
Sorry! While stakeholders must be engaged in action planning, it is important that they are involved right from the beginning of the process, during the assessment/analysis stage.
Stakeholders include community members, especially groups that are particularly vulnerable to hazards, as well as relevant government and civil society organizations.
Participatory action planning
Participatory action planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the orange box to go back to the Knowledge Review.

46. Participatory action planning Execution of project activities
Knowledge Review
Question 2
Introduction
DRR project cycle
At what stage of the project cycle for a targeted DRR project do we begin to engage stakeholders?
Assessment/ analysis
Sorry! While stakeholders must be engaged in execution of activities, it is important that they are involved right from the beginning of the process, during the assessment/analysis stage, through planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Stakeholders include community members, especially groups that are particularly vulnerable to hazards, as well as relevant government and civil society organizations.
Participatory action planning
Execution of project activities
Implementation
Evaluation
Project example
Knowledge Review
Click on the orange box to go back to the Knowledge Review.