Risk Reduction Index launch

January 26, 2011

Andrew Maskrey, on the Risk Reduction Index

Listen to our interview with Andrew Maskrey, UN International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (ISDR), Coordinator of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, on DARA´s recently launched Risk Reduction Index.

Risk Reduction Index launch

DARA presented the findings of its Risk Reduction Index on the 26th of January 2011 at Circulo de Bellas Artes, Madrid.
The report Analysis of the Capacities and Conditions for Disaster Risk Reduction- a study of seven Central American and Caribbean Countries looks at the factors and conditions that contribute to the generation of risk. Based on extensive local consultation and analysis, it provides clear guidance for effective risk reduction in vulnerable and hazard-prone areas across the world.

Download the full report
Download the full report in Spanish

Leading international experts participated in the event, including:

  • Allan Lavell, General Coordinator of the Risk Reduction Index and renowned international specialist in urban planification, risk reduction and disaster prevention.
  • Andrew Maskrey, Coordinator of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR/DRR) and International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR).
  • Luis Romano, Risk Reduction Index, El Salvador focal point.

Why?

The Risk Reduction Index is an endeavour promoted by DARA with the aim of contributing to improved risk reduction interventions and responses to disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods.
Through its work on the Humanitarian Response Index, and in evaluations such as DIPECHO and Tsunami Evaluation Coalition (TEC), DARA has come to understand just how vital mainstreaming disaster risk reduction is. Levels of human vulnerability are on the rise, hazards are having an increasing impact on societies, and the consequences of climate change are expected to increase. Evaluations have constantly reminded us that:

  • Not enough efforts are devoted to prevention and disaster risk reduction and political commitment is often lacking
  • Disaster risk reduction must be analysed and mainstreamed into development
  • Successful efforts in risk reduction are all about comprehensive approaches and partnership