New IDS Bulletin 'Poverty in a Changing Climate'

From IDS:

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) has just launched The IDS Bulletin 39.4 'Poverty in a Changing Climate'.

Climate change has become a mainstream development issue. Impacts are threatening poverty eradication efforts and climate change poses rights and equity questions. The latest IDS Bulletin links adaptation with a variety of insights and approaches from poverty and vulnerability to confront these challenges.

'Poverty in a Changing Climate' reframes the adaptation debate and puts forward a pro-poor adaptation agenda that acknowledges the differentiated and multidimensional nature of poverty for effective, efficient and equitable adaptation measures at all scales.

The issue brings together field practitioners, academics, researchers and policy makers who examine the theory and practice of adaptation through a range of poverty lenses.


*The linkages are examined between adaptation and major poverty arenas including chronic poverty, rights and social justice, pro-poor growth, pro-poor urban governance, asset-building and livelihood diversification.


*Practical lessons are drawn from disaster risk management, social protection, micro-finance, climate insurance, climate science and adaptation tools address conceptual and operational challenges for delivering a pro-poor adaptation agenda.

For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/povcca
The introduction chapter is attached to this email. Individual chapters can be requested from Marion Khamis at m.khamis@ids.ac.uk

This bulletin was supported by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and members of the Poverty and Adaptation Seminar Network<http://www.ids.ac.uk/go/research-teams/vulnerability-team/research-themes/climate-change/projects/poverty-and-adaptation-seminar-network> (PASNet).

Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction deadline 18 March 2009

From UNISDR:

Reminder: Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction deadline 18 March 2009

More inclusive: Any member of the ISDR System - such as governments, NGOs, UN Agencies, Academic institutions, private sector groups or media organizations - can now nominate a candidate for the UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction.

Clear focus: The revisioned Sasakawa Award will recognize champions who have achieved real change in line with the Hyogo Framework for Action's strategic goals and priority areas. As well as recognizeing community-based work and leadership in scientific and technical innovation, the Award also seeks to recognize advocacy that has raised the public profile of disaster risk reduction.

Deadline is near: Nominees must submit their letter of nomination and completed applications to UNISDR by 18 March 2009.

The Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction will be awarded during the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, to be held in Geneva 15-19 June 2009. More submission and eligibility details are here: http://www.unisdr.org/sasakawa2009. Please send all submissions to isdr-sasakawa@un.org

ISDR Global NGO Network Publicatiom

This summer, the second publication of the 'Global network of NGOs for DRR' was launched. The first pub is available here. It's definitely worth a look to gain more information on initiatives which link disasters, development and particularly poverty reduction.

Katrina revisited

A posted response by Ilan Kelman this summer in the NGOFL-L emails on Katrina offers some interesting insights on standard challenges of relief operations.
Ilan's response is copied from the email here:

CNN Report - Supplies for Katrina Victims

The original report appears to have been basically factual, but does not tell the entire story. See other details at http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/15/fema.katrina.supplies and http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/06/17/fema.supplies/index.html?iref=newssearch plus links from those pages to other items on this story--keeping in mind that these reports are still from CNN. However, I could not find any note of this incident on FEMA's website which could have given their side of the story.

The issues raised here are standard challenges of relief operations, which all NGOs need to be aware of, including:
-Inappropriate donations. See also http://oldforum.aidworkers.net/messages/261/10682.html?1110989783
-Corruption in relief operations.
-Inefficiency in relief operations--getting people what they need when they need it.
-The logistics challenges of bringing in, checking, and distributing appropriate and needed supplies. Perhaps PAHO's SUMA tool http://www.paho.org/English/DD/PED/suma.htm and http://www.paho.org/english/dd/pin/ptoday17_nov05.htm is useful?

We must never become complacent regarding relief operations, because especially as you note, despite its resources, transportation infrastructure, and experience with domestic and overseas disasters, the USA ought to be setting a better example. The task is not easy and does require training, planning, and dedication. As you write, it "Teaches us that emergency managers need to be, above all, humanitarians". With best wishes to everyone for continually trying to do better,

Ilan
http://www.riskred.org (Risk Reduction Education for Disasters)

Publication: Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster Risk Reduction

A new publication on Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster Risk Reduction is available from ISDR. As they write:
"Even before we came up with high technology based early warning
systems, or standard operating procedures for response, numerous
local communities worldwide have prepared, operated, acted, and
responded to natural disasters using indigenous methods passed on
from one generation to the next.

The publication "Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster Risk Reduction:
Good Practices and Lessons Learned from experiences in the Asia-
pacific Region", produced with the assistance of the European Union,
aims to build awareness for indigenous knowledge as an effective tool
for reducing risk from natural disasters. By improving the
understanding of indigenous knowledge and providing concrete
examples of how it can be successfully used, this publication can help
all practitioners and policy makers to consider the knowledge hold by
local communities and act to integrate this wealth of knowledge into
future disaster-related work. "

The publication is available on their website here.

Subscribing to UNISDR HIghlights

ISDR's monthly highlights newsletter outlines activity announcements in the field of DRR. You can subscribe, send inputs, or just get information on this publication by contacting: isdrhighlights@un.org

Job openings at IDS: Climate Change and Disasters Group

Research Positions: IDS Climate Change and Disasters Group
Full time positions

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) is a leading global institution for research, teaching and communications on international development, based at the University of Sussex.

We have a number of opportunities in the Climate Change and Disasters Group, representing a major expansion of the Institute's research on climate change.

* Research Fellows - Climate Change and Development (Grade 7-8: depending on experience) Ref 268.
* Research Fellows - Vulnerability and Poverty Reduction Team (Climate Change and Social Protection) (Grade 7-8: depending on experience) Ref 265.
* Knowledge Sharing Officer - Adaptation Knowledge Sharing in Africa (Grade 6: depending on experience) Ref 267.
* Research Officer - Children in a Changing Climate (Grade 6: depending on experience). Ref 269
* Research Officer - Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction (Grade 6: depending on experience). Ref 270.

The Group currently focuses on five thematic areas: International climate policy, pro-poor climate and disaster governance, climate change and social exclusion, organisational change and climate change knowledge services. The Group is engaged in a range of activities including policy-related research, advisory work, capacity-building, networking and developing innovative and accessible knowledge services.

Candidates with experience in linking work in climate change and social protection are particularly encouraged to apply for the research fellow posts within the Vulnerability and Poverty Reduction Team.

For all the positions, you will need to be flexible, willing to travel and able to manage a complex portfolio of projects with sometimes-conflicting priorities and deadlines. You will need to be both a team player and able to work independently, with excellent communication skills.

IDS offers attractive salaries, favourable holiday allowance, a flexible working ethos and membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme. The post is based in Brighton, Sussex.

OFFICIAL APPLICATIONS FORMS ONLY, CVs are not accepted

For further information and to download an application form please log on to
http://www.ids.ac.uk/go/about-ids/working-at-ids/current-vacancies

Alternatively to receive an electronic or hard copy please email Human Resources, hr@ids.ac.uk or call our confidential answer phone
01273-678682 [Int +44 1273-678682]

IDS values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria.

Call for Good Practices for Public/Private Partnerships for DRR

From UN/ISDR:


The UN/ISDR secretariat has issued a call for good practices and lessons learned that link disaster risk reduction and public private partnership. We are seeking examples of projects and initiatives across humanitarian, environmental and development sectors that promote positive changes to how public-private partnerships have strengthened resilience to disasters.

The resulting publication will potentially prove valuable for addressing future public-private partnerships in disaster risk reduction. We invite you to share with us your initiatives at community, national, regional or international levels. Guidelines for submissions are attached in English.

Submission deadline: all contributions should be sent by 31 May 2008.
Submit questions to Stefanie Dannenmann at dannenmann@un.org

Examples of already published Good Practices:

Gender Perspective: Working Together for Disaster Risk Reduction Good Practices and Lessons Learned, 2007
http://www.unisdr.org/eng/about_isdr/isdr-publications/09-gender-good-practices/gender-good-practices.pdf

Towards a Culture of Prevention: Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School Good Practices and Lessons Learned, 2007
http://www.unisdr.org/eng/about_isdr/isdr-publications/11-education-good-practices/education-good-practices.pdf

Building Disaster Resilient Communities Good Practices and Lessons Learned, 2007
http://www.unisdr.org/eng/about_isdr/isdr-publications/06-ngos-good-practices/ngos-good-practices.pdf

Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

From the Prevention Web Team:

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is the main global forum on
disaster risk reduction.

At its first session in June 2007, it brought together representatives of
governments, UN agencies, regional bodies, international financial
institutions, civil society, the private sector and the scientific and
academic communities to raise awareness on disaster risk, to share
experience and to guide the ISDR system with a view to supporting countries
to implement the Hyogo Framework for Action.

The second session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is
scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, during the week of 15 - 19
June 2009.

Further information on the 2009 session will become available in the coming
months.
All relevant information on the Global Platform will be found at
http://www.preventionweb.net/globalplatform

Children, Youth and Environments Journal

Colorado's Children, Youth and Environments Journal (a strong, specialized resource in itself) has an issue out on children and youth, and vulnerability to disasters. It's well worth checking out; of note is the compiled resource list.

Gender, Climate Change and Natural Disasters

From Science Alert Australia/New Zealand, this is an article on gender, climate change and 'natural' disasters. It was circulated through the NGOFL-L Digest. While the findings in the report are not new, and often echo debates we have held for a decade, it brings back into discussions issues of gender and disasters...it also makes us ask why we have been having these discussions, without little follow-up in the form of action...

KNOWLEDGE SHARING PLATFORM FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

From the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal:

"Please visit http://www.disasterpreparedness.icimod.org which is a Knowledge Sharing Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) practitioners. The website is community driven, and mainly serves as a dynamic online repository for materials such as publications, reports, articles, links and news related to disaster risk reduction. Anyone can share information and resources related to DRR, by writing to:

list-moderator@disasterpreparedness.icimod.org


We welcome you all to join our GROUP MAIL which facilitates knowledge-networking among more than 300 DRR practitioners. Please visit the following link to join the group: http://www.disasterpreparedness.icimod.org/dipecho-list.php

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON CERTIFICATE IN TSUNAMI SCIENCE AND PREPAREDNESS

From the University of Washington:

"The University of Washington Extension (UWE) in conjunction with the
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has
developed a professional certification course in tsunami science and
preparedness. The next course offering will be June 16-27, 2008 at the
University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. The certification
program consists of three courses providing overviews of

(l) Tsunami Hazard Assessment

(2) Tsunami Warning Systems

(3) Tsunami Resilient Communities

Designed for planners, policy makers, emergency managers, scientists,
and engineers, the curriculum trains professionals to develop, establish
and maintain tsunami warning and preparedness systems at national,
regional and local community levels.

Program graduates receive: UWE/NOAA Professional Certification in
Tsunami Science and Preparedness; a DVD of all instructional materials;
templates for developing hazard assessments and community plans; and
access to an Alumni Network, including archives of additional tsunami
information and educational tools.


For more information on this certificate program visit

http://www.extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/tsp/tsp_gen.asp

If you have questions, please call 206-685-8936 in the greater Seattle
area or 1-800-506-1325, or e-mail extnadvising@extn.washington.edu.

UN/ISDR HIGHLIGHTS

The January 2008 edition of the UN/ISDR Highlights is now available. To get on the mailing list for this, and other publications of the Global Network of NGOs for Disaster Reduction, sign up for their mailing list through their website at: http://www.unisdr.org/eng/partner-netw/ngos/rd-ngo-eng.htm

REPORT ON 'POLITICAL ECONOMY OF BALI CLIMATE CONFERENCE: A ROADMAP OF CLIMATE COMMERCIALIZATION'

From the PRDI:

"Participatory Research and Development Initiative PRDI, Bangladesh.

PRDI, in association with the Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh, has published a policy discussion paper based on the key elements of UNFCCC Climate Change Conference held in Bali, Indonesia, December 2007.

This policy discussion paper critically reviewed the Bali climate negotiation; intended to provide an insight to the readers, especially developing country’s policy makers, negotiators, on the recent dimension of mitigating climate change impacts. This discussion paper tries to cancel out the concept of ‘climate commercialization’ on which Bali Climate talks eventually rounds, and justifies the urgency of the reduction of green house gases emissions that should be reflected in the post Kyoto global policy regime on climate change. It is expected that this policy discussion paper will be a useful document for the developing country policy makers, environmental NGOs, CSOs in formulation policies and positions on sustainable development in the context of the climate change negotiation."

To obtain a copy of this report, contact Mr. Md Shamsuddoha at: doha_shams@hotmail.com

THE ECLIPSE

The Eclipse is a publication which focuses on issues relating to Africa and Disaster Management. They circulate their publication via email, each with a unique theme (the latest is on the health sector and disaster risk reduction).

For more information on the publication, visit: www.theeclipseafrica.com

To be added to the Eclipse mailing list, contact: aramide.adebola@gmail.com and put 'subscribe' in the message line.

UK - SOUTH ASIA YOUNG SCIENTISTS AND PRACTITIONERS SEMINAR ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER IMPACT REDUCTION

This is a call for papers for an interesting initiative coming up in Nepal. For more information on the seminar, check out the official website at:

http://www.delphebangladesh-nepal3r.org/seminar2008/

LINKS TO ACTION AID'S INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE'S REPORTS

1. Disaster Risk Reduction in the post-tsunami context:
http://www.actionaid.org/assets/pdf%5CDisaster%20Risk%20Reduction%
20post%20tsunami.pdf

2. Homestead Land and Adequate Housing in the post-tsunami context:
http://www.actionaid.org/assets/pdf%5CHomestead_Land_and_Adequate_housing_post-tsunami%5B1%5D.pdf

3. Fisheries-Based Livelihoods in the post-tsunami context:
http://www.actionaid.org/assets/pdf%5CFisheries_based_livelihoods_post_tsunami%5B1%5D.pdf

4. Violence against women in the post-tsunami context:
http://www.actionaid.org/assets/pdf%5CVAW%20Peoples'%20Report%202007.pdf

WORLD CONFERENCE ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT

From the WCDM:

The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness in partnership with Diversified Business Communications Canada is proud to present the 18th World Conference on Disaster Management (WCDM) in Toronto from June 15-18, 2008.

The 2008 WCDM theme is:

“Resiliency - Individual, Community & Business”

Resiliency is the capacity for individuals, communities and business to be able to adopt and continuously evolve to the challenges we face in our rapidly changing society.

The 18th WCDM will explore individual, community and business resiliency as well as how the three exist as one. Our speakers will take the “complexity” out of understanding how resiliency plays an integral part of their operations.

Hear experts from Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand, speak on topics such as:

* Formula for Regional Resilience
* Building Disaster Resilient Communities Through Community Partnerships Focused on Public Education
* People, Our Most Precious Resource: Critical Role for Recovery and Opportunities to Build Resilience in Communities
* Creating Global Resilience: Pushing the Boundaries ->From Both Ends of the World
* Risky Business: Resilience in a Digital Age
* Health Care: A Resilient Community During a Disaster
* Preparing to Bounce Back
* Designing, Engineering, and Leading Resilient Teams
* Resilience and Crisis-Prone Organizations: A Holistic Approach to Business Resilience
* Communities Respond - Building Community Resilience Through Self Help and Mutual Aid in Urban and Rural Environments
* Climate Change Risk Management and Resilience

These are just some of the sessions available at the 18th WCDM. For the full conference at a glance please click here or visit the web site at www.wcdm.org

EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR IDRC CONFERENCE SUBMISSIONS

The IDRC has extended their deadline for submissions for this year's conference (to be held in Davos, Switzerland) to February 29th, 2008.

For more information on making submissions, or on the conference itself, please visit: www.idrc.info