Accessible in English or Espanol, CRED offers disaster information on Latin America and the Caribbean.
Currently, it has strong list of links to articles and resources on the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Prevention Web's Events Calender
For training, for events, for conferences, check out the Prevention Web's Calender to see what's up. This is a great resource to find conferences and meetings in particular which, even if you can't attend, you can always follow up on for proceedings, outcomes and participant lists.
Building Resilient Cities - Contribute to the Campaign!
As an outcome of the ISDR-hosted conference 'Building a Local Government Alliance for Disaster Reduction', and the resulting Incheon Declaration, a Build Resilient Cities campaign has been launched. You can join in the discussions, and contribute information on your communities and other insights by signing up to Prevention Web's relevant group here.
Nepal Disaster Watch Newsletter
Supported in part by ActionAid, the Nepal Disaster Watch Newsletter is an online source for info not only on disasters in Nepal, but also perspectives on other disasters.
The resource also provides links to resources and local issues.
The resource also provides links to resources and local issues.
Global Networking Conference - Jan 25-27 2010
The 'Views from the Frontline' programme, on lessons learnt in DRR, will be reviewed in a conference from the 25th to 27th of January 2010 in London. Conference participants include practitioners and academics, as well as organizational representatives.
The workshop will be streamed live online, and there will be opportunities to contribute to online discussions, through the Global Network website.
Logging on to contribute will be a necessary step. A link to download the conference programme is also available here.
The workshop will be streamed live online, and there will be opportunities to contribute to online discussions, through the Global Network website.
Logging on to contribute will be a necessary step. A link to download the conference programme is also available here.
Safer Homes, Stronger Communities (publication)
A new handbook has been released on reconstruction after natural disasters (which can be downloaded here) and a parallel website (available http://www.housingreconstruction.org/housing/) has been set up to share dialogues on the handbook, experiences with reconstruction and other stories from the field.
Not only is the content of both handbook and website useful, their pairing is a unique initiative. Other similar publications might consider taking the same approach to allow practitioners and other users to extend the reach and usefulness of their publications.
Not only is the content of both handbook and website useful, their pairing is a unique initiative. Other similar publications might consider taking the same approach to allow practitioners and other users to extend the reach and usefulness of their publications.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
From AlertNet: YOUR TURN TO ASK: Reducing risk in a world of disasters
AlertNet has put out a final push to give those interested a chance to put questions forward to Margareta Wahlstrom -- the chief of the U.N.'s International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
This is an excellent opportunity to have a voice, in relation to DRR, with a top voice of the field....
You can read about the initiative here, and also post a comment on the same website, which will be viewed through today to tomorrow Friday May 15th (apologies for the late notice -- this just came to my attention).
In any case, if you miss the chance to post a question directly, AlertNet will be posting replies on their website AND be sure to check out the 2009 Global Assessment Report which will launch on the 17th of May.
This is an excellent opportunity to have a voice, in relation to DRR, with a top voice of the field....
You can read about the initiative here, and also post a comment on the same website, which will be viewed through today to tomorrow Friday May 15th (apologies for the late notice -- this just came to my attention).
In any case, if you miss the chance to post a question directly, AlertNet will be posting replies on their website AND be sure to check out the 2009 Global Assessment Report which will launch on the 17th of May.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Article on Sri Lanka's Mass Alert Emergency Warning System
ICT4D, an interesting blog from Sri Lanka on information and communication for development, published a post earlier this year on Sri Lanka's Disaster Emergency Warning Network (DEWN). The article briefly discusses relevant partners, and how the network functions. It will be interesting to hear how DEWN works in action, but for now, it's an excellent example of private sector involvement being used in a positive and effective manner.
Insitute for Global and Community Resilience
The Institute for Global and Community Resilience's programming and educational initiatives focuses on linkages between DRR and sustainable community development. Their main website has quite a few useful resources for students and practitioners, including a virtual bookshelf on relevant resources, information on their own scholarships for DRR-related programs and internships, as well as a link to their blog, BounceBack.
Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction
The Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction has updated its website to include not only more content, but also a Member Area. The network also has an interesting project on 'Views from the Frontline', which is a participatory survey with the goal of understanding the extent to which key DRR indicators are changing as a result of the HFA (Hyogo Framework for Action. The initial review of their findings is underway.
COHAB Initiative
The http://www.cohabnet.org/ is an international programme of work on human well-being and sustainable development. They have a component on disaster prevention, relief and recovery which strongly ties into discussions on ecosystems and their role in DRR.
Their resources page contains links to not only their own initiative reports, but also to dialogues on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP8 proceedings.
Their resources page contains links to not only their own initiative reports, but also to dialogues on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP8 proceedings.
Climate Change and Children
Eldis has launched new publications related to children and climate change, available in the climate change section of their website.
The latest is on children as risk communicators and agents of change, with examples from the Philippines and El Salvador. It's well worth a read for the perspective it takes on children and the space of their voices in policy.
There is also a link to the 2008 UN Children's Fund report on the impact of CC on children, as well as leads to other child-focused materials.
The latest is on children as risk communicators and agents of change, with examples from the Philippines and El Salvador. It's well worth a read for the perspective it takes on children and the space of their voices in policy.
There is also a link to the 2008 UN Children's Fund report on the impact of CC on children, as well as leads to other child-focused materials.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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).
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
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
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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)
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.
"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
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
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.
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
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
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
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