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About
UDRM
INTRODUCTION
The
outcome of Asia's high rate of urbanization has been the expansion
of urban populations into geographic areas, which are frequently
affected by disaster events. The result is an increased vulnerability
of populations and infrastructure.
Disaster mitigation measures such as
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Earthquake and cyclone-resistant buildings and infrastructure,
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Flood and landslide control measures,
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Incorporation of disaster vulnerability into land-use planning,
and
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Introduction of regulatory measures in industrialized zones
have rarely been attempted in most Asian countries. Crosscutting
issues, which are directly influencing the vulnerability of
urban population, such as rapid urbanization, environmental
degradation, climate variations, etc., also have contributed
negatively to national economies and infrastructure.
Some other such widespread issues are air pollution, shortages
in water supply and power generation, destruction of utilities
such as power and telecommunication systems, and to lesser magnitude,
social conflicts. However there is opportunity for exploitation
of higher growth rates associated with urbanization for risk
reduction. Increased resources could be made available to integrate
risk mitigation into urban planning and city management, generating
preparedness and emergency management capacity in urban communities.
The ultimate aim of UDRM is to manage and enhance the capacity
of cities to reduce disaster risk in an atmosphere of sustainable
development, while enhancing the quality of life of urban populations.
Activities
undertaken by the Asian
Urban Disaster Mitigation Program (AUDMP) over a period
of eight years, have demonstrated the effectiveness of mitigation
measures in reducing natural disaster vulnerability. Demonstration
projects in nine countries, information dissemination and networking
activities, and the Regional training courses on Earthquake
Vulnerability Reduction, Flood Risk mitigation, Technological
Risk Reduction and Urban Disaster Mitigation have convincingly
brought to light the opportunities for high impact interventions.
City managers and elected municipal officials have responded
to initial project activities in selected cities by matching
funds to project activities and pledges to incorporate disaster
vulnerability considerations into new building and zoning regulations.
Change in the professional practices in urban land use planning,
building code appliances through the demonstrated commitment
of the professionals, construction sector stakeholders and development
practitioners also contributed to the success of the program.
The activities have also emphasized the challenges of institutionalizing
disaster vulnerability awareness at all levels.
Currently
a significant demand is apparent for Urban Disaster Risk Management
(UDRM), not only in AUDMP target countries but also in other
countries in the region. The region demands for expansion of
AUDMP activities to improve response, preparedness capacities
as well as long-term mitigation activities to reduce the vulnerability.
Since the responsibility of implementing and linking diverse
activities throughout a vast and diverse region has been bestowed
on ADPC, the center has recognized the importance of enhancing
the scope of AUDMP through theme action focused on Urban Risk
Management. Management. This will become a permanent focus area
of ADPC for future endeavor. UDRM theme will continue to facilitate
interventions for promotion of local and traditional practices,
research and technological transfer, replication of best practices,
promotion of innovative solutions, development of, information
products to capture experiences for dissemination as well as
training and capacity building.
The
issue of Urban Disaster risk reduction is based on the success
of initiatives undertaken at regional level as well as national
to grassroots or community levels with the participation of
all stakeholders including vulnerable communities. ADPC wishes
to focus on UDRM at the regional level while strengthening the
national level institutions through building their capacity.The
UDRM interventions are directly related to other urban issues
such as governance, poverty alleviation, gender sensitivity,
protection of natural resource and environment etc. ADPC believes
that by linking them together will enrich the endeavor
VISION
Sufferings of inhabitants, economic and material losses as a
result of disasters are prevented, minimized or mitigated while
preserving the gains and benefits of the urbanization for building
safer urban communities.
MISSION
Urban disaster risk is managed and mitigated by creating an
enabling environment through building the capacity of stakeholders,
use of information on hazard potential, facilitating structural
and non-structural interventions and effective emergency response
planning process.
PURPOSE
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To create reactive, receptive, and sensitive urban communities
in the region capable of undertaking organized approaches
to mitigate and manage disaster risks by transferring information,
technical knowledge and skills.
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To advocate for socially acceptable and compatible policies
with farsighted community values, legal mechanisms and increased
investments to have a effective disaster risk. mitigation
mechanisms in place with the view to build safer urban communities
in the region
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To become a resource center on urban disaster risk management
and a recognized clearing house of information on the subject
area.
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