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Overview

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. The region needs to improve response, preparedness capacities as well as long-term mitigation activities to reduce vulnerability. The 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.

Background

Disaster mitigation measures have rarely been attempted in most Asian countries in spite of rising disaster vulnerability of the urban population.  Rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, climate variations etc., have contributed negatively to national economies and infrastructure.  However increased local resources generated by urbanization 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. 

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.

Activities undertaken by through our programs and projects have demonstrated the effectiveness of mitigation measures in reducing natural disaster vulnerability. 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.

Vision and Mission

Vision

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.

Mission

• 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.

• 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

• To become a resource center on urban disaster risk management and a recognized clearing house of information on the subject area.