A global review of disaster reduction initiatives - Welcome to the ...

Under the mandate of the CTGC, a series ofstudies have been conducted to ensure thatnational policies are translated into concreteactions and that these norms are codified in thedisaster management legislation under consideration.As these proposed objectives requirethe evaluation of potential hazards as well astheir impacts on the local population, theorganizations that comprise the CTGC areexpected to carry out both historical analysis ofdisaster vulnerability and risk as well as to conductassessments of current conditions in anannual process of contingency planning. Thisexercise, led by the INGC, is intended toassure that authorities are actively addressingconcerns and recommendations throughoutthe planning cycle. At the national level, areport is produced which focuses particularlyon preparedness as well as prevention measuresin vulnerable areas.Policy and public commitment: the foundation of disaster risk reduction3It has become equally evident that while theintention has been clear, institutions are noteasily reformed and individuals not so readilyretrained. Unfortunately, the vicious cycle alsoaffects international agencies, from UN organizationsto local NGOs. In October 1999, thegovernment of Mozambique released its contingencyplan for the up-coming rainy season,noting the high probability of floods in theSmall Island Developing States“In Tonga, local communities need the initialsupport and direction of government to beactive in disaster reduction. They are aware ofwhat is at risk, but cannot implement measureson a community basis because of a lack ofresources.”Tonga response to ISDR questionnaire, 2001.southern and central regions of the country. Atthat time it requested international assistance ofUS$ 2.7 million for immediate preparednessand mitigation activities. The response to thisappeal was poor with less than half of therequested funds pledged by the internationalcommunity. Yet only six months later, in thewake of terrible flooding, the internationalcommunity gave US$ 100 million in emergencyassistance and relief. Subsequently,international pledges for rehabilitation activitiesfollowing the floods exceeded US$ 450million.At the individual level there may also be reasonfor concern as there is some indication thatpopulations have become dependent on emergencyassistance and therefore have a strongincentive to maintain their vulnerability. Givensuch a disproportionate application of availableresources, it is not difficult to see why effectivereform may prove difficult to sustain.Source: Instituto Nacional de Gestão deCalamidades, Maputo, 199999