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

4Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiativesFuture challenges and prioritieschallengesThe wide range of selected information servicesand program initiatives described above providea basis to identify primary areas for futureimprovements in information management andthe communication of experience in disasterrisk reduction. Five key areas are identified:• Availability of information• Necessary capacities to utilize data• Clearing house responsibilities• Expanded access to information• Future technologyAvailability of informationThere is currently abundant information,available globally, on disaster risk reductionbut that does not necessarily translate into itswidespread availability, nor is it particularlywell targeted for all potential users. In manyplaces and cultures there is little relevant informationconveyed that is suited to local languagesor the actual living conditions of peopleexposed to natural hazards.The very abundance of information also createsa problem for non-specialized or publicusers to ascertain the relative value or quality ofspecific information, if they are unaware of theoriginating source or broader professional contextof the various sources.Useful information demands that databases bekept current, bibliographic resources be continuallyexpanded, and that access and searchcriteria should remain consistent and be widelyunderstood by an expanding user group.Necessary capacities to utilize dataFrequent observations are made by individualcountry authorities about the inadequacy ofmany institutions that frustrate their desire toknow exactly what relevant information exists,where to find it, and how to access it in themost efficient manner.A priority initiative of considerable benefitwould be the joint conduct of a national auditabout risk-related information needs, availabilityand limitations. International organizationscould help by providing guidance about existingsources or means for obtaining well-suitedinformation.The engagement of existing regionallyfocussedinformation centres such as CRED,CARDIN, ADPC, ADRC, and the Universityof Colorado’s Natural Hazard Center, andthe use of their experience in linking suppliersof information with practitioners would be particularlyvaluable.Clearing house responsibilitiesThere is a glaring need for an internationalcapacity to fulfil clearing house functionsspecifically related to the identification, orderingand dissemination of hazards and disasterrisk-management information. The intendedrole is one that could foster the exchange of relevantinformation through the use of lists oflists, directories, and catalogue/search/retrieve/deliver procedures that would serve todirect and connect a very wide range of usersand practitioners for all policy-making levels.Such facilities exist but concentrate on internationaldisaster response or disaster preparedness,such as ReliefWeb and GDIN.The ISDR secretariat is working in associationwith partners, and is in the process of strengtheningits web site and resource centre to builda comprehensive and easily accessible series ofdirectories and linkages that can form the basisof an approach to such a global clearing housefunction for disaster reduction.By pursuing the issue globally, the existence ofprimary information gaps, the inadequacy ofrelevant data, or geographical shortfalls ininformation availability or dissemination maybe more easily identified and addressed. Such acoordinated approach can also, with adequate176