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

support, contribute to the establishment ofcommonly accepted protocols or proceduresfor recording or exchanging disaster riskreduction information, similar in function tothe new XML protocol being used in the globalsoftware industry.Other commonly acknowledged practicescould greatly expand the availability of riskrelatedinformation by establishing nomenclatureand facilitating search procedures relatedto key words, such as yellow pages type directories,contact details of widely recognized specialistinstitutions and international experts inkey areas of risk reduction.Experience gained over the years from the evolutionof ReliefWeb as an acknowledged information-richresource could be beneficial to thedevelopment of a similar comprehensive informationplatform dedicated to risk issues anddisaster reduction information. Such a comprehensivePreventionWeb does not yet exist butcould be a powerful instrument within ISDRto motivate and serve the different constituenciesassociated with disaster risk assessmentand reduction activities worldwide.Expanded access to informationBeyond the technical limitations of informationsystems, more attention needs to be devoted tothe human dimension of communication, withboth policies and facilities that encourage amuch wider opportunity for popular and community-basedinvolvement in information processingand dissemination. This can beachieved through local risk maps based oncommunity needs and values, public accessinformation portals, or facilities that enable theshared exchange of locally-derived risk informationamong communities or countries.In all such efforts to bring information practicecloser to people most at risk, much moreattention must be given to ensure that the costsassociated with the availability or exchange ofdisaster information are affordable at localscales, particularly when applied to low andBuilding understanding: development of knowledge and information sharingmedium income countries, or among more isolatedand distant communities. There is a needto support and expand local, national andregional documentation centres and libraryservices related to the topics.The rapid and widespread use of mobile telephonesand the often innovative economiesassociated with their use, offers a promisingopportunity to marry technology with localcapacities. The more effective use of radiomedia, in association with the availability ofwind-up radios, represents another example ofexpanding traditional means of communicationfor a more informed and engaged populationin matters of risk management. (See section onpublic awareness.)Future technologyThe wider public use of learning systems andartificial intelligence can lead to an increasedaccess to risk management information, whichwould be better adapted to the needs of specificusers. The applications offered by the latestinformation technology provide a powerfulinteractive working tool for the extended disasterrisk community. Through applications suchas electronic conferencing and distance learningvia Internet, immediate sharing of documentsand drafts, efficiency and timeliness willincrease.Other applications could be developed furtherto enhance information on disasters and riskreduction. GIS, remote sensing imagery andsatellite observations can help considerably toshow vulnerable areas, enhance mapping, andameliorate the understanding of hazards.Agencies like the United Nations Office forOuter Space Affairs (UN/OOSA), the Committeeon the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space(COPUOS), the Committee on Earth ObservationSatellites (CEOS), the Council ofEurope Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA), and the European Commission JointResearch Centre (EC/JRC) already contributeto these tasks.4177