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

4Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives192Case BoliviaThe lasting effects of these mechanisms can beillustrated by the experience of Bolivia. Since1998, disaster reduction has been promoted inBolivia through two programs. One programhas focussed on supporting the national systemfor civil defence the other has emphasisedmeasures that could prevent avoidable risksand increase the public awareness about disasters.While several projects had been undertaken toinvolve more people in managing risks andusing the information materials that had beendeveloped, a new campaign, Risk Management:A new vision on disasters, was launchedin 2001, to further the objectives of the ISDR.A workshop was organized in July 2001 by theUniversidad Nacional Siglo XX de Llallaguato promote the campaign with financing providedby ACRA, an Italian NGO, with thetechnical support of a national specialist fromUNDP.Another workshop was held in August in thecity of Santa Cruz on community-based disastermanagement, conducted within the frameworkof a pilot project of the Association of theMunicipality of Santa Cruz and the GermanAgency for Technical Co-operation (GTZ).Later in the year, one of the most importantachievements was the approval of a new lawdirected towards improving risk reduction anddisaster awareness. The law encourages theidentification of key measures relating to disasterreduction that can be employed in thecourse of implementing projects that furthersustainable development principles. To supportthis process, manuals have been prepared toguide people in local communities to assessrisks, formulate practical policies, and then toapply risk management measures that can beincorporated in local development programs.These manuals will be tested in selectedmunicipalities and then will be evaluated afterwards.Case: JamaicaA variety of local activities were conducted inJamaica in June 2001, the country's official disasterpreparedness month. A national churchservice was held to launch the month, broadcastlive on television and radio. The followingday, a press conference was held to introducethe public to the themes of disaster preparednessmonth, which were then emphasised inpublic information campaigns the rest of theyear. Specific issues were also presented concerninglocal planning.• An evacuation sign was introduced, sponsoredby Medigrace Jamaica, which couldbe used to guide people out of the Portmorearea in the event of an emergencyevacuation.• The use and application of the Office ofDisaster Preparedness and EmergencyManagement's (ODPEM) GeographicInformation System was explained andhighlighted. The use of computer technologyin the National Emergency OperationsCenter was also highlighted.• ODPEM highlighted their initiative toinclude elements of popular culture inconveying disaster preparedness messageseffectively to the public. This included theparticipation of several popular musicdisc-jockeys and the promotion of commercialsponsorship to broadcast thesemessages.• Two new brochures were launched forpublic information: ODPEM, who weare and what we do, and, EarthquakeAwareness for Businesses.One day during the month was disaster preparednessday in schools. The ministry of educationcalled for an island-wide observance ofthe subject. Many schools participated in disasterrelated activities. A hurricane preparednessday for businesses was also held duringthe month with widespread support from thebusiness community. Several companies organizedexhibitions, conducted drills and invitedspeakers from safety-related organizations.A major exhibition was held in the PortmoreShopping Mall in which about twenty organizationspresented exhibits that displayed theirproducts and services. ODPEM also displayedemergency supplies that people shoulduse in the event of a hurricane. Finally, a seminaron contingency planning directed to businessorganizations was held at the conclusionof the month. With the objective to raiseawareness about disaster planning and pre-