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

5Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiativeschallengesFuture challenges and prioritiesFrom the issues described in this chapter, themain areas for action that stand out are:• Exploration of the links between environmentaldegradation and changing hazardoccurrence and vulnerability patterns.• Identification and description of environmentalknowledge and tools that can beapplied to reduce vulnerability to risk.• Economic valuation of environmentalactions.The identified knowledge and tools could thenundergo modification and testing to be welladapted to case specific situations. Disaster andenvironment practitioners could apply the toolswhich would result in a greater sense of ownershipand commitment. Capacities for use andregular improvement of these tools would alsobe developed. To achieve this objective, developmentof a common language and exchangeof practices and experience among experts indisaster risk management, environmental management,sustainable development and economicsshould be encouraged. In this regard,innovative forms of communication should beexplored.Some adjustments in policy frameworks toreflect this new approach to disaster reductionmight be necessary. As would be closecollaboration with institutions working onclimate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation,land degradation, wetlands management,sustainable development andpoverty alleviation. Finally, integrating riskmanagement into environmental policy andvice-versa will require full community participation.220