Article and photo contest of the 2008-2009 World Disaster Reduction Campaign: “Hospitals Safe from Disasters: Reduce Risks, Protect Health Facilities, Save Lives”
In the context of the 2008-2009 World Disaster Reduction Campaign, the contest is a joint initiative of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the secretariat of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UNICE and Plan International, with support from the World Bank.
Any person from any country in the Americas who has taken photographs or written articles during 2008 and 2009 on the issue of disaster risk reduction and hospitals safe from disasters is eligible for the awards. The contest aims to promote the importance of disaster risk reduction within sustainable development and for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), fostered by the United Nations, particularly in developing countries. www.eird.org/contest/
Human Impact Report. A comprehensive report documenting the global impact of climate change on human society today. Global Humanitarian Forum. 2009.
The UN's first biennial Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction was launched in Bahrain on May 17 2009, in the presence of: the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (tbc), the Prime Minister of Bahrain, H.H. Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa; Secretary-General League of Arab States; Secretary-General Gulf Cooperation Council and Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein.
South American Regional Report of the Project “First Line Vision”
The Global Network for Disaster Risk Reduction presented the South American Regional report of the project “First Line Vision”, showing the results of a survey that was carried out at local level on the subject of disasters. This report is a joint effort of local authorities, the civil society and communities which allowed to collect perceptions of social actors on disaster risk reduction in South America. This project was implemented within the commitments adopted in the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. First Line Vision took place simultaneously in 40 countries at the beginning of 2009.
To download de South American report click here. (in Spanish only)
To download the country report of Peru click here. (in Spanish only)
The Environment Ministry of Peru(MINAM by its Spanish acronym), through their Climate Change Focal Point, had requested UNISDR-Americas to support the development of guidelines for the elaboration of their National Action Plan on Climate Change Adaptation. This request was seen as a good opportunity to link adaptation and disaster risk reduction issues at the national level (in Peru). Therefore, UNISDR attended the first national workshop for the development of the above-mentioned guidelines. The meeting was convened by MINAM and count with the participation of representatives from national institutions, NGOs, international technical cooperation, inter alia.
The workshop’s most important objective was to obtain an overview of current climate change initiatives at the national level, and to assess the current status of the results, needs and constraints. Also, participants provided perspectives on what should be the main principles and pillars for future guidelines. A second workshop is envisioned to take place in the first week of June, when an initial draft of the guidelines will be discussed. After this experience a general methodological guideline is expected to be developed; this guideline could facilitate other countries the enhancement of linkages among climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
UNISDR Americas participated in the sub regional Andean workshop “Conceptual, Organizational and Institutional Basis of the Andean Academic Network on Risk Management and Climate Change”, this event took place at Lima, Peru from April 21 to 24, during this workshop the constitution act and rules of the network were discussed and agreed toformalize its creation.
The members of this new academic network expressed their will to develop graduate programs and professional courses on DRR and Climate Change, share information, knowledge and enhance cooperation efforts on the topic among the Andean Network of Universities. UNISDR Americas seeks to accompany their efforts and initiatives by supporting and promoting future initiatives organized by this new academic network and the Andean Community of Nations.
The World Bank GFDRR South-South Cooperation Program (SSCP) announces Call for Proposals 2009
The GFDRR South-South Cooperation Program (SSCP) announces the Call for Proposals 2009. SSCP is looking for innovative collaborations and partnerships among developing country organizations, government agencies, public institutions, networks, academic and civil society organizations in disaster risk reduction. The program awards grants up to USD 500,000 to best proposals. The application deadline is June 30, 2009.
SSCP is organizing a side event during the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held from 16 to 19 June 2009 in Geneva. Potential participants are requested to fill out the Expression of Interest form attached to the Call for Proposals document and return it to Application@GFDRR.org by June 1, 2009.
For further information, please visit http://www.gfdrr.org
New Education Toolkit. The Education Toolkit prepared within the DIPECHO V project “Strengthening of the Local Risk Management in the Education Sector in Central America” implemented by UNICEF, The Central American Cultural & Educational Commission and the UNISDR Is now available . Access the Toolkit here: http://www.eird.org/cd/toolkit08/ (in Spanish only)
Local Risk and Disaster Management Strengthening in the Education Sector in Central America More information
