Regional Action Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean

John Carter on February 28, 2023

The VIII Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean was held in Punta del Este (RP23), Uruguay, from February 28 to March 2, 2023, under the theme “Science and Technology for Integrated Disaster Risk Management”. PROSE personnel attended this biennial event that brought together governments, private sector, civil society, scientific-technological communities, youth groups, and donors to exchange experiences and facilitate decisions on the Regional Action Plan (RAP) for the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the Americas and the Caribbean. The Sendai Framework focuses on the adoption of measures which address disaster risk management and increase resiliency.  

Key Conference takeaways include: 

  • The need for an improved Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) policy evaluation and development framework to ensure that policy is supported by scientific evidence & a conceptual framework of disaster risk reduction, addresses systemic risk as a multi-disciplinary approach; incorporates input from vulnerable groups; and has been accepted both by decision-makers and more importantly by local communities. 
  • CDM legislation must include Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems governance, including protocols for communications and technologies.  
  • CDM data availability and accessibility is limited. Data systems need enhancement and policies related to data collection and usage need to be developed.   
  • Policies and regulatory changes that encourage financial institutions and banks to align their strategies, operations, and activities with the Sendai Framework are needed. 
  • Local, national, and regional disaster risk reduction policies need to be more holistic and include the analysis, understanding, and prevention of extreme climate impacts and the resultant disaster-induced human mobility. 
  • There should be greater involvement of the private sector in the planning for systemic risk, including the promotion of public-private initiatives that establish CDM and climate adaptation standards and regulations and support development of private sector risk management and business continuity plans.