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Risk Reduction

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Baseline Data and Information

There is still something of a paucity of accurate baseline data and information to support informed decision-making on matters of disaster risk reduction and by extension on sustainable national development. While some attempts are being made by DRP supported by the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science, New Zealand AIR Worldwide and the Pacific Disaster Center, to establish national and regional risk databases there must be more support from partners and relevant national agencies.

Scientific and Technical Assessments

In relation to the provision of baseline data and information there is a need to expand the knowledge base regarding DRM and climate change in the Pacific through risk assessments, modelling and mapping, post-disaster physical, socio-economic, and environmental damage and loss assessments across all sectors such as agriculture and tourism and lifeline services such as water, to inform decision making and build resilience. In this connection there is also need to incorporate best practices and lessons learned from traditional DRM practices with applied scientific and technical methodologies and approaches.

Early Warning Systems

The PICTs continue to be challenged by the physical remoteness of many communities in terms of developing and supporting end-to-end multi-hazard early warning systems appropriate and sustainable within the region. In this regard there is a need for increased investments in community preparedness, and to continue support for relevant technical agencies such as national meteorological and hydrological services, and as well to identify new and innovative approaches through dialogue and exchanges with our partners.

For more information, contact:

1. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Senior Advisor Risk Reduction

2. Mereoni Ketewai
Assistant Risk Mapping Officer



Last Updated on Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:10  


Newsflash

Over the next three months, a seven-member team will conduct an independent external review of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

The review, beginning the first week of February, will consider SPC in the context of its broader role in regional development. The team will examine SPC’s focus, governance, management, mode of delivery, financing and performance monitoring and make recommendations on the organisation’s core business; governance, decision-making and membership; organisational structure; strategic planning; priority setting; business practices; financial management; resources; and performance monitoring and assessment.

When it approved the terms of reference for the review at the 7th Conference of the Pacific Community held in November last year, SPC’s governing body noted the timeliness of the exercise in light of the recent integration of SOPAC (Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission) and SPBEA (Secretariat of the Pacific Board for Educational Assessment) into SPC.

SPC Director-General Dr Jimmie Rodgers said, "This will be an organisation-wide review that is independent of SPC. It will consider SPC’s core business and other important issues such as general governance and organisational efficiency."