SPC Geoscience Division

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Disaster Reduction Programme

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The Disaster Reduction Programme (DRP) provides technical and policy advice and support to strengthen disaster risk management practices in Pacific Island Countries and Territories. The Programme carries out this responsibility in coordination and collaboration with other technical programme areas within SOPAC and also with a range of regional and international development partners and donors.

The overarching policy guidance for DRP is the Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action 2005-2015 (Pacific DRR and DM Framework for Action) which supports and advocates for the building of safer and more resilient communities to disasters. The Pacific DRR and DM Framework for Action was approved by Pacific leaders in 2005. It is linked to the global Hyogo Framework for Action 2005 – 2015 which was endorsed by World leaders following the Second World Conference on Disaster Reduction in January 2005.

The other significant regional policy instruments that help to guide the efforts of the DRP are the Pacific Plan and the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006 – 2015.

View DRP Profile

Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 September 2013 18:19  


Newsflash

The very latest mapping technology is being used in the Nadi and Ba basins to produce extremely detailed digital terrain models as part of an ongoing effort to lessen the effects of floods in the area.

For the last two weeks an Island Hoppers helicopter fitted with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) equipment has flown over the Nadi area scanning the ground with near infrared light to get the most detailed topographical data of the area ever recorded.

According to Litea Biukoto, from the Disaster Reduction Programme at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SPC SOPAC), having high resolution topographical information is essential for  producing detailed floodplain maps that can help the National Disaster Management Office, the Nadi Town Council, and other government agencies to plan development in the floodplain, provide guidance for infrastructure and building designs and improve flood preparedness and response.