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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

From the Managers Desk

We’re back! The Disaster Reduction Programme of the Applied Geoscience & Technology Division (new name for SOPAC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community opened its doors for business on 4th January 2011. We’re busy…already!

A famous English proverb says: “Act only today for tomorrow is too late”. This couldn’t more appropriately capture the sense of urgency that permeates the air.

Over the course of 2011 we hope to be able to make progress in relation to Disaster Risk Managament (DRM) National Action Plans or Mainstreaming programmes in all 14 Pacific ACP states. We also gear up for the 2011 sessions of the Pacific Platform for DRM and the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and are also excited by the prospect of completing the regional and national risk exposure databases; an initiative that commenced two years ago and that we have been working on with partners such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences New Zealand, Pacific Disaster Center and AIR Worldwide.

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