5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

5. The United Nations World Conference on
Disaster Reduction (WCDR)
5-1. Outline of the WCDRThe United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) was held fromJanuary 18 to 22, 2005 in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. The Conference had almost 4,000 participantsfrom 168 states, and provided a unique opportunity to promote a strategic and systematic
approach to reduction of vulnerabilities and risks to hazards. It underscored the need for, andidentified ways of, building the resilience of nations and communities to disaster. The
Conference adopted the “Hyogo Framework for Action: 2005-2015” as a guiding framework
for the next decade on disaster reduction.
The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) participated in the WCDR, and organized
an International Symposium, a Public Forum, several parallel sessions, poster sessions and an
exhibition.

5-2. Thematic Sessions
The Thematic Sessions discussed the five themes identified as the priority areas of work forthe next ten years through the review of the Yokohama Strategy and Plan for Action (The fivethemes were; 1. Governance: institutional and policy frameworks for risk reduction, 2. risk
identification, assessment, monitoring and early warning, 3. knowledge, innovation andeducation: to build a culture of safety and resilience, 4. reducing the underlying risk factors,
and 5. preparedness for effective response).
In response to the tsunami event in the Indian Ocean, a special technical session was held
to support the enhancement of tsunami warning systems in the Indian Ocean by sharing
experiences from Pacific countries.
The ADRC participated actively in sessions; Post-disaster Recovery, Risk Communication,
Data for Evidence-based Policy Making, Reducing Risk through Effective Use of Earth
Observations and Promotion of Tsunami Disaster Mitigation in the Indian Ocean.

5-2-1. Post-disaster recovery: Lessons learnt, challenges andfuture options

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

１） DateJanuary 19, 2005
２） Organisers-

Government of Japan (including Hyogo Prefecture)-

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)-

Inter-Agency Secretariat of the ISDR (International Strategy for Disaster Reduction)-

UN/OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)-

ADRC (Asian Disaster Reduction Center)３） Purpose of the session
To identify challenges experienced in post-disaster recovery and to recommend future
options including the concept of International Recovery Platform as a means ofaddressing these challenges.
４） Session Agenda
1. Presentation of Case Studies-“Developing a system for international cooperation in reconstruction”
Mr. Tomio Saito, Vice Governor, Hyogo Prefectural Government, Japan-“Post-Disaster Recovery: Learning from the Past”
Ms. Margaret Arnold, Program Manager, Hazard Management Unit, World Bank-“Comparative Study on Recovery & Reconstruction: Challenges and Way Forward”
Mr. Anil Kkumar Sinha, Senior Technical Advisor, Asian Disaster Reduction
Center-(ADRC)“2001 El Salvador Earthquake”
Mr. Alfredo Lazarte-Hoyle, Director, a.i., In Focus Programme on Crisis Response
and Reconstruction (IFP/CRISIS), ILO-“Tsunami Disaster in Sri Lanka on 26th December, 2004”
Mr. Nihal Rupasinghe, Additional General Manager, Central Engineering
Consultancy Bureau, Construction Division, Sri Lanka-“Indian Ocean Tsunami – Key Challenges in Recovery Planning”
Mr. Praveen Pardeshi, Senior Adviser, International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction (ISDR) Secretariat

2. Presentation by the Chair“Synthesis of key challenges identified in the case studies”

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

Prof. Ian Davis, Disaster Management Center, Cranfield University
3. Future options to support post disaster recovery with risk reduction-“Concept of International Platform for Recovery and Reconstruction”
Mr. Satoru Nishikawa, Director for Disaster Preparedness, the Cabinet Office,
Government of Japan-

Presentation by UNDP, ISDR and OCHA
Mr. Andrew Maskrey, Chief, Disaster Reduction Unit, Bureau for Crisis
Prevention and Recovery, UNDP

4. Feedback from the floor
5. Concluding remarks５） Outcome of the session
1. Challenges and problems in post-disaster recovery-

Lack of effective institutions and systems for recovery, including exchange ofbest practices and experiences-

Considering socio-cultural, economic and political structures in developing
recovery programs-

Recovery and reconstruction without rebuilding risks-

Lack of division of roles and responsibilities between different international
actors in recovery-

Lack of agreed methodology for recovery needs assessment-

Limited capacities of national and local governments to plan and manage
recovery-

Problems in transferring past experiences to new disaster situations incross-cultural settings

2. Suggested targets and indicators to measure accomplishments-

International recovery platform developed as a means for international
collaboration and cooperation in recovery and reconstruction-

Electronic forum for receiving feedback on the development of theinternational platform-

Arrangements

forcoordination

andassessmentsofrecoveryandreconstruction works-

Capacity-building activities, including training, within UN agencies, country
teams and governments

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

Fig. 5-2-1-1 Presenters of the session

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

5-2-2. Risk Communication Session
１） Purpose
Proper recognition of risks and active participation by the public in disasterrisk management are imperative aspects for reducing the negative impact ofnatural disasters. Risk communication is an effective measure for promoting
public awareness and action. However, the effective risk communication is still
under development and has not become a common practice. The session
examined the current situation and problems in the world, and discussed future
development of successful risk communication.

２） DateJanuary 20, 2005

３） Organizers-

European Commission/Joint Research Centre (EC/JRC)-

United Nations University (UNU)-

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)

４） Partners
Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Government of Japan, United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN/ESCAP), United Nations Educational
ScientificandCultural

Organization(UNESCO),World

MeteorologicalOrganization (WMO), RANET, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),
and General Insurance Association of Japan

５） Session Agenda
1. Introduction to the session : Mr. Gerald Vollmer, EC/JRC
2. Introduction of Best Practices - Tools for effective risk communication -

RANET

:

Dissemination

andCommunicationofEnvironmental

Information for Rural and Remote Community Development: Dr. Linda
Anderson-Berry, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia-

Town Watching for Disaster Reduction for Effective and Successful Risk

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

Communication: Prof. Dr. Yujiro Ogawa, ADRC-

Learning from Experiences in Communicating Risks: Mr. Manu Gupta,
Sustainable Environment & Ecological Development Society (SEEDS)

3. Panel Discussion: Toward effective risk communication
Panelists:- Dr. Linda Anderson-Berry, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia- Prof. Dr. Slobodan P. Simonovic, the University of Western Ontario,
Canada- Dr. Dusan Sakulski, UNU- Dr. Colin Depradine, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology andHydrology, Barbados- Mr. Muhammad Saidur Rahman, Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness
Centre (BDPC),
4. Session wrap-up, conclusions and recommendations

６） Conclusion

Fig. 5-2-2-1 Snapshot of the Panel Discussion

The discussions highlighted some challenges in risk communications:-communicating risks through demonstrations in countries with large

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

populations-

communicating technology, risk concepts and terminologies to the local
community vis-a-vis local language or dialect-

involvement of the local media in risk communication-

harnessing indigenous knowledge and methods for risk communication at
local community level-

dynamic nature of risk perception, and its variability with personal
experiences of hazards and timeliness of forecast-

sustaining people's interest in risk reduction-

training disaster management professionals to better communicate risks tothe public

The following points were recognized as key elements for successful risk
communication:-

addressing the diversity of cultures to which risk is communicated-cooperation and networking among stakeholders at all levels-

application of good practices and lessons learnt from past experiences-

hazard mapping as a means for enhancing local understanding of risk-

indicators of effectiveness of risk communication at community level5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

5-2-3. Data For Evidence-Based Policy Making
１） Purpose-

Exchange of practices and lessons learned in improvement of ongoing efforts of risk
identification and assessment at both the national and global levels-

Presentation of the Disaster Data Consortium

２） DateJanuary 20, 2005

３） Organizers-

United Nations Development programme (UNDP)-ISDR Working Group 3 partners (ADRC, OCHA ReliefWeb, CRED, GDIN, MunichRe)-

National Society for Earthquake Technology of Nepal (NSET)

４） Session Agenda
1. Introduction to the session : Chair: Craig Duncan (ReliefWeb)
2. Presentations-

Presentation on national disaster databases: Kamal Kishore (UNDP) and Amod Mani
Dixit (NSET)-

Case of Nepal. Global disaster databases: Debarati Guha Sapir (CRED) and Thomas
Loster (MunichRe)-

Presentation on the GLIDE number system enabling the linking of national and global
databases: Masaru Arakida (ADRC)-

Presentation on the results of ISDR Working Group 3 study on coverage of Disaster
data: Maxx Dilley (IRI, Columbia University)

3. Commentary
Larry W. Roeder (GDIN)
4.

Discussion and wrap-up
Chair: Craig Duncan (ReliefWeb)

５） Conclusion-

Evidence-based policy making stems from a value chain of sequential elements: data(carrier of information), information (meaning within a context), knowledge

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction(understanding relationships) and wisdom (judgment and experience).
-

Capturing and organizing content (data, information, and knowledge) about the social,economic, and environmental impacts of disasters is essential to demonstrate the costeffectiveness of disaster reduction to policymakers.

-

Sharing and disseminating disaster content among providers and users around the world
will increase awareness of issues, diversity of inputs, participation in disaster decision
making, and policy development.

-

Integrating and mobilizing disaster content will enable analysis, synthesis, andunderstanding of evolving and increasingly complex disaster-related issues.

-

Developing and implementing infrastructures, processes, organizations, and humaninterfaces, such as a Global Unique Disaster Identifier, a Disaster Risk Management
Assessment Program, and a Global Disaster Information Marketplace will substantiallyenhance and facilitate evidence-based policy making in the 21st century.

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

5-2-4. Reducing Risk Through Effective Use of Earth
Observations
１） Purpose
Earth observations provide critical information to inform planners and decision makers
at all levels (local to international) and through all stages (mitigation through preparedness,
response and recovery) of disaster management. Advances in Earth observation technologies(both in situ and remote sensing), along with developments in computing and data
communications, have yielded highly sophisticated tools to identify, monitor, assess, andmodel hazards that may lead to disasters. The purpose of this session was to provide
practical guidance to governments worldwide on how to enhance their risk reduction anddisaster management efforts through more effective use of Earth observations.
This session reviewed lessons learned from user and data provider perspectives andidentified recommendations for future improvement. Topics addressed included findings
from regional workshops; collaborative efforts to improve the use of space-based Earthobservations in disaster reduction; and UN-based and ad hoc intergovernmental programs toprovide comprehensive, coordinated and sustained Earth observations for disaster reduction
and other high priority socioeconomic benefit areas.

２） DateJanuary 21, 2005

３） Organizers-

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA/Japan)-

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)-

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/USA)

４） Session Agenda
1. GEOSS: Intergovernmental Planning to Provide Earth Observations to Benefit Society
Tetsuhisa Shirakawa, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
2. Lessons Learned from Building an Integrated Earth Observation System
Kenneth Davidson, WMO World Climate Program, Director, retired
3. United Nations Facilitating Global Access to Earth Observation System

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

4. From Rapid Mapping to Capacity Building
Alain Retiere (UNOSAT) Co-author: Jerome Bequignon (ESA)
5. Making Space-Based Technologies Available to Developing Countries for Improved Risk
Reduction and Disaster Management
Sergio Camacho, Director, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, Co-authors: Harald
Mehl (DLR/Germany), Jean-Luc Bessis (CNES/France)
6. The Contribution of Earth Observation to Disaster Risk Reduction Findings from Current
Activities
Phillippe Bally (ESA) Co-author: Marc Paganini (ESA, IGOS GEO hazards)
7. Risk Reduction at the Local Level: User Perspectives on the Use of EO
Sadrach Zeledon (Major, Matagalpa, Nicaragua)
8. Improving Asia Regional Network for Disaster Management
Yoji Furuhama, JAXA/Japan

５） Conclusion
1. Earth observation information is critical for all phases of disaster managementfrom early warning, to emergency response, and to mitigation/prevention
efforts.
2. Comprehensive, coordinated and sustained observations are the keys forrealizing full socio-economic benefits from Earth observations.
3. To be truly useful, Earth observation data must be successfully incorporated
into information products that meet clearly identified end-user requirements.
4. Capacity development and knowledge building are essential. Importance ofbuilding capacities from the global level to the local level.
5. No agency or entity can meet all requirements alone. We must work together
through coordinated efforts of various international and regional organizations
to seek common solutions for common problems.

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction

5-2-5. Promotion of Tsunami Disaster Mitigation in the Indian
Ocean
１） Purpose
A devastating earthquake occurred off-shore of Sumatra Island on December 26, 2004
and the following tsunami caused unprecedented damage in the Indian Ocean countries. Theinternational community was shocked by this event, and a special session was held at theUnited Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction.
This special session was initiated by the Government of Japan and chaired by Mr.
Koichi Nagasaka, Executive Director of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and was
opened with remarks by Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, followed by
the key-note speech by Dr. Laura Kong, Director of International Tsunami Information
Center (ITIC). The existing tsunami early warning systems in the Pacific Ocean were
presented by Mr. Charles McCreery, Director of Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC)
and Mr. Noritake Nishide, Director of JMA. The current situation was then reported by the
representatives of tsunami affected countries. The ADRC contributed to the session as acommentator based on the immediate field survey in these countries. In addition, a panel
discussion was held with Dr. Kenji Satake of the Active Fault Research Institute as thecoordinator to develop an international strategy for response to the tsunami disaster.

２） DateJanuary 19, 2005

３） Organizers-

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Goverment of Japan-

Cabinet Office of Japan (CAO), Government of Japan-

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), Government of Japan-

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)-

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization / Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC)

４） Session Agenda
1. Opening Address: Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO
2. Keynote Speech: Dr. Laura Kong, Director, International Tsunami Information Center

5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction(ITIC)The international coordination functions of the ITSU among member countries in
the Pacific Ocean, including the role of the ITIC, and the major activities which the
ITSU has developed.
3.

Session 1(1) Roles and operations of Tsunami Warning System in the Pacific
Dr. Charles McCreery, Director, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC),
U.S.A.
Mr. Noritake Nishide, Director, Administration Division, Seismological andVolcanological Department, Japan meteorological Agency (JMA)(2) Report from the Indian Ocean region
Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and MaldivesComments from Mr. Akihiro Teranishi, Senior researcher, ADRC
Mr. Tsukasa Shimogouchi, Director, Disaster Management Division, Fire andDisaster Management Agency, Japan

4.

Session2 (Panel Discussion)
Possible actions for establishment and operation of a tsunami early warning
systemCoordinator: Dr. Kenji Satake, Chair, Tsunami Commission, International Unionof Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG)
Panelists: Dr. Laura Kong (ITIC), Dr. Charles McCreery (PTWC), Dr. Geoff Love
(Australia), Dr. P. J. Prih Harjadi (Indonesia), Dr. Maryam Golnaraghi (WMO),
Professor Fumihiko Imamura (Tohoku University, Mr. Shuhei Kazusa (Cabinet
Office of Japan), and Mr. Noritake Nishide (JMA)

5.

Closing Remarks by Chair
Summary and Closure of the session５） Conclusion
Participants agreed through the discussion of the session as follows;(1) A tsunami early warning system (TEWS) should be established under the responsibility ofeach country(2) Experiences in the Pacific is useful on the establishment of the TEWS
(3) The TEWS includes risk awareness, technical observation, easy-to-understand warnings to
the public and raising public awareness5. The United Nations World Conference on Disaster Reduction(4) Support to the Indian Ocean Countries by the international community regarding the above
mentioned

The time schedule of the implementation was agreed as follows;(1) Urgent Actions (in the upcoming 6 months)(2) Introduction of an interim warning system (from 6 months to 2-3 years)(3) Full Operation (after 2-3 years and beyond)
The conclusions of the session were reported to the international plenary session on
January 20, 2005 for incorporation into the report “Statement of the special session - risk
reduction towards the safer future –”.