CO N TE NTS

？

Page

4

Chapter 1：Foreword

Page

9

Chapter 2：Desired Impacts and Targets

Page

15

Chapter 3：The Philosophy that Forms theFoundation of the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction (Guiding Principles)

Page

21

What is the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction?

The Essentials of the Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Risk Reduction

Chapter 4：The Actions That We Should Prioritize(Priorities for Action)

Action!
Page

25

Chapter 5：The Roles of Stakeholders

Page

33

Chapter 6：Cooperating and Building
Partnerships Beyond Borders

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37

Afterword

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40

Think About the Future ofDisaster Risk Reduction Together!
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a setof guidelines adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Sendai City in March 2015. This
Framework was selected to provide guidance to the world regarding
disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies for the next 15 years. It features
what we have learned through recovery efforts from the 2011 Great East
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, such as the principles of “Build Back
Better”, the “Leadership of Women and Youth”, “Investment in Disaster
Risk Reduction”, and the “Mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction”
as important concepts and priorities for action towards disasters. The
Framework also refers to the importance of people and organizations
from all sectors (multi-stakeholders), not only governments, but also
municipalities, civil society, and private entities, engaging in disaster risk
reduction. A distinctive characteristic of this Framework is that it contains
many issues relevant to us as mentioned earlier.
This booklet was created in order for each individual citizen to learn andthink about the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2030.” By
doing so, we hope that citizens use it as a guideline for their own disasterprevention efforts, and also use it as a means to share our experiences andlessons learned from the disaster with the rest of the world. We are eager
to contribute to the world’s culture of disaster risk reduction by making
efforts at the community level. Why not deepen our understanding of the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and think together about
the future of disaster risk reduction which will be built up by our citizens.

Emiko OKUYAMAMayor of the City of Sendai

What is the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction?
In recent years, the damage and losses caused by disasters around the world havesignificantly increased. The international community recognizes that it urgently needs tostrengthen its capacity to mitigate, prevent and minimize impacts of disasters in the face ofanticipated increases in global population, climate change, and globalization. In March 2015,
the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) was held in Sendai,
Japan. Including the Public Forum, a total of 150,000 people participated in the conference.
The WCDRR was significant in that it featured the adoption of the “Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030”, which built upon the previous “Hyogo Framework for
Action 2005-2015”.
The framework was adopted in accordance with the United Nations’ official processes, but
it also gathered and reflected opinions and input from diverse stakeholders (both at theconference and during the preparatory process) including from disaster survivors. There
was a wide range of people, from all parts of society, in attendance at the conference when
the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction was adopted. The framework is not only
applicable to national governments; it was established to be relevant to stakeholders fromall sectors, including local municipalities, civil society, and the private sector. It is crucial
that individual citizens study and consider the framework, and take action accordingly.
Although there are many recommendations and concepts featured in the Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Risk Reduction, the following 3 areas (Key Concepts, 4 Actions to Prioritize,
Objectives) are essential.
41
Key Concepts

1. National governments hold the primary responsibility andon top of this, the cooperation of society in general, andleadership of women and youth are essential.
2. Decisions need to be based on the latest data and science,gathered from a wide range of perspectives.
3. Disaster risk reduction is key to sustainable development.
4. Consider context: such as the varying characteristics ofdifferent regions.
5. Consider disaster risks, and reduce these risks throughpublic and private investment.
6. Incorporate the “Build Back Better” principles in disasterrecovery and rehabilitation.
7. It is important to prepare for futuredisasters through education andtraining.
8. International Cooperation is essential.
52
4 Actions to Prioritize（Priorities for Action）

1. Understanding disaster risk and sharing information
2. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage
disaster risk
3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response
and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation
and reconstruction

6

3
Objectives

1. Substantially reduce the number of deaths, number of people
affected, and economic losses caused by natural disasters.
2. Substantially reduce damage to critical infrastructure anddisruptions to basic services.
3. Substantially increase the number of nations that possess
disaster risk reduction strategies.
4. Substantially strengthen international cooperation to
support developing nations.
5. Enable many people to utilize early-warning systems andinformation related to disaster risks.

7

The Essentials of the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction

8

Chapter 1

Foreword

9

Chapter 1：Foreword
The “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030” was adopted in March 2015
at the “Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction” in Sendai, Japan.
This international conference achieved the following:

Review of achievements from the “Hyogo Framework for
Action 2005-2015” Column ❶ in different countries and regions
around the world.
Adoption of the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction”, which was established to serve as the global
set of guidelines for disaster prevention and disaster risk
reduction Column ❷ going forward.
Agreement to cooperate internationally and implement the“Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction” until 2030,
whilst reviewing progress on a regular basis.

During this international conference, global governments agreed upon the need tostrengthen disaster prevention and risk reduction, and to renew commitments to expedite theenhancement of “resilience” to disasters. In Japanese, the term “resilience” can sometimes
be defined as “flexible strengths”. However, for the purposes of this framework, “resilience”
is defined as: “The ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist,absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficientmanner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structuresand functions”. This concept is crucial to a range of other fields and disciplines, including
sustainable development and poverty eradication.

10Column ❶The “Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World: Guidelines
for Natural Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and
Mitigation” and the “Hyogo Framework for Action”
In 1994, the First World Conference on Natural Disasters took placein Yokohama, Japan. The first international set of guidelines related
to disaster risk reduction, the “Yokohama Strategy for a Safer
World: Guidelines for Natural Disaster Prevention, Preparedness
and Mitigation” was adopted there. In 2005, the Second World
Conference on Disaster Reduction was held in Kobe, Japan; thisconference was held to review countries’ progress made from thetime of the previous conference, and aimed to establish a morethorough set of guidelines. The “Hyogo Framework for Action 20052015 (HFA)” was adopted there, which provided priorities for action
and guidance to global stakeholders over the course of 10 years,
until 2015.

Column ❷“Disaster Prevention” and “Disaster Risk Reduction”“Disaster prevention” is defined as preventing the adverse
impacts of disasters. However, given the frequency and intensityof disasters, the concept of “disaster risk reduction” was borneout of the belief that it is impossible to avoid all disaster-related
adverse impacts. “Disaster risk reduction” refers to limiting or
lessening adverse impacts caused by disasters by reducing risks.
The important point is to stress the importance of preparing before
disasters occur, by both preventing (“disaster prevention”) andlessening (“disaster risk reduction”) disaster-related adverse risks
and impacts.

11

Reviewing the Hyogo Framework
for Action
Since the adoption of the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2005, it has been reported that
there has been significant progress in tackling disaster risks around the world. For example,
the mortality rate for several risk factors has decreased, compared to before the adoption of
the Hyogo Framework for Action.
Reducing disaster risk is a wise investment for the future in that it helps to prevent futuredisaster-related losses. In addition, managing disaster risk contributes significantly tosustainable development. During the 10-year period of the Hyogo Framework for Action,
countries around the world supported one another and leveraged different approaches
and techniques to strengthen capacities to manage disaster risk. In this way, the Hyogo
Framework for Action is said to have been successful in raising awareness of disasterprevention and risk reduction to stakeholders

Column ❸from all over the world.

However, in that same 10-year period, disasters continued to negatively impact humanpopulations globally. During this period, over 700,000 people were killed and 23 million people
lost their homes due to disasters. Additionally, 1.5 billion people were affected by disasters;
children, women, and other “vulnerable” members of society were especially prone to theimpacts of disasters. Moreover, economic damage from disasters continues to increase.
Therefore, it is necessary to expedite the process of forecasting disaster risks andestablishing new plans to reduce them. It is our responsibility to enhance disaster resilienceand protect our livelihoods, health, cultures, and ecosystems from disasters.
While doing so, it is important to think about disaster risks in a “people-centered” way. In orderto address a range of risk factors, it is necessary to create a participatory environment andengage a wide range of people and organizations. Whilst the government has the responsibility
to take leadership, there must be a system that enables the participation of women, children,
people with disabilities, immigrants, indigenous peoples, volunteers, specialists, theeconomically disadvantaged, and the elderly. There should also be engagement with andcooperation between private sector entities, universities, civil society organizations, andother actors in addressing disaster risk. Today, 10 years since the adoption of the Hyogo
Framework for Action, disasters continue to disrupt and undermine sustainable development.
On one hand, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Column ❹ and various internationalframeworks related to climate change, and disaster risk reduction, are progressing towards
similar objectives, synergizing, and creating a stronger consistency. Overall, there has been amovement to create a common vision borne out of the understanding that these challenges
are interconnected, which includes the creation of common measurements to evaluate12policies, organizations, indicators, methods, and results.
It is hoped that further strengthened and unified international cooperation will help to address
challenges related to sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, anddisaster risk reduction. In this context, it is important to tackle current challenges, as well as
prepare for future challenges. In addition, ensuring the thorough understanding of disaster
risk, sharing of information related to causal factors, cooperation between relevant parties,
adequate investment in disaster prevention, and the establishment of early-warning systems
are important to strengthening disaster risk reduction capacities.
This framework applies to a wide range of disaster risks, regardless of their frequency
and intensity, which are caused by natural, man-made, environmental, technological, andbiological factors. It aims to assist all people and stakeholders cope with complex disasters
and their underlying factors.

Column ❸Stakeholders

This term refers to the wide range of people and entities who hold a stake or interest in a given
activity in society. Stakeholders of disaster risk reduction include (in various contexts) individuals,
volunteers, community and civil society organizations, NPOs, NGOs, medical entities, research
and academic institutions, private sector and specialist entities, national and local governments,
the United Nations and other international organizations, the media, and others.

Column ❹Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), following on from the Millennium
Development Goals established in 2000, were established in order to achieve sustainable
development. The SDGs are a collection of 17 goals and 169 targets that will guide global
stakeholders until 2030. Disaster risk reduction is most strongly linked to SDG 11, “Sustainable
Cities and Communities”, which calls for the “significant reduction in the number of deaths andnumber of people affected by disasters” and “holistic disaster risk management in line with the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction”.

13

14

Chapter 2

Desired Impacts
and Targets

15Chapter 2：Desired Impacts and Targets
Until now, there have been a wide range of efforts to enhance resilience and reduce losses
caused by disasters, in line with the Hyogo Framework for Action. However, in order tosignificantly reduce the threat of disasters, it is important to further emphasize the protectionof people’s livelihoods and health, make persistent efforts, and regularly review the impacts.
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, building upon the fundamental
philosophies and concepts of the Hyogo Framework for Action, aims to achieve the following
outcome over the next 15 years, by 2030.

The substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives,
livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social,
cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses,
communities and countries.

16

The strong commitment of leaders from around the world is necessary to realize this vision.
In order to achieve the desired outcomes, it is necessary to move towards the following
goal:

Prevent new and reduce existing disaster risk throughthe implementation of integrated and inclusive economic,
structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational,
environmental, technological, political and institutional
measures that prevent and reduce hazard exposure andvulnerability to disaster, increase preparedness for response
and recovery, and thus strengthen resilience.

7 targets have been established in order to evaluate the impacts of this framework. It isnecessary to evaluate its impacts from a global perspective, using the appropriate indicatorsand measurements. The efforts of each country around the world are crucial to ensuring thatthe desired impacts are achieved.

17

7

Global Targets
Substantially reduce global disastermortality by 2030, aiming to lower
average per 100,000 global mortality
rate in the decade 2020-2030
compared to the period 2005-2015.

Substantially reduce the number ofaffected people globally by 2030,
aiming to lower average global
figure per 100,000 in the decade2020-2030 compared to the period
2005-2015.

Reduce direct disaster economic loss
in relation to global gross domestic
product (GDP) by 2030.

18

Substantially reduce disaster damage
to critical infrastructure and disruptionof basic services, among them healthand educational facilities, throughdeveloping their resilience by 2030.

Substantially increase the numberof countries with national and local
disaster risk reduction strategies
by 2020.

Substantially enhance international
cooperation to developing countries
through adequate and sustainablesupport to complement their national
actions for implementation of thisFramework by 2030.

Substantially increase the availabilityof and access to multi-hazard early
warning systems and disaster risk
information and assessments to thepeople by 2030.

19

20

Chapter 3

The Philosophy that Forms
the Foundation of the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction (Guiding Principles)21

Chapter 3 ：The Philosophy that Forms the Foundation of the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (Guiding Principles)

Building upon the concepts and values enshrined in the “Yokohama Strategy for a Safer
World: Guidelines for Natural Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and Mitigation” and the“Hyogo Framework for Action”, as well as taking into consideration other global instruments
and policies, the Sendai Framework was founded on the principles outlined below.

It is the primary responsibility of States to prevent andreduce disaster risk. There must be a shared responsibility
between central government and national authorities,
sectors and stakeholders as appropriate to national
circumstances.
Managing disaster risk means protecting people’s assets,
health, livelihoods, cultures, and natural environments, while
protecting and promoting all human rights.
Engagement from all of society in disaster risk reduction
is necessary. The engagement of a wide range of people,
and the leadership of women and youth, are important. The
government and the people should work together, establish
clear roles, and enhance capacities of local authorities andcommunities.
Decision-making should be inclusive and risk-informed
while using a multi-hazard approach.
Coherence of disaster risk reduction policies, plans,
practices and mechanisms, with those from different
sectors including sustainable development, food security,
physical security, health and wellbeing, and environmental
conservation. Disaster risk reduction is crucial to sustainable
development.
22

Consideration to varying contexts and characteristics ofspecific regions is important while determining measures toreduce disaster risk.
Addressing underlying risk factors through investment ismore cost-effective than relying primarily on post-disaster
response and recovery.
”Build Back Better” Column ❺ to prevent the creation of, andreduce existing, disaster risk. Education related to disasterrisk reduction and awareness raising are crucial to achieve
resilience.
Global partnerships and international cooperation arenecessary in order to manage disaster risks effectively.
Developed countries and partners should take a proactive
stance in providing support to developing countries.

Column ❺Build Back Better“Build Back Better” involves consideration to the natural environment, encouraging the buildingof resilience in society, incorporating counter-measures to reduce impacts of future disasters,
and encouraging sustainability of communities. It advocates for the post-disaster restoration ofcommunities and assets in a way that makes them less vulnerable to disasters and enhances
resilience. It is important to address pre-existing challenges and issues in the disaster recovery
process. For example, this could manifest itself in the reconstruction of roads and public
infrastructure; if new roads, buildings, and infrastructure are built to be accessible to all people(regardless of physical ability), then this could make a positive impact on the collective ability tocope with disasters going forward.

23

24

Chapter 4

The Actions That
We Should Prioritize(Priorities for Action)

25

Chapter 4：The Actions That We Should Prioritize(Priorities for Action)

Leveraging the experiences of the Hyogo Framework for Action, outlined below are the “4Priorities for Action”. There must be cooperation at the local, regional, and national levels inpromoting and furthering disaster risk reduction, and these 4 Priorities for Action should be1taken into consideration.

Understanding
Disaster Risk
and Sharing
Information

Strengthening
Disaster Risk
Governanceto Manage
Disaster Risk
26

2

3

Investing in
Disaster Risk
Reduction for
Resilience

4

Enhancing Disaster
Preparedness for
Effective Response
and to “Build Back
Better” in Recovery,
Rehabilitation andReconstruction27

Priority for Action 1

Understanding Disaster Risk
and Sharing Information
Understanding Disaster Risk
It is important to collect and organize records related to past disasters and past examples ofdisaster prevention and mitigation. What is the expected impact of a future disaster in yourregion? After collecting relevant information, it is important to use this information to makeadequate preparations to minimize the potential impact. It is crucial that we understand therisks and impacts of disasters, and regularly review and update this information.

Sharing Information
National, regional, and local governments, as well as schools and other community-basedorganizations, should work together and provide information related to disaster risk reduction.
Whilst understanding the importance of traditional disaster prevention and mitigation
practices, there should also be frequent discourse aimed at reducing local disaster risks
using the latest scientific information. Useful information can also be shared via social media
and by using other communications tools, and can be further disseminated by organizing
community-based events.

Citizen Actions Part 1- Identify the disasters that have occurred in your area in the past.
- Learn about disasters that may occur in your area in the future.
- Make a disaster hazard map of your area, and utilize it.

- Promote education related to disaster risk reduction in your community and households.

- Gather traditional knowledge and methods, and other lessons learnt from the area, andutilize them.

- Use social media and other communications tools to share information related todisaster risk reduction.

28

Priority for Action 2

Strengthening Disaster Risk
Governance to Manage Disaster Risk
Establish Systems to Manage Disaster Risks
It is important to consider disaster risk reduction not as a standalone topic; it should be part31
of people’s daily lives (Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction). Column ❻ Page
Government➡️

should cooperate with citizens, and public services and infrastructure should also be resilient
to disasters. There should be an environment conducive to engagement in disaster risk
reduction by families, communities, and private sector entities.

Community and Government Cooperation
Communities, local authorities, and national governments should hold regular discourse,
identifying challenges related to disaster risk reduction, as well as establishing clear roles andresponsibilities. These stakeholders should specify relevant disaster risks, share important
information, and discuss policies and measures related to disaster risk reduction. There
should also be regular communication between local governments themselves.

Citizen Actions Part 2- Review national and local disaster risk reduction policies, from the citizen’s perspective.
- Identify and assign roles at the community level.

- Communicate and cooperate with organizations and local governments from other areas.
- Take part in local opportunities, such as events, that focus on disaster risk reduction.

- Believe that communities, not national governments, play the leading role in disasterrisk reduction.

29

Priority for Action 3

Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction
for Resilience
Cooperation between Citizens and Government:
Making Preparations and Investments to Reduce Disaster Risk
It is important to make both “hard” and “soft” preparations for schools, hospitals, and otherinfrastructure. It is also necessary to reduce risk factors during construction and/or renovationof structures by using concepts such as universal design (design that is easy to use for all
members of society) and by implementing strict standards for construction materials.

Urban Planning and Conservation of Ecosystems
When making decisions on urban planning and land usage it is important to take disasterrisks into consideration. It is necessary to carry out risk assessments and mapping in order
to identify safe areas, especially for farming communities in the mountains or near rivers,and communities in tsunami or flood zones. Through these processes, it is also possible toprotect ecosystems which boost the resilience

Column ❼of the community.

Investment in Healthcare
In order to prepare for disasters, it is also necessary to strengthen national healthcare policies
and measures, and enhance the capacity of medical actors and institutions. To achievethis, it is important to support medical institutions and ensure strong relations between
medical actors, as well as implement effective training programs. In particular, there must be
appropriate support for people with severe and chronic illnesses.

Disaster Risk Reduction Investments in Industry and Commerce
Daily industrial activities, such as the manufacturing of goods, logistics, and other services
must be resilient to disasters. It is crucial to protect ecosystems, natural resources, livestockand crops, manufacturing facilities and other critical components of society related toindustry, and enable businesses to cope with natural shocks and stresses.
30Column ❻Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction

The term “Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction” was first introduced by the UN Office forDisaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), and has been in use since approximately 1999. The term
usually refers to : ① Prioritization of disaster risk reduction policies by national governments,② Introducing disaster risk reduction into all development policies and plans, and ③ Increasing

investment in disaster risk reduction. The extent to which we can incorporate elements ofdisaster risk reduction into our daily lives is also an important factor.

Column ❼Leveraging Ecosystems to Enhance Resilience

Forests help to prevent flooding and landslides by keeping soil together and absorbing rainwater.
Coral can lessen the impacts of waves by absorbing energy. The introduction of “green
infrastructure” is becoming more and more popular around the world; this means utilizing natural
ecosystems to reduce disaster impacts, and this can often lead to financial savings and theconservation of biodiversity. It is believed that this approach may be effective in a country like
Japan, which faces a declining population trend.

Citizen Actions Part 3- Think, from a citizen’s point of view, about which locations in the area are vulnerable todisasters, and what countermeasures can be taken.

- Make preparations for disasters at your workplace.

- Consider the preservation of ecosystems from a disaster risk reduction perspective.

- Establish measures that ensure that “vulnerable” members of the population are notleft behind in times of disaster.

- Attempt to minimize the possible impact of disasters on your work and other businesspractices.

31

Priority for Action 4

Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective
Response and to “Build Back Better” in Recovery,
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
Predicting Disasters and Preparing Counter-Measures
Effective prediction and observation systems for a wide range of disasters will take into
consideration the effects of climate change, and bring together expertise from specialists
from across different sectors. Additionally, social media and other tools should continue tobe used in emergency situations, and there must be the capacity to deal with the needs ofdiverse groups of people in times of disaster.

Supporting Volunteers and Citizens
It is important to provide training opportunities for disaster relief volunteers and other formsof support in times of disasters. There must be preparatory measures, such as community
disaster drills on a regular basis, in order to ensure that individuals are familiar with evacuationroutes and emergency supplies can be distributed effectively. Community centers could also
be established in order to bring community members together and store emergency stockpile
supplies.

Build Back Better
It is important to consider the occurrence of disasters in the future when reconstructing
after disasters, and to learn from previous experiences, such as those outlined in the Hyogo
Framework for Action. For example, this could include using available land in a safe manner,and rebuilding critical structures in a safer and more resilient way. It is necessary to have athorough plan before commencing the reconstruction process.

Citizen Actions Part 4- Think about what “Build Back Better” means to you, as a citizen.

- Take part in disaster drills, and both think about and prepare for disaster recovery,
rehabilitation and reconstruction.

- If possible, take part in some form of disaster management training for volunteers.

- Think about how your area could be better prepared for disasters, using information
about past disasters in the same geographical region as a reference.

32Chapter 5

Roles of
Stakeholders

33

Chapter 5：Roles of Stakeholders
Although governments have the main responsibility for disaster risk reduction, it is important
to define roles for citizens, communities, private sector entities, academic institutions, andspecialist organizations. In particular, nongovernmental organizations and other civil society
stakeholders must support national governments whilst implementing the Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Risk Reduction. Each stakeholder must have the willingness, knowledge,
experience and resources to contribute and support one another.
Citizens, communities, and private sector entities should take the following kinds of actions,with the support of the national governments.

Civil Society, Individuals, Volunteers
and Community Organizations
Whilst cooperating with government agencies, these stakeholders should provide specialist
information and practical advice for disaster risk reduction measures and plans. It is also
important that these stakeholders participate in disaster planning at the national and local
levels. They can also provide education and raise awareness of disaster risk reduction
amongst the public.
What is important is that all activities should be participatory in nature, encouraging the active
engagement of a wide range of people from different backgrounds.

- Women’s participation is important for managing disaster risk effectively
through gender perspectives.
- Encourage children and youth to take an active role, given that they have thepotential to affect positive change.
- The participation of people with disabilities is important to ensure that disasterplans are suitable for all and incorporate the principle of universal design.
- The elderly can contribute to disaster plans by sharing their extensive
experience and knowledge.
- Indigenous peoples and migrants can also contribute to disaster risk
reduction by sharing their traditional knowledge and experiences.

34

Academic Institutions and Research Networks
In the mid-to longer-term, there is a need for continued research into the underlying causesof disasters and possible scenarios. The results of research should be utilized in local-leveldisaster risk reduction activities, and there should be efforts to bridge policy and science.

Private Sector Entities, Specialist Organizations,and Philanthropic Actors
Disaster risk management principles should be incorporated into business models andinvestments made into disaster risk reduction in order to ensure businesses can continue
to operate in the case of a severe disruption. Private sector entities should provide training
and education to employees and customers alike, strengthen disaster risk management
capacities, and establish appropriate standards.

Media
The media should work together with national governments and relevant agencies in order
to raise awareness of disaster risk reduction. Media should provide accurate information
related to disaster risks in a manner that is easy to understand, support disaster-related
communications, and contribute to the effective implementation of early-warning systems
and lifesaving activities. It is also important that media stakeholders help to foster a culture ofdisaster prevention, promote disaster education, and disseminate valuable information to thegeneral public.

35

Activities in Japan

Implementing the Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Risk Reduction
It is crucial that efforts are made to implement the content of the
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction on the ground.
In April 2016, the “Act for National Resilience Contributing toPreventing and Mitigating Disasters for Developing Resilience in theLives of the Citizenry” was established in Japan. The “Fundamental
Plan for National Resilience”, which was passed by the Cabinet inJune 2014, will be reviewed every 5 years and reflected in othernational policies and measures, such as those focusing on revitalizing
rural areas. In June 2015, the “National Resilience Action Plan 2015”
was established. In addition, the Cabinet Office of the Government ofJapan established the “Central Disaster Prevention Council” in orderto provide a platform for discourse related to disaster risk reduction
policies and measures.
Effective implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction requires the active participation of not only the government,
but also of civil society. In March 2015, many civil society actors
from around the world took part in the Third UN World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction, where they expressed their opinions
on policies, delivered messages from the people, and exchanged
information. Since then, these activities are continuing, and theimpacts continue to become greater.
Going forward, in addition to understanding the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction, it is important to be aware of the critical roleof citizens and work together to build a disaster resilient society.

36Chapter 6

Cooperating andBuilding Partnerships
Beyond Borders37

Chapter 6：Cooperating and Building Partnerships
Beyond Borders

As the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is implemented around the world, it isimportant that countries adopt it, support, and cooperate with one another according to theirown needs and resources. Developed nations have a responsibility to support developing
nations in reducing their disaster-related risks through the provision of technology, knowledge,
ideas, and skills.
This support is particularly important for island nations, developing nations situated inland,and various countries in Africa, for example, where the potential impact of disasters tends
to be greater than their ability to recover. This support could be in various forms, whether
financial assistance, transfer of skills, or training. It is also necessary to improve the global
sharing of information and technology, as well as knowledge and research results related todisaster risk reduction.
It is important to incorporate elements of disaster risk reduction when consideringinternational frameworks related to poverty eradication, sustainable development,
conservation of natural resources, the environment, urban development, and tackling climatechange. The United Nations and other relevant international agencies must ensure that, as
implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction progresses, it feeds
into other strategies and frameworks that are developed. Going forward, nations must work
together to raise awareness of disaster risk reduction, provide education opportunities, andestablish a "culture of disaster prevention" around the world.

38

Afterword
This booklet was developed by a network of civil society organizations, theJapan CSO Coalition for Disaster Risk Reduction (JCC-DRR), in order toinform all citizens about the contents of the Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction in a manner that is simple and easy to understand. Civil
society organizations, specialists, citizen groups from Sendai, the UN Officefor Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) Hyogo Office, and support from
Sendai City were instrumental in the editing and development of original
Japanese version of this booklet. This effort in Japan to inform citizens
about international disaster risk reduction frameworks in simple language isconsidered an important step by other countries and people around the world.
Translation into English version was done by JCC-DRR, and the terms andcontents in this booklet may reflect subjective interpretation from JCC-DRR
with which it holds sole responsibility on.
We sincerely hope that this booklet will strengthen people’s understanding ofdisaster risk reduction, support their wide-ranging activities, and contribute to
the building of a safer and more resilient society for all.
Japan CSO Coalition for Disaster Risk Reduction(JCC-DRR)

The Citizen’s Guide to the Sendai Frameworkfor Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030
Date of Original Publication: 12th March 2016

Design: Communa Inc.

NGO, Earth Media)

Project

Publishing House:

English Translation: Robin Lewis, JCC-DRR

Editor: Jun Matsumoto (International Education
Publisher: Masaaki Ohashi, Akiko Domoto
Japan CSO Coalition for Disaster Risk Reduction(JCC-DRR) 5th Floor Avaco Building, 2-3-18

Photographs: Kazushi Kataoka
Secretariat

Printed by: HARIU Communications Co., LTD

Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 169-

Supported by: United Methodist Committee on

0051 (same location as Japan NGO Center for

Relief (UMCOR), ACT Alliance, Sendai City

International Cooperation (JANIC))
Tel: 03-5292-2911

Fax: 03-5292-2912

E-mail: secretariat@jcc-drr.net

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Illustrations: Miyagi Jonet, Minamisanriku Kidseye

Minamisanriku Kidseye ProjectThis picture was drawn by an elementary school student who loves fish.
The Minamisanriku Kidseye Project helps us to see from the perspective ofchildren who were born and raised in the tsunami-affected coastal town of
Minamisanriku, located in the northeast of Japan. The project showcases thebeauty of Minamisanriku and the Shitsugawa Bay, and aims to create safe
spaces for children.

Lumpfish