Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Kingdom of Cambodia
Nation Religion KingSTRATEGIC NATIONAL ACTION PLAN
FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
2008 ~ 2013

Cooperation between

National Committee for Disaster Management andMinistry of Planning
2008

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS______________________________________________________________________
ACF
ADB
ADPC
ARPDM
ASEAN
AUSAID
CARE
CBDRM
CCA
CCDM
CRED
CRC
CWS
DANA
DANIDADCDMDFIDDIPECHO
DMIS
DMP
DRM
DRR
EWS
FFW
FMMP
GTZ
GHP
HANET
HDI
HFA
HSSP
IFRC
IDNDR
ISDR
JICA
LWF
MOAFF
MOLMUPC
MOE
MOEF
MOH
MOINT
MOP
MOWA
MOWRAM
MOEYS
MORD
MOPWT
MOINF
MRC
NAPA
NGO

Action Contra La Faim
Asian Development Bank
Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre
ASEAN Regional Program for Disaster Management
Association of South East Asian Nations
Australian Agency for International Development
Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere
Community-Based Disaster Risk Management
Common Country Assessment
Commune Committee for Disaster Management
Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters
Cambodian Red Cross
Church World Service
Damage and Needs Assessment
Danish International Development AssistanceDistrict Committee for Disaster Management
Department for International Development
Disaster Preparedness Programme European Commission
Humanitarian Aid Department
Disaster Management Information System
Disaster Management Plan
Disaster Risk Management
Disaster Risk Reduction
Early Warning System
Food for Work
Flood Management and Mitigation Program
Deutche Gesselschaft fur Technische Zusammeinarbeit
Global Humanitarian Platform
Humanitarian Accountability Network
Human Development Index
Hyogo Framework for Action
Health Sector Support ProjectInternational Federation of Red Cross
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Lutheran World Federation
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Economy and Finance
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Planning
Ministry of Women Affairs
Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Ministry of Rural Development
Ministry of Public Works and Transports
Ministry of Information
Mekong River Commission
National Adaptation Programme of Action to Climate Change
Non Government Organizationii

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

OXFAM
PCDM
PDR-SEA
PSDD
RFMMC
RCC
RGC
SNAP
SOP
TSBA
UNDAF
UNDMT
UNDP
UN/ISDR
USAID
VCA
WCDR
WFP
WHO
WV
ZOA

Oxford Committee for Famine Relief
Provincial Committee for Disaster Management
Partnership for Disaster Reduction – South East Asia
Project in Support of Democratic Development throughDecentralization and Deconcentration
Regional Flood Management and Mitigation Center
Regional Consultative Committee
Royal Government of Cambodia
Strategic National Action Plan
Standard Operating Procedure
Tonle Sap Basin Authority
United Nations Development Assistance Framework
United Nations Disaster Management Team
United Nations Development Program
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
United States Agency for International Development
Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment
World Conference on Disaster Reduction
World Food Programme
World Health Organization
World Vision
Vluchtelingen Zorg

iii

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

TABLE OF CONTENTS_________________________________________________________________________
Foreword ……………………………………………………………………………..………………………………… i
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations …………………………………………………………………….……. ii
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………………… iv
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background ………………………………………………………………………………….……………… 1
1.2. Purpose and Objective ……………………………………………………………………………………1
1.3. Planning Process …………………………………………………………………………………………...2
1.4. Linkages with National Development Policies and Plans ……………………………………..2
2. DISASTER RISK IN CAMBODIA…………………………………………………………………….…..32.1. Hazard Profile ………………………………………………………………………………………….…….3
2.1.1.
Floods ………………………………………………………………………………….…….42.1.2.
Drought……………………………………………………………………………………....5
2.1.3.
Disease Outbreaks and Epidemics ………………………………………………...6
2.1.4.
Storms ………………………………………………………………………………………..7
2.1.5.
Forest and Land Fires …………………………………………………………………..7
2.1.6.
Climate Change ……………………………………………………………………….….8
2.1.7.
Technological Disasters …………………………………………………………….….8
2.2. Underlying Vulnerabilities………………………………………………………………………………...8
3. NATIONAL STRATEGY OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION……………………………………………………………….9
3.1
Vision…………………………………………………………………………………………………………9
3.2
Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………….….94- ACTION PLAN FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION……………………….……………………9
4.1
Disaster Risk Reduction Framework………………………………………….………………….9
4.2
DRR Priorities…………………………………………………………………………………………..11
4.2.1
Critical Priorities………………………………………………………………………...11
4.2.2
First Level Priorities…………………………………………………….………………14
4.2.3
Second Level Priorities………………………………………………………………..18
4.2.4
Third Level Priorities ………………………………………………………………….18
4.3
Summary of Disaster Risk Reduction Priority Projects…………………………………..19
5- IMPLEMENTATION…………………………………………………………………………………………..20
5.1
Implementation Mechanism………………………………………………………………………20
5.2
Institutional Arrangements…………………………………………………………………….….21
5.3
Funding……………………………………………………………………………………………….….22
5.4
Monitoring and Evaluation…………………………………………………………………………22List of Annexes
Annex A
Annex B
Annex C
Annex D
Annex E

Matrix of DRR Status, Interventions and Priorities…………………………………….……23
Disaster Terminology………………………………………….……………………………….……..32
Summary of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA)……………………………….….….36
Resolution establishing the inter-ministerial SNAP task force………………….….……37
Survey questionnaire to DRM stakeholders…………………………………………………...40iv

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Annex F References……………………………………………………………………………………………….41
Annex G Summary of response from provincial government to survey
Annex H Summary of response from NGOs to survey

List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.

Summary Natural Disaster in Cambodia, 1987-2007
Summary Disaster Risk Reduction Priority Projects

List of Figures
Figure 1. Map of Flood-prone Communes
Figure 2. Map of Drought-prone Communes
Figure 3. DRM Coordinating Mechanismv

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background
The United Nations proclamation of the “International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction(IDNDR)” in 1990, the “Yokohama World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction” in
1994, the IDNDR successor “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)” in 2000
and more recently the “Hyogo World Conference on Disaster Reduction” in 2005, haveushered a major shift in the understanding and practice of disaster management around theworld. While disaster response capacities are still regarded as vital, there is now global
recognition and acceptance of the concept and practice of disaster risk reduction or disaster
reduction.
In January 2005, one hundred and sixty-eight nations including the Royal Government of
Cambodia (RGC) participated in the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) held in
Kobe, Japan, organized by the UN-ISDR. This meeting resulted in a resolution for the
implementation of a 10-year international disaster risk reduction strategy, the Hyogo
Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA sets out three strategic goals and outlines fivepriorities for action, which cover the main areas of disaster risk reduction.
At the follow-up Beijing Action for Disaster Reduction in Asia Conference in 2005, it was
resolved that countries in Asia should develop national action plans for disaster risk
reduction to comply with the principles of the HFA, establish action plans for building
capacities at the national and community levels, and manage the administrative andinfrastructure systems in order to deal with the impact of disasters. It was recommended
that the national action plans for disaster risk reduction should address the main priorities
under the HFA.
To address the implementation of the HFA in Cambodia, the National Committee for Disaster
Management (NCDM) and the Ministry of Planning (MOP) established an inter-institutional
task force to spearheaded the formulation of a “Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster
Risk Reduction 2008 – 2015” (SNAP) for the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC).
Technical assistance was provided by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) withfunding support from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction(UNISDR) and the Disaster Preparedness programme of the European Commission
Humanitarian Aid Department (DIPECHO).
1.2. Purposes and Objectives
The primary motivation of the Royal Government of Cambodia in the formulation of an
Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is to reduce the vulnerability of its people,
especially the poor, to the effects of natural, environmental and human-induced hazards.
This can best be achieved by strengthening the disaster management system in Cambodia
and by incorporating a disaster risk reduction perspective into the policies, strategies andplans of government in all sectors and at all levels. The Action Plan was conceived andformulated to serve as the “road map” or guide for strengthening and undertaking disasterrisk reduction in Cambodia. Implementation of the activities and projects identified in theplan can contribute significantly to the attainment of government’s primary objective ofpoverty reduction.

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Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Action Plan has the following specific objectives:
1. Contribute to a common understanding, knowledge and awareness of disaster risk
reduction
2. Provide a comprehensive framework to guide and monitor the implementation ofdisaster risk reduction initiatives in the country
3. Create a conducive environment for the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction intodevelopment plans, policies and projects of the government
4. Enhance coordination and cooperation between disaster management anddevelopment stakeholders
5. Improve the efficiency of resource allocation and utilisation in disaster reduction
6. Orient donor support in disaster risk reduction to government-identified priorities
1.3. Planning ProcessThis Action Plan was developed through a government-led participatory process thatinvolved getting the views and opinion of different disaster management stakeholders in the
country including disaster management officials from local governments (provincial, district
and commune levels), local and international NGOs, and institutional donor agencies.
Facilitation of this process was overseen by an inter-institutional Task Force created throughan NCDM Resolution (Annex C). The Task Force is chaired by the NCDM and the MOP as
deputy chair, with the former providing secretariat support. Five (5) sub-groups werecreated to facilitate the work of the Task Force, namely: Sub-group 1: Policy andlegislation, Sub-group 2: Risk assessment and early warning, Sub-group 3: DRR Knowledge
management, Sub-group 4: DRR applications, and Sub-group 5: Disaster preparedness andresponse.
A stock-taking exercise was first undertaken to compile data and information on past andcurrent DRR initiatives in the country, through a survey (Annex D) and various secondary
information sources and a matrix of DRR initiatives which formulated by the multistakeholders. A series of extensive consultation meetings was then conducted with various
DRR stakeholder groups to validate findings of the stock-taking exercise, discuss perceived
policy and operational gaps and to gather suggestions and recommendations. With inputs
gathered from these consultations guiding their analysis, the Task Force conducted a series
of internal meetings in order to decide on national strategic priorities.
Several drafts of the SNAP were reviewed and revised based on discussions with senior
officials of relevant government ministries, international and local non-governmentorganizations and key donor institutions. A final consultation was conducted through a
National Consultation Workshop conducted on the 21st of April 2008 followed by the final
review by the inter-institutional Task Force. The SNAP document was formally endorsed andlaunched by the national government in 2008.
1.4. Linkages with National Development Policies and Plans
Cambodia is one of the most disaster affected countries in all of South East Asia and theimpact of these disasters is most felt in the rural areas where it is estimated that 80% of thepoor reside (CSES, 2004). Over the last 10 years, Cambodia has been affected by a series of
exceptional floods and by widespread but highly localized agricultural droughts. As a result,the government has become aware that without serious efforts in risk reduction, disasters-2-Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

will increasingly become a serious obstacle to the achievement of the country’s development
aspirations, particularly to its highest priority of poverty reduction.
The country’s National Poverty Reduction Strategy (NPRS) explicitly identifies natural
disasters, particularly flood and drought, as critical factors that has, and continues to,increase socio-economic vulnerabilities of the rural poor, including placing a disproportionate
burden of coping with the effects of disasters on women.
The National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) for 2006 -2010, which synthesizes thegoals and objectives of Rectangular Strategy, NPRS and the Cambodia Millennium
Development Goals (CMDG), does not directly address disaster risk reduction but
incorporates it in the areas of social welfare, water resource management, agriculture andrural development. Within these priority sectors the disaster risk reduction activities
identified include the protection of rural areas from natural hazards of flood and drought,
enabling communities for disaster preparedness and risk reduction, and reducing thevulnerability of the poor to the external shocks including natural hazards. (NSDP, Chapter
IV: Key Strategies and Actions).
In 2006, the government approved the National Adaptation Program of Action to Climate
Change (NAPA). Both this Action Plan and the NAPA seek to address community vulnerability
to hazards although adaptation to climate change focuses on responding to extreme
weather events and slow-onset changes in climate, whereas disaster risk reduction focuses
on wider issues, not just on climate-related disasters. Hence, the Action Plan fully supports
the NAPA and efforts to synergize implementation and monitoring of both plans is one of theactivities identified in this Action Plan to be undertaken.
Despite a number of key government policies and pronouncements recognizing theimportance of disaster risk reduction, the actual practice of government institutions and local
governments remain focused primarily on responding after the occurrence of a disasterevent. The Action Plan facilitates the identification of disaster risk reduction activities of thevarious government ministries and agencies and consolidates them into a single
comprehensive program of action.

2.

DISASTER RISKS IN CAMBODIA

2.1. Hazard Profile
The main natural hazard to which Cambodia is exposed to is floods followed by drought,
occasional epidemics and storms. During the twenty years period from 1987 to 2007, floods
have affected the greatest number of people and caused the greatest amount of damage.
Floods have also been the cause of the greatest number of fatalities followed by epidemics.
The occurrence of drought, on the other hand, has the potential to affect a large number ofthe population given the lasting agricultural and economic impact, as well as the adverse
effect on those dependent upon goods and services from the drought-affected region.
Fortunately, the occurrence of droughts in the country is less frequent than floods. The tablebelow gives a summary of the natural disasters that have occurred in the country during theperiod 1987 to 2007.

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Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Table 1. Summary Natural Disasters in Cambodia, 1987-2007
InjuredHomeless

Population
Affected

Damage USD$
(in 000’s)

1,125

53

275,805

9,514,614

327,100

94

4

22,984

792,885

27,25850006,550,000

138,0000001,310,000

27,600

8

788

0

0

413,570

0

99

0

0

51,6960

No. of
EventsFlood

12avg. per event
Drought
avg. per event
Epidemic
avg. per event
Source:KilledEM-DAT: The OFDA/CRED International Disaster Database, www.em-dat.net - Université catholique de Louvain- Brussels - Belgium

It is significant to note, however, that drought periods have been increasingly followed by adestructive flood. Successions and combinations of droughts and floods have resulted in asignificant number of fatalities and considerable economic losses. The provinces that areprone to both flooding and drought are Prey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Svay Rieng
Banteay Meanchey and Kampong Speu.
2.1.1.

FloodsCambodia’s vast flood plain is one of the country’s most prominent geographical features.
This makes large portions of the country naturally susceptible to annual flooding particularly
along the Tonle Sap and Mekong river watersheds. The floods have both beneficial andharmful effects. Floods have a beneficial impact on agro-based livelihoods (e.g., improve soil
moisture, fertility for agriculture, ground and surface water recharge and provide ecologicalbenefit for fisheries) upon which hundreds of communities depend upon for their livelihood.
In certain years, however, flooding becomes excessive and results to the loss of human life,
destruction of crops and livestock, and damages to homes and the already fragile network ofcommunity infrastructure (e.g. schools, health centers, local roads and bridges).
There are two major flood types in Cambodia:
1. Mekong flood – Cumulative rainfall in the upper catchments throughout the rainyseason causes a slow but steady rise in water levels lasting for several days. This canbe aggravated by two factors. First, when this combines with heavy rains around theTonle Sap Lake, which affect the provinces around the lake and the southern
provinces. Secondly, the most severe floods occur when heavy rains coincide withthe arrival of tropical depressions and storms. Mekong river floods are common
occurrences in the provinces of Stung Treng, Kratie, Kampong Cham, Prey Veng,
Svay Rieng, Kandal, and Takeo.

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2. Flash floods – Repeated heavy rainfall in mountainous areas, which flows to
streams and tributaries of the Mekong River branch of river often flash floods. Thesefloods are swift and last only for a few days but often cause severe damage to crops
and infrastructure especially in tributaries around the Tonle Sap Lake. Flash floods
have been reported to affect the provinces of Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampot,
Pursat, Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Rattanakiri, Preah Vihea, and Odor
Meanchey.
Major flooding events affecting a significant population occur every five years or so (in 1961,
1966, 1978, 1984, 1991, 1996, 2000, 2001 and 2002). One of the worst floods in the
country’s history occurred in the year 2000 where the NCDM reported that an estimated
750,618 families representing 3,448,624 people, including 85,000 families or 387,000 people
were temporarily evacuated from their homes and villages. Three hundred forty seven(347), 80% of whom was children were killed and total physical damage was estimated at
US$150 million. In 2001, floods caused the death of 62 people (70% children) and an
estimated US$20 million damages, and in 2002, 29 people (40% children) were killed where
estimated damages were US$14 million.
Figure 1. Map of Flood-prone Communes

2.1.2.

Drought

A drought is considered a period of abnormal dry weather that causes serious hydrologicalimbalance in the area. Under a normal year, typical rainfall distribution from May to October
and the heavy rainfall from August till mid October with a dry spell for about 2 to 3 weeks in
between July and August. In a year when this dry period is extended too long, anagricultural drought could occur in addition to the late rain and early end of rainy season.

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There are four characteristics of agricultural drought in the country:
1. Unpredictable delays in rainfall onset in the early wet season
2. Erratic variations in wet season rainfall onset, amount, and duration across differentareas
3. Early ending of rains during the wet season
4. Common occurrence of mini-droughts of three weeks or more during the wet season,
which can damage or destroy rice crops without irrigation
Localized drought is also becoming increasingly apparent and significant - again throughout
many areas of the country, including areas that are also flood-affected. Drought has
impacted in a number of areas in 2001, 2002, and 2003. The direct impact has
predominantly been in terms of water stress on agricultural crop production, especially riceand vegetable production, with 80% of agricultural fields lying idle in most areas for six
months and to a somewhat lesser extent in terms of increased rates of water-relateddisease mortality and morbidity.
The last major drought in the country took place in 2002 when unusually dry weather during
the rainy season affected some 420 communes in 76 districts located in the 10 provinces ofPrey Veng, Kandal, Kampong Speu, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham,
Kratie, Odor Meancheay and Banteay Meanchey. The drought prevailed until the onset ofrains in mid-August and covered 62,702 hectares. Statistics from the NCDM indicate that the
drought had affected 2,047,340 people or 442,419 families and was the worst drought toaffect the country. The cost of the drought was estimated to be more than US$21.50 million.
Figure 2. Map of Drought-prone Communes-6-Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

2.1.3.

Disease Outbreaks and Epidemics

The country has a history of disease outbreaks and epidemics including diarrhea/enteric(Cholera), malaria, Arbovirus (dengue hemorrhagic fever), and more recently the Avian
Influenza virus (H5N1). Concern over the Avian Influenza virus (H5N1) has risen
considerably over recent years and poses a serious threat to rural communities in thesouthern provinces of Cambodia. In 2005, the country experienced an outbreak of the Avian
Influenza virus (H5N1) in poultry that made Cambodia one of the first countries in theregion to experience such an outbreak. Since then, a total of seven confirmed cases ofhuman infection have occurred all of which resulted in fatalities, four in 2005, two in 2006,
and one in 2007. Outbreaks of the virus has, and continues to, result in confirmed cases ofinfection in both poultry and humans in many countries in the region including Cambodia’s
immediate neighbors Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar.
2.1.4.

StormsExtreme weather events such as storms or typhoons are not usually considered a major
problem in Cambodia because the country is protected by surrounding mountain ranges.
However, storms do occasionally affect the country with most of the storm-related damage
caused by localized floods associated with heavy rain. Tropical storms can also affect thelevel of Mekong River flooding experienced on a given year. The storm incursions into the
Mekong basin spread from the South China Sea towards the east and Southeast acrossVietnam and the Southern China. Greatest damage occurs when these arrive during
September and October when the seasonal discharge of the Mekong River is already highand a second significant peak to the annual flood is generated (MRC 2007).
In 1997, Typhoon Linda hit Pou Lo Wei Island on the country’s southern coast and damaged
81 fishing boats and affected hundreds of families. In 1999, two storms hit a district ofPhnom Penh City and Kandal province causing the destruction of nearly 500 homes. From
April to August of 2000 a series of monsoon storms hit five provinces causing damage to an
undetermined number of homes. In 2001, six municipalities were hit by storms that
destroyed 743 houses, six schools and two temples. More recently in 2007, storms in thenortheast and northwest costal areas of Cambodia covering 11 provinces and cities including
Battambang, Kampong Speu, Banteay Meanchey, Kampot, Svay Rieng, Siem Reap, Prey
Veng, Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, Kandal, and Koh Kong caused the collapse of 584
houses and partial damage to 1,112 other houses.
2.1.5.

Forest and Land Fires

While forest fires occur in Cambodia and affect many hectares of forest land, they are not avery common occurrence. Small-scale fires occur annually in the natural hardwood forests,
pine forests, bamboo forests and forest plantations during summer months of midNovember to mid-April. In 1997 there was a small-scale disaster from the result of fire thatlasted for several days in the Kirirum Mountains. In the future, however, forest fires could
become a more serious threat especially if current rates of forest degradation continue, as
forest degradation is known to create favorable conditions for large-scale forest fires.

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Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Fires that occur in the heavily populated urban centers in all provinces of the country are
more common and cause greater damage partly because old buildings are located very neareach another and existing fire trucks and fire fighting equipment are not sufficient. In 2001,
the NCDM reported 46 cases of house fires that resulted to the deaths of 5 people, injury to
20 others and the destruction of 3,316 houses. In 2007, there were 94 incidences of fires
that affected 18 provinces and cities including Phnom Penh, Takeo, Pursat, Banteay
Meanchey, and Kandal causing the deaths of 14 people, the destruction of 451 houses and1,064 stores, the loss of 200 tones of rice and injuries of 2 people.
2.1.6.

Climate Change

As an essentially agrarian country, the Kingdom of Cambodia is highly vulnerable to theimpacts of climate change. Adverse impacts could possibly include increased flood anddrought magnitude and damages, reductions in crop yields, decrease water availability, andincrease in the number of people exposed to vector and water-borne diseases. Because it is
not currently possible to reliably predict the adverse impacts of climate change at theregional and local levels, the strengthening of adaptive capacity to climate variability andextremes has been recommended (NAPA 2006).
2.1.7.

Technological Disasters

The primary human-made hazard faced by the country continues to be the landmines andleft over from the country’s history of armed conflict. Other human-made disasters occur asa result of fire and traffic-related accidents. The increase of hazards in building collapse andmodern technology are expected to happen in the near future. In Cambodia recent years,
the occurrence of traffic-related accidents has sharply increased. In 2007, the number ofvehicles has tremendously increased and it coincidently with the drunken drivers and mostof the roads has well renovated that would lead to the traffic-related accidents which wasreported at 9,449 cases from all type of vehicles of 16,982 units and resulted to the deathsof 1,545 people, grave injuries to 7,150 and slight injuries to 17,655 others.
2.2. Underlying Vulnerabilities
Socio-economic conditions in Cambodia have seen much improvement in recent years, froma Human Development Index (HDI) rank of 153 in 1997 to a HDI rank of 131 in 2007, but
the country remains one of the least developed countries in the world reflecting the impactof 30 years of war, social and political instability. Some 34.67% of the population lives below
the nationally defined poverty line and 90% of the poor reside in the rural and remote areasof the country (NSDP 2006). Their livelihoods depend primarily on agriculture, fisheries andforestry which, in recent years, have been subject to increasingly more frequent floods anddrought. In 2003, the NCDM and the UN World Food Program (WFP) mapped the mostdisaster-prone areas of the country and approximately 500 communes were identified as
being prone to natural disasters, 260 prone to floods and 293 prone to drought. These
represents about one third of the total number of communes in the country.
While people living in the flood and drought prone areas have developed ways to deal with
the impact of these hazards, their coping capacities has a limit. Poverty is a key determinantof the people’s vulnerability to disasters but disasters also cause poverty. A study made by(CRC) Cambodian Red Cross has shown that the poverty in Cambodia has variety according
to the geographical area that attributed to the people vulnerable to floods and droughts.

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The manner in which socio-economic development and natural resources are managed also
has a direct impact on vulnerabilities of the general population. Unplanned patterns ofhuman settlement and land use have resulted into dramatic increases in the population ofpeople living in the Mekong floodplains. Depletion of forest cover results to increased
siltation of major water bodies and soil erosion. Irrigation systems and water conservation
measures remain inadequate particularly in the face of an increasing incidence of drought.
Exposure to natural hazards is formed around these linkages between physical, social,economic and environmental vulnerabilities that prevent many of its people to live in a safe
environment.
3. NATIONAL STRATEGY OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
3.1 Vision
To build a resilient community to natural disaster in accordance with Hyogo Framework
for Action.
3.2 Objectives
The National Strategy of Disaster Management and Disaster Risk Reduction had beenlaunched along with the National Comprehensive AHI Preparedness Plan in July 2007.
The Strategy consists of five objectives:
12345-

Strengthen the Disaster Management System
Develop human and Institutional resources
Strengthen Disaster Management Information System
Strengthen the Disaster Preparedness and Response Capacities
Integrate Disaster Risk Reduction perspective into policies, strategies and plans of theGovernment in all sectores at all levels.

4.

ACTION PLAN FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Disaster Risk Reduction is the responsibility of government at all levels. Hence, the Action
Plan is not a plan of a single government institution or agency. It is not possible for a single
government institution to comprehensively address disaster risk reduction which should beviewed as a cross-cutting issue of sustainable development. Disaster Risk reduction can only
be addressed through the collective effort of both development and disaster management
stakeholders in the country. This Action Plan, agreed upon by all stakeholders, provides theblueprint for initiating and undertaking this collective effort.
The Action Plan is anchored on a critical assessment and analysis of existing disaster
reduction policy and operational gaps conducted by multiple stakeholder groups including
disaster management officials from local governments (provincial, district and commune
levels), local and international NGOs, and institutional donors and agencies. The result of
this assessment is summarized in a matrix (Annex A) that contains the ongoing activities andprojects of various stakeholders, operational gaps and stakeholder-identified priorities thatare necessary if the overall long-term disaster risk reduction goals and objectives of thegovernment of Cambodia are to be achieved.
4.1 Disaster Risk Reduction Framework-9-Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Action Plan proposes the adoption of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) as theoverall framework to guide the response of stakeholders in addressing the impact ofdisasters. A strong emphasis, however, is given towards strengthening sub-national
capacities, particularly at the community level, to fully support the government priority ofthe poverty reduction as elaborated in national development plans and policies (i.e., NSDP
2006-2010, NPRS, CMDG, NAPA 2006).
The six key disaster risk reduction components appropriate for Cambodia are identified asfollows:
1.

Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority
1.1. Formulate policies and legislation in support of DRR
1.2. Creation and strengthening of a national DRR coordination mechanism or“National DRR Platform”
1.3. Integration of DRR into national development policies and planning
1.4. Allocate appropriate resources for DRR at national level2.

Strengthen sub-national and community-based disaster risk management
2.1. Decentralize responsibilities and resources for DRR
2.2. Promote implementation of community-based DRR programs

3.

Identify, assess and monitor hazard risks and enhance early warning
3.1. Conduct national and local risk assessment
3.2. Establish a disaster management information system
3.3. Develop multi-hazard early warning systems
3.4. Collaborate with international and regional DRR initiatives

4.

Use knowledge innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience
4.1. Establish mechanisms for information exchange and networking
4.2. Promote DRR education and training
4.3. Promote gender and cultural sensitivity training as integral component of
DRR
4.4. Undertake disaster risk reduction management technical and scientificresearch
4.5. Promote public awareness

5.

Mainstreaming DRR into Policies and Programs of Relevant Government Ministries
5.1. Incorporate DRR in sustainable environmental and natural resource
management
5.2. Integration of DRR to climate adaptation program
5.3. Promote food security to enhance community resilience
5.4. Integrate DRR planning into the health sector
5.5. Promote appropriate structural and non-structural mitigation measures
5.6. Incorporate DRR into land use planning and other technical measures
5.7. Develop innovative financial instruments for addressing disaster risks

6.

Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels- 10 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

6.1. Strengthen national and sub-national capacity for preparedness andresponse
6.2. Develop coordinated regional operational mechanisms for emergencies
exceeding national coping capacities
6.3. Prepare and periodically update disaster preparedness and contingency
planning
6.4. Establishment of emergency funds
4.2 Disaster Risk Reduction Priorities
Given the overall lack of awareness and understanding of disaster risk reduction and thescarcity of human and financial resources, disaster risk reduction can only be achieved overthe long-term, progressing through a number of stages. Implementation of Action Plan
therefore requires prioritization and a logical sequencing of identified interventions. Within
the context of this long-term effort, the Action Plan serves as the initial programming tool byidentifying detailed sets of priorities from which government, and its development partner
institutions, can direct their energy and resources.
The principles underlying the selection of these priorities are its expected contribution to theattainment of the national development goals and objectives particularly to poverty
alleviation; the presence of technical and institutional capacity to undertake the identified
activities and projects; and the expected availability of human and financial resources. Basedon these criteria, the SNAP Task Force classified activities and projects identified in the
Matrix as having first, second or third level priority.
Some of the interventions identified are already being undertaken and require only that they
be continued or further enhanced. In addition, the designation of a medium or low level ofpriority to an identified disaster risk reduction activity or project does not necessarily mean
this cannot be immediately implemented, especially since some initiatives do not require
extensive funding or technical assistance. Sustained progress towards attaining disaster
resiliency of the country, however, will be unlikely if the higher priority initiatives identified
are not addressed first.
4.2.1 Critical Priorities
Among the high priority disaster risk reduction interventions identified, an initial set of
disaster risk reduction interventions has been further categorized as being critical or urgent.
These interventions consist primarily of Component 1 of the Disaster Risk Reduction
Framework that seeks to ensure that disaster risk reduction forms an integral part of thegovernment’s development agenda. Achievement of disaster risk reduction goals over the
long-term depends on creating a solid foundation from which all the other disaster risk
reduction initiatives identified can be more effectively launched.

- 11 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

The critical or urgent priorities for action are more specifically identified asfollows:
Component 1: Ensuring that disaster risk reduction is a national and a local priority
1.1. Formulation of national disaster risk management policy and legislation
To launch the long-term disaster risk reduction effort envisioned in the Action Plan, thegovernment will take the lead and demonstrate its commitment to disaster risk reduction byformulating new, and revising out-dated, policies and legislation in support of disaster risk
management. The current lack of more formal and legal basis for various ministries toundertake disaster risk management initiatives together with the absence of regular
operational budgets for national and local disaster management bodies (i.e., NCDM, PCDMs,
DCDMs and CCDMs) are the most serious constraints in the pursuit of disaster risk reductionin the country.
Given the need to learn from the experiences of other countries, technical assistance andexpertise of key donor institutions, international and regional disaster management agencies
and NGOs, particularly of the IFRC and UNDMT, will be a key factor in pushing this agenda
forward.
Priority Objective:

Development and Enactment of DRM Policy and Legislation

Outputs

 National policy on disaster management developed and approved Disaster Management Bill prepared and enacted by parliament and senate

Key Activities

 Encourage all disaster management stakeholders to advocate for theapproval of a DM Bill
 Constitute a policy and legislative advisory group consisting of various DM
stakeholders particularly the IFRC and UNDMT Conduct a comprehensive review of DM policy and legislative gaps in the
country Define institutional mandates
 Conduct extensive stakeholder and public consultations
 Draft and submit for approval of a national policy and strategy for disastermanagement
 Draft and submit for approval a Disaster Management Bill which should
include provisions ensuring allocation of regular operating budget to the
NCDM and local disaster management bodies
 Concerted advocacy and lobby efforts from all DRM stakeholders for theenactment of the DM Bill

Potential Partner
Institutions

NCDM– Lead, with participation of all relevant Ministries and local governments
and technical support from IFRC, UNDMT, Oxfam, CRC, and ADPC.

Timeframe

1 YearIndicative Budget

US$ 100,000- 12 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

1.2.

Creation and strengthening of national disaster risk reduction coordination
mechanism

The coordination of a wide range of disaster risk reduction initiatives involving collaborationand partnerships between an equally wide range of national and local government
institutions, non-government organizations and potential technical and financial support
institutions requires a strong coordinating mechanism. This coordinating mechanism should
build on existing structures within the NCDM especially since it is the sole government
agency with the existing legal mandate to coordinate disaster management efforts in the
country.
One of the primary tasks of the NCDM will be to revive and strengthen its coordination
network to effectively link government institutions, local governments, non-governmentorganizations, the private sector, civil society and other relevant stakeholders including nongovernment organizations and key donor institutions. This includes establishing linkages toadequate technical and financial support to the concerned lead institutions.
Priority Objective:

Revitalize and Strengthen Existing NCDM Coordination Mechanism toServe as the National Platform for DRR

Outputs

 Approved Institutional Strengthening Program for the NCDM
 Functional National Platform for DRR
 Executive Order/Circular issued by national government mandatingcompliance to the SNAP for DRR approved and disseminatedActivities Conduct comprehensive review of existing NCDM coordination structures andprocedures in consultation with key disaster stakeholders
 Oxfam to finalize the revised NCDM Institutional Strengthening Program andinitiate implementation
 Identify and invite representatives from civil society, media and the private
sector to take part in the National Platform for DRR
 Advocate for issuance of government Circular/Prakas mandating complianceto the SNAP for DRR
 Constitute a Technical Advisory Committee from representatives of key
international and regional institutions and NGOs
 Develop an annual work plan Establish sub-groups to coordinate and monitor implementation of DRR Action
Plan in the six key DRR components

Potential Partner
Institutions

NCDM/MOP – Lead; Focal persons from all government ministries, TechnicalAdvisory Committee (consisting of the UNDMT, IFRC, CRC, UN/ISDR, ADPC,etc.), NGOs, civil society, media and private sector representatives

Timeframe

2 Years

Indicative Budget

US$ 300,000- 13 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

1.3.

Integration of disaster risk reduction into the national development planning

For a substantial reduction of disaster losses in terms of human lives and in the social,economic and environmental assets of communities and of the country as a whole, disasterrisks management must be incorporated into national development policies and plans. For as
long as disaster risk reduction is not identified as one of the priority concerns in the national
development plan, it is unlikely that disaster risk reduction programs will be consistently
undertaken by government institutions and supported by the country’s major external
development partners.

Priority Objective:

Integration Disaster Risk Reduction into National Development
Planning

Output DRR is considered as a cross-cutting issue in the NSDP and highlighted in the
NPRS and overall development policies of the country

Key Activities Conduct national and sub-national disaster risk evaluation
 Identify geographical areas and sectors with high risks
 Formalize the integration of disaster risk management into country
programming
 Advocate for incorporation of a DRR perspective in Common Country
Assessments (CCA) and in the UN Development Assistance Framework(UNDAF) Incorporate DRR into annual programs of key ministries within the overall
framework of NSDP

Potential Partner
Institutions

MOP-Lead, All relevant government ministries, NCDM, UNDP, WB, ADB,DANIDA, EC

Timeframe

1 YearIndicative Budget

US$ 100,000

4.2.2 First Level Priorities
Wider-scale disaster risk reduction initiatives can be more effectively and efficiently
undertaken only after the critical priorities identified are firmly in place. Once the policy andlegal frameworks and a strong DRR coordination mechanism are in place there are three key
priority areas that should be addressed, namely; the integration of disaster risk reduction
into the sectoral programs and planning processes of key ministries, mitigating and reducing
the impact of natural hazards through the strengthening of capacities at provincial tocommune levels, and assisting the national and local governments to better prepare andrespond to the occurrence of natural hazards. While implementation of these interventions
will need to be done over the long-term, they provide significant protection and benefit to
the populations residing in hazard-prone areas.

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Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

These priorities for action are more specifically identified as follows:
Component 2: Strengthen Sub-national and Community Disaster Risk Management
Capacities
Strengthening disaster risk management capacities at provincial, district and especiallycommune levels is one of the cornerstones of the Action Plan. Communities and households
that are already in poverty are the most vulnerable to disasters and have the least capacity
to recover. Those that are on the brink of poverty can easily fall into poverty as a result of asingle disaster event. Increasing community and household resilience is the first line ofdefense against disasters and has a significant potential to contribute to the poverty
alleviation goals of the government.
During the first two years of implementation of the Action Plan, strengthening of local
government capacities for disaster risk management shall focus on updating the national
CBDRR strategy, providing training to the most disaster-prone provinces and communities,
and integrating disaster risk reduction into the formal commune development planning
process.
Priority Objective:

Strengthen Sub-national and Community Disaster Risk Management
Capacity

Outputs

 Updated national CBDRR strategy
 PCDMs, DCDMs, and CCDMs in most disaster-prone areas trained in disasterrisk management
 DRR integrated into local/commune development plans

Key Activities Conduct review and update of the national CBDRR strategy by national
stakeholders
 Concerted advocacy effort by DRR stakeholders in the country for CBDRR
implementation
 Identification of the most disaster-prone communes
 Develop standard training courses on DRM including gender and cultural
sensitivity training modules
 Train local authorities (provincial, district, commune) and community
volunteers on disaster risk management
 Develop guidelines for formal integration of DRR into official commune
development plans identifying both structural and non-structural mitigation
measures Promote adoption of field tested structural and non-structural mitigation
measures Promote the establishment of a DRR fund for communes within the context
of the government’s decentralization (i.e., PSDD) initiative

Potential Partner
Institutions

NCDM– Lead, with local governments (PCDM, DCDM, CCDM), MOP, MORD,
MOINT, MOAFF, CRC, NGOs, DIPECHO and other key donor institutions

Time frame

2 Years (Phase 1)

Indicative Budget

US$ 550,000- 15 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Component 5: Mainstreaming DRR into Policies and Programs of Relevant Royal Government
Ministries
Royal Government ministries and related institutions must fully understand and be convincedof the significant contribution that disaster risk reduction can make towards achieving theirrespective mandates and sectoral goals. The initiation of disaster risk reduction
mainstreaming programs in key ministries hastens this understanding and can lead tosignificant benefits for vulnerable communities. A number of initiatives at DRR
mainstreaming, in the education sector for example, are already being undertaken in whichcase the Action Plan can further enhance this process. Given the current rapid rate ofdevelopment and poverty situation in the country, mainstreaming efforts should first focus
on land management and urban planning, agriculture, rural development and environment
sectors.
The more specific mainstreaming themes that can be pursued with various ministries
include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MOLMUPC)
 Use hazard risk information in land-use planning and zoning programs
 Promote hazard-resilient designs in rural housing of hazard-prone areas
 Ensure compliance and enforcement of local building laws that requires standards
prescribed in building codes in urban hazard-prone areas
 Development and utilization of national building codes that have special provisions forenhanced design standards for buildings in areas affected by natural disasters
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MOAFF)
 Develop effective programs of contingency crop planning to deal with climate variations
 Develop effective programs of crop diversification including the use of hazard resistantcrops, to deal with shifts in climate patterns
 Ensure sustainable livelihoods in areas of recurrent climate risks by promoting
supplementary income generation from off-farm and non-farm activities
 Promote effective insurance and credit schemes to compensate for crop damage andlosses to livelihoods due to natural hazards
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MOEYS)
 Incorporation of disaster risk management and risk reduction into school curricula Elevated schools in flood areas
Ministry of Environment (MOE) Incorporating disaster risk reduction into design of ecosystem and natural resource
management programs
 Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the national environmental impact
assessments for new development projects
 Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the NAPA

- 16 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Ministry of Health (MOH) Project to assess hospitals that are located in hazard-prone areas, analyse thevulnerability of health facilities during emergencies and increase the standard resilienceof facilities to these hazards
 Develop and implement Hospital Preparedness Plan for all health facilities
Ministry of Rural Development (MORD)
 Development and implementation of policies that protect rural areas from naturalcalamities, like flood and droughts.
 Use hazard information in the installation of safe water and sanitation facilities
 Ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities during flood and drought Incorporate disaster risk assessments as part of the planning process before constructionof rural roads

Priority Objective:

Mainstreaming of DRR Into Policies and Programs of Relevant
Government Ministries

Output Key Government ministries with DRR policies and programs

Key Activities Conduct DRR awareness raising for high-level officials of ministries
 Identify and engage with government ministries willing to initiate integrationof DRR into its policy and programs (MLMUP, MAFF, MOE, MRD, etc…)
 Establish a technical working group with appropriate departments within theministries
 Organize Advisory Committee from sectoral experts from local, regional andglobal DRM institutions
 Formulate disaster risk management policy for the ministry
 Establish Emergency Management Unit (EMU) in each ministry Develop, approve and introduce sector-specific methodologies formainstreaming disaster management
 Capacity building for key staff and personnel of concerned ministry Develop a DRR Programme for each ministry

Potential Partner
Institutions

Relevant government ministry (i.e., MOINT, MORD, MOAFF, MOLMUPC, MOE,etc…) as Lead, with support from ADPC, WB, ADB, UN Agencies, JICA,DANIDA, GTZ and other institutional donors

Timeframe

2 Years (Pilot Phase with the MOWRAM, MOAFF, MOLMUPC)

Indicative Budget

US$ 450,000 (US$ 150,000 for each Ministry)

Component 6: Strengthen Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response at All Levels
6.1. Strengthen national and sub-national capacities for preparedness and response
Experience shows that local governments and communities are the main actors that
immediately respond to disaster events. The first response to emergencies is crucial forsaving human lives as external assistance may not immediately come especially if thedisaster affects a wide geographical area. In many small-scale disaster events little or no
external assistance may arrive.

- 17 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

The impact of disasters on communities in the hazard-prone rural areas can be reduced if
national and local governments are assisted in preparing well in advance for the occurrenceof hazard events. The initial activities to be undertaken under this component of the Action
Plan include conducting a comprehensive review of disaster response capacities at provincial
and national levels, strengthening response capacities through the formulation of hazardspecific preparedness and contingency plans, and the training of disaster response teams
who are provided with the necessary skills and equipment to carry out effective disaster
response operations.
Priority Objective:

Strengthen Disaster Preparedness and Response Capacities at All Levels

Outputs

 Hazard specific response plans are in place at national and provincial levels

Key Activities Conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of national and local disaster
preparedness capacities
 Initiate joint national preparedness and response planning with UNDMT, IFRC
and NGOs using guidelines set by the Global Humanitarian Platform (GHP)
initiative Develop SOPs for each type of hazard
 Establish and build capacity for national rapid response team
 Develop guidelines for the preparation of local preparedness and response plans Raise awareness and understanding of local authorities on disaster preparedness
and response Enhance participation and linkages to regional disaster response institutions(i.e., ASEAN, IFRC, etc…)

Potential Partner
Institutions

NCDM– Lead, with MORD, MOINT, Local governments (PCDMs, DCDMs, CCDMs),
CRC, NGOs, Technical Advisory Group (IFRC, CRC, UNDMT, Humanitarian Aidagencies, etc…)

Timeframe

2 Years

Indicative Budget

US$ 400,000

4.2.3 Second Level Priorities

There are three basic types of disaster risk reduction projects that are classified ashaving second level priority. The first, are activities and projects that compliment andfurther enhance the implementation of the first level priority disaster risk reduction
projects particularly Component 2: Strengthening of local capacities in disaster risk
management and Component 6: Preparedness for effective response. Secondly, disasterrisk reduction projects related to Component 3: Undertaking national and local risk
assessments and early warning which require more substantial technical assistance andinputs because they involve the applications in more specialized fields, particularly thoserelated to the use of technical and scientific tools and methodologies. Thirdly, projects
related to Component 4: Applying knowledge management for disaster risk reduction
including the design and implementation of a comprehensive disaster risk reduction publicawareness campaign.

- 18 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

4.2.4 Third Level Priorities
The third level priority interventions represent disaster risk reduction activities that areimportant over the long term but are not be feasible to implement within the short term,
particularly the establishment and allocation of special funds for preparedness andmitigation, increasing current levels of emergency funds and the formulation of financial
instruments for disaster risk transfer (e.g., disaster/crop insurance). Also included in thiscategory is the establishment of partnerships and collaboration with local and international
academic and scientific institutions which are not difficult to initiate but are best undertaken
after the more basic and fundamental disaster risk reduction initiatives identified with higher
priority rankings are implemented first.
4.3

Summary of Disaster Risk Reduction Priority Projects

The Action Plan, summarized in Table 2 below, provides an overview of all the priority
disaster risk reduction projects identified and the timeframes within which they can best be
implemented, including an initial indicative budget for their implementation in the short-term(i.e., first 2 years). More specific objectives, strategies, activities and resources required foreach of the projects will be detailed prior to the actual implementation by the lead andsupport institutions identified.

Table 2. Summary of Disaster Risk Reduction Priority Projects
Timeframe

Disaster Risk Reduction Components
S

M

L

Short-term
Indicative
Budget(US$ ‘000)

1

Ensure that DRR is a National and Local Priority with a Strong Institutional Basis for Implementation

1.1

Formulation of national disaster risk management policy and legislation

*

100

1.2

Creation and Strengthening of national DRR coordination mechanism - national DRR
Platform

*

300

1.3

Integration of DRR into national development policies and planning

*

100

1.4

Allocate appropriate resources for DRR at national level2

Strengthen Sub-national and Community-based Disaster Risk Management

2.1

Decentralize responsibilities and resources for DRR

2.2

Promote implementation of community-based DRR programs

3

Identify, Assess and Monitor Hazard Risks and Enhance Early Warning

3.1

Conduct national and local risk assessment

3.2

Establish a disaster management information system

3.3

Develop multi-hazard early warning systems

3.4

Collaborate with international and regional DRR initiatives

4

Use Knowledge, Innovation and Education to Build a Culture of Safety and Resilience

4.1

Establish mechanisms for information exchange and networking

4.2

Promote DRR education and training- 19 -

550

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

4.3

Promote gender and cultural sensitivity training as integral components of DRR

4.4

Undertake disaster risk reduction management technical and scientific research

4.5

Promote public awareness

5

Mainstreaming DRR into Policies and Programs of Relevant Government Ministries

5.1

Incorporate DRR in sustainable environmental and natural resource management

5.2

Integration of DRR to climate change adaptation program

5.3

Promote food security to enhance community resilience

5.4

Promote appropriate structural and non-structural mitigation measures

5.5

Integrate DRR planning into the health sector

5.6

Incorporate DRR into land use planning and other technical measures

5.7

Develop innovative financial instruments for addressing disaster risks

6

Strengthen Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response at all levels

6.1

Strengthen national and sub-national capacity for preparedness and response

6.2

Develop coordinated regional operational mechanisms for emergencies exceeding national
coping capacities

6.3

Prepare and periodically update disaster preparedness and contingency planning

6.4

Establishment of emergency funds

150

150

150

400

2,000

TOTAL

Legend:*Immediate (1st year)

S
M
L

Short term (1-2 years)
Medium term (3-4 years)
Long term (5-7 years)

5.

IMPLEMENTATION

The planning process initiated under the Action Plan is envisioned to become the start of acontinuous and sustained process of disaster risk management planning and action among
the key disaster management stakeholders in the country. The Action Plan should only beseen as the initial or first step that will need to be further developed and regularly revisedwith the continued active participation of all stakeholders.
5.1 Implementation Mechanism
All government ministries, local government units together with relevant government local
institutions and agencies will implement the Action Plan. Priority disaster risk reduction
activities and projects will be incorporated into the annual plans formulated by relevant
government ministries and by the local government units, after identifying the nature andcharacteristics of hazards applicable to their geographic location. Lead institutions will beidentified for each of the key disaster risk reduction initiatives, consistent with their
institutional mandates and fields of specialization. These lead institutions will be supported- 20 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

by partner government and non-government organizations in elaborating a more detailed
action plan for each of the major activities and projects identified.
Overall facilitation and coordination will be provided by the NCDM with the support of the
MOP, MOINT and MORD. Effective coordination is imperative particularly if the National DRR
Platform is to facilitate linkages on a wide range of disaster risk reduction initiatives
involving collaboration and partnerships between an equally wide range of national andinternational government and non-government organizations, the private sector, civil society
and other relevant stakeholders including key donor institutions. The Action Plan will build
on, and enhance, the existing inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms within the NCDM.
One of the primary tasks of the NCDM will be to establish linkages to adequate technical andfinancial support to the concerned lead institutions.
Figure 3. DRM Coordination Mechanism
National Committee for Disaster Management

CabinetNCDMSecretariat

Financial
Inspection Unit

DM Working Teamof Ministries/
Institutions

Provincial-Municipal Committee
for Disaster Management (PCDM)

PCDM Secretariat

District Committee
for Disaster Management (DCDM)

DCDM
Secretariat

Commune Committee
for Disaster Management (CCDM)

CCDM
Secretariat

5.2 Institutional Arrangements
The Action Plan consolidates all current and planned disaster risk reduction initiatives into
one long-term and cohesive disaster risk management program linked to the overall national
development plan. While the NCDM and its key members particularly the Ministries ofInterior and Rural Development will provide overall facilitation and coordination, theresponsibility for implementation rests mainly on all the relevant government ministries andlocal governments, in collaboration with other relevant government institutions.

- 21 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Individual specialized ministries and agencies are already addressing different aspects ofdisaster management and risk reduction. These include the Ministry of Water Resource andMeteorology (MOWRAM), Ministry of Agriculture Forest and Fisheries (MOAFF), Ministry of
Health (MOH), Ministry of Environment (MOE), Ministry of Interior (MOINT), Ministry of
Public Works and Transport (MOPWT), Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Ministry ofLand Management, Urban Planning & Construction (MOLMUPC) and the Ministry of
Education, Youth and Sport (MOEYS).
Royal Government commitment and political will towards the adoption and implementationof the plan will be demonstrated by the issuance of a policy statement and executive order(i.e., Circular/Prakas) that will require all relevant departments/non-departmental agencies
and local governments to implement the components of the plan relevant to their
institutional mandates.
An independent Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of experts from relevant
local and international institutions will be formed to provide technical support and guidancein the implementation of the Action Plan. These will include key disaster management anddonor institutions and will also include representatives from the scientific, academic
institutions and the private sector.
5.3 Funding
Funding for the implementation of the action plan will be allocated from the national andlocal budgets. All the relevant ministries and functional agencies are expected to implement
their responsibilities under the Action Plan and integrate these within their specific budgets.
The MOP will initiate the integration of disaster risk reduction into national development
planning to ensure some level of government funding.
While disaster risk management is the primary responsibility of Royal Government,
prevailing conditions reflects a significant lack of disaster risk management capacity andresources in the country which means that disaster risk reduction in Cambodia can only berealized through a fresh infusion of energy and resources from external sources particularlyinternational non-government organizations and international donor agencies.
Linkages with international and regional disaster risk reduction institutions and networks
such as the UNISDR, ADPC, ADRC, ACDM and other donor institutions will be enhanced toincrease access to technical and financial resources. The private sector will eventually bemore extensively and constructively engaged in order for them to assume a role in funding
disaster risk reduction measures, particularly at the local levels.
5.4 Monitoring and Evaluation
The MOP, in coordination with the NCDM, will be responsible for monitoring and reportingon the implementation of the plan and to ensure that this is undertaken in synergy with theoverall medium and long-term development plans of the country. To ensure theaccountability of disaster risk reduction on development policy, measurable achievement
indicators will be developed. Based on these indicators annual reports will be prepared toenable stakeholders see progress made. The DRR National Platform members, as acollective body, will be responsible for conducting an annual review of the Action Plan

- 22 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

including revising and updating the plan based on information gathered from monitoring andevaluation exercises and other special studies that may be conducted.
In general, the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction activities will be measured throughthe following indicators:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A legal framework for disaster risk reduction exists.
A national multi-sectoral platform for disaster risk reduction is operational.
Level of funding allocated to disaster risk reduction and disaster management
Number of adaptation and risk reduction measures implemented.
Reduction in the number of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters.

Other appropriate and more specific indicators will be formulated in the monitoring andevaluation plan that will be developed as part of the implementation of the Action Plan.

- 23 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

ANNEX A
MATRIX OF DRR STATUS, PLANNED ACTIONS AND PRIORITIES IN CAMBODIADRR COMPONENTS

CURRENT STATUS

LEVEL OFPRIORITY

PLANNED ACTIONS
H

1

1.1

Ensure that DRR is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation

Policy and legislation in support of DRR

Planned review of existing disaster management
policies, laws and regulations related topandemics by IFRC & WHO

Expand coverage of planned IFRC/WHO policy
and legislation review to cover entire disastermanagement system.

NCDM in the process of drafting National Disaster
Management Bill

Formulation, development and advocacy toaddress policy and legislative gaps identified
including drafting of a national disastermanagement policy and bill

Policy Advocacy being undertaken by Oxfam
NCDM has a defined coordination structure
consisting of a subgroups for coordinating
emergency response, food security, health, small
scale infrastructure & watsan, and preparedness
and mitigation
1.2

Creation and strengthening of a national DRR
mechanism

Multi-institutional task force for DRR chaired by
NCDM and deputy chaired by MOP establishedunder SNAP Project through ADPC/UNISDR withfunding support of DIPECHO

Strengthen the capacity of NCDM especially its
coordinative mechanisms and structures so that it
can function as the national coordination
mechanism or National Platform for DRR

Revised NCDM Strategy and Action Plan (i.e.,
Yellow Book) initiated by Oxfam

1.3

Integration of DRR into national development
policies and planning- 24 -

Disaster preparedness and risk reduction existingin NSDP as part of rural development, water
management and social services safety net
strategies

Incorporation of DRR into national development
plans and strategies (i.e., CMDG, NSDP, NPRSP,
Rectangular strategy) as a cross-cutting
development issue

M

LStrategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

1.4

2

Allocate appropriate resources for DRR at
national level

Development of Disaster Management Policy for
Health Sector formulated by MOH-HSSP withWHO support

Integration of DRR into policy, and specific plansand programs of relevant government ministries

Government financial resources allocated fordisaster management limited to provision of an
emergency relief fund

Provision of regular operational budget to the
NCDM and local government disastermanagement units as a key feature of DM policy
and legislation

DiPECHO, AusAID, USAID, provide funding fordisaster risk reduction. GTZ, Netherlands, ADB
major donors for MRC

Advocacy and lobby major institutional donors(WB, ADB, DFID, UN) to include a DRR
perspective in their Common Country
Assessments (CCA) and UNDAF

Strengthen Sub-national and community-based disaster risk management
Passage of Executive Orders (i.e., Circulars)
strengthening the NCDM and establishing local
disaster management bodies (i.e., the PCDM,
DCDM and CCDM)

2.1

Decentralize responsibilities and resources for
DRR

DM capacity building program starting with themost disaster-prone provinces, districts andcommunes
Establish disaster management fund for use inpreparedness and mitigation activities andprojects of local governments

Pilot integration of DRR into commune
development plans by NGOs implementing
CBDRR/CBDP

Formal integration of DRR into local, particularly
commune level, development plans

Development NGOs (CARE, Oxfam, LWF, CWS,ZOA, Concern, WV) integrating DRR such as
education and FFW programs into theircommunity development programs

Encourage development NGOs integration of DRR
in regular development programs

CBDRR/CBDP declared integral component of
national strategy for DM
2.2

Promote implementation of community-based
disaster risk reduction programs

National CBDRR strategy for flood and drought
developed by NCDM and MOWRAM with theassistance of ADPC/ADB
CBDRR/CBDP projects implemented by DIPECHO
partners (ActionAid, LWF, CWS, ZOA, CRC)

- 25 -Develop concrete mechanism for the
dissemination, adoption and expansion of
successful CBDRR pilot programs

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

3

Community level capacity building to control
Avian Influenza implemented by MOAFF with FAO

Integration of Avian Influenza into communitybased disaster management programs

Community level capacity building for Avian
Influenza surveillance by CARE (through AUSAID,
USAID, CDC, CRC) and Concern

Capacity building and awareness raising for
affected communities as part of community risk
reduction plans and activities

Capacity building for communities and local
authorities by NGOs implementing CBDRR/CBDP
projects

Capacity building and training for the mostdisaster-prone communities in the country

Identify, Assess and Monitor Hazard Risks and Enhance Early Warning
National flood and drought vulnerability
assessment mapping undertaken by WFP
MRC developing flood and drought vulnerability
indices for Lower Mekong Basin

3.1

EC is using a Food Insecurity and Vulnerability
Mapping System (FIVMS)

Conduct national and local risk assessment

Development of a national multi-hazard
vulnerability atlas for Cambodia

Local risk assessments through VCAs undertaken
by NGOs (Oxfam, CARE, ActionAid)

3.2

Flood maps for Mekong river flood-prone
provinces produced by the MRC

Development and production of flood maps
appropriate for local government use

Capacity building for disaster information
database development with technical support of
CRED through the MOH

Develop national disaster management
information system

Damage and Needs Assessment (DANA)
guidelines and tools for NCDM developed withsupport from WFP/UNDMT

Establish disaster management information
system

CRC has established field assessment andcoordination teams
3.3

Develop multi-hazard early warning systems

MRC flood forecasting and early warning for- 26 -DANA capacity building and training for local
government officials from provincial to commune
levelsEstablish a National Flood Forecasting Center

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Mekong River floodplains including web-based
flood forecasting and early warning

MRC flood forecasting and early warning for
Mekong River complimented by community-based
flood EWS projects of CRC/AmCross andAAH/ACF

Expand coverage of community-based flood EWS
and strengthen capacity of local government
units to understand and operate communitybased flood early warning

Pilot community-based drought early warning
being developed by ZOADevelopment of national drought early warning
systemTran boundary discussions on flood emergency
management initiated under MRC - FMMP
3.4

4

Collaboration with international and regional DRR
initiatives

Continue and further strengthen Tran boundary
cooperation in flood emergency management
within lower Mekong region
Enhance Cambodia government participation to
the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC)IFRC has Regional Disaster Management
Committee (RDMC) that includes Cambodia

Strengthen government partnership andcoordination with IFRC-RDMC/CRC

ASEAN Regional Program for Disaster
Management (ARPDM)

Enhance participation and improve access totechnical support and expertise from ASEAN
member countries

Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels
Initial attempts by NCDM to formulate national
standard definitions and terms for disastermanagement in Khmer

4.1

Strengthen capacity of MOWRAM in thegeneration, analysis and dissemination of disaster
early warning data and information

Establish mechanisms for information exchange
and networking

NGOs involved in DM have organized Disaster
Risk Reduction Forum with support fromDIPECHO
Local disaster managers and experts participatingin Partnership for Disaster Reduction (PDR-SEA)
program of the ADPCA Humanitarian Accountability Network (HANET)
has been established- 27 -

Finalize development of national standard
definitions and terminology for disastermanagement

Strengthen Cambodia NGO DRR Forumcapabilities for national DM information exchange
and as national advocacy network

Advocate for stronger NGO and government
accountability and transparency in disaster

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

MOEF with Disaster Inspection Unit to monitor
disaster-related expenditures by Council of
Ministers
Pilot Project integrating DRR into School
Curriculum in two district schools of Prey Veng
and Kandal - MOEYS Pedagogical Research
Department with ADPC/DIPECHO
Public Health awareness and prevention forstudents during disasters - MOH-HSSP

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

management

Continue mainstreaming DRR into formal
educational system including health awarenessand preparedness, and transport-related hazards

Project on traffic risk and accident prevention forchildren implemented by the MOWA

Promote DRR education and training

Public health and emergency management
training provided for provincial and district Health
Officers and health center staff - MOH

Provide DRR training to provincial, city anddistrict line department officials

Numerous courses have been held on disaster
preparedness since 1993 at all levels (central tocommunity)

Enhance NCDM coordination and monitoring ofdisaster management training provided bydifferent organizations including development ofstandard training courses

Promote gender and cultural sensitivity training
as integral components of DRR

Gender and cultural sensitivity incorporated into
DRR programs of NGOs in varying degrees

Integrate gender, disability and cultural
sensitivity training modules in regular CBDRR
awareness and capacity building programs

Undertake DRR technical and scientific research

MRC through the RFMMC using technical andscientific methodologies for flood forecasting

Create partnerships with relevant national
institutions to serve as centers for conducting
disaster-related training, studies and appliedresearch

National Disaster Risk Communication strategy
formulated by NCDM through ADPC

Solicit participation and strengthen the role ofmedia and private sector in raising publicawareness on DRR

Local public awareness campaigns launched byNGOs as part of CBDRR/CBDP projects

Formulate and implement extensive disasterawareness campaign in disaster-prone provinces

Promote public awareness- 28 -

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Observation of a National disaster safety day
5

Mainstreaming DRR into Policies and Programs of Relevant Government Ministries
Integration of natural resources andenvironmental management into commune plansin Kampot, Pursat, Siem Reap, Kratie and coastal
provinces of Kep, Sihanoukville, and Koh Kong
with support from Danida and GTZ

5.1

Incorporate DRR in sustainable environmental
and natural resource management

Creation of Tonle Sap Basin Authority (TSBA) for
sustainable use of lake ecosystem with support of
ADB

Promote integration of DRR into the Lower
Mekong Basin, Tonle Sap and other coastal andforestry resource management programs

EC funded food security projects include thoserelated to community forestry protection in
Kampong Speu and Rattanakiri

5.2

Integrate DRR into climate change adaptation
programs

MRC implementing long term Flood Mitigationand Management Program (FMMP) for lower
Mekong basin

Enhance coordination with MRC for greater
support in the implementation of the FMMP

National Action Plan for Adaptation to climatechange (NAPA) formulated and approved in 2006

Alignment of the NAPA and SNAP by a committee
from the MOE and NCDM towards identificationand support of common activities and projects

Oxfam with plans to implement climate change
adaptation program

Integration of risk awareness and adaptation
strategies to climate change into government andNGO development programs

WFP food aid through FFW programme targeted
towards poorest communes
5.3

Promote food security to enhance community
resilience- 29 -EC and ECHO funded food security projects inmost food insecure provinces of Ratanakiry,
Kampong Speu, Odor Mean Cheay, Pailin, Takeo
and Prey Veng, Battambang through local andinternational NGOs

Promote food security in areas prone to drought
and flood

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

FAO providing technical advisory services to
MAFF for community level rice brown plant
hopper and associated viral disease managementin provinces along Vietnam border
5.4

5.5

Strengthened the capacity of medical emergency
services in 24 provinces by MOH (Preventive
Medicine Dept & Hospital Services Department)

DRR integrated into health sector

Promote appropriate structural and non-structural
mitigation measures

Various small-scale flood and drought mitigation
projects implemented by NGOs (e.g. water gates,
culverts, village road repair, raised houses, safetyboats, safe area development, community ponds,
etc…)
MOWRAM has developed flood protection
structures in Battambang, Kampong Cham,
Kandal, Kratie, Pursat
MRC produced flood probability maps anddisseminated to MOMLMUP, MORD and MOPWT

5.6

Incorporate DRR into land use planning and othertechnical measures

MRC in the process of producing Flood Proofing
Guidelines
MOWRAM carried out provincial waterways
rehabilitation in upper Mekong areas of Banteay
Meanchey, Battambang and Kampong Speu withsupport from ADB, JICA and WB

5.7

Develop innovative financial instruments foraddressing disaster risks

6

Strengthen Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response at all levels

6.1

Strengthen national and sub-national capacity for
preparedness and response

Study on disaster insurance conducted by WB- 30 -

National Working Group on Disaster Coordination,
Response and Recovery chaired by NCDM with
subgroups on emergency response, food security,

Strengthen further DRR integration into healthsector and ensure hospitals are resilient todisasters

Consolidate, disseminate and promote
implementation of field-tested structural and nonstructural flood and drought mitigation
technologies

Enhance existing and launch new initiatives
related to integration of disaster risks into land
use planning, building code, design of new
infrastructure, and environmental impact
assessments of development projects
Protect and strengthen critical public
infrastructure to render them resilient to hazards
Incorporate DRR in design of new infrastructuredevelopment
Develop financial risk sharing mechanisms (e.g.,disaster/crop insurance, …)

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of national
and local disaster preparedness mechanisms andcapacities

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

health, small scale infrastructure & watsan, andpreparedness & mitigation
National Emergency Operations Center for
Pandemic established in NCDM with support ofWHO

Absence of Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) for national and local emergency
response teams
NCDM and CRC with MOU delineating roles andresponsibilities of each
CRC with established National Disaster Response
Team (NDRT) and disaster response capabilities
in all provinces
Emergency coordination unit/department
established in the MOH
Development of Medical Emergency system in
Cambodia by the MOH-HSSP

Revive NCDM emergency response andcoordination subgroups to strengthen
coordination among government ministries
Expansion of NCDM Emergency Operations
Center operations to cover multiple hazards
Develop hazard-specific Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs) for emergency response
teams
Conduct periodic national disaster drills andsimulation exercises

Strengthen national rapid response capacity incoordination with CRC and other local andinternational humanitarian aid organizations

Establish emergency coordination unit withinrelevant government ministries

UNDMT has well established regional response
mechanism in place
6.2

Develop coordinated regional operational
mechanisms systems for emergencies exceeding
national coping capacities

IFRC has well established regional disaster
response structures and mechanisms

Enhance planning and coordination among
regional and national disaster response and otherhumanitarian relief agencies

Some of the larger INGOs have regional response
structures (Oxfam, CARE)

6.3

Prepare and periodically update disaster
preparedness and contingency planning- 31 -

Draft National Policy for Emergency Management
formulated by NCDM

Revision and approval of National Policy for
Emergency Management

Provinces of Svay Rieng and Takeo haveformulated flood preparedness plans withassistance from ADPC/ADB

Formulation of sub-national multi-hazard disaster
preparedness and contingency plans for all
disaster-prone areas

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Flood emergency management strengthening(FEMS) program of MRC/ADPC in provinces ofPrey Veng, Kandal and Kratie
MOH with plan of action for control of cholera
and other epidemic diarrhea diseases
Avian and Human Influenza Control andPreparedness Project in 24 provinces of
Cambodia by MOH with support from WB
National Pandemic Preparedness Plan by the
NCDM with WHO
UNDMT with rapid response mechanism for
emergency relief
IFRC/CRC with national disaster response plan
Annual national government allocation of fuel,rice and cash for disaster relief and response

6.4

Advocate for increase in amount of fund and theuse of a part of the funds for preparedness
activities of local governments

CRC through the IFRC has a well establishedglobal appeal funding system

Promote establishment of emergency funds

Embassies of most developed countries havediscretion to allocate funds for disasteremergency response
Some NGOs have funds allocated for
emergencies (Concern, Oxfam, CARE)

Legend:H
M
L

Initiate joint national preparedness and response
planning with UNDMT, IFRC and NGOs using
guidelines set by the Global Humanitarian
Platform (GHP) initiative

High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority- 32 -

Enhance emergency resource programming
based on preparedness and contingency plans

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

ANNEX B
DISASTER TERMINOLOGY 1
Building codes: Ordinances and regulations controlling the design, construction, materials,
alteration and occupancy of any structure to ensure human safety and welfare. Building
codes include both technical and functional standards.
Capacity: A combination of all the strengths and resources available within a community,society or organization that can reduce the level of risk, or the effects of a disaster. Capacity
may include physical, institutional, social or economic means as well as skilled personal orcollective attributes such as leadership and management. Capacity may also be described ascapability.
Capacity-building: Efforts aimed to develop human skills or societal infrastructure within acommunity or organization needed to reduce the level of risk. Capacity-building also includes
development of institutional, financial, political and other resources, such as technology at
different levels and sectors of the society.
Common Country Assessment/United Nations Development Assistance
Framework: The CCA/UNDAF process is the common strategic framework for theoperational activities of the United Nations System at the country level. It provides acollective, coherent and integrated United Nations System response to national priorities andneeds within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals and the othercommitments, goals and targets of the Millennium Declaration and the declarations andprogrammes of action adopted at international conferences and summits and through major
United Nations conventions. The CCA is the main diagnostic tool available to United Nations
country teams and their partners for assessing and developing a common understanding of
the underlying challenges faced by a country in its development process. The UNDAF
emerges from the analytical and collaborative effort of the CCA and is the foundation for
United Nations System programmes of cooperation. (UN/ISDR and UNDP 2006)
Coping capacity: The means by which people or organizations use available resources andabilities to face adverse consequences that could lead to a disaster. In general, this involves
managing resources, both in normal times as well as during crises or adverse conditions.
The strengthening of coping capacities usually builds resilience to withstand the effects ofnatural and human-induced hazards.
Development planning processes: Proactive actions that allow national, sectoral,
regional or local government and its partners to support and engage the intellectual,physical, and economic resources to chart a course toward a desired future of development
related on each level.
Disaster: A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society causingwidespread human, material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of
the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. A disaster is a functionof the risk process. It results from the combination of hazards, conditions of vulnerability
and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce the potential negative consequences of risk.

33

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

Disaster risk management : The systematic process of using administrative decisions,organization, operational skills and capacities to implement policies, strategies and coping
capacities of the society and communities to lessen the impacts of natural hazards andrelated environmental and technological disasters. This comprises all forms of activities,
including structural and non-structural measures to avoid (prevention) or to limit (mitigationand preparedness) adverse effects of hazards.
Disaster risk reduction: The conceptual framework of elements considered with thepossibilities to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks throughout a society, to avoid(prevention) or to limit (mitigation and preparedness) the adverse impacts of hazards, within
the broad context of sustainable development.
Disaster risk reduction plans: Documents that set out planning authorities' policies andproposals for disaster risk reduction, which should be considered in the respective
development plan and development actions. Due to the different geographical scales
applicable at different levels, disaster risk reduction plans are specific to each level ofgovernment. (Draft definition, under discussion)
Early warning system: The provision of timely and effective information, throughidentified institutions, that allows individuals exposed to a hazard to take action to avoid or
reduce their risk and prepare for effective response. Early warning systems include a chainof concerns, namely: understanding and mapping the hazard, monitoring and forecasting
impending events, processing and disseminating understandable warnings to politicalauthorities and the population, and undertaking appropriate and timely actions in responseto the warnings.
Ecosystem: A complex set of relationships of living organisms functioning as a unit andinteracting with their physical environment. The boundaries of what could be called anecosystem are somewhat arbitrary, depending on the focus of interest or study. Thus theextent of an ecosystem may range from very small spatial scales to, ultimately, the entire
Earth.
Emergency management: The organization and management of resources andresponsibilities for dealing with all aspects of emergencies, including in particularpreparedness, response and early recovery within a risk reduction context. It involves plans,institutional structures and arrangements established to engage the normal endeavors ofgovernment, voluntary and private agencies in a comprehensive and coordinated way torespond to address the full spectrum of emergency needs. This is also known as disastermanagement.
Environmental degradation: The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meetsocial and ecological objectives and needs. Potential effects are varied and may contributeto an increase in vulnerability and the frequency and intensity of natural hazards. Some
examples: land degradation, deforestation, desertification, wild land fires, loss of
biodiversity, land, water and air pollution, climate change, sea-level rise and ozone
depletion.
Environmental impact assessment: Studies undertaken in order to assess the effect ona specified environment of the introduction of any new factor, which may upset the current
ecological balance. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a policymaking tool thatserves to provide evidence and analysis of environmental impacts of activities fromconception to decision-making. It is utilized extensively in national programming and for34

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

international development assistance projects. An EIA must include a detailed risk
assessment and provide alternative solutions or options.
Hazard: A potentially damaging physical event, phenomenon or human activity that may
cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption orenvironmental degradation.
Hazard analysis: Identification, studies and monitoring of any hazard to determine its
potential, origin, characteristics and behavior.
Land-use planning: Branch of physical and socio-economic planning that determines themeans and assesses the values or limitations of various options in which land is to be
utilized, with the corresponding effects on different segments of the population or interestsof a community taken into account in resulting decisions. Land-use planning involves studies
and mapping, analysis of environmental and hazard data, formulation of alternative land use
decisions and design of a long-range plan for different geographical and administrative
scales.
Microfinance and micro-credit: Programmes extending small loans and other financial
services such as savings, to very poor people for self-employment projects that generate
income, allowing them to care for themselves and their families. (Micro-credit Summit
Campaign)
Mitigation: Structural and non-structural measures undertaken to limit the adverse impactof natural hazards, environmental degradation and technological hazards. (Examples ofstructural measures are engineering works and hazard-resistant construction, while nonstructural measures include awareness-raising, knowledge development, policies on land use
and resource management, and facilities' operating practices.
Multi-stakeholder: A term to describe a grouping of individuals and organizations who
have a interest or "stake" in a problem and who cooperate to take action on the problem in this case to reduce disaster risk. (Draft definition, under discussion)
National platform for disaster risk reduction: A nationally owned and led forum orcommittee of multi-stakeholders. It serves as an advocate of disaster risk reduction at
different levels and provides coordination, analysis and advice on areas of priority requiring
concerted action through a coordinated and participatory process. A National Platform fordisaster risk reduction should be the coordination mechanism for mainstreaming disaster risk
reduction into development policies, planning and programmes in line with theimplementation of the HFA. It should aim to contribute to the establishment and thedevelopment of a comprehensive national disaster risk reduction system, as appropriate toeach country. (UN/ISDR Guidelines National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction)
National policy framework: A set of policies adopted by a national authority to define
and coherently address a particular issue and to guide decision-making, where these policies
comprise relevant assessments, strategies, goals, approaches, rules, plans, activities,
priorities, agents and responsibilities. A national disaster risk reduction policy framework canguide all stakeholders - sector agencies, local governments and others - in the developmentof complementary risk reduction policies in their areas of authority. (Draft definition, underdiscussion)
Preparedness: Pre-disaster activities that are undertaken within the context of disaster risk
management and are based on sound risk analysis. This includes the development orenhancement of an overall preparedness strategy, policy, institutional structure, warning

35

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

and forecasting capabilities, and plans that define measures geared to helping at-risk
communities safeguard their lives and assets by being alert to hazards and taking
appropriate action in the face of an imminent threat or an actual disaster. (Source: OCHA)
Prevention: Activities to provide outright avoidance of the adverse impact of hazards andmeans to minimize related environmental, technological and biological disasters. Depending
on social and technical feasibility and cost-benefit considerations, investing in preventive
measures is justified in areas frequently affected by disasters. In the context of publicawareness and education related to disaster risk reduction, changing attitudes and behavior
contribute to promoting a "culture of prevention".
Public awareness: The processes of informing the general population, increasing levels ofconsciousness about risks and how people can act to reduce their exposure to hazards. Thisis particularly important for public officials in fulfilling their responsibilities to save lives andproperty in the event of a disaster. Public awareness activities foster changes in behavior
leading towards a culture of risk reduction. This involves public information, dissemination,
education, radio or television broadcasts and use of printed media, as well as theestablishment of information centers and networks and community and participation actions.
Relief/response: The provision of assistance or intervention during or immediately after adisaster to meet the life preservation and basic subsistence needs of those people affected.
It can be of an immediate, short-term, or protracted duration.
Resilience: The capacity of a system, community or society potentially exposed to hazards
to adapt, by resisting or changing in order to reach and maintain an acceptable level offunctioning and structure. This is determined by the degree to which the social system iscapable of organizing itself to increase its capacity for learning from past disasters for better
future protection and to improve risk reduction measures.
Risk: The probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses (deaths, injuries,
property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or environment damaged) resulting frominteractions between natural or human-induced hazards and vulnerable conditions.
Risk assessment/analysis: A methodology to determine the nature and extent of risk byanalyzing potential hazards and evaluating existing conditions of vulnerability that could
pose a potential threat or harm to people, property, livelihoods and the environment on
which they depend.
Risk transfer: Insurance and reinsurance both for physical damage and businessinterruption, coverage that would provide cash compensation immediately after the disaster.
To the extent possible, create large pool of insured to avoid paying high premiums, andintroduce mandatory insurance for those businesses and public institutions that have tooperate in the hazardous conditions. (Draft definition, under discussion)
Vulnerability: The conditions determined by physical, social, economic and environmental
factors or processes, which increase the susceptibility of a community to the impact ofhazards.

36

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

ANNEX C37

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

ANNEX D
Kingdom of Cambodia
Nation Religion King  Council of Ministers
National Committee for Disaster ManagementNo.:04SR.NCDMRESOLUTION
onConstitution Inter-Institutions Task Force for Formulating the Strategic National
Action Plan (SNAP) to Implement the Disaster Risk Reduction for Cambodia(2008 ~ 2013)~~~~~  ~~~~~NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT---

Have seen the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia
Have seen the Preah Reach Kram No NS/R.K.M/0704/001 Dated 13th July 2004 which
promulgated the supplement charter toward the assurance of normalized execution of
the National Institution
Have seen the Royal Decree No NS/R.K.M/0704/124 Dated 15th July 2004 on
establishment of the Royal Government of Cambodia
Have seen the Preah Reach Kram No 02NS/94 Dated 20th July 1994 which promulgatedthe organization and functioning of Council of Ministers
Have seen the Royal Decree No NS/R.K.T/0202/040 Dated 16th February 2002 on theestablishment of National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)
Have seen the Royal Decree No NS/R.K.T/0804//236 Dated 31st August 2004 on theamendment of Article-1 and Article-2 of the Royal Decree No NS/R.K.T/0202//040
Dated 16th February 2002
Have seen the Sub-Decree No 30ANKR.BK Dated 9th April 2002 on the organization andfunctioning of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)
Referring to the necessity request.

Decides
Article~1

Constitution of Inter-Institution Task Force for Formulating the Strategic
National Action Plan (SNAP) to Implement Disaster Risk Reduction for
Cambodia (2008 ~ 2013).

Article~1

This Inter-Institution Task Force is composed of:1-

H.E. Mr. Peou Samy, Secretary Generalof the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)

38

ChairmanStrategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

2-

H. E. Mr. Huo Taing Eng, Under Secretary of Stateof the Ministry of Planning

Deputy Chair

3-

H.E. Mr. Ponn Narith, Deputy Secretary Generalof the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM)

Deputy Chair

4-

Mr. Chan Kim Sea, Director General of Administration and Financeof the Ministry of Information

Member5-

Mr. Hang Bunnak, Deputy Director General of Land Management& Urban Planning of the Ministry of Land Management,
Urban Planning & Construction

Member

6-

Mrs. Duong Rachany, Deputy Director General of Administration
and General Affairs of the Ministry of Women Affairs

Member7-

Dr. Khuon Eng Mony, Deputy Director of Health Preventionof the Ministry of Health

Member8-

Mr. Eng Kimly, Deputy Director of Pedagogical Research Departmentof the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports

Member9-

Mr. Hap Chanthea, Deputy Office Chief of Economy Politic
and Public Finance of the Ministry of Economy and FinanceMember10-

Mr. Men Sothy, Deputy Office Chief of Planning and Statisticsof the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries

Member

11- Mr. Tong Seng, Deputy Office Chief of Research and Flood Forecastof the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology

Member

12- Mr. Leng Song, Deputy Office Chief of Technical Planning for Road
and Bridge of the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation

Member

13- Mr. Duch Sam Ang, Chief of Disaster Preparedness
and Response Program of the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC)

Member

14- Mr. Khun Sokha, Director of Preparedness and Training Departmentof the National Committee for Disaster Management

Secretary

15- Mr. Keo Vy, Assistant to Senior Minister and First Vice Presidentof the National Committee for Disaster Management

Secretary

16- Mr. Phlang Ponleu Rath, Assistant to the Secretariatof the National Committee for Disaster Management

Secretary

Article~3

The Inter-Institution Task Force has the roles and responsibilities as follows:- To be directly involved in development and production of Strategic National Action
Plan (SNAP).

39

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction- To produce a work plan through the consultations with concerned institutions andstakeholders and seminars, training and select the main sectors to be integrated into
overall Strategic National Action Plan (SNAP).
- To collect information, existing documents and lessons learnt from the concerned
institutions of the basic needs for development a draft of the Strategic National
Action Plan (SNAP).
- To assess the capacity needs of the line ministries responsible for DRR andmainstreaming DRR into the development scheme.
- To conclude and report of the consultation processes and disseminations theStrategic National Action Plan (SNAP).
- To invite the United Nation Agency (UNDMT), National and International NGOs toparticipate in the meeting for consultation.
Article~4

The member of the Inter-Institution Task Force shall regularly attend themeeting on the invitation of the Chairman.
The Inter-Institution Task Force is entitled to use the stamp of the National
Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) for function its tasks.

Article~5

His Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen who has stated in the Article-2
above shall implement this resolution effectively from the date of its
signature.
Phnom Penh, October 25, 2007
For the National Committee for Disaster Management
First Vice President

Nhim Vanda

CC:- Council of Ministers Office- Cabinet of Prime Minister Hun Sen- Ministries – Institutions“Be Informed”- As in Article-2 (For Implementation)- Achieve

40Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

ANNEX E
Questionnaire for Collection of Information for SNAPThe Hyogo Framework for Action is a plan to make the world safer by 2015. In 2005, 168
countries, including the Kingdom of Cambodia, adopted the HFA. The HFA has guiding
principles which, when implemented, increase the safety of the communities and reduce
their vulnerability. To help attain the expected outcome, the HFA identifies five specificPriorities for Action:
1.

Making disaster risk reduction a priority.

2.

Improving risk information and early warning.

3.

Building a culture of safety and resilience.

4.

Reducing the risks in key sectors.

5.

Strengthening preparedness for response.

The Kingdom of Cambodia is committed to implementing the HFA. The SNAP is an action
plan for implementation of the HFA. Answering the following questions will help you to fill
information into the template and guide you towards full implementation of the HFA.
1. What are the actions and programs which have been completed by the Ministry/
Department in the last 3 years which dealt with disaster management and disasterrisk reduction?
2. List and give details of the on going projects and programs which are focused on
vulnerability reduction of the community and disaster risk reduction.
3. Please identify 3 new projects within the framework of the HFA template and action
plan on disaster risk reduction that the Ministry / agency would like to prioritize for
implementation?
4. In what time frame can these activities be completed?
5. Specifically which department or agency within your Ministry would be responsiblefor implementing these projects?

41

Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

ANNEX F
REFERENCES
ADPC, 2007, “Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2007-2012) of theKingdom of Cambodia for Flood and Drought: Guidance for Promoting and Implementing
Community level Action for Self Reliance and Flood and Drought Risk Reduction”, developed
under ADB TA- 4574 CAM.
ADPC, 2002, “Disaster Management Policy, Legal and Institutional Arrangements and Plans
in Cambodia”, Bangkok: ADPC.
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Strategic National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction

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