The conference was closed with the issuance of this declaration. The frequency and severity of natural disasters have increased in recent years, and these trends are expected to continue well into the next century. There is therefore a strong need to strengthen disaster reduction policies around the world to ensure that natural hazards do not result in economic and social disasters. Natural disasters have significant impacts on the economic development, physical sustainability and social well-being of all countries, particularly developing countries. They cause the loss of lives and human resources and threaten individual livelihoods.
Disasters interrupt economic activity and destroy economic assets and financial investment.
They also reduce private and corporate income, diminish job opportunities, cause declines in trade and commerce, and disrupt markets and business continuity. Disasters can result in the reorientation of public investment from economic development to the needs of urgent rehabilitations of infrastructure and other immediate emergency requirements. Consequently, disaster reduction measures, including effective early warning, contribute to the creation of a low risk environment, thereby becoming a positive factor in international economic competitiveness and the maintenance of productive partnerships. Economic losses can be reduced considerably if a culture of prevention is introduced within a society at all levels - and particularly when local communities understand that response is not the only strategy when disaster strikes. Participants shared their experience and identified opportunities provided by modern technology and scientific knowledge in conjunction with demonstrated commitments of public policy and local community endeavor.