INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
1. COURSE BACKGROUND
Disasters continue to pose significant threats globally, impacting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Their increasing frequency and intensity, often exacerbated by climate change and underlying vulnerabilities, necessitate a proactive and systematic approach to risk management rather than merely reactive response. Building resilient communities requires a deep understanding of the causal factors of disasters, the effective management of exposure to hazards, the lessening of vulnerability, the wise stewardship of land and environment, and robust preparedness for adverse events. This training course is designed to equip practitioners with the conceptual understanding and practical tools needed to reduce disaster risks effectively, aligning with global frameworks that emphasize comprehensive and community-centered approaches to resilience building.
2. COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
By the end of this 3-day course, you will be able to:
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Demonstrate an understanding of the humanitarian context and underlying principles that inform disaster risk reduction.
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Conduct a risk analysis that effectively identifies hazards, capacities, and vulnerabilities.
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Identify the stages of the disaster management cycle and appropriate DRR activities at each stage.
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Describe the importance of using a participatory approach throughout the disaster management cycle.
3. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This intensive 3-day training will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to actively contribute to disaster risk reduction efforts in your context. You will learn about:
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Core DRR Concepts: Gaining a clear understanding of essential terms and concepts that underpin disaster risk reduction.
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Global Frameworks: Exploring the principles and priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, guiding global and national DRR efforts.
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Risk Analysis: Mastering the methodologies for conducting comprehensive hazard, vulnerability, and capacity assessments.
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Participatory Methodologies: Acquiring practical participatory tools and techniques specifically for engaging communities in risk analysis, including conducting participatory risk assessments.
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Community-Based DRR (CBDRM): Understanding the crucial role of local communities in DRR and how to foster community-led initiatives.
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DRR Strategy Planning: Learning the systematic process of planning and developing effective disaster risk reduction strategies.
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Disaster Management Cycle Application: Identifying and applying appropriate DRR activities across all stages of the disaster management cycle, from prevention to recovery.
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Humanitarian Principles: Demonstrating an understanding of the humanitarian context and the guiding principles for DRR interventions.
4. DURATION AND PROGRAM
This is a 3-day, face-to-face training course, designed to be highly interactive and practical. The program will combine expert-led sessions, group discussions, practical exercises, and case studies to ensure participants gain hands-on experience in applying DRR concepts and tools. Emphasis will be placed on participatory approaches, allowing participants to develop skills in engaging communities in risk analysis and planning. The detailed program schedule will guide participants through the core concepts, assessment methodologies, and strategic planning for DRR.
5. TARGET PARTICIPANTS
The course is designed to benefit field practitioner staff of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and government department staff responsible for disaster risk reduction. Some knowledge and experience in humanitarianism and disaster risk reduction are presumed.
6. TRAINING MODULES
This course is structured into comprehensive modules, guiding participants through the theory and practice of Disaster Risk Reduction:
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Module 1: Foundations of Disaster Risk Reduction
This module introduces the core concepts of disaster risk, the global landscape of DRR, and the overarching framework guiding international and national efforts.-
Key Topics:
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Terms and concepts: Hazard, Exposure, Vulnerability, Capacity, Risk, Resilience.
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The Disaster Management Cycle and its stages.
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Introduction to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and its priorities.
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The humanitarian context and underlying principles informing DRR.
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Module 2: Disaster Risk Analysis: Assessment Tools and Techniques
This module provides practical methodologies for systematically analyzing disaster risks by identifying and assessing the key components of risk.-
Key Topics:
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Hazard assessment: Identification, characteristics, and mapping of different hazards.
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Vulnerability assessment: Analyzing social, economic, physical, and environmental vulnerabilities.
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Capacity assessment: Identifying strengths and resources within communities and institutions.
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Participatory tools and techniques for data collection and analysis.
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Conducting participatory risk assessments at the community level.
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Module 3: Planning and Implementing Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies
This module focuses on developing and executing effective DRR strategies, with a strong emphasis on community involvement and practical application.-
Key Topics:
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Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) principles and approaches.
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Planning DRR strategies: Objectives, activities, and resource considerations.
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Integrating DRR activities across the disaster management cycle (prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery).
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The importance of using a participatory approach throughout the disaster management cycle, from planning to implementation and monitoring.
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