AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR MAINSTREAMING DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

This working paper introduces an operational Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Mainstreaming Framework for application at a national level. The paper argues a disaster risk reduction framework must be flexible enough to be modified through a participatory process and specific benchmarks or grades should be locally derived. Both the framework and the participatory process will help to generate political will and a sense of ownership, which are seen as vital to achieving disaster risk reduction gains. The paper also places the framework in the context of other similar initiatives and discusses the debates around definitions of ‘disaster risk reduction’ as a precursor to formulating a framework. The DRR Mainstreaming Framework is included in the body of the paper and is divided into four sections: Politics and Legislation, Policy, Knowledge, Practice. Overall there are 20 indicators with associated benchmarks, covering a broad range of disaster risk management issues. In conclusion, the paper calls for further testing of the DRR Mainstreaming Framework in diverse political, cultural and physical environments and also the need for building advocacy amongst academics, development organisations and governments.