Case Studies: Red Cross Red Crescent Disaster Risk Reduction in Action – What Works at Local Level

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 provides a focus on risk-sensitive development of communities. This is about mitigating disaster impacts and reducing underlying drivers of risk, building back better after a disaster, and strengthening community and environmental resilience. Building on the Sendai Guiding Principles, it is the primary responsibility of states to prevent new risks and reduce existing risks with the engagement of all-of society and all-state institutions. The Asia Regional Plan provides a broad policy direction to guide the implementation of the Sendai Framework and a two-year Action Plan with specific activities to be implemented by the Governments and Stakeholder Groups.

The following case studies demonstrate the Red Cross Red Crescent contribution to climate-smart disaster risk reduction action in Asia Pacific. Vulnerable individuals and communities are hardest hit by climate change and disasters. We are focusing our efforts on accompanying communities during their own journey towards resilience. Crises are rarely the result of one driver of risk – it is the combination of hazards, the exposure and the vulnerability of people that will determine how severe and protracted the consequences may be. Climate change exacerbates this situation. We seek to work holistically at reducing vulnerability and exposure, working closely with communities to understand the hazards and vulnerabilities which are most threatening to them, and supporting local action. Reaching communities is often seen as the “last mile” of national and regional engagement, yet for us in the Red Cross Red Crescent, communities all over the world are the “first mile” for effective climate risk management, early action and preparedness.