Footprints Contact: Asenaca Rokomanalagi, SOPAC, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
Tel: (679) 3381377 / Fx: (679) 3370040 / Eml: asenaca@sopac.org
In This Edition:
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From the Secretariat
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Achievements
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Upcoming Events
From the Secretariat
Bula Vinaka and Welcome to the
Partnership Network Newsletter. Since
reintroducing the Newsletter in the last
quarter of 2007, we have sort to reinvent
the publication in an effort to be more
reader-friendly. The changes include a
new layout and a new title. The
Newsletter will now be known as PDRMPN
“Footprints”. The new title reflects the
collective ‘steps’ taken by the partners toward achieving the desired
outcomes of the Regional DRM Framework for Action 2005-2015.
In taking each step we leave behind ‘footprints’ as a record of
where we have been, what we have done and with whom/for
whom. Colleagues let us take these steps together as we strive
toward a common goal, and let our footprints highlight our
achievements.
Achievements
World Bank Initiative – Sustainable
Management through Reduced Risk from
Disasters and Climate Variability in the
Pacific
A special meeting of the Pacific Disaster Risk Management
Partnership Network was organised by the SOPAC Community
Risk Programme for Suva-based Partner organisations and
agencies. The purpose of the meeting was to provide Partner
organisations with the opportunity to share in discussions on a
World Bank Initiative entitled ‘Sustainable Management through
Reduced Risk from Disasters and Climate Variability in the Pacific’.
The objective of the meeting was to provide all Suva-based
Partners the opportunity to share information with the World Bank
on a proposed approach to the identification of regional and
national projects and activities in relation to disaster risk reduction
and climate change adaptation which would be considered for
funding under the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and
Recovery (GFDRR). The meeting also provided Suva-based
Partners with an opportunity to learn of the 2008 priorities of both
the SOPAC Community Risk Programme and the Secretariat of the
UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
The World Bank intends to finalise a Business Plan for GFDRR
support to the Pacific by June 2008. The Pacific countries that will
be targeted for direct support under the GFDRR are: Fiji, Kiribati,
Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and
Vanuatu. Other Pacific countries will also benefit but through
regional and sub-regional programmes that will be identified.
The specifics of the World Bank Initiative are:
1.
Regional Stock take and Gap Analysis - The first
component of the work is a regional stock take, identifying
country and regional needs; who is doing what; possible
synergies; key gaps; and comparative advantages.
2.
Country Assessment - The second component is a set of
country assessments in the selected countries to deepen the
understanding of disaster risk reduction/climate change
adaptation goals and activities, the gaps, opportunities and
needs at the national level.
3.
Business Plan - The initial regional and country assessments
will be the basis for a detailed 3-year business plan that will
identify key areas of engagement, particularly aiming to
identify opportunities for actual on-the-ground investments in
climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction
The World Bank Initiative will commence in February.
Fore more information on this World Bank initiative please contact
Mosese Sikivou, Manager CRP on e-mail:
mosese@sopac.org
Above: World Bank Team (L-R): Marianne Grosclaude
,
Idah Pswarayi-
Riddihough, John Norton, Alf Simpson, Graham Shorten.
UN/ISDR Reporting Requirements for
Hyogo Framework for Action
A special meeting of the Pacific Disaster Risk Management
Partnership Network (PDRMPN) was held on 27th March in Suva,
Fiji. The purpose of the meeting was to allow the Partners to share
with the UN / International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)
on the reporting requirements in relation to the implementation of
the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).
The meeting featured the following sessions:
January – March 2008
Pacific Disaster
Risk Management
Partnership Network
Pacific Disaster Risk Management Partnership Network
Page 2 of 5
Footprints Contact: Asenaca Rokomanalagi, SOPAC, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
Tel: (679)3381377 / Fx: (679)3370040 / Eml: asenaca@sopac.org
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The Regional HFA Progress Review Framework for
Asia/Pacific 08/09. This session introduced Partners to the
Global and Regional HFA Progress Review Framework and
provided opportunities for clarification including the rationale of
the Global HFA Monitoring and Progress Review Framework,
and an overview of the Regional HFA Progress Review
Framework;
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Adapting the Regional HFA Reporting Framework to the
Pacific context. This session invited contributions from
Partners on the Regional HFA Progress Review Framework
with the intention of making it more applicable to the Pacific
context. This included identifying recommendations of how
the Regional HFA Reporting Framework might be adapted to
the Pacific, and an overview of existing disaster risk reduction
reporting arrangements, highlighting roles and responsibilities
of Partners at the regional and national level;
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The Role of Regional Partners in the 08/09 HFA Progress
Review Process in the Pacific. This session helped identify
the role and support to be provided by regional partners to the
reporting process, both at the country and regional level, as
well as in specific themes.
The meeting was coordinated by SOPAC and UN/ISDR, and
facilitated by UN/ISDR’s Angelika Planitz and Andrew Maskrey.
SOPAC Director Cristelle Pratt chaired a number of sessions.
Emergency Operations Centres Training
Validated in Cook Islands
On 17
th
January, Rarotonga experienced what locals described as
a ‘freak storm’. The storm was caused by a tropical depression in
the area. The storm caused the grounding of a locally owned ship,
the MV Maungaroa, on the western side breakwater of the Avatiu
Harbour (Rarotonga’s international sea port).
Below: MV Maungaroa wrecked, Avatiu Harbour western-side breakwater
Other impacts included the inundation and subsequent closure of
the sea wall road at the end of the airport run way, the area in front
of the courthouse was shut down as debris was being thrown onto
the road, Trader Jacks the waterfront restaurant and bar received
significant damage, and several homes along the northern coast
line were also damaged.
The training conducted by SOPAC and The Asia Foundation/Office
for US Foreign Disaster Assistance (TAF/OFDA) Emergency
Operations Centres (EOC), was validated during the response
effort as more Government organizations were better prepared and
activated their organizational EOC. The Tourism Corporation
activated their EOC and updated the Hotels/Motels. Te Aponga
Uira (Rarotonga Electricity Authority) also activated their EOC. The
Ministry of Education was ready to activate their new standard
operating procedures (SOPs) for evacuation centres.
According to Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI),
communication was a major issue during the response to the 2005
cyclones, however during this effort there was a huge improvement
with communication and the overall response to the event. EMCI
credits the effectiveness of the response to the EOC training which
was conducted nationally in 2003 and 2007.
DRM National Action Plan for Samoa
Above: Flooding is a constant hazard in Apia, Samoa
At the invitation of the Government of Samoa SOPAC, together
with the UNDP Pacific Centre, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
(PIFS) and the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment
Programme (SPREP), commenced the first engagement of a
potential 4-month planning process to develop a Disaster Risk
Management National Action Plan (NAP) for Samoa.
The first country engagement by this team of the Pacific Disaster
Risk Management Partnership Network (PDRMPN) took place
between February 25
th
and March 7
th
2008. The engagement
addressed two primary objectives. The first was to help confirm
high level political support for the implementation of the DRM
Regional Framework for Action 2005-2015 through national actions,
to assess the existing country situation in terms of disaster risk
reduction and disaster management, and to determine where and
how a Samoa DRM NAP may strengthen existing initiatives and or
gaps to promote sustainable development.
The full team representing PDRMPN were Dr. Langi Kavaliku,
Mosese Sikivou, Netatua Pelesikoti from CRP/SOPAC, Seve
Paenui from SPREP, Moortaza Jiwanji and Herman Timmermans
from UNDP Pacific Centre, and Richard Mendani from the PIFS. A
second country engagement has tentatively been scheduled for
March 26
th
to April 4
th
. The next countries scheduled for the NAP
process is the Solomon Islands followed by the Cook Islands.
Pacific Disaster Risk Management Partnership Network
Page 3 of 5
Footprints Contact: Asenaca Rokomanalagi, SOPAC, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
Tel: (679)3381377 / Fx: (679)3370040 / Eml: asenaca@sopac.org
Navua Flood Early Warning Project, UNDP
Pacific Centre
Above: Participants at the recent community based workshop in Navua
Since 2007 the UNDP Pacific Centre and implementing partners
such as Fiji Red Cross Society, Fiji National Disaster Management
Office (NDMO), Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Applied
Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and The Asia Foundation /
Office for US Foreign Disaster Assistance (TAF/OFDA) have
undertaken a pilot project in Navua. The purpose of the project is to
strengthen local level risk management by building linkages
between local government and risk sensitive community
development. By focusing on the local level, the pilot project is a
complementary initiative undertaken at the national level to
mainstream disaster risk management (DRM) into development
strategies through the implementation of the Pacific Framework for
Action 2005 – 2015 Building the Resilience of Nations and
Communities to Disasters.
The practice of local level risk management, where communities,
local government and external stakeholders collaborate to reduce
risk, is something that UNDP has been promoting in recent years to
compliment efforts at the national and community levels.
Below: Stephanie Zoll (UNDP PC), facilitating group work
At the request of communities, the Fiji Red Cross Society and
UNDP Pacific Centre are currently running workshops on
Community Based First Aid & Disaster Preparedness in the greater
Navua area.
The Purpose of the workshop is threefold:
•
Provide members of communities with knowledge and skills to
prevent, be prepared and respond to life threatening
situations, such as disasters, in order to reduce suffering and
death;
•
Raise awareness of the Navua project; and,
•
Provide participants with a grounded understanding of the
basic principles of DRM and the linkages between
development practices and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
To compliment SOPAC’s effort to install a flood warning system, a
series of meetings were held last year in order to develop a
comprehensive Flood Response Plan. This plan is currently being
finalized. The UNDP Pacific Centre and implementing partners are
further focusing on the development of Community Disaster Plans
that will tie into the provincial level plan.
In the coming months Fiji Red Cross Society, UNDP Pacific Centre
and TAF/OFDA will begin to conduct a Vulnerability & Capacity
Assessment (VCA) in targeted Communities in the Navua area.
The assessment will use a number of methodologies including
direct and indirect observation, focus groups, one-to-one
interviews, and mapping (similar to Geographic Information System
[GIS] mapping).
The overall aim of VCA will seek to empower all sectors of the
community to identify projects that address their development
priorities and reduce their vulnerability to disaster risk. This activity
will also be focused upon the development of gender specific case
studies on traditional/local knowledge and roles held by men and
women in areas such as DRM, environment and natural resource
management, and agriculture and how these influence a
community’s vulnerability to risk. The VCA will also contribute to
building a body of knowledge regarding gender, Adaptation to
Climate Change (ACC) and DRR in the region.
Samoa Welcomes the Pacific Islands Fire
Service Association
Above: PIFSA Executives Isaac Silas, Tony Hill and Nga Jessie pictured with their partner
representatives Jill Edwards (AFAC) and Alan Mearns (SOPAC)
Pacific Disaster Risk Management Partnership Network
Page 4 of 5
Footprints Contact: Asenaca Rokomanalagi, SOPAC, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
Tel: (679)3381377 / Fx: (679)3370040 / Eml: asenaca@sopac.org
The Government of Samoa recently hosted the third annual
planning meeting of the Executive Committee of the Pacific Islands
Fire Service Association (PIFSA).
The meeting, held at the Headquarters of the Samoa Fire and
Emergency Service in Apia, was officially opened by the Associate
Minister for Police, Prison Services and Fire the Hon. Papalii Sam
Petaia. In his opening address, the Associate Minister confirmed
the Government’s support and involvement with the PIFSA. He said
the Government recognised the importance of the partnership that
had been established between the Pacific Islands Applied
Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and the Australasian Fire
Authorities Council (AFAC).
The meeting allowed the Executive Committee of the PIFSA to
finalise its governance arrangements, check progress of its
strategic plan and develop its programme for the next annual
general meeting to be held in conjunction with the annual AFAC
Conference, scheduled for Adelaide, South Australia in September.
The current membership of PIFSA includes Samoa, Cook Islands,
Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu
and Nauru. These countries are committed to work in partnership
with SOPAC and AFAC to strengthen national fire safety and
emergency response capacities in support of the Pacific Plan and
the Pacific Regional Framework for Action 2005 – 2015 for building
safer and more resilient nations and communities. The current
members are also encouraging other Pacific island countries to join
this important alliance in order to share information and strengthen
national capacities through mutual collaboration and cooperation.
Above: New recruits in Apia include for the first time a number of female fire fighters
The Chief Fire Officer of Papua New Guinea Isaac Silas is the
current PIFSA President. He is supported by the Samoa Fire
Commissioner, Seve Tony Hill and the Chief Fire Officer the Cook
Islands Nga Jessie, who hold the positions of Executive Directors.
Mr Silas commended the Government of Samoa for providing a
model of change for the region through their recent initiatives to
review and update their national disaster management
arrangements and redefining and expanding the role of the fire
service.
Under the leadership of Fire Commissioner Seve Tony Hill and his
team, a number of these key initiatives are underway in Samoa
including a gradual expansion of the service to all communities in
both Upolo and Savai’i and the recruitment of a number of female
fire fighters.
Recognizing the Role of Gender in
Mainstreaming DRM and ACC in the
Pacific Region
On the 20 -21 February over 30 practitioners from the fields of
natural resource management, agriculture, marine resources,
environment and energy, traditional knowledge, disaster risk
management (DRM) and adaptation to climate change (ACC) were
brought together by UNDP Pacific Centre and AusAID at a Forum
on the Gendered Dimensions of Adaptation to Climate Change and
Disaster Risk Management to explore and share issues relevant to
gender in the areas of DRM and ACC and to identify gaps in
practice and research, best practices, and lessons learned, and to
initiate an ongoing dialogue among stakeholders.
Impetus for the workshop came from recognition that while there is
much good work going on in the fields of gender and DRM and
ACC in the Pacific, understandings of why gender is a relevant
consideration to practitioners involved in programming and
research in these areas remains relatively limited. In addition, the
workshop sought to highlight the benefits that can be derived from
cross fertilization and cooperation between these fields and Natural
Resource Management.
While it is well known that men and women of Pacific Island
Communities have managed natural resources for generations by
drawing on their intimate knowledge of their surrounding
environments and have demonstrated an enormous amount of
resilience in the face of a range of disasters, the impacts of
globalization, development, rural urban migration and climate
change are having profound effects upon the small and fragile
ecosystems of Pacific Island Countries. This in turn, has
fundamentally altered the usefulness and applicability of some of
the local and traditional knowledge that has facilitated natural
resource management and disaster preparedness across the
Pacific for so many generations.
In his opening speech at the Forum Mr Garry Wiseman, the
Manager of the UNDP Pacific Centre acknowledged that
`When talking about the gendered dimensions of disaster
risk reduction and adaptation to climate change it is
essential to recognize that environmental and climatic
changes and the associated increase in disaster events
in the region present different challenges to and impact
upon the men and women of Pacific Island Communities
differently. It is also equally essential to recognize that
the men and women of Pacific Island countries hold
different knowledge and are able to make unique
contributions to building the resilience of their
communities to these environmental and climatic
changes, precisely because of the highly specialized and
multifaceted roles they hold within their communities.’
Pacific Disaster Risk Management Partnership Network
Page 5 of 5
Footprints Contact: Asenaca Rokomanalagi, SOPAC, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
Tel: (679)3381377 / Fx: (679)3370040 / Eml: asenaca@sopac.org
The workshop was highly interactive and participatory with
participants at the forum providing input into sessions by sharing
their experiences through presentations, group work and
discussion. The sessions at the workshop highlighted many of the
challenges and successes experienced in integrating gender into
different fields that have direct implications for communities in
terms of their ability to adapt and respond to disasters and climate
change including meteorology; energy; fisheries; agriculture;
traditional knowledge; ACC and; DRM.
Throughout the course of the workshop participants identified a
number of priority gaps and needs as well as areas for future
collaboration on programming and research on gender, DRM and
ACC including: Understanding and researching the differential
impacts of CC and disaster upon social structure in terms of
gender; Relating technological information to community in
meaningful ways and localizing translations of warning and weather
information that relate to the lives of men and women; Culturally
appropriate gender training; Sharing Pacific research in gender
knowledge; The recruitment of female technicians in meteorology;
increased synergies and cooperation between the fields of DRR,
ACC and Natural resource Management; the develop of indicators
for integration of gender into DRM and ACC initiative and; the
integration of ACC and DRM into school curriculum.
As a result of the workshop various stakeholders are in the process
of discussing how to move forward on the development of a joint
strategy for further programming and research on Gender DRR and
ACC that addresses some of these identified priorities. Overall the
outcomes of the workshop highlighted that a holistic approach to
mainstreaming DRM and ACC in the Pacific Region demands a
focus on the development of gender responsive strategies that not
only meet the specific needs of men and women but recognize the
different knowledge and skills that the integration of gender can
bring to the table.
Presentations made by participants at the workshop, the workshop
report and analysis and other background documentation can be
located on the Pacific Centre’s website at
http://regionalcentrepacific.undp.org.fj/HTML%20docs/Workshops%
20and%20Seminars/Forum%20on%20Gendered%20dimension%2
0on%20DRM.html
Further information on the Forum and additional resources on DRR,
ACC and Gender can also be obtained by contacting the CPR team
at the Pacific Centre on +679 3300399.
First Video in Pacific Disaster Net
The Pacific Disaster Net (PDN), an online interactive disaster risk
management information web portal, has recently taken another
step towards being a modern and useful information system for the
region.
In January, during its (PDN) test and development phase, the first
video was uploaded into PDN. Samoa's National Tsunami Early
Warning System test movie was converted and compressed to a
significantly smaller size making it easily accessible.
Upcoming Events
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Disaster Risk Reduction Course, Barbados;
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National Action Plan, Solomon Islands and Cook Islands;
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And other highlight