Introduction The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 shifts the focus from managing disasters to managing risks. Such a shift requires a better understanding of risk in all its dimensions of hazards, exposure and vulnerability; a disaster risk governance that ensures disaster risk is factored into planning and development at all levels across all sectors as well as in disaster preparedness, rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction; and cost-benefit analysis to support prioritization of investments in disaster risk reduction (DRR) for long-term resilience.
The Sendai Framework emphasizes the role of science and technology. It calls to prioritize the development and dissemination of science-based risk knowledge, methodologies and tools, science and technology work on DRR through existing networks and research institutions and strengthened interface between science and policy to support all four priority areas: understanding disaster risk; disaster risk governance; investing in DRR for resilience; and enhancing disaster preparedness for response and to build back better.
A ‘Science and Technology Roadmap to Support the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030’ has been agreed as the result of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) Science and Technology Conference in January 2016. The Roadmap includes expected outcomes, actions, and deliverables under each of the four priorities of the Sendai Framework.
Asia has been the world’s hotspot of economic development and innovation in terms of science and technology over recent decades. At the same time, the region continues to be highly exposed and vulnerable to disasters. Science and technology-based DRR was a priority in the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action in Asia. At the 6th Asia Ministerial Conference on DRR (AMCDRR) in 2014, the Science Technology Academia Stakeholder Group made a series of commitments to: promote a holistic, science-based approach towards community resilience; support the use of science and technology advancements through increased earth observation; develop course curriculum and promote higher education in DRR; and promote community- and problem-based implementation research.
The 1st Asian Science and Technology Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction was organized by the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute (HAII) of the Royal Thai Government Ministry of Science and Technology and UNISDR, in collaboration with UNISDR’s Asian Science Technology and Academia Advisory Group (ASTAAG), Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), Future Earth and other scientific organizations and networks.
The Conference brought together more than 300 senior policy-makers, practitioners, researchers and academics, civil society and the private sector in the realm of disaster risk reduction from across Asia, and more widely, to discuss how to strengthen science based DRR policy development in support of the implementation of the Sendai Framework in Asia.