UNESCO’s core focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR) is to support the member states in addressing the four ‘Priorities for Action’ of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030, and to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In total, there are 25 targets from 10 of the 17 SDGs that relate to DRR. Two SDG goals that are directly associated to DRR are Goal 11, ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’, and Goal 13 ‘Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts’. Additionally, several goals have a more indirect link to DRR, for example, ‘ensure access to safe and affordable housing’, and ‘Reduce the number of deaths, affected and economic losses caused by disasters. 

What we do

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Tsunami Information Unit (DRRTIU) of UNESCO Office Jakarta works under the Natural Science Sector: Earth Science and Geo-hazard Risk Reduction, and under the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO within its Tsunami Unit.

DRRTIU, based at UNESCO Office Jakarta, the Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RSBAP), has recently developed the RSBAP Strategy Support for Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI) for DRR in Asia and the Pacific 2017 – 2020. As a component of RSBAP, DRRTIU will support member states on the application of science, engineering, technology and innovation (SETI) to support the assessment of hazards, vulnerability, and risk; to prevent and mitigate risks and support structural measures and the non-structural aspects of prevention and preparedness; to support the development and advancement of technologies for early warning systems for different hazards; and to support and assist the community in becoming more resilient against disasters using SETI for risk reduction as an engine for sustainable development. Under the Natural Science Sector, DRRTIU will focus on; supporting the Comprehensive School Safety (CSS) programme through a science-based information and multi-hazard school safety assessment methodology; bringing SETI for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) to policy makers, practitioners, and the community; geo-hazard risk reduction; early warning system development; and preparedness.

Under the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, DRRTIU worked in coordination with the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS). IOC of UNESCO has established the Indian Ocean Tsunami Information Centre (IOTIC), located in UNESCO Office Jakarta, with programme activities focusing on the development of science based education, awareness and preparedness of tsunamis, capacity building of community tsunami preparedness, and also strengthening Indian Ocean Member States tsunami emergency and response plan, which covers tsunami early warning and response, a tsunami evacuation map, detailed plans and procedures, and the role of broadcast media in tsunami early warning.

Under the Natural Science Sector, DRRTIU contributes to the achievement of the SFDRR through the implementation of disaster risk reduction programmes. In delivery of the aforesaid programmes, UNESCO Office Jakarta works closely with Cluster Office countries, Regional Science Bureau of Asia and Pacific (ASPAC) states, and Indian Ocean Member States

How we do it?

• Coordinate the development of policy and programmes to further research and technology application in disaster risk reduction and climate change to support and promote sustainable development.
• Establish and strengthen cooperation with development partners, civil society, the private sector, academia, and other relevant stakeholders to mobilise resources and support for capacity strengthening and promotion of SETI research studies for DRR.
• Provide assistance to conduct different technical studies on disasters caused by natural hazards, notably mitigation, building preparedness and resilience, and early warning systems at the national and local levels.