International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
Disasters induced by natural and technological hazards affect millions of people every year worldwide, but much of their impact can be reduced through pro-active measures and planning. The International Day for Disaster Reduction, held each year on 13 October, celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters.
UNESCO is engaged in the conceptual shift in thinking away from post-disaster reaction and towards pre-disaster action and helps countries build their capacities in managing disaster and climate risk.
In 2021, the International Day for Disaster Reduction focuses on “International cooperation for developing countries to reduce their disaster risk and disaster losses”. It will highlight best practices and examples of international cooperation that have a positive impact on the lives of people who live in disaster-prone parts of the world i.e. reducing the numbers of people affected by man-made and natural hazards, in line with Target F of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate disaster risk, countries that design policy and legislative frameworks and that prepare their institutions in line with the goal, targets and priorities for action of the Sendai Framework, have greater capacity to manage disaster risk and therefore to reduce the impact of disasters when they occur. However, a successful strategy for disaster risk reduction is complex and requires effective multistakeholder coordination mechanisms, an overarching national policy, transdisciplinary and multisector collaboration and input, amongst other requisites.
With that in mind, and maintaining the focus of the Day on the impact disasters have on communities, individuals and infrastructures, deeply affecting their wellbeing, this year’s theme is focused on conveying the message that many disasters can be avoided or prevented if there are disaster risk reduction strategies in place to manage and reduce existing levels of risk and to avoid the creation of new risk. In short, “good disaster risk governance.”
Join the conversation with the hashtags #OnlyTogether #DRRday and check below what UNESCO has organized for the Celebration of this day!
You can also celebrate by visiting a UNESCO Global Geopark near you! Many UNESCO Global Geoparks are organizing events.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNESCO
"UNESCO is undertaking a series of actions and projects – from organizing a series of dialogues with the goal of boosting support for SIDS, to building technical capacities among the most vulnerable to fight climate change. The Adaptation Fund for Haiti, with US $9.9 million of support, is just one of our successes.
We can do more and we will do more, because we owe it to those affected by disasters worldwide – the victims of cyclones and flooding in Fiji and East Timor, the earthquake and tropical storm in Haiti, volcanic eruptions in the Canary Islands and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and so many others.
Today, let us all come together to support the international community in implementing disaster risk reduction strategies.."
— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
Events
What UNESCO does for disaster risk reduction
UNESCO Global Geoparks celebrate the 2021 International Day for Disaster Reduction
Raising awareness to strengthen communities’ resilience:
Forming a network of 169 Geoparks in 44 countries, UNESCO Global Geoparks are located in various geographical settings that, in some cases, expose them to a multitude of natural hazards and extreme weather events. Climate change is exacerbating such extreme events, causing several geoparks to suffer extensive damage.
In response, many UNESCO Global Geoparks have developed and implemented disaster risk reduction strategies to reduce the territory’s exposure to natural hazards while increasing disaster preparedness to safeguard local populations and the infrastructure they depend on. Their holistic management approach builds on the links between an area’s geological heritage and its natural, cultural and intangible heritage, as well as local and indigenous knowledge, in order to improve our understanding of key issues, such as the use of Earth’s resources, the impact of natural hazards, climate change effects and mitigation.
On a daily basis, UNESCO Global Geoparks are engaged in Disaster Risk Reduction through management plans, as well as training and raising awareness, to improve the resilience of their communities.
Many UNESCO designated sites celebrate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, as an opportunity to raise awareness and empower their local communities.
You can also celebrate by visiting a UNESCO Global Geopark near you!
Watch this space for updates on events in your geoparks.
See also:
- Asian UNESCO Global Geoparks celebrate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
- Disaster Risk Reduction in UNESCO designated sites
Photo: © UNESCO / Colca y Volcanes de Andagua UNESCO Global Geopark
Croatia | France | Italy | Japan | Spain | Turkey
VIS ARCHIPELAGO UNESCO Global Geopark (Croatia)
event title: International Day for the Disaster Risk Reduction
date: 13th October 21
place: Island of Vis (cities Vis and Komiža)
type of activity: workshops and demonstration
target group: elementary school children (grade 1-4), highschool children
short description: in the light of recent events in Croatia regarding frequent earthquakes and constant fire hazard on the remote islands, especially during summer season, Geopark Vis Archipelago decided to join celebration of International Day for the Disaster Risk Reduction, and will, in cooperation with Croatian Mountain Rescue Service and Association of Voluntary Firefighters, organize 3 workshop adapted for children and youth. Our colleagues from Rescue Service and Firefighters will give a short lecture on potential disaster in Geopark Vis Archipelago, demonstrate the actions they take and enable children to participate through workshops. Workshops of this type allow children to learn the necessary skills in case of disasters, help them understand the processes and make them more prepared in times of crisis.
CHABLAIS UNESCO Global Geopark (France)
events title: What drama is Nature preparing for us?
dates: from 2nd October 2021 to 10th October 2021
For full programme details please consult the agenda
2nd October 2021
place: Saint Jean d‘Alps and Plateau de Gavot
type of activity: fieldtrips
target group: general public
short description:
1) mountain walk to discover the landslide of Saint Jean d’Alps, led by the official UNESCO Global Geopark guidean intervention to better know the exposure to the natural hazards in our Geopark;
2) walk around the Plateau de Gavot and the landslide of Feternes, led by the official UNESCO Global Geopark guides
2nd October 2021
place: Yvoire
type of activity: escape game
target group: children
short description: “free Panic at Yvoire library!“ escape Game
2nd – 9th October 2021
place: Thonon les Bains
type of activity: free temporary exhibition
target group: general public
short description: free temporary exhibition at the library in Thonon les Bains concerning the geological formation of the region and its unique character
3rd October 2021
place: Brevon Valley
type of activity: fieldtrip
target group: general public
short description: discovery of the natural risks of the Brevon Valley! A partner site of the Chablais UGGp
3rd, 6th and 10th October 2021
place: Chatel library
type of activity: escape game
target group: children
short description: “A lone group of survivors at Chatel library must save humanity! A partner site of the Chablais UGGp
6th October 2021
place: Morzine library
type of activity: escape game
target group: children
short description: “A lone group of survivors at Morzine library must save humanity! A partner site of the Chablais UGGp
8th October 2021
type of activity: free public talk
target group: general public
short description: a social science approach to the evolution of risk management: the role of the state and the acceptance of the municipalities – the example of Vailly by P Pigeon, University of Savoie Mont Blanc
9th October 2021
place: Museum of Prehistory and Geology, Sciez
type of activity: temporary exhibition
target group: general public
short description: temporary exhibition „Catastophy“: discover the geohazards of the Chablais at the Museum of Prehistory and Geology, Sciez, a partner of the Chablais UGGp
10th October 2021
place: Abondance Valley
type of activity: fieldtrip
target group: general public
short description: natural hazards in the Abondance Valley, led by the official UNSECO Global Geopark guides
10th October 2021
place: Science Village
type of activity: workshops and stands
target group: adults and children
short description: adults and children are welcome to observe, experiment, question and discuss in order to understand the natural risks present in the region. Workshops and stands proposed by the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark and risk professionals from around the Auvergne Rhone Alpes Region guides
MASSIF DE BAUGES UNESCO Global Geopark (France)
date : Wednesday 13 October 18h30
place: House the Parc-Geopark Le Chatelard
type of activity: conference
target group: general public and free entry
title : Water in the Bauges, a limited resource?
description : If the fountains of our villages seem eternal, their future nevertheless questions the nature and the sustainability of the water resource. From a richly illustrated presentation on the nature and geological history of the Alps and the Massif des Bauges, UNESCO Global Geopark, we will come to characterize the various resources and reservoirs in our region, to appreciate their importance and their vulnerabilities. Between glaciers, lakes, alluvial plains and Karst, a journey through time and in the space of our mountains to reflect on and prepare for the accelerating climate change.
As part of the French science festival
APUAN ALPS UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)
event title: The 1920 earthquake: visions and memories of the destroyed areas in Garfagnana and Lunigiana
date: 16th October 2021
place: San Giovanni Museum Hall in Fivizzano
type of activity: book presentation
target group: local communities, Geoparks Guides, stakeholders, students and teachers
short description: the Apuan Alps UGGp organizes the presentation of a book with memories and images of the strong earthquake that affected the areas of Garfagnana and Lunigiana.
The event aims to spread knowledge about this earthquake with the main goal to inform, raise awareness and prepare people for a more effective response during the extreme events.
event title: First aid in mountain areas during extreme events
date: 17th October 2021
place: Colonnata, Carrara
type of activity: first aid practical training
target group: local communities, Geopark Guides, stakeholders
short description: the Apuan Alps UNESCO Global Geopark organizes in collaboration with National Alpine Club and Cave Rescue Service an educational program with a practical lesson and a first aid practical training. The main aim of the activity is to raise awareness, to inform and prepare people for a more effective response during the extreme events in mountain areas.
BEIGUA UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)
event title: Firefighting goes to school!
date: 13th October 2021
place: Arenzano
type of activity: school workshop
target group: schools
short description: to celebrate the International Day on Disaster Risk Reduction geopark guides and Arenzano’s firefighting volunteers will enter in the classroom to raise awareness of natural hazards and show children the tools that are used during forest firefighting maneuvers. The fire-fighting vehicle will be parked in the schoolyard so children can get on board!
event title: The Game of instability
date: 16th October 2021
place: House of the Park, Sassello
type of activity: educational workshop
target group: children (6-11 years old) – Junior Geoparkers
short description: Saturday it's the turn of the Junior Geoparkers! Through "the game of instability" we will talk about floods and landslides, a very topical issue that has directly touched the town of Sassello in recent days. With the children we will reason about the behaviors to keep during storms.
CILENTO, VALLO DI DIANO AND ALBURNI UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)
event title: At natural hazards school
date: 13th October 2021
place: Geopark museum
type of activity: dissemination
target group: young people
short description: the event includes a lesson in the museum about the geo-risks and climate change. The aim is to introduce students to geological hazards and how to prevent them.
MADONIE UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)
event title: Summer 2021 fires in the Madonie Park, prevention measures, monitoring and restoration of the sites. (event within the two days organized by the CAI)
date: 16th October 2021
place: Palazzo Pucci Martinez Petralia Sottana (Palermo), seat of the Madonie Geopark
type of activity: conference and excursion
target group: open to the public according to Anticovid regulations. However, there will be members of the regional and national CAI, representatives of other protected areas including other Italian Geoparks also belonging to the Medimont network, representatives of Federparchi, Director of the Civic Museum and civil and military authorities. It will also be streamed
short description: the event includes two days of which the first, at the Madonie Geopark headquarters, will mainly deal with biodiversity along the Italy CAI path, the geosites present and the actions to enhance and defend it. During the conference, an intervention by the Madonie Geopark on the IDDRR world day and in particular on the fires that affected the Madonie this summer is expected
POLLINO UNESCO Global Geopark (Italy)
event title: Presentation guide geo-route named “On the trail of the Pollino Line”
date: 13th October 2021
place: Geopark visitor centre
type of activity: conference
target group: local community, Geoparks Guides, stakeholders, students and teachers
short description: one of the strategic actions put in place by the Pollino Geopark staff has been the realization of explanatory signage in highly representative sites from both the structural and geomorphological points of view. The geological interpretation and tectonic history of the whole area, such as length, kinematics and seismotectonics of the regional fault system, recognized, in the international geological literature, as the “Pollino Line”, has been provided in some geological viewpoints distributed along a km scale route.
In this way the Geopark set up a geo-route named “On the trail of the Pollino Line”, where the tourists can appreciate the information panels installed, explaining the geological, geomorphological, and tectonic processes that have determined the creation of the present-day structure and landscape.
ASO UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan)
event title : Join our Mitigation Program
date : Wednesday 13 October 18h30
place: Oguni Town in Aso UNESCO Global Geopark
type of activity: lecture
target group: general public and free entry
A major earthquake disaster occurred in the Aso Geopark in 2016. However, we accept it as one of the activities of the earth, and we are transmitting not only the tragedy but also living in it as an educational trip. Please join our program! Activities will include three topics: Education Program for Disaster risk Reduction, Climate Emergency Declaration, Education for Sustainable Development
TOYA-USU UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan)
event title : Certification examination of the Toya-Usu Volcano Meister
date : Saturday 6 November 2021
place: Mount Usu (Toya-Usu Unesco Global Geopark)
type of activity: Certification examination of the Toya-Usu Volcano Meister
target group: general public and free entry
The UNESCO Global Geopark certifies local residents as “Volcano Meisters” those who have learned the nature and characteristics of Lake Toya and the Usu Volcano area and pass on both the memories and experiences of eruptions and the wisdom to mitigate a disaster to the next generation in and outside the community. They are resilience promoters. Certification examination of the Toya-Usu Volcano Meister have taken place once a year in middle of October. In 2021, The 14th exam will be held on in November due to the pandemic of Covid 19.
IZU Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan)
event title : Past tsunami evidence and raising awareness for the future
date : Wednesday 13 October 2021
place: Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark Exhibition “AmaGEO”
type of activity: Exhibition
target group: general public and free entry
As a Global Geopark in one of the most earthquake-prone regions on the earth, promoting research on natural disasters is our prime concern. In this regard, Izu UGGp introduces a research project titled “Tracing a millenary history of major natural disasters in Izu peninsula west coast- A chronological study on lake deposits of Myojin Lake in Ida, Izu Peninsula”. This project chiefly aimed at revisiting the history of tsunami in the Peninsula where the gigantic earthquakes had repeatedly occurred. It could successfully present scientific evidence of the past catastrophic events which would allegedly take place. In view of UNESCO Global Geopark mission to liaise academia and the general public, site managers offer a special exhibition to present the findings. ‘AmaGEO’, the research hub of the Global Geopark, served as its venue. The exhibition mirrors Geoparks’ tireless efforts to renew awareness among the residents of the peninsula where the next calamity might come anytime in future.
MUROTO UNESCO Global Geopark (Japan)
event title : Educational Tour on Geohazard Risk Management in Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark
date : October 2021
place: Muroto UGGp, Kochi, Japan
type of activity: Educational tour
target group: school studens and general public
Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark is conserved as a Quasi National Park and widely used for education and research activities. Muroto is located at the plate boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate and the tectonic situation still causes earthquakes accompanied with tsunamis at an interval of 100 to 150 years. In Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark, visiting tourists and students can understand the land formation process from a scenic road and lookout points on the marine terrace slopes. Muroto UGGp wellcomes school students to learn about geohazard process and how ones can protect their lives and community. Guests will visit Tsunami Evacuation Shelter located at coastal area of Muroto UGG and learn how this facility works when earthquake and tsunami happens with a local instructor. Students will experience dynamic earth movements with local guides and lear the land formation processes of Muroto. Moreover, High school students of Muroto celebrate the 2021 IDDR day by holding an online exchange meeting with high school students in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (Malaysia) and sharing geohazard risk reduction measurements and preparation for the next earthquake and tsunamis.
ORIGENS UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain)
event title: Coexistence with moving slopes
date: 10th October 2021
place: Guardia de Noguera
type of activity: fieldtrip
target group: general public
short description: fieldtrip from Guardia de Noguera to Mur Castle with diferent stops to recognize the behaviour of Geological hazards in this area
event title: New digital tools applied to the study rock fall hazard
date: 14th October 2021
place: online
type of activity: symposium
target group: general public
short description: three presentatiots on the study of the risk of rock falls using new tools, such as laser scanner technologies and digital photogrammetry from terrestrial or airborne platforms. The talks will explore (1) the use of high-definition 3D models of the terrain to explore new ways of visualizing and communicating rock fall data; (2) the study case of the Puigcercós landslide escarpment monitoring experiment in Origens Geopark and; (3) the applications of research on rock fall blocks trajectories using drones and simulations on the MA-10 road in Mallorca
SIERRA SUBBETICAS UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain)
event title: Together against fire
date: 13th October, 2021
place: Centre of Forest Defense – CEDEFO (Carcabuey)
type of activity: awareness session on forest fire prevention
target group: general public and forest land owners
short description: Due to the rise of forest fires and their burning potential, the affected surface in our region has increased. Sensitization activities are now more necessary than ever. This session will focus on the regional fire prevention plan, which includes prevention works in public forests, and prevention through information meetings on the regulations with respect to building and infrastructures autoprotection plans. Fire extinguishment and restoration works will also be exposed, as well as sensitization campaigns aimed at general population and scholar groups
SOBRARBE-PIRINEOS UNESCO Global Geopark (Spain)
event title: La Fiesta de los Glaciares (Glacier fest)
date: from 25th September to 7th October 2021
place: Bielsa and Chistau valleys
type of activity: guided mountain walks and educational activities
target group: general public and pupils aged 10-12 years old
short description: There will be two hikes one to Lardana glacier in order to appreciate and enjoy not only the ice but also all the features shaped by the glacier since the Little Ice Age. Other in Estiva and Bielsa valle to see Monte Perdido glacier and understand the main geoforms of the landscape made by the Cinca glacier over the last 65000 years. Finally, there will be a fieldtrip with the pupils of all the schools of the valleys that currently host active glaciers in our Geopark. In all the activities there will be awarening activities about climate changes and global warming.
KULA-SALIHLI UNESCO Global Geopark (Turkey)
event title: Global Climate Change and its catastrophic effects
date: 13th October 2021
place: Mersinli Şehit Ahmet Uludağ Primary School
type of activity: educational activities
target group: primary school students
short description: within the context of the education, it will be given information about the climate change to students by showing examples from the geopark. Especially it will be highlighted its catastrophic effects and how to stop or reduce these effects.