UN SPIDER: The importance of space-based information in the 2015 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

On 18 March 2015, world leaders decided on the 2015 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The implementation of reliable monitoring mechanisms from space can support the assessment of global progress in achieving the outcomes and goals of the Sendai Framework, especially by providing baseline information relevant to five of the seven global targets. Furthermore, space-based information can contribute directly to priority of action 1 “Understanding disaster risk” and to priority of action 4 “Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction”.

In the case of priority 1, understanding disaster risk in all its dimensions of vulnerability, capacity, exposure of people and assets, hazard characteristics and the environment is necessary. Space technology provides reliable and consistent information on the global, regional, national and local scale, especially in the field of Earth observation, leading to a better understanding of disaster risks. Satellite-based information offers continuous monitoring and evaluation of exposure, multi-hazard characteristics and the environment through objective measuring systems. This allows policy makers to understand the alteration of underlying risk factors and their contribution to the overall disaster risk situation at different spatial and temporal scales.

In the case of priority 4, space research and technology will enhance disaster preparedness mainly in strengthening people-centred, multi-hazard, multi-sectoral forecasting and early warning systems, disaster risk and emergency communications mechanisms, social technologies and hazard-monitoring telecommunications systems. Space technology is an indispensable component to monitor fast and slow on-set hazards as well as the modification of hazards over time and in different places. By combining different datasets in a timely way, forecasting becomes more reliable, improving early warning decision making.

UN-SPIDER is ideally placed to support the Sendai Framework components “role of stakeholders” and “international cooperation and global partnership” as both aspects are at the core the programme’s mandate. Together with key partners, UN-SPIDER co-initiated two efforts: an International Network for Multi-Hazard Early Warning and a global partnership focusing on Earth observations. The global partnership shall facilitate the use of Earth observation and related satellite-based technology through a variety of efforts including the provision of technical advisory support. Currently, the members of this partnership are discussing their terms of reference on how the space community can best support the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

Quelle: UN-SPIDER Newsletter 2/15: Space-based Information for Post-2015 Sustainable DevelopmentOn 18 March 2015, world leaders decided on the 2015 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The implementation of reliable monitoring mechanisms from space can support the assessment of global progress in achieving the outcomes and goals of the Sendai Framework, especially by providing baseline information relevant to five of the seven global targets. Furthermore, space-based information can contribute directly to priority of action 1 “Understanding disaster risk” and to priority of action 4 “Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction”.

In the case of priority 1, understanding disaster risk in all its dimensions of vulnerability, capacity, exposure of people and assets, hazard characteristics and the environment is necessary. Space technology provides reliable and consistent information on the global, regional, national and local scale, especially in the field of Earth observation, leading to a better understanding of disaster risks. Satellite-based information offers continuous monitoring and evaluation of exposure, multi-hazard characteristics and the environment through objective measuring systems. This allows policy makers to understand the alteration of underlying risk factors and their contribution to the overall disaster risk situation at different spatial and temporal scales.

In the case of priority 4, space research and technology will enhance disaster preparedness mainly in strengthening people-centred, multi-hazard, multi-sectoral forecasting and early warning systems, disaster risk and emergency communications mechanisms, social technologies and hazard-monitoring telecommunications systems. Space technology is an indispensable component to monitor fast and slow on-set hazards as well as the modification of hazards over time and in different places. By combining different datasets in a timely way, forecasting becomes more reliable, improving early warning decision making.

UN-SPIDER is ideally placed to support the Sendai Framework components “role of stakeholders” and “international cooperation and global partnership” as both aspects are at the core the programme’s mandate. Together with key partners, UN-SPIDER co-initiated two efforts: an International Network for Multi-Hazard Early Warning and a global partnership focusing on Earth observations. The global partnership shall facilitate the use of Earth observation and related satellite-based technology through a variety of efforts including the provision of technical advisory support. Currently, the members of this partnership are discussing their terms of reference on how the space community can best support the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

Quelle: UN-SPIDER Newsletter 2/15: Space-based Information for Post-2015 Sustainable Development