As major disasters intensify, proliferate, and affect communities with greater frequency, the economies of the APEC They face enormous challenges in responding to and mitigating disasters, cushioning their economic and development impacts, and protecting people’s lives.
“We meet against the backdrop of a bleak outlook for emergency and disaster management,” said Juan Carlos Urcariegui Reyes, President of the Forum of Senior Disaster Management Officials.
“To this end, it is of utmost importance to exchange experiences and lessons learned in solidarity in order to strengthen the livelihoods of our communities in the Asia-Pacific region,” added Urcariegui, who is also Head of the National Institute of Civil Defense and General of the Division of the Peruvian Army.
Last week, senior disaster officials met in Arequipa to deepen their cooperation and improve emergency preparedness, taking into account the aspect of sustainability and inclusion, as well as adopting a more community-based approach.
Officials are increasing the capacity of communities in emergency preparedness, enabling them to participate in all phases of emergency management: prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
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«This topic must guide us, by virtue of our experiences and realities, to design optimal disaster risk management strategies, so that we can adequately serve our communities through international engagement, as well as through mutual and timely support.» , declared Chief Urcariegui.
“With this, we will strengthen our capabilities so that with intelligence, perseverance and above all, with a vocation for service, we can face emergencies, serve our communities and, above all, save lives,” continued Chief Urcariegui.
Disasters often begin and end in the local communities that are affected, and it is increasingly crucial for governments to strengthen the capacity of these communities to be prepared and act when a disaster begins to strike. This includes stakeholder mapping, strengthening community engagement, data collection and risk mapping.
“While we understand that improving the capabilities of communities is important to confront the dangers of tomorrow, building capacity at the local level is a major challenge,” said Luis Doñas, acting co-chair of the Working Group. APEC Emergency Preparedness in the forum.
Officials are increasing the capacity of communities in emergency preparedness, enabling them to participate in all phases of emergency management
“We can also develop some regulations that require or oblige local governments to develop both disaster risk planning and emergency preparedness,” Doñas added.
Member economies recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all measure to empower communities in emergency preparedness and disaster response. Training and education, as well as the use of technology, can help adapt to the needs of each community and meet their needs.
“Only by working together with determination and vision can we achieve our goal of contributing to our communities to a better and safer future, sustainable for all,” concluded Chief Urcariegui.
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