Convergent Trends in Sustainable Development and Disaster Resilience

Background & Aim: A reciprocal relation between sustainable development and disaster resilience is increasing recognized at global level. Despite the historical distinction between development agenda and disaster management and risk reduction practices, the evidence gathered over the past two decades leaves no doubt on the mutual effect between the two disciplines. Today, international community as well as national and local actors have recognized more than ever, the vital role of resilience and risk reduction in achieving the long-term goals of development programmes. Major international frameworks and agreement concluded in these areas in the recent years reflect a great amount of vigilance on the connection of development and disaster risk reduction and resilience. These among others include the Sendai Framew ork for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015), Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015), the New Development Agenda, Sustainable Development Goals (2015), The World Humanitarian Summit (2016) and the New Urban Agenda adopted in HABITAT III (2016). Objective:To better understand the reciprocal relations between sustainable development and disaster resilience to achieve resilient-oriented and risk informed development planning.Methodology:In conducting this research, various relevant global frameworks and patterns as well as the local and national level practices are considered and reviewed. The focus will be on better understanding the current and future trends and identifying appropriate solutions to enhance the complementarity and synergy among disaster resilience and development policies and plans. Findings: The findings of the research so far are as follows: The negative impact of disaster risks on development gains and subsequent setback in many developing and least developed countries. The underlying risk factors induced by wrong approaches in imbalanced development policies and programmes. The contribution of disaster risk reduction and resilience to development goals Inter-dependency of sustainable development and resilience in their approach and practice The increasing inter-dependency between sustainable development agenda and disaster risk reduction and resilience discourse constitutes anumber of imperatives for the sectors and actors of these two disciplines. This ranges from planning and implementing risk-informed development programmes at national and local levels to enhancing the quality and widening the scope of risk assessment in disaster risk reduction and resilience to include multi-stake holder and multi-sectoral approaches and methodologies.Conclusions: The impact can be tremendous as despite the predominant conviction which suggests extra-ordinary investment in resources, systems, structures and tools for risk reduction and resilience are required, improving and adapting development approach to a risk- sensitive approach may prove to be the most efficient way of reducing disaster risks and thus protecting development gains. Understanding the convergent trends between sustainable development and resilience building can help us to take a major step toward safer and prosperous life for everyone.

Keywords:

Development , resilience , disaster risk reduction , safety , community