UNCCD: Investing in our frailer selves for the day of disaster

"The senior people might have life insurance and pension schemes, but they are more vulnerable to natural disasters than any other group", Monique Barbut, the UNCCD Executive Secretary told Xinhua News Agency in an article ahead of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR), which falls today 13 October. As the world is increasingly ageing, this year's IDDR is observed under the theme of "Resilience is for life" and highlights the need for a more inclusive approach for the elderly in disaster risk reduction.

"Not only are older person the most harmed group in disasters, they are the most likely to go unnoticed by relief teams," the UNCCD chief wrote in the article, titled "Investing in our frailer selves for the day of disaster," stressing the need to pay more attention on the elderly in natural calamities while adopting smart strategies for disaster prevention.

Natural disasters around the world are increasing, both in intensity and frequency, Barbut noted, adding that nine out of 10 disasters are climate-related and many are directly attributable to land degradation. The senior people are the ones who are left behind when degraded lands and refugee camps empty, with nowhere to go and none to care for them. Noting that the world is not yet prepared for the more vulnerable population when disaster strikes, she suggested that "a smart disaster-prevention, harm-reducing strategy" be adopted. Such a strategy "is elegantly simple; it looks green."

The UNCCD is currently working with countries to implement green national policies to conserve the strength of the land and ward off future disasters.