Papua New Guinea: Disaster risk reduction and disaster management national framework for action 2005-2015
The Papua New Guinea Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management National Framework for Action 2005 - 2015 represents international best practise in disaster management and stems from a process of internal needs assessment within PNG and harmonisation with Pacific Regional and International Disaster Reduction Frameworks. The framework outlines proactive measures for disaster risk reduction in Papua New Guinea.
The guiding principles of the Framework are as follows:
(a) Governance – Organizational, institutional, policy and decision-making frameworks. The national government has the key responsibility for disaster risk reduction and disaster management, policy development and planning, ensuring they reflect the principles of good governance, and security within the context of sustainable development. In fulfilling this responsibility, the national government works in partnership with key stakeholders such as donor agencies, international organizations, international and national NGOs, corporate organizations, churches and community groups.
(b) Analysis and evaluation of hazards, vulnerabilities and elements at risk developing a better understanding of hazards, together with analysis and evaluation of vulnerabilities and risks, enables people to be well informed and motivated towards a culture of prevention and resilience-building.
(c) Effective, integrated and people-focused early warning systems. Warnings must be timely and understandable to those at risk, take into account the demographics, gender, cultural and livelihood characteristics of target audiences, and support effective operations by decision-makers.
(d) Knowledge, information, public awareness and education. Capacity building for disaster risk reduction and disaster management is facilitated by information gathering, storage and dissemination leading to knowledge acquisition and management, education, training and professional development programmes, and information management systems and technologies that underpin the successful implementation of policies and plans
(e) Planning for effective preparedness, response and recovery. While all hazards cannot be eliminated, or some even substantially mitigated, improving disaster preparedness, response and recovery can significantly reduce their devastating impact on vulnerable communities
(f) Reduction of underlying risk factors. Risk factors relating to changing social, economic and environmental conditions need to be addressed in national sustainable development strategies or similar documents, as well as sectoral development policies, plans and programmes in order to provide a broader basis for effective disaster risk reduction and disaster management