A Community Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction Model for the Caribbean

Project Site Location: St Kitts and Nevis (a two-island federation)

UIC Lead Faculty Contact: Janet Lin

Other UIC involved faculty: Gwyneth Milbrath

Partner Organizations: NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency of St Kitts and Nevis), NDMD (Nevis Disaster Management Department)

Project goal: Improve disaster risk reduction interventions and build capacity to enhance community resilience against natural disasters

Project Summary:

The international approach to disasters have moved from largely post-impact activities to a more comprehensive risk management process. The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2005 outlined five priorities for action and offered guiding principles and practical means for achieving disaster resilience. The current Sendai Framework 2015-2030 continues priorities identified by HFA. In addition to calling for national policies, early warning systems, and multi-sector coordination, HFA states knowledge, innovation, and education are the first steps toward promoting a culture of disaster prevention and resilience. Thusly, individuals and communities who understand hazards and vulnerabilities will be better equipped to protect themselves against significant loss when disaster strikes.

It is imperative to understand that natural disaster preparations can be vastly different, depending on the type of disaster, each nation’s political climate, economic stability, and cultural undertones. Building work conducted in Haiti, the purpose of this project is to expand a successful training program with a larger aim to create a model for Community Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training that can be employed for Caribbean island nations.

In partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis, the project is working to expand the DRR program in communities of St. Kitts and Nevis and adapt the training program as a model for use in all Caribbean island nations in the future.

Disease or specialty area: Community engagement, resilience, disaster risk reduction