SAN FRANCISCO, N.C., March 31, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the light of the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction this month in Sendai, Japan; IIRR and Give2Asia express renewed commitment and partnership toward promoting disaster risk reduction as an essential element of achieving empowered rural and urban communities. IIRR will continue to design, deliver and scale-up locally driven disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Asia and Africa. Give2Asia commits to continue donor education efforts on DRR, support its network of local DRR implementers, and integrate DRR into disaster recovery efforts.

As a general sentiment, IIRR and Give2Asia consider the Sendai Framework as another victory for the global community in putting disaster risk reduction and building community resilience as a top development priority that cuts across nations in the North and in the South. IIRR and Give2Asia also recognize the expanding understanding of the framework agreement with regards to disaster risk reduction as indicated by the increasing mention of (1) new hazards stemming from health, technology and conflict; (2) the inclusion of women, children, young people, indigenous people and persons with disabilities; and (3) the significant role of the private sector in promoting disaster risk reduction.

While this is a significant development, IIRR and Give2Asia believe the framework agreement would have been better if it included global targets that seek to increase global financial investment in disaster risk reduction, which is at the moment skewed to disaster response and relief. Secondly, while the Sendai Framework recognizes the critical role of States and local authorities, it offers unclear actions in supporting States and governments to deliver their commitments. In this light, we call on governments and civil society alike to:

1. Review existing and adopt national platforms on disaster risk reduction that includes (a) increased financial investments, (b) increased support for local authorities (c) social inclusion of elderly, children and youth, women and persons with disabilities (PWD)s in the DRR process
2. Develop and implement capacity building programs for local authorities, local NGOs and community leaders, equipping them with both knowledge and skills to facilitate and sustain local disaster risk reduction.
3. Create and develop financial mechanisms where local community organizations can access funds to incubate and support innovative local disaster risk reduction and management approaches.
4. Develop mechanisms to provide incentives for the private sector to integrate disaster risk reduction into the way they do business as well as increase financial support for disaster risk reduction in the communities in which they work.
5. Continue and strengthen the implementation of safe schools by (a) stopping the practice of using public schools as disaster evacuation centers which is affecting the quality of public education and by (b) building adequate and safe evacuation centers in strategic places in the most at risk communities.
6. Develop strategies that maximize disaster response and recovery, including "building back better" elements to address the underlying causes of disaster risks.

Signed on March 30, 2015 by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) and Give2Asia.

ABOUT IIRR & GIVE2ASIA

The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) is a community development and hands-on training and research organization with more than 50 years of experience. IIRR has implemented people-centered, sustainable development programs in Africa, Latin America and Asia; today, it maintains a strong presence in East Africa and Southeast Asia implementing programs that are locally-relevant, tailored, and community-driven. IIRR has been in the business of building the capacities of people taking control of their disaster risks while pursuing sustainable, equitable and just communities. IIRR has championed community-managed DRR in East Africa and in Asia since 2007.

Give2Asia is a US-based non-profit that engages the private sector and philanthropic communities in DRR activities and integrates DRR into international disaster response efforts. Since 2001, Give2Asia has built a comprehensive network of local charitable groups and international funders that granted over $250 million in support to over 2,000 charitable groups in 25 Asian countries in diverse fields such as education, health, livelihood and disaster. Give2Asia carries out its work with local experts in each country to help build donor education and trust as critical pieces to successful international philanthropy.