ITP DRM MSB – Disaster Risk Management.

Results reporting for 2023 of the MSBs ITP 321 in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) highlights several promising results to the programme's learning objectives and from change initiatives that support ITP participants and their organisations to enhance the further development of DRM systems in the partner countries. These results link to relevant contextual factors, successes and challenges in relation to the respective change initiatives per country and organisations. So far, ITP 321 has accepted 175 participants from 39 organisations comprised of representatives from governments, NGOs, Academia, UN and private sector. The mixture of these stakeholders within the ITP reflects one of the programmes core objectives of fostering collaboration among relevant entities in DRM. In total 102 accepted participants have completed the ITP, with 41% are women. ITP DRM under 2023 continued with the programme training provided to participants from Bangladesh, Nepal and The Philippines and focus on 4 cycles. Cycle/Cohort 4 completed their learning journey with online webinars and a national meet-up in the spring. Cycle/Cohort 5 had their training week in Stockholm where participants had a simulation exercise, communication workshops, study visits, DRM-discussions and an introduction to the Swedish crisis management system. Cycle/cohort 6 started their participating in the programme in the Autumn and had a national meet-up late November. These national meet-ups for Cycles 4 and 6 have become increasingly popular, and to some extent the very core of the ITP. Cycle/Cohort 7 participants were recruited by December. In total, 29 ITP participants were accepted and 28 participants completed the programme in 2023.  The main targeted outcomes of the ITP 321 is that government disaster risk management organisations, civil society, academic and private sector organisations that have participated in the ITP will have increased cooperation and information sharing in relation to disaster risk management information and sharing of experiences. Organisations will have key individuals with strengthened capacity (increased knowledge, skills and changed behaviour) to support organisational performance and outputs for disaster risk management. These have been the programs learning objectives for the training. MSB continued to apply their three ITP principles in programming and reaching results/changes: Partnership approach, Change and Flexibility, and Local Adaptation. The main results attributed to this ITP programme for 2023 focusing on the mission to have organisations obtaining strengthened capacity to prevent and prepare for different disaster risks as well as enhancing the further development of DRM systems in the partner countries are mainly drawn upon learning and change initiatives per countries and actors: Bangladesh In 2023, ITP 321 participants from Bangladesh worked on 5 different change initiatives. They contributed to improved DRM planning and response practices, increased awareness of gender and human rights and strengthened coordination amongst stakeholders. - Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) had their change initiative (CI) focused on improving disaster management in Bangladesh by including the internal displacement of communities affected by disasters in the damage assessment and reporting procedures conducted by the MoDMR. The goal was to fill the gaps in response planning and ensure accurate beneficiary information for humanitarian response activities. Through collaborative efforts and consensus-building, the participants advocated for policy-level change to include options for collecting information on IDPs in the damage assessments used by MoDMR. If institutionalized and implemented by stakeholders, the CI holds the potential of impacting the humanitarian response activities in Bangladesh by targeting the needs of the most vulnerable during disasters. - Department of Disaster Management (DDM) with participants in cycle 4 and 5 focused their CIs on spatial mapping of flash flood risks areas and vulnerable population in the Sunamganj district and respectively a new way of mapping disasters in their GIS-system, and thereby improving the effectiveness of disaster planning and responses. The first CI on mapping the risk areas and vulnerable population aiming at an implementation of a disaster insurance model tailored to meet the specific risks faced by the vulnerable communities in the areas. The second CI on mapping disasters focused on categorising Bangladesh into zones according to the geographical location and type of disaster, the participants were able to identify vulnerable districts as well as identifying the risk of multiple hazards occurring. Furthermore, the vulnerability mapping helped identify bottlenecks and gaps in the response system, as well as helping DDM re-plan their resource distribution across the country. For example, the mapping allows for the prioritization of resources to be based on the level of vulnerability, instead of size of population, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed. - The INGOs - BDRCS, IFRC and American Red Cross (ARC) had their participants a joint CI to address the existing vulnerabilities in the camp settlements in the Coxs Bazar with approximately 1 million Rohingya refugees have been living in temporary settlements since 2017. In an attempt to extend the multi-hazard risk management efforts in the camps, the participants engaged with youth/adolescent and women groups to train them into Change Agents of multi-hazard risk management. In total, around 3000 individuals across all 33 camps received training. These change agents represent diverse social groups and acts as camp volunteers, through BDRCS and IFRC, to strengthen their communities resilience. The CI has strengthened the collective collaboration between partner organizations and the Government as well as professional partnership between agencies, with an increased focus to mainstream gender and human rights and environmental and climate change in all stages of the DRM cycle. - Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS) with the participants CI aimed at improving the resilience of Bangladeshs Boat Dwelling Community to climate change and natural disasters. These floating communities are nomadic with no established rights over land or in local or national politics, and lives below the poverty line. The change initiative evolved from focusing on floating wash centres, to include disaster risk management training tailored to the community, especially women. This comprehensive approach enhanced the communitys disaster preparedness and strengthened resilience, raised awareness of gender issues during hazards, and helped minimize the communitys losses and damages by introducing early warning systems and mitigation trainings. The Philippines During 2023, participants from the Philippines worked with 9 different change initiatives. Their CIs contributed to: improved use of DRM funds; integrating anticipatory actions in DRRM; enhanced awareness of DRR-CCA measures; improved report writing; developed anticipatory action DRM-module for children; increased DRM-knowledge across local communities; enhanced private sector involvement in DRM planning. - The CIs from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in cycle 4 and 5 focused on: i) addressing challenges related to the utilization of local disaster risk reduction and management funds in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. A guidebook for elected officials, providing guidance on maximizing local DRRM funds was developed with the long-term objective to improve the effectiveness of local DRRM activities and minimizing the impacts of disasters on communities by emphasising on better use of local DRRM funds. In addition, an enhanced monitoring mechanism was initiated to increase accountability; ii) integrating anticipatory actions in Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), particularly disaster preparedness and response. The participants from OCD joined the National Technical Working group for Anticipatory Action in DRRM to draft policies and legislations. While the proposed legislation Declaration of State Imminent Disaster Act has to pass in order for Anticipatory Action to be included in the Philippines DRRM plans on national level, the partnership amongst OCD and relevant DRRM stakeholders have been strengthened. - Iloilo City Government - The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office participants had their CI addressed the lack of awareness and prioritization of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption (DRR-CCA) measures in Iloilo City. By educating committee members of local governmental units, community leaders, academia, private institutions the CI sought to strengthen the overall community resilience. The CI had a participatory approach in their engagement with the community, emphasising the importance on implementing and advocating DRR-CCA measures. The CI has the potential to influence policy planning and decision-making through increased awareness among participants. - International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had one participant with a CI aimed to enhance humanitarian reporting by integrating gender and diversity perspectives, increasing awareness among reporting offices and encouraging inclusive language. Taking on the role as gender and diversity champion, the participant continuously strives to raise awareness amongst her colleagues. - Save the Children Philippines and Local Government Academy joined in cycle 4 and 5 with one CI focused on fostering meaningful engagement of children and youth in DRRM practices. The direct impact of involving children and youth was evident in heightened awareness and enhanced capacities amongst participants of the training activities and empowered local governmental units to address the specific vulnerabilities children face before, during and after emergencies. Moreover, the capacity building was reciprocal, as the stakeholder needs assessments and lessons learned were seamlessly integrated into local DRM plans. The direct outcome of this CI is that the specific needs of children per age groups are now considered in the local DRRM plan of LGUs in municipalities of Malolos, Pasig, Alitagtag and Rosario. The other CI crafted a child-centred anticipatory action module focusing on disaster preparedness and response, particularly in vulnerable communities prone to natural disasters. Through the networking opportunities provided through ITP, the Office of Civil Defence took interest in adopting the module to the community. - The Center for Disaster Preparedness (CDP) also had their CI on implementing a child-centred anticipatory action (CCAA) by strengthened capacity of risk assessment and an active children involvement in the decision-making process and contribution to the anticipatory action planning. The CDP partnering with two civil society organisations Notre Dame Jolo College and Nagdilaab Foundation alongside Save the Children to empower three diverse communities was recognised valuable resource for community capacity building. - The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation(PDRF) joined cycle 4 and 5 with their participants working on two CIs. The first CI focused on integrating climate change adaption (CCA) practices into the strategic plans and programs of the PDRF and engaging the private sector in adopting these practices. The PDRF has been able to influence donors and local communities and member companies to embrace a more sustainable and environmentally friendly DRRM-approach and to incorporate the CCA practices into their long-term strategic plans and policies. The other CI addressed the gap and challenge of integrating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for local and national government agencies to better plan and integrate MSMEs into community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) plans. Nepal The results in 2023 for Nepal from 6 different CIs contributed to: enhanced effectiveness of local DRM-activities; DRM-plans tailored for school children and teachers; enhanced DRM-awareness through capacity building; increased collaboration between governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society; sustainable and resilient business practices. - From the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), the participants focused their CI on identified a gap in the national DRM system and how to integrate an inclusive disaster risk management perspective in Nepals DRM policies. Unfortunately the participants were not able to work on CI completely. - Participants from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) had their CI focused on developing a Local Disaster and Climate Resilience Framework (LDCRF), aiming at facilitating the implementation of DRM activities at local level and addressing the challenges of lacking simplified legal documents and local coordination. By simplifying and improving decision making at the local governmental level and optimizing local resources and budgets, the CI helps enhancing community resilience to disasters and climate change effects. - Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS): Nepal being prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, flooding and landslides, rural and marginalized communities in remote areas are especially vulnerable. The participants from NRCS focused their CI on improving DRM planning for schools in the Doti and Baitadi districts, western Nepal. Utilizing experiential learning campaigns, children were actively involved in understanding DRM, social inclusion and climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of these concepts. The CI yielded DRM plans tailored to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities within the school community, integrating climate-smart strategies to mitigate risks effectively. Capacity-building activities were conducted to equip teachers and children with fundamental knowledge regarding preparedness measures in DRM, further strengthening their ability to respond to disasters effectively. - National Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (NDRRC), Enterprise for Management, Economic Reform and Gender Equality (EMERGE), Tangent Waves joined together in their CI focusing on promoting sustainable and resilient business practices that embrace the perspectives of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM). To raise awareness, promote and train stakeholders on the importance of business continuity plans the group created a series of events called The Bamboo Series (TBS). These reoccurring events have been one of a kind in Nepal, with stakeholders from the government, civil society and private sectors come together to discuss the importance of business continuity plans and women entrepreneurship. The integration of GESI and environmental considerations signifies a shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable business practice, which requires sustained strategic collaborations and continuous policy advocacy for ensuring the long-term goal of contributing to the broader societal resilience. - SmartPaani pvt. Ltd & Rooster Logic pvt. Ltd had participants from the two private organisations addressed the challenge of accessing safe drinking water during and after disasters. By focusing on building disaster-resilient water systems in schools, the school children benefit both pre- and post-disaster. In addition, locating the disaster-resilient centres in schools allowed for additional training and awareness raising on safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. The participants share stories from the community reflecting behavioural change amongst school children, as the interest of filtered drinking water has increased. A total of 20 schools received installed drinking water systems, reaching approximately 6000 students. - Institute of Crisis Management Studies (ICMS), Samarpan Academy, Tribhuvan University, represented with participants from the academia. They focused their CI on increasing the general awareness Geographical Information System (GIS) plays in DRRM and how it can be used to improve existing disaster risk planning. Key results include enhanced community understanding, improved disaster planning and response, and empowerment through knowledge dissemination. By engaging with multiple actors at community level, the ITP participants were able to connect across various sectors and advocate the importance of inclusive GIS planning. Cambodia The results from 3 different change initiatives in cycle 4 in 2023 contributed to policy recommendation for flood response; capacity building of health staff; enhanced use of early warning systems. Government Disaster Risk Management organisations. - The Ministry of Economy and Finance had participants working with the CI addressing Cambodias lack of a permanent mechanism to respond to flood emergencies by developing a a policy recommendation. The participant had difficulties finishing their CI with many other pending tasks and responsibilities. However, when completed the policy recommendation will serve as a first step in supporting the government to develop future policies to respond to flood emergencies. - The Ministry of Healths participants had a CI aimed at strengthening the health system at national and provincial level by training health staff in Disaster Preparedness and Response. While the impact from this CI is yet to be shown, the capacity building of health staff shows promises in making Cambodias health centres more disaster resilient. - World Food Programme (WFP) worked with a CI focused on addressing Cambodia's vulnerability to climate-related hazards, particularly among poor and near-poor households, through strengthening disaster risk management capacities. The initiative aimed to enhance the utilization of  climate risk and early warning systems by national and sub-national disaster management officials, thereby improving preparedness, response, and coordination. According to the participant, the ITP training influenced the updated version of the Platform for Real-time Impact Situating and Monitoring (PRISM).

MSB has developed an ITP with disaster risk management as the overall thematic focus. Organisations will have strengthened capacity to manage disaster risk through increased flow and sharing of risk and vulnerability assessment data on different levels. Should a disaster strike the different stakeholders will share response information and needs assessment data and participate in coordination mechanisms. Recovery will be designed and implemented considering disaster risk by the organisations who having participated in the ITP. Gender and environment will be mainstreamed to informing decision making in disaster risk management. Government disaster risk management organisations, civil society and academia organisations having participated in the ITP will have increased cooperation and information sharing in relation to disaster risk management information and experience sharing. Organisations will have key individuals that have strengthened capacity (increased knowledge, skills and changed behaviour) to support strengthened organisational performance and outputs for disaster risk management. More specifically, the ITP will contribute to the vision and mission by supporting ITP participants and their organisations to enhance the further development of DRM systems in the partner countries.