Steven J. Green
School of International
& Public Affairs

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Americas
Latin American and Caribbean Center
Florida International University
Supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development,\ Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA)
“Pasantía” on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

The Latin American and Caribbean Center of Florida International University (LACC/FIU), with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of U.S Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID /OFDA) presents a one week Miami based Pasantía on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).

The Pasantía brings together professionals, technicians and leaders working in public administration, project management, non-government and international organizations, and academic institutions who have disaster risk reduction and/or climate change management responsibilities. Special consideration is given to candidates who could guide or influence their institutions toward improved disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The Pasantía bridges the gap between the conceptual and the operational and practical by combining site visits, presentations, real world observations, and discussions, taking advantage of notable DRR and CCA experiences and capabilities in South Florida. The Pasantia looks at DRR from a high level research down to community preparedness and also illustrates the private sectors corporate social responsibility of developing Emergency Plans and Business Continuity Plans. The South Florida partners include a cross section of the various sectors, city, county and state government, academia, business, and NGO’s, each with unique but complementary perspectives on both DRR and CCA. The SF partners’ participation illustrates key components of CCA/DRR. The Pasantia generates a two way exchange of experiences, to the benefit of all parties. The Pasantia follows the DRR approach promoted by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and USAID/OFDA.

During the week participants see real examples of the following topics:

Risk Identification

• Hazard & Vulnerability Assessment
• Probabilistic Risk Assessment
• Hazard monitoring and Early Warning System

Risk Reduction & Transfer

• Physical and engineering- Mitigation works
• Land-use planning and building codes
• Economic incentives for pro-mitigation behavior
• Education, training and Awareness about risks and prevention
• Self-insurance
• Disaster & emergency funds
• Protecting lifelines and critical facilities
• Insurance and reinsurance of public infrastructure and private assets

Disaster Management

• Early warning and Communication systems
• Emergency & Contingency planning
• Emergency Operation Center
• Shelter facilities and evacuation plans

Recovery

• Rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure
• Business continuity Plans
• Incorporation of disaster mitigation components in Reconstruction activities

Climate Change Adaptation

• Multisectoral taskforce
• Building risk scenarios
• Mitigation & Adaptation

There is a special emphasis on hydro-meteorological hazards (tropical cyclones, extreme weather conditions, storm surges, flooding) and climate change adaptation.

For a printable version of this document, click here.