Although it is widely accepted that sharing lessons and exchanging knowledge is useful in order to contribute to improved strategies and policies, little is known in terms of best practices and what works in relation to disaster risk reduction, mitigation, reducing vulnerability and effective risk management. It is on this premise that DARA has decided to develop the Disaster Risk Reduction Initiative (DRRI).

Haiti ©Marko Kokic

Hyogo Framework of Action
With the DRRI, DARA aims to contribute to improving strategic and practical measures that will address progress, advances and also difficulties in relation to goals, objectives and priorities set out under the Hyogo Framework for Action.

Improving preparedness
The DRRI is an attempt to disseminate and share lessons to a wider audience, including governments, international and national organisations, as well as affected populations. The Initiative primarily focuses on developing instruments that identify and describe experiences and propose actions on how to improve preparedness. The Initiative also aims to support governments, civil society organisations, community-based organisations, as well as regional networks and international organisations, in identifying ways of improving their DRR-related interventions.

Reduction of disaster impact
It is the overall aim of the DRRI that the sharing of lessons learned awareness and increased accountability towards local populations will contribute to a reduction of the impact of natural hazards in the most vulnerable local communities in the targeted countries.