2nd International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

Last Updated on April 22, 2019 by Bharat Saini

The 2nd International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (IWDRI), held on 19–20 March 2019 in New Delhi, was a collaborative event organized by India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the Global Commission on Adaptation. This event brought together experts from 33 countries representing a wide range of sectors, including multilateral development banks, private industries, academia, policy think tanks, and other stakeholders. The goal was to discuss and develop strategies for creating resilient infrastructure in response to the growing risks posed by climate change and natural disasters.

Objectives of IWDRI 2019

The IWDRI 2019 focused on several key objectives aimed at fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing:

1. Identifying Good Practices in Disaster Risk Management (DRM): Experts discussed successful disaster risk management strategies in key infrastructure sectors, including transport, energy, telecom, and water.
2. Promoting Collaborative Research on Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (DRI): Participants identified potential areas for collaborative research in DRI, particularly focusing on key infrastructure sectors that are most vulnerable to natural disasters.
3. Developing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): A major focus was on outlining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an initiative announced by India following the 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. The CDRI is envisioned as a global partnership to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
4. Addressing Financial and Insurance Challenges for Infrastructure: Discussions also focused on the practical issues surrounding the finance and insurance of resilient infrastructure, recognizing that the long-term benefits of investing in disaster-resilient projects could save significant costs in recovery and rebuilding after disasters.

Inaugural Address by Key Leaders

Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, delivered the inaugural address. He emphasized the importance of urban resilience, noting that “As millions of people continue to move to towns and cities in the near future, urban resilience will be key for sustainability.” He stressed the need for collaboration between state governments and the private sector, pointing out that local-level implementation is crucial for achieving disaster resilience.

K. Singh, Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission of India, in his special address, highlighted the need for collective action on resilient infrastructure, urging stakeholders to work together to find people-centric solutions that ensure both short- and long-term resilience to disasters.

Key Takeaways from IWDRI 2019

The workshop produced several important insights and action items for future collaboration:

1. Good Practices in Key Sectors:
   • Participants identified successful disaster risk management strategies in critical infrastructure sectors such as transport, energy, telecom, and water. These practices highlighted how infrastructure resilience can significantly reduce the risks posed by natural disasters, ensuring that vital services are maintained during and after crises.
2. Innovative Technologies and Nature-Based Solutions:
   • The workshop explored emerging technologies and nature-based solutions for infrastructure resilience in the context of climate change. Discussions included how green infrastructure (like floodplain restoration or stormwater management systems) and renewable energy sources can play a critical role in disaster risk reduction (DRR).
3. Example: Nature-based solutions, such as mangrove forests to protect coastal infrastructure, were highlighted as cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategies for reducing storm surge and erosion impacts.
4. Financing and Insurance for Resilient Infrastructure:
   • Participants addressed the practical challenges related to the financing and insurance of resilient infrastructure projects. Recognizing that initial investments in resilient infrastructure can reduce long-term economic losses, the event explored innovative finance mechanisms like green bonds and disaster risk insurance, ensuring that countries and institutions are better prepared for recovery.
5. Advancing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI):
   • IWDRI 2019 set the stage for moving forward with the CDRI initiative at a global level. The CDRI is designed to be a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity development, helping countries and organizations develop, maintain, and operate disaster-resilient infrastructure systems. The workshop produced a notional roll-out plan for the next three years, which will guide the CDRI’s activities and global engagement strategy.
6. Fact: According to a 2018 World Bank report, every $1 spent on building disaster-resilient infrastructure could save $4 in recovery and reconstruction costs, underscoring the long-term benefits of investing in resilient infrastructure.

International Agreements Supporting Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure

The workshop underscored the importance of aligning infrastructure resilience efforts with international frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015–2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR):
   • The Sendai Framework is the first major international agreement of the post-2015 development agenda, placing a strong emphasis on investing in disaster risk reduction (DRR) to build resilience. The framework encourages governments to “build back better” in recovery and reconstruction, making resilient infrastructure a priority for disaster-prone regions.
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
   • The SDGs, particularly Goal 9, recognize the critical role of disaster-resilient infrastructure in driving economic growth and sustainable development. By investing in resilient infrastructure, countries can not only protect against disasters but also foster sustainable development and innovation.
3. Research Insight: Disaster-resilient infrastructure contributes to the achievement of SDG targets related to the reduction of mortality, the number of people affected, and economic losses due to disasters.

Key Strategies for Achieving Sustainability in Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (DRI)

Three important principles or “mantras” were identified during the workshop for achieving sustainability in disaster-resilient infrastructure:

1. Focus on the Poor and Vulnerable:
   • The workshop emphasized the need to prioritize vulnerable populations when developing resilient infrastructure. Economically disadvantaged communities are often the most affected by disasters, and ensuring their protection through resilient infrastructure is key to inclusive development.
2. Inclusive Approach with Multiple Stakeholders:
   • Achieving resilient infrastructure requires collaboration across sectors, including government agencies, private companies, multilateral institutions, and local communities. The IWDRI highlighted the importance of creating partnerships that involve all relevant stakeholders in the design, financing, and operation of resilient infrastructure.
3. Proactive Engagement with Global Processes:
   • Infrastructure resilience efforts should be proactively aligned with global disaster risk reduction processes. The workshop highlighted the need for continuous collaboration with international frameworks, such as the SFDRR and SDGs, to ensure global progress in reducing disaster risks and protecting infrastructure.

Conclusion

The International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (IWDRI) 2019 was a crucial step in advancing global discussions on how to build and maintain infrastructure that can withstand the growing risks of natural disasters. With contributions from experts across the world, IWDRI 2019 emphasized the importance of collaborative research, innovative technologies, and proactive financing strategies to create resilient infrastructure. The event also laid the groundwork for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which aims to be a global hub for knowledge exchange and capacity-building on this critical issue.

By aligning infrastructure resilience efforts with international frameworks like the Sendai Framework and SDGs, countries can not only reduce disaster-related losses but also promote sustainable development for all.

For more information on the CDRI and its initiatives, visit NDMA’s website or the UNDRR’s resource page.