Disaster Risk Management Frameworks and Standards
This domain tests your command of the international DRR architecture and your ability to map national or local action to specific priorities, targets and standards. You should know the Sendai Framework’s structure and how it relates to the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and humanitarian standards.
Core rules and concepts
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 is voluntary and has four priorities: understanding disaster risk; strengthening disaster risk governance; investing in DRR for resilience; and enhancing preparedness for effective response and “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
- Its seven global targets cover reducing mortality, affected people, economic loss and infrastructure damage, and increasing national and local DRR strategies, international cooperation and access to multi-hazard early warning and risk information.
- The Hyogo Framework for Action was the predecessor. Sendai aligns with the SDGs and Paris Agreement but is not legally binding.
- Relevant standards include the Sphere Handbook for humanitarian response, IASC guidance for coordination and protection, and national DRM laws and plans.
Worked example
A city adopts a resilience strategy with zoning reform, drainage investment and a community warning system. Zoning and drainage map to Sendai Priority 3, investing in DRR for resilience. The warning system maps to Priority 4, preparedness. Adopting and publishing the strategy supports Target E on national and local DRR strategies. The strategy also contributes to Target G on multi-hazard early warning. The reasoning matters: a single activity can serve several priorities, but the mapping must be explicit and not claim that Sendai is legally binding.
Traps that cost marks
- Describing Sendai as legally binding.
- Confusing Priority 4 with recovery only; it also covers preparedness.
- Mixing up Target A mortality with Target B affected people.
- Treating “Build Back Better” as a standalone framework rather than a Sendai recovery principle.
- Citing standards without saying what they require.