Disaster Risk Reduction Day -- 13 October 2023
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. Held every 13 October, the day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of minimizing the risks that they face.
This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction addresses the connection between disasters and inequality, with the theme, 'Fighting inequality for a resilient future'. We know that poverty, inequality, and discrimination are consequences of growing disaster risk, leaving people more exposed and vulnerable to disasters than ever before. Unfortunately, disasters also impact the poorest more severely, cyclically growing inequality.
But there is hope for an equitable future.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework can help reduce the risk of disasters, fighting inequality at the same time. The conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity as well as the restoration of ecosystems can significantly help with climate change mitigation and adaptation, combating desertification and disaster risk reduction – all of which breed inequality. The Framework is currently being moved from agreement to action, with a human rights-based and gender-responsive implementation, including the full participation of indigenous people and local communities.
Target 11 of the Framework, specifically speaks to reducing the risk of disaster. It aims to restore, maintain and enhance nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, such as the regulation of air, water and climate, soil health, pollination and reduction of disease risk, as well as protection from natural hazards and disasters, through nature-based solutions and/or ecosystem-based approaches for the benefit of all people and nature.
Disasters are continuing to grow inequality in our world. However, a sustainable, equitable future is possible.
On #DRRDay, I challenge us all to advocate for both people & planet by supporting & urgently implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework #KMGBF as we work towards a sustainable, equitable future.#BreakTheCycle
— David Cooper (@hdavidcooper) October 13, 2023
🔗: https://t.co/5OWrMRiNJj pic.twitter.com/XjZxaTdTaU
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