The crucial role of disaster risk governance in reducing vulnerability and exposure to hazards

The exercise of governance and particularly the explicit attention it gives to risks in a society greatly influences the nature of socio-economic vulnerabilities and the extent of people’s exposure to hazards in the region. Some elements of governance covered in this chapter include legislative and policy frameworks, decentralization of authority and capacities, assigned and recognized accountabilities and adaptive governance. These elements share common traits while also reflecting the contexts and implementation particularities of individual countries and areas. Although there is substantial work already undertaken in the region for improving risk governance, more efforts are still required to ensure that policies and practice actually reduce the risks facing people and economies. If not addressed, they can certainly lead to ever more serious impacts of disasters.

Related Subject(s): Environment and Climate Change