Introduction The importance of urban risk assessments in reducing vulnerabilities and risks cannot be over emphasized. There is a growing need to link science with practice to support policy and plan formulation and implementation at the local level. However, challenges in the conduct of risk assessments and application of results or findings abound. 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 1
Challenges in Urban Risk Assessment Lack of data, or lack of updated data No existing database for DRR-related data-- Source of data came from various departments and offices Available data are not stored in digital format 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 2
Cont.. Challenges Lack of internal technical capacity for risk assessments Technical consultants working independently from stakeholders in analysis part 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 3
An international scientific organization dedicated to the reduction of disaster risk in complex metropolises Resilient Cities 2013 4 th Global Forum on Urban Resilience and Adaptation Integrated Urban Risk Assessment: Bridging the knowledge-action divide 31 May 02 June Bonn, Germany A Overcoming Challenges in Urban Risk Assessments Through a Participatory Process Violeta Somera-Seva Senior Advisor, Makati City General Secretary,Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative A member of the U.N. Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
Cont.. Challenges Laymanizing findings for use of decision-makers and planners Communicating the risks to the community 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 5
Engagement of experts, stakeholders from the public as well as private sectors both local and international provides an excellent opportunity to overcome such challenges and eventually transfer scientific knowledge to practical application in building resilient cities. 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 6
Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI) An International Scientific Organization with the Mission To advance the knowledge, experience, and implementation of Urban Disaster Risk Reduction in megacities and fast growing metropolises. City Partners: East Asia: Kobe, Manila, Shanghai, Seoul, Tianjin, Jakarta South & Central Asia: Mumbai, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Tashkent, Beijing Americas: Bogota, Los Angeles, Mexico, Quito, Lima Euro-Mediterranean: Naples, Istanbul, Tehran, Cairo Phl: MMDA, Pasig, Makati, Marikina, Quezon City Operating Globally Organized as a not-for-profit organization in the Philippines www.emi-megacities.org 3/25/2012 Earthquake Findings 7
EMI Experience Partner cities in the Philippines: Quezon City, Makati City Pasig City Experiences in Risk Assessment demonstrate the merits of involving a multitude of actors in participatory risk assessment. 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 8
Approaches-Methods to Overcome Challenges As employed by EMI Organize project organization-- Create a Steering Committee and a Technical Working Group that will work closely with consultants to define data gathering and analysis process. Engage various stakeholders during the development of the database and data gathering includes validation of data gathered and findings 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 9
Approaches-Methods to Overcome Challenges As employed by EMI Generation of recommended interventions for DRR from stakeholders through a participatory process Presentation of findings and recommendations in simple laymanized manner to decisionmakers and communities 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 10
Makati Case Study Makati Risk Sensitive Redevelopment Project Aims to reduce the physical as well as social and economic vulnerability of people living on top of the West Valley Fault zone City Hall engineers were assisted by local residents and inspected 1,200 structures Residents were engaged all through out project planning 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 11
Inspection of EQ High Risk Buildings and Barangay Consultation Activities 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 12
Inspection of Buildings 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 13
Social Vulnerability Index Rating of Households 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 14
Makati Case Study Makati Risk Sensitive Redevelopment Project HVRA led to: Formulation of a 10-year redevelopment plan to rehouse the residents and convert affected land int o fault zone park Improving the emergency management planning trainings Traffic management improvement 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 15
Pasig City Resilience to Earthquakes and Floods Project Parts of Pasig City are along the West Valley Fault and has its share of flood prone areas. The HVRA was undertaken with participation from City Hall staff, barangay residents and the private sector, and scientific organizations It developed a sense of ownership among the stakeholders and raised their level of awareness about the hazards, vulnerabilities and risks they face. 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 16
Pasig City Resilience to Earthquakes and Floods Project HVRA led to prioritizing interventions to reduce risks in Pasig City, such as: Flood control projects Updating of risk-sensitive land use plan and zoning ordinances Information, education and communication materials Emergency management trainings Early warning systems upgrade Emergency operation center modernization 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 17
Understanding Earthquake Hazards and Risks Pasig City, Philippines 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 18
Understanding Vulnerability to Floods in Pasig City, Philippines 6/4/2013 HVRA Examples (2013 EMI) 19
Quezon City, Philippines Building a Disaster Resilient Quezon City Project Quezon City is the largest component city of Metro Manila with a population of over 2 Million. The HVRA shall serve as the scientific basis to mainstream disaster risk reduction into the regular processes of the city. The deep involvement of staff brought about knowledge transfer and more importantly built trust amongst the players. Various dep t staff were brought together to a common platform where they could share data and ideas. 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 20
Quezon City, Philippines Building a Disaster Resilient Quezon City Project HVRA will lead to: Mainstreaming in the development planning processes of the city, including, but not limited to: Comprehensive Land Use Plan City Development Plan Local Development Investment Plan Annual Investment Plan Establishing international standards of practice in the existing emergency management system 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 21
Identifying Earthquake Hazards in Quezon City, Philippines 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 22
Understanding Flood Hazards and Risks in Quezon City, Philippines 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 23
Conclusion Urban risk assessments are not the sole domain of the scientists. It is best to involve as many stakeholders as possible to develop ownership by the individual actors. Such interactions could lead to better decisions to reduce risks in cities. 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 24
Maraming salamat po! Contact info@emi-megacities.org http://www.emi-megacities.org 6/4/2013 EMI 2013 25