Statutory and policy-based eco-disaster risk reduction in SADC member states

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Disaster Management
• Policy Analysis

Background:

• Disaster losses highlight the need for effective legislative frameworks in hazard and disaster management.
• Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) is a growing global and local policy concern.
• Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states face significant disaster losses, necessitating policy review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the implementation, strengths, and gaps of Eco-DRR policies in SADC member states.
• To critically examine the formulation of disaster risk management (DRM) policies and their underlying variables.
• To understand the current state of Eco-DRR integration within DRM strategies in the SADC region.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature survey to contextualize and conceptualize Eco-DRR policies.
• Reviewed academic literature, journal articles, and SADC official documents including policies, acts, legislation, strategies, frameworks, and plans.
• Analyzed policy implementation and identified key variables in DRM policy-making.

Main Results:

• Eco-DRR approaches are largely not mainstreamed into standard DRM practices in most SADC states, often relying on ad hoc measures.
• Short-term plans and strategies lack clarity on funding and program priorities.
• Inconsistent policy updates and a deficiency in follow-up mechanisms were observed in several member states.

Conclusions:

• Eco-DRR must be integrated into strategies and plans, standardizing ecosystem-based measures for disaster risk reduction.
• Empowering existing institutions and fostering SADC-driven networks are essential.
• There is a clear regional interest and demand for applying standardized ecosystem-based approaches and natural infrastructure solutions for Eco-DRR.