International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
13 October 2004

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"Learning from today’s disasters for tomorrow’s hazards"
2004 World Disaster Reduction Campaign

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) aims at increasing public awareness to understand risk, vulnerability and disaster reduction globally. In order to achieve this, the ISDR unites international agencies, non-governmental organizations, government representatives, local decision makers, scientists, educators and local communities to work together; in order to generate more widespread commitment to and better understanding of disaster reduction.

TOrganized by the Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR), the annual World Disaster Reduction Campaign is qn opportunity for these actors to interact and bring more people to learn about disaster risk reduction. The Campaign builds momentum and culminates in the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, whereby it is celebrated internationally by global organizations, regional institutions and local communities alike.

In 2004 the International Day for Disaster Reduction will be commemorated on Wednesday 13 October.

There are numerous ways to spread the word about the importance of disaster reduction. Learning about what you can do to reduce risk and vulnerability to disasters can be fun – whether it takes place in the classroom, during community gatherings or at home. The International Day for Disaster Reduction is the ideal opportunity to plan events to raise public awareness and share knowledge.

Here are some ideas of what you can do:

  • Organize roundtable of local leaders reflecting on lessons learned from past disasters
  • Hold a community festival that allows people to share “good practices” in disaster reduction
  • Write an article for a local newspaper on imminent hazards and what can be done to prepare for them

Other ways to participate in the global movement for disaster risk reduction include the translation/adaption of the educational kit “Let’s learn to prevent disasters!” and Riskland game as well as participation in the UN/ISDR international art contest.

Disaster Data Base

  • Disaster of the Week
  • Global Disaster Database

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