Indigenous knowledge: disaster risk reduction, policy note

This policy note aims to provide a directional path for mainstreaming indigenous knowledge in disaster risk reduction by national authorities and ministries of disaster management and education, institutions of higher education in disaster management, and international and national NGOs in Asian countries. It addresses thematic areas such as: climate change and food security, rural development, urban risk reduction, gender and inclusion, mountain ecosystems, coastal zones, river basin management, water resource management, and housing.

This policy note was developed with support and comments from different professionals and practitioners in the field of disaster risk reduction. It was discussed in the International Workshop in Kyoto in July 2008, followed by the Side Event in the Kuala Lumpur Ministerial Meeting in December 2008.