Stakeholders consultation workshop on disaster recovery planning

Considering that “disasters are inevitable in countries with high vulnerability index” such as Bangladesh, more options to further reduce the impacts of disaster are important. “Building back better” after a disaster is one of those options – seizing the opportunity to correct the limitations and failures of previous practices, policies, and programs during the recovery phase. In particular, recovery offers opportunity to make infrastructures, communities, and livelihoods resilient. In recognition of the critical role of recovery, the Second World Reconstruction Conference (WRC2) indicated that “recovery must be viewed as part of a continuum, inseparable from preparedness, response, mitigation, and sustainable development”. Additionally, the conference advocated for the “institutionalization of recovery as a means to risk reduction and sustainable development, and better define and measure outcomes”.

This initiative is expected to address the limitations in the current plans and programs on disaster management. For instance, the National Plan for Disaster Management (NPDM) 2010-15 does not specify in details the definitions and actions for early recovery, rehabilitation, or reconstruction. In fact, there is no mention of “building back better” or integration of risk reduction into recovery processes. To help facilitate effective recovery, a whole of government approach – where risk management and risk sensitive recovery is required – must be advocated by the GoB. In this context, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) proactively explores mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in recovery planning processes and operations.

Anticipating that the GoB will need some technical assistance in the areas of the recovery, the International Recovery Platform (IRP) can facilitate a Workshop on Disaster Recovery Planning in collaboration with Institute of Strategic Recovery Studies for Disaster Resilience and Research (ISRSDRR) and Ministry of Disaster Management & Relief (MoDMR), Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. According to the lessons shared at the Second World Reconstruction Conference, (Washington DC, 10-12 September 2014), opportunities for mainstreaming longer term resilience are ripest in the aftermath of a big disaster, countries have not always been able to capitalize fully on these opportunities. This Disaster Recovery Planning workshop aims at creating the foundation for promoting resilient recovery and paving the way for sustainable development in Bangladesh.