Report on governance and accountability of the Hyogo Framework for Action: the European perspective

This report examines the key findings of the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group on Governance and Accountability’s review of best practices in disaster risk reduction as presented in the most recent reports prepared by 25 countries of national progress against the goals and objectives of the Hyogo Framework for Action. The EFDRR Governance Working Group conducted research at national level on legislation and priorities for the implementation of DRR within the framework of “risk governance”. To comprehend the governance policies on disaster risk reduction of different countries, an examination of legislatures, administrations, legal systems, property rights, and political and financial institutions helps to assess the actors responsible for transparency and accountability of disaster risk reduction work. Within the scope of “good enough risk governance”, the importance of capacities and structures of central and local administrations should be emphasized. It is crucial to take into consideration DRR work in the unique national context. However, across national settings the following factors are characteristics of risk governance: accountability, legality, impartiality, transparency, participation, coordination, subsidiarity, effectiveness, and education-awareness and must be taken into account by central and local governments in respect of disaster risk reduction.