Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015

Definition

Resilience: “The ability of a system, community, or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions.” UNISDR. Geneva 2009.

Introduction

Every year, millions of people, their livelihood, and assets are affected by droughts, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, wildland fires, and other hazards. In early 2010, the earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, China, caused more than 300,000 casualties, and the volcanic eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano paralyzed the air traffic and trade in Europe for almost 1 week. This reminds all how vulnerable people are to natural hazards and related disasters, and the respect that society needs to give to nature and its related hazardous phenomena.

Increased population densities, environmental degradation, and global warming adding to poverty...