Amidst these considerations, it is worth noting that cities also have the potential for positive impact in terms of national resilience and protection24. In fact, a higher density of population can be seen as advantageous in requiring less infrastructure to meet needs, and economies of scale in provision of services. Recycling of goods and water, lessened vehicle mileage and better garbage and pollution control are all signs of a well-planned, low-risk city whose commitment to sustainability can protect its rural counterparts environmentally and financially. To provide disaster-resilient infrastructure, pre-positioned emergency supplies, preparedness training and evacuation services across an entire city of diverse and ever-changing living conditions is more than an aspiration – it is possible. The 2012 World Urban Forum declared the Australian city of Canberra a Role Model for the Making Cities Resilient campaign (see next column), noting in particular the swift legislation and implementation of the Emergencies Act after bushfires devastated the city in 200425. Eight years on, the city’s Strategic Bushfire Management Plan integrates with other planning strategies and bodies including environmental, land use and community campaigns, while the local government has established over 50 Community Fire Units based on risk mapping to identify areas for protection. The engagement and mobilisation of community directly allows for an integrated approach to risk reduction that updates itself as community-based knowledge and experiences change.
Essentials for Making Cities Resilient (UNISDR)26 Essential 1: Put in place organization and coordination to understand and reduce disaster risk, based on participation of citizen groups and civil society. Build local alliances. Ensure that all departments understand their role to disaster risk reduction and preparedness. Essential 2: Assign a budget for disaster risk reduction and provide incentives for homeowners, low-income families, communities, businesses and public sector to invest in reducing the risks they face. Essential 3: Maintain up-to-date data on hazards and vulnerabilities, prepare risk assessments and use these as the basis for urban development plans and decisions. Ensure that this information and the plans for your city’s resilience are readily available to the public and fully discussed with them. Essential 4: Invest in and maintain critical infrastructure that reduces risk, such as flood drainage, adjusted where needed to cope with climate change.
Making cities resilient The Making Cities Resilient Campaign was launched by UNISDR in 2010 in response to the “tipping point” in 2010 that more people now lived in urban than rural environments. A very clear focus on risk reduction and a direct relationship of planning and expertise between implementing cities have helped this campaign to grow quickly. As of September 2012, 1061 cities were signatories to the commitment to make their city resilient. The campaign asks members to sign up to ten essentials for urban disaster risk reduction. Global research conducted with mayors and city managers in preparation for Phase 2 of the campaign, 20122015, showed that their most important essential was the first – the need for proactive organisation and coordination on the themes of urban DRR.
Essential 6: Apply and enforce realistic, risk compliant building regulations and land use planning principles. Identify safe land for low-income citizens and develop upgrading of informal settlements, wherever feasible. Essential 7: Ensure education programmes and training on disaster risk reduction are in place in schools and local communities. Essential 8: Protect ecosystems and natural buffers to mitigate floods, storm surges and other hazards to which your city may be vulnerable. Adapt to climate change by building on good risk reduction practices. Essential 9: Install early warning systems and emergency management capacities in your city and hold regular public preparedness drills. Essential 10: After any disaster, ensure that the needs of the survivors are placed at the centre of reconstruction with support for them and their community organizations to design and help implement responses, including rebuilding homes and livelihoods.
Essential 5: Assess the safety of all schools and health facilities and upgrade these as necessary. 17