National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2019-2030

Стратегияи миллии Ҷумҳурии Тоҷикистон оид ба паст кардани хавфи офатҳои табиӣ барои солҳои 2019-2030 Национальная стратегия Республики Таджикистан по снижению риска стихийных бедствий на 2019-2030 годы National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2019-2030 National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2019-2030 Dushanbe - 2019 27 RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN from 29 December 2018 №602 Dushanbe ON THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN FOR 2019-2030 In accordance with the article 18 of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Tajikistan «About the Government of Tajikistan» and article 9 of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan «About the protection of population and territories from emergency situations», the Government of Tajikistan declares: 1. Approve the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2019-2030 (annex attached). 2. Appoint the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense un- der the Government of Tajikistan as a coordinating authority for implementation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2019-2030. Chairman Emomali Rahmon of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan 28 Adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No.602 of 29 December 2018. NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN FOR 2019-2030 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. Tajikistan is a country highly prone to natural and other disasters. Natural disasters have an adverse effect on communities by taking a toll on human lives, destroying infrastructure and hampering future social and economic development of the country. Therefore, the adoption and implementation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for 2019-2030 (‘the Strategy’) is an important political step for Tajikistan. 2. The Strategy was designed on the strength of the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan 2030, lessons learned from implementation of the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy of Tajikistan for 2010-2015 (‘the 2010-2015 Strategy’) put into effect by the Government of Tajikistan, and in accordance with new approaches taken by the world community to address disaster risk issues, including the climate change problem outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai Framework) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. 3. The Strategy analyzes progress attained by our country in disaster risk reduction over the period 1997-2018, reviews strengths and weaknesses of the risk management process, emphasizes the role of disaster preparedness and response procedures and, based on existing problems, sets forth goals and objectives of this new disaster risk reduction strategy for Tajikistan. 2. STRATEGY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 4. The goal of the Strategy is to reduce the existing and prevent new disaster risks by strengthening the national capacity in disaster risk management. The four key objectives listed below will contribute to the achievement of this goal. The first objective is to reduce the number of deaths, persons affected and material damage caused by natural disasters as compared to the period 2005-2015. This objective will be achieved through actions including the following: - regularly review major drivers causing the loss of human lives and economic damages as a result of natural disasters; - implement risk assessments focusing both on hazards and community vulnerability to risks, identify disaster management and risk reduction 29 capacities with due regard for the gender and age dimensions and resources available, prioritizing hazards, risk factors, areas and population groups exposed to the highest risks to take risk reduction measures; - establish a database and incorporate information disaggregated by gender, age and disability in vulnerability assessments of populations exposed to hazards/risks; - develop a set of appropriate disaster risk preparedness and response measures for each type of hazards. The second objective is to ensure that all stakeholders have access to disaster risk information. This objective will be accomplished by: - establishing national and local level databases to exchange information on natural disasters that would incorporate historical data on disasters, risk assessment results, warning information, and information on disaster impacts and relief and recovery operations into a single source accessible for Government officials, at risk and disaster affected populations and all other stakeholders; - assessing technical condition of buildings and structures of educational institutions to determine their resilience to natural disasters; - introduction and active application of information and communication technologies and other innovative solutions. The third objective is aimed at mainstreaming of disaster risk management into development process. This objective will seek to: - increase funding available to local government authorities for small and medium scale risk reduction and preventive measures, with a balance between structural and non-structural approaches and an integration of cost- benefit analysis; - intensify a dialogue between public authorities and the private sector, civil society, and local communities regarding participation in disaster risk management, including empowerment of women, persons with disabilities and young people to participate in post-disaster recovery and development planning while taking into account interests and needs of different social groups; - strengthen the role of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Platform of the Republic of Tajikistan (the National Platform) in the coordination of risk reduction measures implemented by public entities in conjunction with the international community, including the Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team (REACT), streamline funding arrangements for risk reduction and set up procedures to monitor improvements in risk management; - develop, demonstrate and introduce innovative systemic environmentally friendly solutions, including ecosystem approaches to governance in rural districts, particularly in mountain ones; 30 - assess physical condition of infrastructure, including buildings and structures of educational, health and other social facilities for their resilience to disasters and accessibility for most at risk populations; - strengthen capacity and role of mass media across all stages of disaster risk management, including expansion of gender sensitive interventions to raise public knowledge and awareness about disaster risks, importance of community participation in establishment of early warning, response, recovery and development systems. The fourth objective aims at improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. This objective will seek to: - upgrade the existing preparedness and response system at all levels by defining responsibilities and areas of administration as well as streamlining planning procedures and coordination of relief and recovery measures to ensure greater transparency of decisions with a view to promotion of gender equality and development of other sectors; - establish an integrated warning system for public officials, at risk populations and other stakeholders using appropriate technologies coupled with training for recipients of such warning alerts; - develop disaster preparedness plans and interventions at local and regional levels with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders and with due regard for the particular needs of women and children, elderly persons, people with disabilities and other populations at risk; - update the damage assessment process to meet international practice; - strengthen the search and rescue capacity by improving interaction between the Specialized Search and Rescue Services Department and similar entities and enhancing their potential. 3. DISASTER RISK SITUATION: THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES §1. Historic Disaster Trends 5. Data provided by the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of Tajikistan (the Committee) indicates that Tajikistan experienced approximately 3,460 disasters in 1997-2018, or an average of one disaster every two days. 6. Mudflows have been the most common (average of 70 events per year), and most deadly (average of 35 fatalities per year) disaster in Tajikistan. This is followed by avalanches (average of 27 events and 6 fatalities per year). In most cases, mudflows and avalanches have very limited impact areas, but often occur during specific weather conditions, affecting several numerous locations at the same time. 31 7. Seismic zoning for Tajikistan ranges from 7 (very strong) to 9 (destructive) on the Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik (MSK-64) scale. An annual average of 23 earthquake-related disasters have been reported over the 1997-2018 period, with an annual average of 2 fatalities. A devastating earthquake affecting a major Tajik city can lead to a significant number of fatalities and injured and result in tremendous economic losses. 8. Disasters from 1997 to 2018 have cost of just over 589 million USD based on official damage assessment reports. Annual damage values have been converted to USD at an annual exchange rate but not been adjusted for inflation. 9. Mudflows cause the highest level of monetary losses, on average 15 million USD per year. Drought (5.4 million USD) is the second highest source of monetary losses, principally because of the 2000-2001 drought, followed by earthquakes (3.3 million USD). 10. The statistical trend for all disasters appears to be decreasing from 1997 to 2018, although the trend for mudflows has increased slightly. However, the available 22 years of data do not reflect longer term trends in disaster occurrence and significantly underrepresent the impact of less frequent midterm disasters, particularly earthquakes. In fact, no major disasters occurred in Tajikistan during that period. 11. While absolute losses may seem low, the real economic impact of even a small mudflow damaging housing and other infrastructure is significant. For example, the cost of replacing lost housing can exceed 50,000 USD. In the meanwhile, the bulk of financial burden of recovery is born by the affected families, which entails the risk of increased indebtedness and very slow recovery limiting developmental progress. §2. Localizing Disaster Impacts 12. According to the Committee, there are ten cities and districts of the country (see Table 1) where the number of disaster events (37) and fatalities (7 people) exceeds the average values in all other districts for 2005-2015 period. In terms of most affected, Rasht had at least one death on average for each disaster, while Ishkoshim had the highest number of disasters with above average fatalities. Table 1. Most affected cities and districts - Number of disasters and fatalities Cities and districts Disasters Fatalities Kulob 39 18 Rudaki 48 13 Ayni 49 22 Nurobod 53 21 Lahsh 63 43 Rasht 67 74 32 Tojikobod 69 12 Roshtqala 95 30 Shugnan 128 15 Ishkoshim 145 10 13. In terms of disaster frequency alone (i.e. including the districts where the number of fatalities is below average), the mean nationwide values were exceeded in the following cities and districts in 2005-2015: - Dushanbe City - 86 disasters; - Isfara City - 46 disasters; - Rushan District - 117 disasters; - Darvoz District - 81 disasters; - Murgab District - 50 disasters. 14. Consolidated data on disaster frequency and fatalities indicate that the two most vulnerable geographic clusters are: - The Panj drainage, including Roshtqala, Shugnan, and Ishkoshim Districts and; - The Surkhob drainage, including Rasht, Nurobod, Tojikobod and Lakhsh Districts. §3. Climate and Weather 15. Climate related hazards, particularly mudflows and avalanches, were the most significant causes of disasters between 1997 and 2018. The Third National Communication on Climate Change in Tajikistan indicates that: - average temperatures can be expected to continue to increase in the coming years; - heat waves will increase; - precipitation levels will increase and be increasingly in the form of rain rather than snow during the colder months. 16. A combination of warmer temperatures and increased rainfall in the fall and spring is expected to increase the likelihood of mudflows, which are often triggered by rain-on-snow during the spring, or by locally intense rainfall during other parts of the year. 17. The impact of changes in the climate and seasonal weather on avalanches is more complicated. The critical factor is not as much the amount of snow which falls, but whether there is a change in the weather systems which can lead to avalanche conditions. While average temperatures may be higher, winter will remain cold and below zero in many avalanche vulnerable areas of the country. 18. Drought conditions are expected to become more common due to higher temperatures leading to greater trans-evaporation and reduced snow pack. The 33 impact of drought conditions in the past has been moderated by the availability of irrigation. However, drought will have a recurrent impact on rain-fed crops, including food staples and rural livelihoods. 19. Anticipated changes to climate and weather are expected to lead to a greater incidence of mudflows and, paradoxically, drought, as well as heat waves and other severe weather conditions (e.g., hailstorms than can destroy agricultural crops). Successfully countering such climate changes would require improvement of early warning systems and existing risk management practices (e.g., with regard to mudflows and droughts) as well as development of new approaches to mitigate the impacts of heat waves and droughts and adapt to them. 20. Considering the differential impact that changes to the climate have on different regions of the country, detailed projections will have to be developed for each of the regions, the results of which will be used to plan climate change adaptation measures. § 4. Emerging Threats 21. The industrialization of Tajikistan is relatively low. Looking forward, based on current trends it appears that the scale of industrialization is increasing in Tajikistan, for instance with an increase in cement factories, food processing, small scale factories and mining. 22. Increased industrialization will create new areas of risk which have not here-to-fore been important in Tajikistan. Increased mining will increase risks from tailings dams and waste water treatment. An increase in processing industries will increase the need of a safe disposal of hazardous wastes, and in some cases, for hazardous technological processes management which will require expanded and specialized search and rescue capacities. Increased transport of hazardous materials will require changes to safety regulations and appropriately trained emergency response to accidents. 23. Another set of emerging threats comes from legacy risks. This includes existing hazardous waste “polygons” (e.g., uranium tailings, pesticide disposal sites, industrial dumps, etc.), resulting from poor hazardous waste management or storage practices in the past. While many of these sites are known to authorities, the remediation is both technically complicated and costly, in most cases beyond the means of local or national capacities. 24. An additional legacy risk arises from the replacement of Soviet-period buildings and other infrastructure due to age or structural conditions. Such legacy threats will increase as unsafe building stock is demolished and gaps in the sound local management of hazardous waste, particularly in urban areas, emerge in the absence of risk assessments and proactive risk management. 25. It is important to note that there is, as yet, no clear set of Tajik-specific data on potential impacts of these threats. Risk assessments, planning and capacity 34 building are needed to avoid these risks from leading to disasters which will exceed national capacities and lead to unnecessary harm and loss of life. 26. As the private sector is a major contributor to the industrialization process, they should be fully engaged (as opposed to the current situation) in the assessment and risk reduction process based on experience of neighboring countries. 4. AN OVERVIEW OF DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT IN TAJIKISTAN §1. Operation of the Unified State System of the Republic of Tajikistan on the Prevention and Liquidation of Emergency Situations. 27. Disaster management in Tajikistan takes place through a formal Unified State System on the Prevention and Liquidation of Emergency Situations (the Unified System) coordinated by Commissions of Emergency Situations at the national, provincial, city, district, jamoat and organizational levels. These Commissions, chaired by the most senior official at each level, include all relevant government entities as members. The commission at national level is headed by the Chairman of the Government of Tajikistan. 28. The Unified System is currently being instituted. To improve planning and disaster response it is essential that every organization has its emergency plan in place. 29. This Government structure is supported by REACT. REACT is co-chaired by the Committee Chairman and the UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan. The scope of REACT includes relief and recovery actions, preparedness and risk reduction. §2. Activities of the Coordination Authority of the Unified System 30. The Committee has a lead role in disaster preparedness and response. It supports emergency commissions at the national, provincial, city and district levels ensuring coordination of primary response. The Committee provides search and rescue support and has personnel who can perform relief and recovery tasks. The Committee has a staff training facility, a special program to monitor Lake Sarez and capacities to address chemical, biological and nuclear hazards and hail. In the future, the Committee must have a clear mandate regulating its involvement in recovery and disaster risk reduction operations. 31. A number of regulatory legal acts govern disaster management in Tajikistan. 32. The process of defining the nature of public assistance needed for recovery falls within the competence of the State Commission of the Government of Tajikistan on Emergency Situations. This responsibility can be delegated to different government agencies or to subsidiary Commissions at the province or district levels. 35 5. OUTCOMES AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2010-2015 STRATEGY §1. Outcomes of the 2010-2015 Strategy. 33. The National Platform Secretariat led by the Committee monitored implementation of the 2010-2015 Strategy. 34. Analysis undertaken by the Committee indicates that the levels of implementation of the action plan for the five components of the 2010-2015 Strategy were as follows: - Component 1. Institutional and Legal Frameworks – 80%; - Component 2. Risk Assessment – 41%; - Component 3. Risk Management and Development – 40%; - Component 4. Preparedness and Response - 24%; - Component 5. Knowledge Management: Education, Training and Public Awareness – 38%. §2. Lessons Learned from Implementation of the 2010-2015 Strategy. 35. The 2010-2015 Strategy succeeded as a without-precedent effort to reduce disaster risk in Tajikistan across a wide range of interventions and activities. However, the implementation was hampered by underfinancing and weak interaction with donors. 6. APPROACHES AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE STRATEGY §1. Linkages to Global and National Strategies 36. The Strategy builds on priorities of the Sendai Framework, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan 2030. 37. Drawing upon the actions recommended in the Sendai Framework, the Strategy envisages a package of legal, economic, social, educational, environmental, political and organizational interventions to prevent and reduce exposure and vulnerability to natural disasters and improve preparedness for response and recovery. 38. The Sendai Framework recognizes sustainable ecosystem management to be a priority disaster risk reduction measure. Therefore, stepping up efforts and improving coordination in the area of environmental conservation within the context of climate change adaptation as well as promotion of sustainable livelihoods are the key disaster risk reduction mechanisms. 39. Building on the new perspectives and guidelines set forth in the Sendai Framework, the Strategy defines new approaches towards the role of women in 36 disaster risk reduction and stresses the importance of overcoming gender inequality alongside disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development. 40. Apart from women, the Strategy emphasizes the importance of involving children, youth, people with disabilities, elderly persons, settled population and migrants in reform processes. 41. Effective disaster risk management requires integration of disaster risk reduction into the development process and close interaction of all stakeholders involved in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 13, 15 and 16. 42. The Strategy interventions and priorities on reduction of disaster impacts in the process of country’s development were identified based on the key priorities and actions stipulated in the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan 2030. 43. Sustainable development is embraced as the fundamental concept of the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan 2030. The National Development Strategy of Tajikistan 2030 defines the following key actions to enhance the current disaster risk management system: - Build national institutional capacity in disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation; - Integrate disaster and climate risk reduction in economic sectors of the country; - Develop and operationalize mechanisms to reduce social vulnerability to natural disasters; - Develop and introduce a gender sensitive information support system and population training programs on disaster prevention, protection and recovery. §2. Key Stages of the Strategy Implementation 44. The Strategy will be implemented in a staged manner. The three key stages are detailed below: - Stage 1, covering the period of 2019-2022; - Stage 2, covering the period of 2023-2026; - Stage 3, covering the period of 2027-2030. 45. Stage 1, from 2019 to 2022, will focus on upgrading and enhancing of national disaster risk reduction mechanisms, such as the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, take into account special factors stated in the Sendai Framework (particularly at the local level), revision of disaster risk management practices, development and introduction of evidence-based methodologies and tools to record disaster loss data disaggregated by gender, age, disability, exchange of such data and other statistics, improving disaster modeling, assessment, mapping and monitoring capacity and perfection of early warning systems for different types of hazards. 37 46. To ensure that the Strategy priorities and targets are implemented in a staged manner, it is envisaged that midterm state programs for protection of population and territories from emergency situations will be developed for 2019-2022, 2023-2026, and 2027-2030. The programs will be submitted to the Government of Tajikistan for review and approval. 47. This approach will enable identification of the most realistic and effective interventions and raise financial resources to support interventions planned for Stages Two and Three. This process will allow for adjustments to planned actions, targets and funding to reflect progress and changes in priorities or funding. 48. Successful implementation of the rolling four-year subprograms will be supported by regular monitoring and evaluation led by the National Platform, which is responsible for ensuring compliance of the four-year subprogram priorities with the long-term objectives set out in the Strategy. Conformity of the subprograms to the Strategy will also be reviewed as part of high-level dialogue between the Government of Tajikistan and donors on the provision of funding and support for disaster risk reduction efforts. 49. The Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan shall support government authorities in their humanitarian activities. The Society will act on the basis of the National Contingency Disaster Response Plan for 2019-2023 as well as provincial and district level contingency response plans. §3. Strategy Implementation Risks 50. The implementation and achievement of the Strategy expected results may be hindered by the following risks: - Insufficient funding for implementation of planned disaster risk reduction objectives and measures; - Slow development and implementation of sectoral strategies and tools designed to reduce disaster risks and build resilience capacity; - Weak dialogue and lack of effective models of interaction in the area of disaster risk reduction between the government, private sector and civil society. 7. STRATEGY PRIORITIES AND OUTCOMES §1. Key Priorities of the Strategy 51. Key priorities of the Strategy are as follows: - Improving understanding of disaster risks; - Strengthening institutional and legal frameworks of the disaster risk management system; - Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience; - Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. 38 52. Overall, Tajikistan has a package of fundamental requirements and regulations in place (e.g. land-use planning requirements, construction codes and regulations, etc.) that enable integration of disaster risk reduction into governance. However, there are several challenges associated with the risk management process. The first challenge is that a gap in governance capacities during civil war led to unplanned and unregulated construction, creating a legacy of housing and other infrastructure in hazardous locations. In some cases, development in these hazardous areas continues given the scale of past development. The second challenge is a lack of appropriate tools to support good governance decision-making. For instance, current practice is to conduct limited scope hazard assessments rather than more standard risk assessments when considering whether new land should be allocated to housing. Many local authorities do not have access to up-to-date land characteristics, hazard frequency calculations, flood mapping or land use data. 53. This makes it very difficult for authorities to govern effectively or explain risk conditions to potential land users. Unsustainable ecosystem management is among the more important problems. For instance, ill-advised use of mountain slopes for agriculture and deforestation trigger off landslides. 54. To further support local level risk governance the national level needs to assure the coordination of risk reduction, development assistance and budgetary support across the government (i.e. horizontally between ministries and vertically down to districts) to improve local level risk management capacities. Local authorities need to be aware of road construction plans and specifications so that they can manage the risks associated with flooding and other hazards which might affect new or reconstructed roads. 55. Another challenge in disaster risk reduction is a lack of gender sensitivity, ignoring the fact that disasters affect men and women differently and that each may have distinct requirements and vulnerabilities. Therefore, women represent not only a vulnerable group but also a valuable resource for disaster risk reduction. 56. The gender approach must be adopted across all stages of disaster risk reduction with a focus on two main areas: - Special needs and requirements of men and women and other most at risk social groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, etc., must be considered taking into account different types of vulnerability and actual capacities; - Women and other social groups must be included in the decision-making process in all key areas. 57. The National Platform is a key structure in addressing all of the above issues by ensuring improved coordination between government entities, development and implementation of the Strategy harmonized with the National 39 Development Strategy of Tajikistan 2030, and aimed at allocation of funds on risk reduction based on risk assessments and possibilities of securing external financing. This combination of broad policy engagement and practical support to districts to improve risk governance should include an active participation of the private sector, which will benefit from improved local level risk management. §2. Course of Action 58. To achieve the above priorities actions shall be taken in the following areas: - Establish a national mechanism to collect, analyze and disseminate information on disaster-induced losses disaggregated by gender, age and disability; - Develop a regulatory framework to enhance risk reduction measures and risk- sensitive elements of development initiatives, specifically in the infrastructure sector; - Implement regular disaster risk assessments, including assessment of vulnerability and capacity of populations with due regard for age, gender, disability, hazard characteristics and their potential impact (risk profiling) as well as available management resources; - Develop and introduce a gender sensitive information support system and population training programs on disaster prevention, protection and recovery; - Develop a system to incorporate climate change adaptation and disaster prevention into provincial-level policy documents and enhance local disaster risk management capacity; - Promote and encourage dialogue and public-private partnership initiatives aimed at the active involvement of the private sector in risk-sensitive development planning; - Promote different forms of social partnership between the government and civil society organizations to build capacity of populations and implement adopted action plans; - Build the capacity of national and local governments, civil society organizations, communities and volunteers to monitor hazards, risks and social vulnerabilities; - Conduct scientific research in disaster risk reduction involving resources of research institutions and international organizations; - Use existing, and develop new, financial mechanisms to ensure protection of population, communities and agricultural land, and the rehabilitation and operation of bank protection works. §3. Expected Outcomes 59. Expected outcomes of the Strategy implementation: - A database on disaster-induced losses disaggregated by gender, age and disability is established and regularly updated; 40 - Regulatory documents to enhance risk reduction and risk management practices are being developed for public and private agencies and organizations; - Regular assessments of disaster risks, vulnerabilities, capacities, risk exposure, hazard characteristics and their potential impacts (risk profiling) are regularly implemented at the local level; - A gender sensitive information support system and population training programs on disaster prevention, protection and recovery are being established; - Dialogue and cooperation in disaster risk reduction between public authorities and private sector, civil society is established and evolves; - An evidence base for research in disaster risk reduction is being established. 8. IMPROVEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF DISASTER RIKS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM §1. Major Problems 60. The institutional and legal framework guiding activities both on the national and local levels is essential for effective and efficient disaster risk management. However, according to the current regulatory documents none of the existing government agencies is directly responsible for management of disaster risk assessment and reduction activities. 61. Despite the fact that the National Platform was established as a consultative and advisory body to coordinate the work of agencies involved in disaster risk management in Tajikistan mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction into sectoral policies has been weak and no adequate sectoral strategies of disaster risk reduction have been developed. §2. Course of Action 62. Action in the following areas shall be taken: - Improve the legal framework governing institutional mechanisms in the area of disaster risk reduction, including matters related to disaster risk assessment; - Strengthen the role of the National Platform in coordination of disaster risk reduction measures implemented by government agencies in conjunction with the international community; - Establish a supportive environment and develop regulatory legal mechanisms to encourage business involvement in disaster risk reduction interventions; - Improve mechanisms designed to coordinate government agencies working in the area of disaster risk reduction and promote gender and other types of equality; 41 - Invest in capacity building of entities involved in disaster risk reduction and development; - Enhance the role of local government authorities and communities within the system of disaster risk management and integrate disaster risk reduction into city and district development planning; - Integrate disaster risk reduction goals and objectives with due regard for gender specifics needs and capacities of most at risk populations, into sectoral policies, programs and strategic plans for the development of provinces and districts; - Broaden participation of women, people with disabilities and other most at risk populations in decision making pertaining to disaster risk reduction at all levels; - Integrate differentiated training programs on gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction into general and vocational training and professional development; - Enhance the capacity and role of mass media at all stages of disaster risk management, including expansion of gender-sensitive activities. §3. Expected Outcomes 63. Expected outcomes of the Strategy implementation: - Regulatory legal acts guiding on development of institutional mechanisms in disaster risk reduction, including disaster risk assessment, are elaborated and adopted; - New institutional mechanisms for disaster risk management are operational; - Measures encouraging involvement of the private sector in disaster risk reduction activities are developed and become operational; - Gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction is integrated into sectoral strategies, programs and plans for the development of provinces and districts; - Special courses on gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction are included in the educational system at different levels; - The number of women represented in the national and local government authorities responsible for decision making in disaster risk reduction has increased twofold. 9. INVESTING IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION FOR RESILIENCE §1. Major Problems 64. Despite clear progress in response to occurring disasters a few areas have been identified where disaster mitigation and recovery needs to be improved. 65. Tajikistan has a well-defined preparedness system of plans and exercises. However, no assessments have been undertaken to determine to what extent 42 implementation of these plans has contributed to the mitigation or elimination of existing disaster risks, or reflect actual disasters. In accordance with the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 833 of 31 December 2014, About the Structure and Operational Procedures of the Unified State Emergency System of the Republic of Tajikistan on the Prevention and Liquidation of Emergency Situations, procedures established to develop and test such plans must be subjected to critical analysis. This process should extend down to the community level where the first response to disasters takes place and the results fed back into projects intended to improve local level preparedness. 66. The existing warning system in Tajikistan is technologically imperfect in terms of information acquisition and dissemination as compared to international best practices. Messaging about possible emergencies and disasters needs to be more timely, precise and presented in a way that the intended audiences understand. At the same time, the analysis of incoming data needs to be linked to risk assessments and be based on appropriate data sources (e.g., from weather stations and glacial area monitoring) to ensure that the warnings are provided to the correct locations and people. Further, public education is needed to ensure that warning messages are understood and acted upon. 67. The scope of warning needs to expand beyond simple natural hazards to other factors which affect lives and wellbeing in Tajikistan. This expanded scope of warning, particularly if it is decentralized, empowers those at risk to take preventive measures to reduce these risks and avoid or significantly reduce the impact of possible disasters. 68. This process should take into account work implemented in related areas such as the Program for Climate Resilience, aimed at improving weather forecasting. However, to address these challenges, a common countrywide messaging platform must be developed with involvement of different concerned agencies and sustainable financing secured for the operation of such a platform. §2. Course of Action 69. Action in the following areas shall be taken: - Increase government budget allocations for disaster risk reduction strategies and programs; - Improve the regulatory and legal framework to ensure expeditious and comprehensive reviews of risks associated with structural and non-structural investment; - Establish national mechanisms of disaster risk transfer and insurance; - Intensify development of partnerships between the private sector, local government authorities and other stakeholders to enhance disaster risk resilience capacity; - Employ different financing modalities aimed at building disaster resilient communities; 43 - Institutionalize the disaster risk management system at the community level with active involvement of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other populations; - Improve the warning system based on the use of information and communication technologies and by incorporating climate change adaptation and other critically important aspects into the system; - Implement interventions aimed at prevention of water related disasters, i.e. provide for construction of water reservoirs and facilities preventing the risk of mudflows; - Encourage informal education in disaster risk reduction and climate change to ensure comprehensive security of schools; - Build resilience capacity of the health care system, including by integration of disaster risk management into the health system. §3. Expected Outcomes 70. Expected outcomes of the Strategy implementation: - Targeted public financing of adopted disaster risk reduction strategies and programs are increased at the national and local levels; - Different funding modalities are used at the local level to build disaster resilient communities, including funding from banks, private foundations and other stakeholders; - The warning system is upgraded through the use of modern communication technologies coupled with the training of recipients on how to act upon receipt of such warnings; - A system to promote informal, accessible and inclusive education in disaster risk reduction for different populations, including women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, etc., is developed and put in place; - Involvement of women and other vulnerable populations in the work of entities responsible for combating disasters at the national and local levels is ensured. 10. ENHANCING DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR EFFECTIVE RESPONSE AND TO “BUILD BACK BETTER” IN RECOVERY, REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION §1. Major Problems 71. Integration of disaster risk reduction into the development process was an objective of the 2010-2015 Strategy. Application of the two approaches listed below may yield clear positive results in the future: - First, the Government and donors must have an agreed process for assuring that risk reduction is part of a development programming. For example, 44 establishment of a project selection system based on a disaster risk reduction marker; - Second, there should be a broad and sustained Government-donor dialogue on directing developmental assistance to reduce disaster risks. For example, high- level consultations to determine general areas of external aid, which will help reduce disaster risks in the most efficient manner from the development policy perspective. §2. Damage Assessment, Relief and Recovery Planning and Coordination 72. The damage assessment process used by government authorities does not provide the full range of information which conforms to internationally-accepted methods of damage and loss assessment. Besides, this process is inconsistent with modern technological capabilities. 73. To address the existing problems, it is essential that the damage assessment process currently used by government authorities be improved in line with the international best practices. 74. A number of challenges have been noted with the process of planning and coordinating relief and recovery. In the context of response to disasters, there has been an uncertainty as to which government agencies are responsible for managing relief and recovery efforts, which agency has the overall responsibility for interventions during transition from emergency relief to recovery or for implementation of sustainable recovery programs that include risk reduction measures. 75. These challenges can be addressed through a combination of a policy level review of the relief and recovery planning and coordination process followed by implementation of an action plan based on the review. Core to this review should be the respective roles of government authorities, affected population, third parties and the international community in responding to disasters in Tajikistan. 76. As part of development and implementation of relief and recovery activities, it is essential to make use of the capacities of women, keep a close watch on differences between men and women, identify specific interests and needs of both the gender groups, people with disabilities, the elderly, etc. This is needed as a single decision may affect women and men differently due to differences in their capacities, gender roles, awareness levels, etc. 77. It is critical that the system of planned post-disaster recovery, rehabilitation and development interventions be focused on the building of sustainable livelihoods with due regard for gender specifics and needs of rural and urban populations. 45 §3. Course of Action 78. Action in the following areas shall be taken: - Improve institutional and regulatory mechanisms to guide post-disaster recovery, rehabilitation and development; - Establish a system for the selection of development projects based on a disaster risk reduction marker; - Improve existing processes and mechanisms for the assessment of disaster-induced damage in line with international best practices; - Mainstream disaster risk reduction into the national economic sector governance system; - Build resilience capacity of new and existing critical infrastructure facilities; - Expand the private sector’s involvement in, and enhance their responsibility for, response and recovery interventions and adopt the “build back better” principles; - Mainstream gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction into strategies and policy documents guiding development of provinces and districts. §4. Expected Outcomes 79. Expected outcomes of the Strategy implementation: - Project selection mechanisms based on a disaster risk reduction marker are formulated; - Procedures for the assessment of disaster-induced damages in line with international best practices are improved; - Regulatory documents and institutional mechanisms are in place that ensure adequate resilience capacity of new and existing critical infrastructure facilities; - Participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities in the development and implementation of national and local post-disaster rehabilitation, recovery and development plans and programs has expanded; 11. MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION §1. Tools to Steer Strategy Implementation 80. Monitoring and evaluation constitute an essential tool to steer Strategy implementation. The use of monitoring and evaluation data is an integral part of effective management. 81. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted based on tracking of adopted gender-sensitive indicators meeting the criteria of measurability, adequacy, Данная публикация подготовлена Комитетом по чрезвычайным ситуациям и гражданской обороне при Правительстве Республики Таджикистан при финансовой поддержке Швейцарского офиса по сотрудничеству в Таджикистане в рамках Программы ПРООН по Управлению Риском Стихийных Бедствий. Содержание публикации может не отражать взгляды Программы Развития Организации Объединенных Наций, ее Исполнительного Комитета или ее государств-участников. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations Development Programme, its Executive Board or its Member States. This publication has been produced by the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense under the Government of Tajikistan with the financial support of Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan in the frame of UNDP Disaster Risk Management Programme. 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