The Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA) assesses the country’s disaster risk management capabilities, focusing on vulnerabilities and strategic recommendations that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It comprises two main components: the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) and Disaster Management Analysis (DMA), which together highlight Suriname’s multi-hazard exposure and suggest important steps for enhancing resilience through informed disaster management strategies.
The Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA) represents a collaborative effort between the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), the Nationaal Coördinatiecentrum voor Rampenbeheersing (NCCR), and local stakeholders. This comprehensive assessment evaluates Suriname’s unique risks, cultural attributes, geographical context, historical experiences, and other determinants crucial for effective disaster management. It produces strategic recommendations aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The assessment consists of two key components: the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) and the Disaster Management Analysis (DMA). The RVA evaluates the country’s multi-hazard exposure, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and coping capacities. Conversely, the DMA adopts a qualitative lens to scrutinize six subthemes: Enabling Environment, Institutional Arrangements, Disaster Governance Mechanisms, Capabilities and Resources, Capacity Development, and Communication and Information Management. Integrating DMA findings contextualizes the RVA results, enhancing the comprehensive insight into disaster management in Suriname. Based on this assessment, NCCR and PDC developed a Disaster Risk Reduction 5-Year Action Plan to optimize resource utilization and pinpoint potential funding sources.
The RVA findings reveal Suriname’s significant exposure to various hazards, including extreme heat, riverine and coastal flooding, mosquito-borne diseases, and earthquakes, with corresponding impacts on the population and infrastructure. The assessment emphasizes the necessity for preparedness measures, risk mitigation, and adaptation to climate change to enhance resilience. Furthermore, it highlights vulnerabilities across districts and suggests that improving educational access, managing population growth, and addressing economic challenges could reduce national vulnerabilities. Strengthening public health infrastructure and improving access to energy and technology are also vital for enhancing Suriname’s coping and response capabilities.
Significant steps have been taken in Suriname to align disaster management with international standards, focusing on risk reduction for vulnerable groups. The Multi-Annual Development Plan 2022-2026 aims to alleviate disaster-related impacts, while the Environmental Framework Act 2020 establishes the National Environmental Authority, promoting climate adaptability and resilient infrastructure. However, the NCCR’s effectiveness is currently affected by the lack of an approved Disaster Management Law, which is essential for clarifying roles and improving overall disaster preparedness and response.
Considering increased climate-related risks, there is an urgent need for a national strategy for climate and disaster risk financing. The implementation of the recommendations outlined in the NDPBA will enhance Suriname’s preparedness and disaster management capabilities significantly. This assessment was largely supported by funding from the United States Government through the U.S. Southern Command, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Suriname. PDC also established connections with diverse governmental and non-governmental agencies throughout Suriname to facilitate data collection and validation.
For a detailed overview of the findings and recommendations, please consult the PDC’s DisasterAWARE Pro® application for comprehensive disaster management resources.
In summary, the Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA) offers crucial insights into the nation’s disaster management landscape, highlighting existing vulnerabilities and recommending strategic improvements. Key findings underscore the importance of enhancing disaster preparedness through education, public health, and infrastructure development. The ongoing collaboration among government entities and international partners is vital to advancing Suriname’s disaster resilience efforts amidst increasing climate risks. The proposed strategies and recommendations will serve as invaluable tools for improving not only disaster preparedness but also overall national resilience.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
