18 April 2012: As part of its Making Cities Resilient Campaign, the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) has launched the Local Government Self Assessment Tool, to support cities in managing disaster risk. UNISDR reports that 2011 was the worst year on record for economic losses from disasters.

The tool aims to increase understanding of disaster risk reduction (DRR), allowing cities to establish baselines and identify planning and investment gaps for risk reduction and climate change adaptation. According to UNISDR, the new tool has been piloted in over 20 cities.

The Making Cities Resilient Campaign, launched in 2010, demonstrates local leadership and raises awareness of how efforts to reduce disaster risk are making cities safer and more resilient. The Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient include: organization and coordination of risk management; budget assignation; preparation of risk assessments; investment and maintenance of infrastructure that reduces risk; safe schools and health facilities; risk compliant building regulations and land use planning; education and training in disaster reduction; protection of ecosystems and natural buffers; early warning systems and emergency management; and the needs of survivors. As of April 2012, over 1,000 cities have joined the Campaign. [UNISDR Press Release] [LGSAT Tool Website]