4 September 2012: The UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) has released the “Making Cities Resilient Report 2012,” which aims to provide a global snapshot of how local governments reduce disaster risk. The report was released at the World Urban Forum, which is convening in Naples, Italy, from 2-6 September 2012.

Written by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the report identifies trends in the perceptions and approaches of local governments toward disaster risk reduction (DRR). It also examines factors that enable urban disaster risk reduction activities, including how the global campaign Making Cities Resilient – “My City is Getting Ready!” has assisted in improving local knowledge of disaster risk and support capacity building.

According to UNISDR, the report’s focus on resilience reflects mounting recognition that DRR, climate change adaptation and sustainable development are inextricably linked. The report identifies the following as the five most common DRR activities in cities: taking DRR into account in new urban planning regulations, plans and development activities; establishing councils/committees/disaster management structures dedicated to DRR; constructing hazard-resistant infrastructure or improving existing facilities; establishing education/awareness/training programmes; and increasing citizen participation and multi-stakeholder dialogues. [UNISDR Press Release] [Publication: Making Cities Resilient Report 2012]