The increasing importance and role of science-based decision-making was strongly emphasized in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). In response to that, the UNISDR Asia Pacific Office has formed the Asia Science Technology and Academia Advisory Group (ASTAAG) in May 2015. Academia, science, and technological communities have a responsibility to be an active partner for providing solutions to problems based on their research findings, to introduce new technology and innovations as well as to improve the dialogue and cooperation with other relevant stakeholders and policy makers.

ASTAAG comprises selected disaster experts from Asian countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Philippines. The Group provides policy advisory services to governments and other stakeholders on appropriate technology and its application in decision making. Advisory services include: Risk governance, Community-based Disaster Risk Management, Urban risk management, Earthquake risk mitigation, Private sector involvement, Climate change adaptation, Disaster and environmental education and Disaster resistant building design. The group also provides advices on higher education curriculum development in disaster risk reduction.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

-Periodic assessment of status and science and technology for DRR in the region
-Provide specific advices to national and local governments on science based decision making
-Assisting governments in reviewing the progress of the SFDRR implementation
-Recognition of networks of universities/center of excellences and engage them in sharing knowledge and experience

KEY FOCUSES

1. Strengthen capacities of the Science, Technology and Academic community in disaster science

2. Support governments in science based decision making to implement SFDRR

3. Enhance networking among academic community and other stakeholders

Priorities for action for the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR)

1. Understanding disaster risk;

2. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk;

3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience;

4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.