HYOGO FRAMEWORK OF ACTION
The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015 served as a comprehensive global
blueprint for disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts. It was adopted by 168 government
signatory states of the United Nations in January 2005, outlining a 10-year plan to reduce
vulnerabilities to natural hazards. The HFA aimed to support governments in their efforts to
increase resilience and effectively manage hazards that threaten their progress. Its goal was
to encourage nations, organizations, and communities to work together in reducing disaster
risks and strengthening resilience against natural hazards through strategic planning and
coordinated action.
BACKGROUND
The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) was established as an outcome of the 2005
World Conference on Disaster held in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. The framework was a response
to the increasing impact of disasters worldwide, with the aim of substantially reducing
disaster losses by 2015 through more effective prevention and preparedness efforts.
The first country to adopt HFA was Indonesia, following the devastating impact of
the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. This underscored the urgent need for coordinated
international action on disaster risk reduction (DRR).
The HFA has been widely implemented around the world and integrated into
government policies, plans, and programs for disaster risk reduction and management
(DRRM). It focuses on building necessary capacities within communities to minimize and
mitigate disaster impacts, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen national resilience in the face
of tragedies. In line with this, the Philippines has adopted a pursuit of climate and disaster-
resilient sustainable development.
FUNCTIONS OF THE HYOGO FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION
Promote Knowledge and Education:
Support the development and widespread dissemination of knowledge, education,
and training on DRR to ensure that individuals and communities are equipped to
take appropriate actions in the event of a disaster.
Increase public awareness and understanding of disaster risks and the importance
of implementing DRR measures through comprehensive and targeted educational
campaigns.
Strengthen Institutions:
Advocate for the establishment of robust and effective institutions that are equipped
to manage and coordinate disaster risk management activities efficiently and
responsively.
Emphasize multi-stakeholder approaches, collaborating with governments, NGOs,
private sectors, and communities to ensure a cohesive and coordinated effort in
addressing disaster risk.
Build Resilience:
Encourage the development and utilization of early warning systems to provide
timely alerts and promote a culture of prevention to minimize the impact of disasters.
Enhance disaster preparedness at all levels to ensure a swift and effective response
in the face of a disaster, including proactive measures for mitigation and adaptation.
Minimize Disaster Risk:
Prioritize disaster risk reduction (DRR) as a fundamental concern at the local,
national, regional, and global levels to foster a proactive approach to addressing
potential disasters.
Integrate DRR into sustainable development policies and planning to ensure that
development initiatives are resilient and sustainable in the face of potential hazards
and disasters.
Monitor and Assess Progress:
Promote accountability and transparency through regular reporting and evaluation to
ensure that commitments are honored and that progress is tracked and
communicated effectively.
Establish mechanisms to monitor and assess the progress and effectiveness of DRR
measures, enabling continuous improvement and refinement of strategies and
initiatives.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES OF HYOGO FRAMEWORK OF ACTION
The HFA outlined five priority areas for action to achieve substantial reduction in disaster
losses, in lives, and in the social, economic, and environmental assets of communities and
countries.
Here are the specific guidelines for each priority area:
1. Ensure that disaster risk reduction (DRR) is a national and local priority
with a strong institutional basis for implementation.
Establish a National Policy Framework: Governments should develop or
strengthen policies and legislation to create a comprehensive national strategy for
disaster risk reduction.
Allocate Resources: Ensure sufficient financial and human resources are allocated
to DRR initiatives.
Strengthen Institutions: Develop and strengthen institutions, mechanisms, and
capacities to build resilience to hazards at all levels.
Community Participation: Promote the involvement and leadership of local
communities and indigenous peoples in disaster risk reduction.
2. Identify, assess, and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
Risk Assessments: Conduct systematic assessments of disaster risks and
vulnerabilities.
Data Collection and Management: Develop and maintain databases of
information relevant to disaster risk reduction, including historical disaster events.
Early Warning Systems: Establish and improve multi-hazard early warning
systems, ensuring they are accessible and understandable to all stakeholders,
especially vulnerable communities.
Scientific Research: Promote research on disaster risk reduction, and use the
results to inform policies and practices.
3. Use knowledge, innovation, and education to build a culture of safety and
resilience at all levels.
Public Awareness: Develop and implement public awareness campaigns to inform
and educate people about disaster risks and how to reduce them.
Formal Education: Integrate disaster risk reduction into school curricula and higher
education programs.
Training and Capacity Building: Conduct training programs for government
officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders on disaster risk management.
Information Sharing: Facilitate the exchange of information and best practices
among countries and communities.
4. Reduce the underlying risk factors.
Sustainable Development: Integrate disaster risk reduction into sustainable
development policies and planning, including land-use planning and environmental
management.
Poverty Reduction: Address the underlying causes of vulnerability, such as poverty
and inequality, through targeted social and economic policies.
Health and Safety: Implement measures to protect critical facilities, infrastructure,
and services, including health and educational facilities.
Environmental Management: Promote the sustainable management of
ecosystems and natural resources to reduce risks and enhance resilience.
5. Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.
Preparedness Plans: Develop and implement disaster preparedness and
contingency plans at national and local levels.
Capacity Building: Enhance the capacity of communities, organizations, and
governments to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Coordination Mechanisms: Establish effective coordination mechanisms among
various stakeholders involved in disaster response and recovery.
Stockpiling Resources: Maintain strategic reserves of essential supplies and
ensure the logistics systems are in place for their distribution during emergencies.
The Hyogo Framework for Action was succeeded by the Sendai Framework for Disaster
Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which builds upon and advances the priorities established by the
HFA.
SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO: SHEILA ANN MONTERO
KYLE JOSHUA AGUILLON
CARLOS MIGUEL BERNABE
HERMIONE KRIS ANN S. CHECA
FRANZ JENYL FACULIN
JOHN PATRICK JELUA
JOHN LOWEE SALADIO
RONIELA SOLA
GELIAN MARIE TABJAN
