Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment: Enhancing Resilience and Preparedness
The Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment, led by PDC and NCCR, evaluates disaster management capabilities and offers strategic recommendations aligned with the SDGs. It comprises a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and a Disaster Management Analysis, which together reveal Suriname’s exposure to multiple hazards and highlight the need for preparedness and resilience strategies. National strategies for climate and disaster risk financing are considered crucial for enhanced preparedness.
The Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA), a collaborative effort involving the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and the Nationaal Coördinatiecentrum voor Rampenbeheersing (NCCR), was successfully completed with assistance from local stakeholders. This assessment examines Suriname’s specific hazard profile and various factors affecting disaster management capabilities, while offering tactical and strategic recommendations aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The NDPBA consists of two key components: the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) and the Disaster Management Analysis (DMA). The RVA evaluates multi-hazard exposure, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and existing coping capacities. Conversely, the DMA utilizes qualitative assessments across six areas: Enabling Environment, Institutional Arrangements, Disaster Governance Mechanisms, Capabilities and Resources, Capacity Development, and Communication and Information Management. Together, these components provide a thorough overview of Suriname’s disaster management framework.
The findings of the RVA highlight Suriname’s vulnerability to multiple hazards, including extreme heat, flooding, mosquito-borne diseases, and earthquakes, which significantly jeopardize communities and infrastructure. The assessment emphasizes the need for preparedness strategies, risk reduction, and climate adaptation initiatives. Identified vulnerabilities and coping capacities indicate that improvements in education, population management, and economic support can enhance resilience. Additionally, bolstering public health systems and access to energy and technology is vital for improving overall disaster responses.
Suriname has made substantial advancements in its disaster management strategies, focusing on risk reduction through adherence to international guidelines and leveraging strategic partnerships. The Multi-Annual Development Plan 2022-2026 prioritizes minimizing disaster impacts, especially on vulnerable populations, while the Environmental Framework Act 2020 enhances climate adaptation and promotes disaster-resilient infrastructure. Nonetheless, progress has been hampered by the lack of an approved Disaster Management Law, which is essential for clarifying roles and responsibilities in disaster response.
As climate change poses increasing risks, it is imperative for Suriname to establish a national climate and disaster risk financing strategy. The actionable recommendations outlined in this report will enhance the nation’s preparedness and disaster management capabilities. Funded by the United States Government through the US Southern Command and in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, the NDPBA project benefitted from collaboration with several government and non-government agencies, facilitating the data collection and validation processes. For details on findings and recommendations, please visit DisasterAWARE Pro® (https://disasteraware.pdc.org/).
In conclusion, the Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment offers a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s disaster management capabilities, revealing significant vulnerabilities and strengths. It provides essential recommendations aimed at improving preparedness strategies and reinforcing resilience against multiple hazards. The ongoing development of legal frameworks and strategic partnerships will be pivotal in advancing Suriname’s disaster response efficacy and adapting to climate change challenges.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
