The Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment (MACCE), hosted a fundamental workshop focused on integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).
Held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino, Tuesday 17th to 18th September 2024, the workshop aimed to enhance national capacities and equip stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and tools for developing integrated adaptation strategies to protect productive sectors from climate impacts.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Ms. Isabel Njihia, the UN representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Mr. Robert Ernesta, the Director General of DRMD. During the opening remarks, Mr. Ernesta emphasized on the integration of DRR and CCA in consideration that both share common objectives in reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience within communities.
Day one of the workshop, concentrated on the interlinkage between DRR and CCA, particularly highlighting the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), the national climate change landscape, and the National Development Plan. Divided into four groups, participants engaged in dynamic discussions to explore strategies for improving data collection and information sharing among agencies.
For the second day of the workshop, focus was shifted onto stakeholder’s engagement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in risk management and sharing effective practices through case studies. The discussions also identified existing gaps and challenges in Seychelles regarding implementation, coordination, governance, and capacity. This led to the collaborative development of a national roadmap to effectively integrate DRR and CCA.
The workshop marks a significant step towards enhancing the resilience of Seychelles’ productive sectors against climate impacts, fostering a unified approach to disaster risk and climate adaptation planning.
Stakeholders present were the United Nation office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, Seychelles Meteorological Authority, Seychelles Land Transport Authority, Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services, National Assembly, Public Utilities Company, Seychelles Media Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, United Nation Development Programme, Financial Services Authority, Seychelles Defense Forces and Mr. Johan Mendez (Independent Consultant).
