The Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment aims to evaluate and enhance disaster management through a collaborative approach involving the Pacific Disaster Center and local stakeholders. It comprises a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and Disaster Management Analysis, focusing on the nation’s exposure to various hazards and identifying strategic recommendations aligned with international frameworks. Key findings underscore the importance of tackling vulnerabilities, improving public health capacity, and fostering disaster resilience, while underscoring a need for a comprehensive Disaster Management Law.
The National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA) for Suriname has been completed through a collaboration among the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), the Nationaal Coördinatiecentrum voor Rampenbeheersing (NCCR), and various stakeholders. This assessment evaluates Suriname’s distinctive hazard profile, cultural characteristics, geographical context, historical events, and other relevant factors affecting disaster management effectiveness. The findings guide strategic recommendations in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The NDPBA consists of two primary components: the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) and the Disaster Management Analysis (DMA). The RVA focuses on multi-hazard exposure, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and coping capacities. In contrast, the DMA assesses six critical subthemes, including institutional arrangements and communication management. The DMA’s qualitative insights contextualize the RVA findings, hence providing a thorough understanding of Suriname’s disaster management framework. Both assessments contribute to developing a five-year Disaster Risk Reduction Action Plan aimed at optimizing resource allocation and identifying new funding opportunities.
The RVA results reveal that Suriname is vulnerable to several hazards, such as extreme heat, flooding, mosquito-borne diseases, and earthquakes. This exposure necessitates robust preparedness strategies, risk reduction initiatives, and climate adaptation efforts. Additionally, the assessment identified vulnerabilities related to education, population density, and economic challenges that exacerbate risks across various districts. Enhancing public health capacity alongside access to energy and technology is pivotal for improving disaster response capabilities and overall resilience.
Suriname has made significant advancements in disaster management, prioritizing risk reduction aligned with international standards and fostering strategic partnerships. The Multi-Annual Development Plan 2022-2026 underscores the need to minimize disaster impacts on vulnerable populations, while the Environmental Framework Act 2020 emphasizes enhancing climate adaptation and building resilient infrastructure. Nevertheless, the NCCR’s effectiveness is compromised by the lack of an approved Disaster Management Law which is essential for clarifying roles and streamlining disaster preparedness and response efforts.
With the escalating risks posed by climate change, there is a pressing necessity for Suriname to develop a national climate and disaster risk financing strategy. Implementing the report’s recommendations will significantly enhance Suriname’s disaster preparedness and management capabilities. The NDPBA was funded by the United States Government through the US Southern Command and was executed in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Suriname, alongside partnerships with various governmental and non-governmental entities for data collection.
For further details, including findings and recommendations, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the PDC’s DisasterAWARE Pro® application, which serves as a decision support tool for disaster managers and humanitarian practitioners at https://disasteraware.pdc.org/.
The Suriname National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment highlights critical vulnerabilities and risks faced by the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies, enhanced public health infrastructure, and coordinated efforts to build resilience against climate threats. Progress has been made through strategic planning and legislative efforts, yet further advancements require the implementation of a comprehensive Disaster Management Law and national financing strategies for climate and disaster risks. Achieving these objectives will significantly improve Suriname’s capability for disaster preparedness and response.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
