THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Scientific research results and operational knowledge gained from lessons learnt, exercises, training,peer reviews and other assessment tools need to be better exploited in the Disaster risk management cycle tomitigate risks and vulnerabilities and to improve response in case of disaster.Disaster risk reduction policy and practice require knowledge for informed decision making and coordinatedaction. Although the knowledge production and implementation processes are critical for disaster risk reduction,these issues are seldom systematically addressed in-depth in disaster studies and policy programs.While efforts and improvements have been made with regard to data and information, only limited resources arecommitted to improving knowledge management structures and integrating knowledge systems at differentspatial levels. The recently adopted Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 addressesknowledge-related issues and provides the opportunity to highlight the critical role of knowledge in disaster riskreduction.This paper presents insights into potential conceptualizations of knowledge that would advance disaster researchand policy. We use recently cases from disaster in Skopje to illustrate challenges of and pathways to disasterrisk reduction. We suggest furthering strengthening efforts that improve our understanding of the connectionsbetween disaster risk, knowledge, and learning. A better integration of multiple scales, different societal actors,various knowledge sources, and diverse disciplines into disaster risk research will increase its relevance fordecision-makers in policy and practice. Well-targeted incentives and political backing will improve thecoherence, coordination, and sharing of knowledge among various actors.In this paper authors points to the importance of promoting the collection, analysis, management, and use ofrelevant data and practical information at national and local levels, as well as to ensure its dissemination,taking into account the needs of different categories of users. This is reasonable since many countriessystematically collect disaster-related facts, data and information. Depending on the agency or institution, thecollection ranges from hazard type to risk exposure and disaster damage. Thus, knowledge is scattered amongvarious actors with limited coherence, coordination and sharing. That’s way developing countries suffer majorlosses due to disasters. Reducing disaster losses is a fundamental goal for most governments.However, lack of disaster knowledge, awareness and involvement indicates a failure of the system. There is aneed to incorporate Disaster Risk Reduction into government and temporary learning space curricula. Throughpreparedness activity learning how to save lives and investing for tomorrow. Capability building amonginstitution who is dealing with disasters is utmost necessary.