Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction in EIA/SEA for Climate and Disaster Resilient Development

Applying environmental management and ecosystem based approaches in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) signals an important paradigm shift in disaster management and risk reduction, as it directly links with people’s livelihoods and sustainability of their natural resource base. At the same time, it also integrates adaptations to Climate Change across sectors of development governance and people’s actions. This calls for emphasis on better Natural Resource Management (NRM) and sustainable land-use practices within the strategies of disaster prevention, preparedness, post-disaster relief and recovery. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an environmental regulatory instrument that has a potential role for prudent decision-making and development planning in different phases of Disaster Risk Management (DRM). EIA, of policies and plans, or across regional scales, is known as Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which could facilitate DRR integration into development policy decisions and also spatial planning. This chapter analyzes how DRR may be facilitated through EIA and SEA processes and by integrating EIA with the different stages of Disaster Management (DM). Case examples are presented to discuss the potential role that EIAs can play in facilitating integrated approaches in environmental and Disaster Risk Management. A framework for integrating DRR, environmental management and developmental planning at a local level is suggested.