LocationsThe workshop aimed at improving the understanding of disaster risk reduction principles among local authority staff, and build their capacity in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
UNDP Supports Disaster Risk Management and Reduction Efforts in Mauritius
July 1, 2024
Effective disaster management and capacity building for local authorities is crucial to mitigate the impact of such events on local communities and infrastructures.
UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles
On 28 June 2024, a workshop on disaster management for local authorities was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre. Supported by the UNDP and the Government of Japan, the workshop aimed to equip the Chief Executives, mayors and chairpersons of the 12 local authorities in Mauritius with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance disaster management practices within their jurisdictions.
Strengthening Disaster Risk Response through Capacity Building
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Mauritius face significant challenges related to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods and landslides. It is estimated that over the past 50 years, SIDS lost around US$ 153 billion due to weather, climate and water related hazards, which represents an average of 2.1% of their GDP. For instance, Mauritius experienced a series of cyclones and heavy rains since January 2024, which caused significant flooding and infrastructure damage across the island. Such increasingly intense natural disasters have the potential to erode the gains in climate change mitigation and have degraded the adaptation investment already made to build resilience in the country.
As such, effective disaster management and capacity building for local authorities is crucial to mitigate the impact of such events on local communities and infrastructures. The objectives of the workshop focused on improving the understanding of disaster risk reduction principles among local authority staff, and build their capacity in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. This initiative also aimed to foster collaboration and coordination among local authorities, government agencies and other stakeholders, by sharing best practices and innovative approaches in disaster management tailored to the Mauritian context.
Building Resilient Communities
In her address, Ms. Renooka Beejan, Head of the Socio-Economic Development Unit, highlighted the importance of developing and implementing effective disaster preparedness and response plans. She also emphasized that the workshop will help “improve coordination and communication during disaster situations, apply best practices and innovative solutions to local disaster management efforts, and create a network of local authority staff committed to improving disaster resilience in Mauritius”.
During his intervention, Commanding Officer Budoo, Officer in Charge of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre, pointed out that the impacts of climate change disrupt the balance of nature, and affect all aspects of human society, including health, food production, housing and security. He also stressed the importance of taking immediate and coordinated action at all levels: “We cannot afford to be complacent. We must take bold and decisive steps to mitigate and adapt to climate change.”
This workshop represents a critical step in building the disaster management capacity of Local Authorities in Mauritius especially in line with UNDP’s proposal to enhance the efficiency, readiness and resilience of the National Emergency Operations Command (NEOC), and ensuring it can operate effectively during natural disasters and any other crises. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of local authority staff, the workshop will be a steppingstone towards building more resilient communities capable of effectively responding to and recovering from natural disasters.