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Author(s): Timothy Wilcox, Tejas Tamobhid Patnaik, Jutta May
This regional snapshot report demonstrates the use and value of the SFM reporting data for strengthening disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Asia Pacific countries. It presents the SFM data until 21 October 2021, together with ten country case studies that highlight good practice for effective disaster data management and SFM reporting in the region. Thematic insights consolidate how countries solved different challenges with disaster data and the SFM reporting.
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030 (SFDRR) promotes “the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries”. The Framework comprises seven targets and 38 indicators to measure the implementation progress. The Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) is the dedicated reporting system, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) reporting.
Overall, the SFM reporting in the Asia Pacific region is progressing. Between 2015 and 2020, a total of 34 (87%) out of 39 countries in the region, used the SFM for reporting. The reporting year 2017 shows the strongest progress overall with 32 (82%) countries entering and validating data in the SFM. The Targets A Mortality and E, DRR Strategies show most reporting progress between 2015 and 2020. In fact, 22 (56%) countries completed the reporting for Target A in 2017. The number of national and local DRR strategies has clearly increased, as a comparison of the reporting for Target E with the Sendai Data Readiness Review from 2017 highlights. The least reported Targets are D Critical Infrastructure, and G Early Warning and Risk Information. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the SFM reporting with so far 21 (54%) countries entering and validating data for 2020.
While the SFM reporting is progressing, significant data gaps remain. This includes especially disaggregated data. Interest from countries leads to requests for assistance with disaggregated data, which is well supported by development partners. Practical guidance includes the recent UNDRR brochure on sex, age, and disability disaggregated data (SADDD). Further challenges include SFM data entries that are pending ready for validation or in progress. It is strongly recommended that countries ensure the validation of entered data as soon as possible. A new SFM functionality for validation reminders could add value. Essentially, more dedicated and skilled capacities for disaster data and for the SFM reporting are required. This is important to ensure that the SFM data can effectively support DRR efforts, and can inform the Sendai Midterm Review in 2022–23.
Country feedback during training workshops in the Asia Pacific region highlights that the reporting synergies and efficiencies are popular features of the SFM. This includes the annual SDG reporting, and the reporting for local, national, and regional DRR frameworks, which can be supported through the SFM custom indicators. The SFM data also informs the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
Overall, the country case studies highlight that the SFM reporting continues to mobilise and strengthen the availability, quality, access, and use of disaster data in many countries. In fact, the SFM reporting has changed the approach to disaster data in many countries. The specific data requirements stimulate government wide data collaboration and coordination efforts. Different gaps and limitations in data management systems are identified and addressed over time. Essentially, the SFM can be seen as a driver to transform and improve disaster data management and a more varied use of disaster data.