The Sendai Framework: A catalyst for the transformation of disaster risk reduction through adaptive governance?

Munene, M.B.; Swartling Gerger, Å.; Thomalla, F.


This discussion brief examines how elements of adaptive governance appear in the Sendai Framework, and how they might support transformative change in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The document analyses the elements of adaptive governance aspects that are built into the Sendai Framework, and how they could serve as a catalyst for transforming DRR. It also outlines key opportunities and challenges in taking an adaptive governance approach in the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

The authors outline the challenges and propose ways to avoid them or reduce their potential negative impact:

enhancing collaboration;
mobilising resources for adaptive governance;
financing DRR;
addressing power relations;
overcoming hegemony;
achieving flexibility and adaptability;
measuring resilience;
scale-appropriateness.