Major environmental problems such as deforestation and river erosion often occur due to the lack of environmental awareness and understanding of the risk as well as business profit reasons which are often difficult to influence. Persons with disabilities, older people, women, ethnic minorities and indigenous communities are frequently among the groups most affected by these processes. This requires introduction of specific measures for inclusion of at-risk groups in DRR planning and programming for building their resilience.
Inclusion considerations:
- Design awareness- and environmental management activities and programmes participatively and accessibly.
- Provide environmental awareness and DRR information, communication and services that are accessible for persons with all types of disabilities, including blind and deaf persons and persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilties.
- Ensure participation of all at-risk groups in land-use planning and management, including promoting sustainable water management and conservation practices on farmer fields.
- Consult with representative organisations or at-risk groups before introducing mitigation measures such as adoption of zoning, land-use practices, and building codes, to prevent or reduce actual damage from hazards.