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DRRsourcebook > Private Sector
Private SectorFrom $1Table of contents
IntroWhile the key role for the private sector in disaster risk reduction has been frequently discussed, truly effective partnerships have been slow to develop beyond the oft-cited examples of logisitics, communications, and IT support in releif and humanitarian activities. Longer-term engagement with the private sector in the reduction of risk in the context of ongoing development has been a tougher challenge, although one on which there is growing attention. Current ActivitiesThe World Economic Forum has established the Disaster Resource Networkto "to make it easier for businesses to donate talent or in-kind goods and services to disaster relief and recovery operations in developing countries and to ensure that their help is delivered in a coordinated and effective manner". UN-ISDR is also exploring the development of a Business Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction to facilitate and support teh strengthing on private and public sector roles in community partnerships for disaster risk reduction. The Global Forum for Disaster Reduction has been developed to fostering cooperation and forge partnerships for promoting expertise in disaster mitigation between governments, UN agencies, corporate sector, academic institutions and the community. ProVention Consortium has published a study called Disaster prevention: a role for business? that examines the business case for reducing natural disaster risks in developing countries that was created by Maplecroft. SMEsWhile much of the global attention to private sector engagement has focused on building links with mutli-mationals and strengthening commitments twoard corporate social responsibility, increasingly there is recognition of the need to engage with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) particularly in the context of disaster preapredness (continuity) planning and post-disaster recovery. ConsultanciesThe private sector is often engaged as consultants to assist in a variety of ways in the design and implementation of development and disaster management programs. An example is the role of Hassall & Associates in the AIPRD-supported LOGICA programme which is helping communities in ACEH with local planning for recovery from the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. For a listing of consultants focusing on disaster risk reduction see Consultants.
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