Unique high-level national coordination on disaster risk reduction in cooperation with international partners drives progress on comprehensive disaster risk management in Panama
Panama is exposed to a variety of hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, epidemics, wildfires, landslides, and urban riverine and coastal floods. Climate-related hazards are increasing in severity due to climate change and are particularly affecti
Panama is exposed to a variety of hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, epidemics, wildfires, landslides, and urban riverine and coastal floods. Climate-related hazards are increasing in severity due to climate change and are particularly affecting poor and vulnerable populations. In response to these increasing threats, Panama has steadily shifted its focus from a centralized disaster response approach toward more comprehensive and inclusive disaster risk management by integrating disaster risk reduction in its development and planning policies.[1] In support of these national policies, one of the areas of change in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025 for Panama is related to climate change, integrated environmental management and disaster risk reduction.
The creation of the Cabinet for Integrated Disaster Risk Management/Gabinete de Gestin Integral de Riesgos a Desastres (GIRD) was an important milestone for the integration of climate and disaster risks into national cross-sectoral development strategies/plans in Panama. The President of the Republic of Panama chairs the GIRD, which reflects the importance that integrated disaster risk management is attributed in the country. United Nations organizations in Panama, including UNDRR, UNDP, and the World Bank, provide strategic support to the GIRD, which brings together 14 government ministries, and invited partners. The Technical Secretariat of the GIRD aims to improve the capacity to reduce the loss of life and infrastructure through prevention, risk reduction and preparedness for hazard events, is chaired by the Government Ministry / Ministerio de Gobierno and consists of 3 working groups: Risk Knowledge, Risk Reduction, and Response Management.
The approval of the National Policy for Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (PNGIRD) 2022-2030 and the National Strategic Plan for Disaster Risk Management (PENGIRD) 2022-2030 in October 2022 showed tangible progress in the development and implementation of national disaster risk reduction strategies and plans. In 2023, the National Operational Emergency and Disaster Response Plan 2022-2030 was approved, as well as the Post-Disaster Recovery Framework 2022-2030. A stress test of infrastructure resilience was undertaken to define strategic actions to strengthen resilience principles in governance of infrastructure systems and their critical functions. Support by the United Nations organizations has been provided for reconstruction and recovery measures that include elements of disaster preparedness and "build back better". Through the adoption of policies and the implementation of disaster preparedness initiatives in education centres, Panama is taking steps to ensure that resilience is at the forefront of post-disaster recovery efforts.
Since the first meeting of the GIRD in February 2022, the UN has successfully provided policy, institutional and programmatic advice to the GIRD, emphasizing the importance of early warning systems in mitigating the impacts of climate-related disasters. In the area of preparedness and anticipatory action, the establishment of the GIRD and the subsequent adoption of the National Strategic Plan for Disaster Risk Management (PENGIRD), as well as initiatives such as the pilot training programme for educators in Herrera and Panam Oeste show that there is a commitment to improving prevention at the local level.
Multi-hazard risk analysis has been incorporated into the planning processes for humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding. The establishment of the GIRD and the development of comprehensive disaster risk management strategies and plans reflect a commitment to mainstreaming risk analysis across governance sectors and ensure that planning efforts take into account the vulnerabilities and challenges posed by climate-related disasters. The GIRD includes the National Secretary of Persons with Disabilities, the National Women's Institute, as well as the Secretary of Childhood, Youth and Family, and undertakes efforts to boost inclusive disaster risk reduction measures. For example, the GIRD regional multi-hazard exercise in Panama City, included a Gender Observatory, which was supported by UN organizations.
Through joint efforts, and by working closely with government partners, such as the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) and Ministry of Social Development (MIDES), the United Nations system has promoted progress in Disaster Risk Reduction. Effective communication and the inclusion of different points of view, especially adapting to the needs and priorities of local communities, were crucial for the recent approval of the National Policy and Strategic Plan for Disaster Risk Management. The United Nations Resident Coordinator plays a crucial role in working together towards a safer and more resilient future by fostering relationships and ensuring that everyone's views are taken into account.
The support provided by United Nations organizations has led to significant changes in the short term, particularly in the implementation of comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies and measures through the GIRD. These changes immediately improve preparedness and response mechanisms and promote resilience to climate-related disasters. In the long term, these efforts help to mitigate the impact of hazard events, such as increasingly unpredictable and extreme climate-related events. By integrating risk-based approaches into national development frameworks, the foundation is laid for sustainable disaster risk reduction practices, reducing climate-related disasters and their socio-economic impacts.
UN organizations in Panama are committed to continuing to support disaster risk reduction[2] and have made this a priority for 2024, with a focus on 1) promoting greater inter-agency cooperation, streamlining joint efforts to maximize resources, expertise and knowledge sharing; 2) continuing to align initiatives with national priorities and leveraging partnerships with civil society, local authorities, communities and the private sector; 3) investing in innovative technologies such as early warning systems and risk mapping tools that can strengthen preparedness and response capabilities; 4) prioritizing capacity building and knowledge transfer to vulnerable regions to ensure sustainable resilience; 5) emphasizing inter-agency work promoting a more coherent and coordinated approach, which ultimately increases the effectiveness of global efforts to address climate-related challenges.
[1] World Bank, Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) (2023) Results in resilience: Enhancing institutional capacities for a more comprehensive and inclusive DRM in Panama
[2] In line with the 2021-2025 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework's Result 3: 'By 2025, Panama is resilient and has implemented public policies for climate change adaptation and mitigation, land degradation neutrality, biodiversity protection, integrated environmental management, and reduction of disaster and health crisis risks, with a territorial, intercultural, human rights, gender, and lifecycle approach.'