The use of DRR science in an international comparative context: An interdisciplinary framework

The valuable role that science has to play in disaster preparedness and risk reduction has been highlighted in the discussions on the development of the HFA2. However, there are usually many factors that limit how effectively science is able to inform policy and practice. Understanding these limiting factors and how they might be overcome requires a broad interdisciplinary view. Here, we are taking an international comparative approach to observe the use of science, and what this might mean for future policy recommendations, in different contexts: the US (in the management of flooding and wildfires) and south Asia (in earthquake risk reduction activities). Our preliminary findings highlight (i) the need for a participatory approach with stakeholders engaged early in the science-policy process, (ii) the need to understand the role of political, social and cultural processes and their implications for the way in which scientific knowledge is generated, used and shared (iii) the need to ensure that the provision of scientific knowledge and the development of new research supports wider resilience and technical capacity building, (iv) the need for greater consideration of the way in which new scientific research dovetails with existing DRR projects and (v) the need for more coordination and interaction between research projects, particularly when resources are often limited. Here, we will present a preliminary framework for our collaboration that will build on these findings and engage decision makers at all levels.