Disaster Risk Reducation Education

“Disaster Risk Reduction Education Follow Me” Newsletter 2023 NO.02 Abstract

Disaster risk refers to the potential magnitude of damage and losses to people, property, and the environment when a disaster occurs. Assessing disaster risk helps us understand the potential dangers and consequences of disasters and how to mitigate their impact. However, facing the effects of extreme events requires evaluating disaster risk, including risk communication, preparedness and response, building codes, and other dimensions. For instance, the "residual risk of extreme floods," as introduced in the International News column of this edition, highlights the limitations of relying solely on engineering measures for disaster reduction. With urban development and climate change, the limitations and residual risks of engineering measures have become more apparent. The “levee effect,” for instance, leads residents to believe that flood-prone areas are protected by flood control projects and are therefore relatively safe to live in, overlooking the limitations of structural-based disaster reduction strategies. Thus, various non-engineering disaster reduction measures, such as evacuation planning and mutual assistance within disaster prevention communities, are necessary to minimize disaster losses.

In addition to physical disaster reduction engineering construction and the development of Disaster Risk Reduction Education (DRRE), teaching materials and teaching aids also contribute to raising awareness among the public and students about disaster preparedness and reduction. The Water Resources Agency (WRA), in the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), continues to promote water-related DRRE, and through the use of interactive scientific teaching aids, students can experience different rainfall scenarios, understand potential inundation, and understand the application of flood sensors in flood response, thereby enhancing their environmental assessment skills. Many indigenous key schools emphasize the interconnectedness of their migratory history and the natural environment in developing DRRE courses. How to combine environmental risks, traditional culture, and research of the knowledge of each indigenous people into DRRE is a captivating column in this edition.

To enhance disaster prevention educators in their professional competencies and disaster mitigation efforts, the Ministry of Education (MOE) organizes events to promote exchanges. The 11th Disaster Prevention Conference (entitled “Child Safety We Care”), organized by the MOE and the Ministry of the Interior, gathers various government agencies, local governments, and disaster prevention campus schools to showcase the fruitful outcomes of DRRE. In addition, appointed as junior reporters, the Youth Envoys for DRRE interview and document innovative disaster prevention education achievements that combine interactive, technological, and local cultural elements at each conference booth.

In this edition, we have invited the winners of the 11th Disaster Prevention Conference (entitled “Child Safety We Care”) to share their experiences. The recipient of the “Innovation Improvement Award,” Kaohsiung City Government, will share how they integrate technological innovation into campus disaster prevention courses, applying information technology for experiential education. Additionally, the Miaoli County Government, which has received the “Activity Promotion Award,” will introduce diverse and locally distinctive disaster prevention study programs.

The “2023 National Disaster Prevention Education for Staff Knowledge and Growth Improvement and International Practical Experience in Disaster Risk Reduction Education Symposium” invited Japanese experts and scholars, along with frontline partners in DRRE practical work of the Republic of China (R.O.C., Taiwan), to facilitate mutual exchange and discussions, as well as to enhance our disaster educators’ relevant knowledge and practical experiences.