#Climate-friendlypractices

[thxnews]

Greenpeace Philippines Launches DRR Toolkit to Empower Communities in the Face of Climate Crisis

  Uniting Communities for Resilience

In honor of National Disaster Resilience Month, Greenpeace Philippines unveiled a comprehensive disaster risk reduction (DRR) toolkit titled "Building resilient communities: Promoting people participation to address disaster risk." The launch took place at the Community Building Center in the Quezon City Hall, emphasizing the importance of empowering communities as a vital defense strategy in the era of climate crisis.   Collaborative Creation for Resilient Communities Greenpeace Philippines collaborated with a consortium of civil society organizations (CSOs) and local government units (LGUs) to co-create the DRR toolkit. Partner organizations included Good Food Community, Tanglaw Kabataan ng Pinagbuhatan, United Architects of the Philippines, Kawayan Collective, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability, Curiosity Design Research, Disaster Busters, and Move As One Coalition. The LGUs involved were Barangay Potrero, Malabon, and San Juan City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office. Inspiring Local Solutions The DRR toolkit showcases stories of hope, leadership, and community collaborations that generated localized solutions in addressing climate risk amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. By highlighting the contributions of empowered communities to local resilience building, the toolkit serves as a framework for implementing climate-friendly and people-centered DRR and climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) practices at the grassroots level.   Greenpeace campaigner Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari emphasized, "Being in a climate crisis means being in a constant state of emergency. We need DRR strategies that support people participation and assert constant preparedness and urgency."   The toolkit aims to inspire and motivate local government units and community groups by showcasing emergent, innovative, and grassroots-led programs and practices that contribute to climate solutions and resilience.   Grassroots Wisdom for Resilience The toolkit includes 11 case studies from various provinces and cities across the Philippines. These studies demonstrate how DRR and CCAM programs greatly benefit from local indigenous knowledge, practices, and localized solutions. By involving grassroots groups in planning and fostering partnerships, conditions are created to promote their growth and enhance the effectiveness of DRR and CCAM efforts.  

Stakeholders Rally for Urgent Climate Action

During the launch event, stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for climate action, particularly in communities that have already experienced the devastating effects of climate change, such as powerful typhoons, the looming El Niño, and urban heat. Partner LGUs and CSOs shared their realizations and best practices on resilient food systems, sustainable shelter and housing, inclusive mobility, people-oriented planning, and community-managed DRR initiatives. Policymakers and national government agencies (NGAs) were also invited to provide their insights on participative DRR policies and programs.  

Engaging the Public for Resilient Cities

The DRR toolkit, titled "Building resilient communities: Promoting people participation to address disaster risk," is now available for free download at http://act.gp/drrtoolkit. The aim is to engage the public in actively building resilient cities and communities. The toolkit encourages collaboration among government institutions, local government units, and local community groups to foster a collective response to disaster risk reduction.   Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Future San Juan CDRRMO Chief Saripada 'Tong' Pacasum Jr. stressed the significance of community-led resilience, stating, "Community-led resilience is the foundation for a thriving and empowered society, where individuals come together, harness their collective strength, and build a future that is resilient, sustainable, and inclusive." Mallari concluded, expressing a vision for the future, "In the future world we all deserve, Filipinos are able to mitigate the risk of flooding, stay safely in our houses and eat healthy meals during strong winds and typhoons, and have a reliable source of electricity during and after hazards." "This will be a reality once every sector of society is involved, not just consulted; when the most marginalized are co-powered, not just supported; and when every Filipino's right to participate in the community is recognized."   Sources: THX News & Greenpeace - Philippines. Read the full article