Towards Effective Disaster Management for Sustainable Agriculture In Southeast Asia

SEARCA, together with the ANGOC and nine other experts from different organizations and institutions, gathered for a roundtable discussion on 19 January 2007 at the Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines. The roundtable aimed to: 1. take stock of initiatives and experiences on effective disaster management towards sustainable agriculture and NRM, particularly in marginal areas; 2. set directions for policy, action, training, and research towards effective disaster management for sustainable agriculture and NRM in SEA; and 3. discuss the design and organization of a regional conference on the topic for SEA.

With its theme, "Towards Effective Disaster Management for Sustainable Agriculture in Southeast Asia," the participants recognized the need for a development-oriented DRM framework that specifically caters to address problems in the agriculture sector when disaster strikes.

Agriculture plays a vital role in the region's economy, thus, it is necessary that mitigating measures against disasters be studied and examined closely. The roundtable discussed areas of concern and responsibilities of various organizations with regard to DRM in agriculture. This publication summarizes the proceedings of the roundtable, as well as the participating organizations' current initiatives and outlooks on DRM.