Statement of Portugal
♦
3rd Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
8-13 May 2011, Geneva
[Portugal aligns itself with the Statement made by the distinguished representative of the Republic of Hungary on behalf of the European Union]
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First of all, allow me to compliment UNISDR for organizing the 3rdSession of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Portugal remainshighly vulnerableto natural hazards. The2009 floods in Madeiracaused several casualties and more than $1.35 billion of economic damage. Furthermore, despite the promising results achieved in recent years in prevention and response to seasonal forest fires,we remain one of the most affected EU Member States.
Portugal has subscribed to the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2005 and has, since then, taken concrete steps to integrate and streamline DRR in its national development strategies. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of disaster risk reduction for the progress towards achieving the MDGs, Portugal includedDRR concerns in its development and humanitarian aid policies.
We would like to welcome the Mid-Term Review process, as a substantive contribute for makingthe necessary adjustments towards the successful implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action. We recognize the importance of accelerating and promoting a more holistic approach to its implementation over the next five years and of channeling a larger share of financial resources to disaster reduction.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the establishment, in May 2010, of the Portuguese National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, whichwe believe constitutes a firm step towards better coordination of preparedness, prevention and response activities. The Platform integrates representatives of all the relevant Ministries, as well as from the Regional Governments of Madeira and Azores and from the civil society.
The Portuguese Government is committed to the revision of land use planning in line with DRR objectivesand has developed, in partnership with the academic and scientific communities, seismic risk-assessment evaluations in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and Algarve Region.
Additionally, Portugal attaches great importance to the promotion of awareness-raising activities. Several national campaigns were launched and support is being provided to the creation of academic courses in civil protection.Lisbon and Amadora have already joined the “Making Cities Resilient” Campaign and we hope to further extend this initiative.
Portugalalso remainscommitted tothe reinforcement of the links between disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, and is currently implementing a National Strategy which takes the two dimensions into account.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to conclude my intervention by reiterating the utmost commitment of Portugal to the implementation of DRRactions at all levels, now, up to and beyond 2015, and commend the UNISDR and the Special Representative of the UNSG for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ms. Margareta Wahlström, for the excellent work carried out so far.
Thank you.