Integrated framework for disaster risk management in mega-cities - Toward societal governance against emerging disaster risks

This, paper is concerned with an integrated framework for coping with the vulnerabilities of a modern urban society and local communities, with a focus on emerging disaster risks. Much attention should be directed towards both community-based and risk-based management strategies to prepare for disasters. Our framework consists of 1) the integration of structural and non-structural measures to mitigate potential damage through the direct participation of stakeholders - in particular, local people and various community groups, NGO groups concerned with disaster prevention, and municipal governments - in all stages of disaster risk management, 2) strengthening the capacity of local communities to make their own disaster management choices regarding risks, and 3) promoting the participation of stakeholders throughout the entire cycle of planning, design, implementation, and recovery processes in risk management.