Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030)

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is the international agreement adopted at the Third UN World Conference held in Sendai (Japan) in March 2015.

This framework replaced the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) and is the main global guide for reducing vulnerability to natural and human-induced disasters.

Its approach is based on prevention and preparedness rather than reactive response, and it is directly linked to the climate change adaptation agenda.

Definition

The Sendai Framework is a non-binding agreement that gives states and stakeholders a set of priorities and targets to reduce human, economic and environmental losses caused by disasters.

Its objective is to achieve greater social, economic and environmental resilience by integrating risk management into public policies, development plans and climate strategies.

Guiding principles

• Shared responsibility among governments, the private sector, civil society and communities.
• Inclusion and accessibility for all, including vulnerable groups.
• Prevention and risk reduction as priorities over post-disaster management.
• Multi-sectoral integration across health, education, infrastructure, environment and the economy.

Priorities for action

The Sendai Framework is structured around four core priorities:

1. Understanding disaster risk
   • Collection and use of scientific and statistical data.
   • Development of information systems and early warning mechanisms.
2. Strengthening disaster risk governance
   • Clear institutional frameworks.
   • Coordinated policies at national and local levels.
3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
   • Resilient infrastructure.
   • Sustainable ecosystems as natural protective barriers.
4. Enhancing disaster preparedness and response
   • Contingency planning.
   • Drills and civil protection systems.

Global targets

The Framework sets seven global targets to be achieved by 2030, including:

• Reducing disaster-related mortality.
• Decreasing the number of people affected.
• Reducing direct economic losses.
• Improving the resilience of critical infrastructure.
• Increasing the availability of early warning systems.

Relationship with climate change

The Sendai Framework is closely linked to climate adaptation and the Paris Agreement, as many disasters are intensified by climate change (droughts, floods, wildfires, storms). Integrating both agendas enables more coherent policies around:

• Water resilience.
• Sustainable forest management.
• Urban planning adapted to climate risks.

Application in Spain

Spain adopted the Sendai Framework in 2015 and has integrated it into several policies:

• National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2021).
• Civil protection and emergency plans.
• National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC).
• Forest risk and wildfire management.

For example, drought management plans developed by river basin authorities incorporate Sendai guidelines to reduce community vulnerability.

International examples

• Japan: advanced policies for earthquakes and tsunamis.
• Chile: integration of risk reduction into urban planning after the 2010 earthquake.
• Philippines: early warning systems for typhoons.
• European Union: adaptation and civil protection strategies aligned with Sendai.

Benefits of the Sendai Framework

• Environmental: protection of ecosystems as green infrastructure.
• Economic: reduction of disaster-related economic losses.
• Social: protection of vulnerable communities.
• Political: improved institutional coordination and international cooperation.

Current challenges

• Insufficient funding for preventive measures.
• Unequal capacities between developed and developing countries.
• Lack of full integration across all economic sectors.
• Need for reliable data to assess risks accurately.

Link to resilience and sustainability

The Sendai Framework promotes the concept of systemic resilience, which aligns with the circular economy:

• Design of durable and reusable infrastructure.
• Use of nature-based solutions to reduce risks.
• Reduced dependence on critical resources through efficiency.

Conclusion

The Sendai Framework is the leading international framework for reducing disaster risk and strengthening the resilience of societies, economies and ecosystems. Spain, together with the European Union, integrates it into climate adaptation strategies, critical infrastructure planning and civil protection policies.

Ultimately, it goes beyond emergency management: it represents a preventive and integrated vision that builds resilience into sustainable development. At Manglai we help companies measure their environmental impact and build climate resilience into their sustainability strategy. Discover how Manglai can help you.