Overview and Introduction of the Private Sector’s Role in Disaster Management

Abstract

The importance of private sector involvement in disaster risk reduction (DRR) has been recognized for several years at the international level. The data shows that disasters could affect businesses directly and very severely. The primary incentives for the private sector in disaster management participation are ensuring business continuity during and after disasters and preparing for a wide range of disruptions before they happen. In addition, the private sector can contribute further through the development of their core business models and by exploring business opportunities. Five ways of private sector engagement were identified: Direct assistance to communities, Disaster preparedness for own business, Developing innovative products based on business, technology, and expertise, Joint project with NGOs, governments, and international organizations as implementer, and Establishment of private foundations, NGOs, and trusts. Especially, the third and fourth models require strong collaboration with stakeholders, as well as their support, therefore, to strengthen private sector involvement, other stakeholders must make efforts to invite the private sector into their projects and provide information and guidance, if necessary. The multi-stakeholder collaboration is a key for stimulating private sector engagement.

This book collects case studies and articles from all over the world based on practices of private sector involvement. It consists of two parts: Overview and regional cases (international perspectives as well as experiences of APEC, Asia, Europe, Africa and Central America), and Country cases (India, Japan, USA, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Nepal).