In 2009, the United Nations International Strategy for

Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) developed a UNISDR

Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction. The book was the

result of an ongoing review process by the UNISDR and

consultations with a broad range of experts and practitioners

at various international, regional and national levels. It was

developed as part of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA)

which requested the UNISDR to “update and widely

disseminate international standard terminology related to

disaster risk reduction.”

This Disaster Risk Reduction Terminology Kit, developed by

Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN),

builds on the 2009 UNISDR English version. It defines the

terms by a single sentence with a comments paragraph

underneath to provide additional context, qualification and

explanation. The terminology includes words that are central

to the contemporary understanding and evolving practice of

disaster risk reduction. A number of emerging new concepts

that are not in widespread use, but are of growing

professional relevance are also incorporated.

This kit goes on to simplify and localize the terminology as

much as possible. Involving various members including

communities, governments and academic institutions,

ADRRN has translated the terminology into nine Asian

languages. Each has been vetted by various members post

translation to ensure maximum relevancy within the local

setting.

At the same time, simple illustrations have been added along

with each term to make the terminology accessible to a

larger audience.

The kit is beneficial for practitioners on two fronts. First, it will

aid the spread of disaster risk reduction knowledge at the

local level. Second, it will help standardize definitions of key

terms, making it easier to communicate and collaborate on

disaster risk reduction activities across the Asian region.

The efforts of the UNISDR Bangkok office and the ADRRN

member organizations have been integral to this work. We

are equally indebted to the critical support of the

Government of Maldives and Government of Afghanistan

without whom this publication would not have been

possible.