Report

On the 2^nd APPCED Parliamentarians Workshop

The Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians Conference on Environment and Development (APPCED) held its 2^nd Parliamentarian Workshop from November 1^st to November 2^nd, 2008, in Seoul, Korea. As Vice-President of APPCED, Bryon Wilfert, M.P., P.C. along with Luc Malo, M.P. were the Canadian delegates who participated in this workshop.

The two-day workshop was attended by a range of Asia-Pacific parliamentarians, representatives from NGOs and experts from over 20 countries. The focal point of the APPCED workshop was to deliberate on the important issue of Climate Change and Early Warning Systems.

Purpose of Workshop:

The purpose of the workshop was to examine the impacts of trans-boundary hazards and the need for concerted actions on behalf of governments, organizations and individuals. In addition to more immediate emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction phases, we need to develop long-term early warnings strategies for climate change and disaster risk reduction. Regional early warning systems are needed to develop national and regional human and institutional capacity and it will also promote the transfer of technology and scientific knowledge through international cooperation and partnership.

Brief Summary of APPCED:

APPCED was established in 1993 and since then it has held thirteen General Assemblies which has greatly contributed towards greater awareness for parliamentarians and the citizens of the member states on environmental issues and coming up with viable solutions.

Detailed Outline of Program:

The structure of the workshop was divided into three main sessions which included both a presentation made by experts followed by a panel discussion by parliamentarians. Mr. Wilfert delivered remarks at the Opening Session as Vice President of APPCED on the importance of early warning systems for the Asia-Pacific Region.

The sessions were based on the following themes:

1.    Early Warning System for Natural Phenomena presented by Hon. Oh Jae Sae, MP Korea, Hon. Gamini Jayewickrama Perera MP Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Mohseni-Bandpy Anoushiravan MP Iran, Hon. Dato’ Dr. James Dawos Mamit MP Malaysia and Chaired by Dr. Kripalani Ramesh of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. 

Presentation on: “Early Warning System for Natural Phenomena”

-          projected climate change is likely to have adverse implications on food production, water supply, coastal settlements, forest ecosystems, health and energy security for countries

-          The presentation also discussed the 4^th Assessment Report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change that indicated that the Asia-Pacific Region is one of the most vulnerable to the already unavoidable impacts of climate change.

-          Early Warning Systems are effective tools which reduce vulnerabilities and improve preparedness and response to natural hazards

-          In the global attempt to adapt for climate change, it is necessary to share experiences on governance, organizational, operational, and financing aspects and to identify opportunities for strengthening, coordination and collaboration among agencies working on different aspects of early warning systems.

2.    International & Regional Cooperation in Disaster Risk Management From Policy to Action presented by Dr. Maryam Golnaraghi Ph.D. Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Programme World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Hon. Takashi Kosugi, Hon. Muhammad Amjad Abbas Qureshi Senator Pakistan, Karen Fraser State Senator Washington State.

Presentation on “International and Regional Cooperation in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) from Policy to Action”

-          Disaster risks are increasing due to increasing intensity and frequency of hydro-meteorological hazards and increasing value of exposed elements due to development and demographic expansion.

-          Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) was discussed including risk identification, assessment, monitoring and early warning and preparedness for effective response and recovery.

-          New DRM Paradigm Governance and Organizational Aspects – international community mobilized to provide more coordinated assistance to countries (ISDR System) and regional DRM strategic plans based on HFA.

-          need for political recognition and mainstreaming of risk assessment in sectoral planning

-          need for strengthened cooperation among various stakeholders

-          development of National Capacities for Risk Identification and Evidence-Based Risk Management based on standards

3.    Current Practice and Future Direction in Early Warning Technology presented by Dr. Maryam Golnaraghi Ph.d. WMO, Dr. Won-Tae Kwon Ph.D. Director Climate Research lab National Institute of Meteorological Research Korea, Dr. Dugkeun Park Ph.D. Senior Analyst Geotechnical National Institute for Disaster Prevention Korea, Hon. Bae Eunhee MP Korea.

Presentation on “The Current Practice and Future Direction in Early Warning Technology”

-          Strengthening the use of meteorological, hydrological and climate information for humanitarian preparedness and emergency relief, in partnership with UNOSAT and charter Space and Major Disasters, GIS products and maps can be produced based on combination of meteorological forecasts and high-resolution satellite imagery

-          WMO coordinated per review of methodologies for drought, floods and tropical cyclones by experts from its networks

-          Leveraging capacities, resources and expertise and networks of international, regional and national partners to support development of national early warning systems.

-          Future directions for EWS is to extend forecast lead time and improve observation and prediction system.

-          EWS for extreme climate events – probabilistic prediction of extreme climate change condition for 12 months or longer

-          Enhance public awareness

4.  APPCED Workshop Closing Statement and Resolution

Included are a series of recommendations from the APPCED Workshop such as the scientific and data foundation for early warning, an early warning science and technology agenda, an internet portal for natural hazards risks, warnings be strengthened and proper land use planning and development be encouraged to reduce risks associated with disasters and emissions.

Conclusion

The first APPCED Parliamentarians Workshop proved to be a useful and constructive opportunity where delegates were able to exchange ideas. It was collectively agreed that a practice approach would be taken in which the sharing of information through a website and other avenues to assist parliamentarians in working with their respective governments is required. It is a privilege for the Canadian Parliament to have representation at this workshop and as Vice-president of APPCED; it provides an opportunity for Canadian values to be incorporated in this global dialogue.

Respectfully submitted,