Closing the Gap between DRR S&T Knowledge and Practice at Local Levels: How can we harvest the fruits of DRR S&T at local levels to save lives and livelihoods?

In 2021, we have witnessed tragedies from various disasters; wild-fires, storms, flooding, earthquakes, volcanoes, and COVID-19. We are aware that the scientific and technological community holds knowledge, pursues research, and has the capacities to propose solutions; however, the S&T knowledge and solutions are underutilized at local levels due to the lack of mechanisms and incentives for better science uptake. Disasters are site specific and have differentiated impacts depending on the local context, i.e. 50mm/hour rainfall may induce enormous flooding and casualties in one location but no damage in other locations. Knowledge, experiences, and methods suitable for their location should be provided and external experiences and resources should be  effectively utilized so that on-site stakeholders can enhance disaster resilience and sustainable development in an inclusive and participatory manner.
The session will seek to bring forward experiences of science application in dealing with disaster risk at local levels and introduce examples of mechanisms allowing to tap into the necessary knowledge for effective and impactful local action.

Session objectives

1. Underscore challenges related to science uptake at local levels
2. Showcase national and local mechanisms that the local DRR practitioners can use to access knowledge and advice based on S&T
3. Showcase examples of science application in supporting better preparedness and anticipatory actions by local communities
4. showcase examples of good incentives aimed at foster dialogue between S&T communities and local governments