The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World (1994) marked a crucial shift in the global approach to disaster management. Previously, the focus was largely on humanitarian aid and response after a disaster had occurred. The Yokohama Strategy argued that this approach was costly, inefficient, and reactive.
By prioritizing prevention and preparedness, nations could:
Reduce Human and Economic Loss: Investing in measures like early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and public education can dramatically lessen the loss of life and property. A well-constructed building is less likely to collapse in an earthquake, and an early warning system can save lives by giving people time to evacuate.
Decrease Reliance on External Aid: When a country or community is well-prepared, it is less dependent on international relief efforts. This allows the country to manage the crisis with its own resources and recover more quickly.
Make Development Sustainable: Disasters can wipe out decades of development progress in a matter of minutes. By integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning, nations can protect their investments and ensure that their growth is sustainable and resilient.
In essence, the strategy promoted a proactive, long-term vision: an investment in prevention today saves far more resources and lives than a response tomorrow.
